Influence Of Anzac Day On Australian Culture

A Cultural Legacy: The Influence of Anzac Day on Australian Culture In the broadest sense of the term, culture is defined as the total way of life of a group of people (Dodd, 1998). More explicitly, culture encompasses the interplay between identity, customs, communication and institutions. It is a lens through which the world is perceived, subtly shaping behaviour and communication patterns. Due to the multifaceted nature of culture, it can be difficult to understand the relationships between elements within a cultural system. Therefore, this essay will employ Dodd’s Model of Culture to reflect upon the widespread influence of Anzac Day on Australian culture. Specifically, it will examine the interconnectedness of associated history and identity,

These elements are dynamic, interacting with each other – and with members of the culture – to form an intricate and holistic system which can be used as a tool to better understand Australian culture. Australia is rich with culture, at the heart of which lies a long and influential history. According to Dodd’s model, history is a cornerstone for understanding culture (Dodd, 1998). This is indeed the case for Anzac Day, as the day shapes Australia’s identity far beyond a simple day of commemoration. When Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915, their bravery and humour throughout the trials which followed sparked a cultural legacy deeply entrenched in Australian identity. It is this history which forged the idea of ‘The Anzac Spirit’: a term almost synonymous with what it means to be Australian. Whilst the phrase was initially associated with attitudes of mateship, bravery and resilience on the battlefield, it has evolved into something far greater. Of these attitudes, the one which stands out most in my own culture is mateship. While common across the world, the meaning of mateship in Australia is somewhat

Thus, Anzac Day plays a pivotal role in shaping the inner core of Australian culture. Colonel Arthur Burke describes the Anzac Spirit as, “a powerful driving sensation that can only be felt”. It is a feeling that burns in the heart of every Australian and New Zealand countryman.” While Burke’s interpretation aptly conveys the profound impact of Anzac Day on Australia’s national identity, it overlooks the physical manifestations of the legacy. Having grown up in Australia, I have a deep understanding of how the more abstract inner core elements of culture inspire the activities in which societies participate. According to Dodd’s model, such actions fit into the intermediate layer of culture. A prime example of a cultural ritual which emerged from the history of the Anzacs is the annual commemorative event known as the Dawn Service. Although Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most prominent national occasions, the Dawn Service is confined largely to Australia, New Zealand and the Kingdom of Tonga. Having lived in both Australia and Tonga, the 25th of April has always been an important day for my