在新西兰，女王的生日被视为一个重要的国家节日。3 张照片

#### Queen’s Birthday Holiday in New Zealand Every year on the first Monday of June, New Zealand observes the Queen’s Birthday Holiday. This holiday commemorates the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, although the actual date of her birth is April 21, 1926. It differs from the celebration dates in other countries within the British Commonwealth. #### Why the Different Date The reason for this discrepancy lies in the weather conditions in England. To avoid unfavorable weather that could disrupt public celebrations, Edward VII decided in 1910 to designate Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday as a summer holiday. This tradition has been followed by all subsequent English monarchs. However, for New Zealand, located in the Southern Hemisphere, such weather precautions are not possible. In June, the country experiences the onset of winter, characterized by prolonged rainy periods. Nevertheless, since the weather is not as severe as in England and because significant public events are held to celebrate this day, the date has remained unchanged. Elizabeth II ascended to the throne of New Zealand on February 6, 1952, and her official title is “Elizabeth II, by God’s Grace Queen of New Zealand and its other kingdoms and territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.” In recent years, there have been proposals in New Zealand to replace the Queen’s Birthday Holiday with a more traditional and locally significant festival, such as Matariki, the Maori New Year. However, the government has not yet seriously considered these suggestions. Interestingly, in Maori culture, the queen is referred to as “Kotuku,” which means “white heron” – a noble and protected bird that is rarely seen in New Zealand. During the Queen’s Birthday Holiday, New Zealanders enjoy three days off from work. Although this day is primarily a tradition-based observance, it still serves as an opportunity for many people to engage in leisure activities and break away from their daily routines. For some, it may also mark the beginning of the skiing season on the South Island. Additionally, it is traditional to announce the List of Honors on this day, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the countries within the British Commonwealth. These individuals are awarded various titles and honors in recognition of their efforts.