"My memory is an awesome treasure, yours is an archaic oppressive tradition."
That, of course, is a gross simplification of the current debate over the Lancers' dance and May Day in general in this city. But there is an underlying theme in the current battle to get rid of some traditions in this city that seem - well - let's just say judgmental.
City council's move last week to cancel the Lancers' dance was seen by many in the community as another move among many to erase some of the city's unique and historic rites. What's next, some asked, getting rid of the Anvil salute? No more May Pole dances?
For many in this city, those traditions are part of their fondest memories of growing up in New Westminster. It is woven into the very fabric of childhood - indeed in their family lore. To remove the tradition is taken as a negation of all that was pure and wonderful in an earlier age.
But for others who come to this city to build new memories those old rites may seem outdated, and even contrary to a more egalitarian world. They seem, well, backward. And, to be sure, May Day's foundation is all about spring fertility rites - not exactly part of the new sex education plan in schools. And some have suggested that it is inappropriate to have senior men dancing with young girls. Taken at face value, hat does seem strange.
But Christmas is full of pagan symbolism, and most folks see it as an annual event where fond memories of special family moments are created. But it also has a tradition where young girls and boys sit on an old bearded man's knee and are asked if they've been naughty or nice. That can sound pretty creepy too. In fact, any ancient tradition is fraught with themes we try not to examine too closely in the 21st century.
This city, as do others, puts on Easter Day events, raises huge Christmas trees and, of course, uses taxpayer funds to do this. Is it appropriate that we all fund May Day events via city hall or the school district? If we're going to start getting picky about which traditions we support, perhaps we should review the whole shebang.
To be clear, we're not suggesting that every tradition in this city should be frozen in time and protected like a religious icon, but we are saying that there is room for keeping some of the traditional elements that make this city unique. And surely we can have these conversations without insinuating that a love for one's own traditions reflects a small-minded view of the world.
