The theme for this week’s photo challenge is symbol. From host Jen H:
Symbolism is uniquely human. We use symbols to represent intangible things like our beliefs and emotions, and to convert the abstract into something understandable. We may also use symbols to simplify and convey information.
Photography is often the same; an image illustrates a single moment in time, or captures an object in perpetuity. Much like symbols, photographs, too, may conjure vivid memories and mean a wide range of things to different people.
Last Saturday was the American July 4th Independence Day holiday. I think the colors of the American flag is a strong symbol and recognized globally. It seems a good topic for this photo challenge theme!
These photos are from a July 4th community park celebration, where many people from all ages showed their patriotism and creativity, decked out with the red, white and blue colors of the American flag.
From socks to hats, the red, white and blue colors were everywhere. Even pets had scarves with the colors or carried flags for their owners.
If you live in the U.S., did you attend a similar community celebration?
If you live outside the U.S., are there similar activities that inspire people to dress patriotically, or creatively express your nation’s flag colors?
Nothing quite like that here, although there are plenty of flags around on Australia Day 26 January. It celebrates the landing of the first fleet and beginning of European settlement in 1788. Unfortunately, that rather disenfranchises our indigenous people.
Australia Day and 1788 — I learned something new, thank you, Ken.
And oh yes, there is always mixed, complex and deeper emotions about such symbols…
Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge-Symbol | WoollyMuses
Yeah Whatnice shots
Probably you enjoy participate to my challenge it’s just here :
http://www.sylvain-landry.com/sl-week/sl-week-1-moi.html
Great photos to remind us of how silly we can be, at times, about something we do love and celebrate. I’m always drawn to the red, white, and blue wherever I see it.
Like you, I think the red, white and blue, and American flag colors do draw many in — a strong symbol indeed.
It is fun to see people express themselves through these colors and the July 4th celebration. 🙂
What a great photo opportunity! For some reason, I especially love the socks. And the girl who committed all the way with her “red, white & blue” ponytail.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a community celebration for the 4th of July…
Ah yes, celebrations are always a great opportunity for amateur photographers 🙂 🙂 🙂
These photos were taken in Aptos (Santa Cruz Co.), where they also have an annual 4th of July parade.
I thought the socks were pretty cool too, Jane. And I loved all the doggies with flags or red white and blue anything. If you are ever near Monterey for the Independence Day holiday , they do a nice 4th of July celebration / parade / free music concert as well…