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The ‘NZ’ in Anzac: different remembrance and meaning
Citation
Mein Smith, P, The NZ' in Anzac: different remembrance and meaning, First World War Studies, 7, (2) pp. 193-211. ISSN 1947-5020 (2016) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
DOI: doi:10.1080/19475020.2016.1254097
Abstract
This article examines differences of emphasis in Australia and New Zealand in the rituals of Anzac Day, the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings on 25 April 1915. Whereas Anzac Day in New Zealand is solemn, with a focus on the laying of wreaths and services at war memorials and churches, in Australia the day is distinguished more by marches of returned servicemen, cheered by large crowds. By exploring the emphasis on different components of what are shared rituals, on the march of the veterans and the laying of wreaths, the article aims to outline and explain how and why Anzac Day is more funereal in New Zealand. It proceeds to highlight the ‘NZ’ in Anzac through a study of myth, ritual, memorialisation, heroes, and reinvention, and finds that, contrary to accepted views, the conscription debate in Australia is insufficient to account for this divergence of emphasis in Anzac formalities from 1916. Rather the article suggests that the coincidence of the South African War and Australian Federation at the dawn of the twentieth century, different nationalisms, and political, social, and cultural disparities between the dominions provided the context for divergent scripts of remembrance and meaning enacted in Anzac Day rituals since the First World War.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | Anzac Day, Gallipoli, rituals, remembrance |
Research Division: | History, Heritage and Archaeology |
Research Group: | Historical studies |
Research Field: | New Zealand history |
Objective Division: | Expanding Knowledge |
Objective Group: | Expanding knowledge |
Objective Field: | Expanding knowledge in history, heritage and archaeology |
UTAS Author: | Mein Smith, P (Professor Philippa Mein Smith) |
ID Code: | 112777 |
Year Published: | 2016 |
Deposited By: | School of Humanities |
Deposited On: | 2016-11-28 |
Last Modified: | 2018-03-08 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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