Orangemen's Day, also known as The Twelfth, is a holiday celebrated by members of the Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organization. The day commemorates the Battle of the Boyne, a significant historical event in Ireland.

Table of Contents

1. When is Orangemen's Day?
2. The History of Orangemen's Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. The Battle of the Boyne

When is Orangemen's Day?

June Day is celebrated annually on the Monday closest to July 12 in the province Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. This aligns with the tradition of commemorating the Battle of the Boyne, which occurred on July 12, 1690.

The following is the list of Orangemen's Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Orangemen's Day?

Orangemen's Day has deep historical roots in Newfoundland and Labrador, reflecting the province's colonial ties to Britain, its Protestant heritage, and the influence of the Orange Order.

Orangemen's Day commemorates the victory of King William III of Orange over King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 near the River Boyne in Ireland. This Protestant victory ensured the continuation of Protestant rule in Britain and Ireland.

The Orange Order, founded in 1795 in Ireland, is a Protestant fraternal organization. It spread to British colonies, including Newfoundland, where it became influential among Protestant settlers.

Newfoundland, with its strong connections to Britain and Ireland, became a significant location for the Orange Order in Canada. The order was brought to Newfoundland by Irish Protestant immigrants in the early 19th century.

Orangemen's Day was observed in Newfoundland in the middle 19th century, and it became an official holiday in recognition of the order's prominence in the province.

By the middle 20th century, the religious and cultural landscape of Newfoundland began to change. Sectarian divisions between Protestants and Catholics diminished as society became more diverse and secular, and the influence of the Orange Order declined.

While it remains a public holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, active celebrations of Orangemen's Day have largely faded. The day is now a quiet holiday, offering most workers a day off without major public events.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Orangemen's Day in Newfoundland and Labrador, the holiday is now primarily a quiet day of rest and relaxation. While its historical roots involved significant celebrations and parades by the Orange Order, modern observance has shifted with few formal activities.

Orangemen's Day remains a public holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, giving most workers a long weekend to relax.

Many people use the day to spend quality time with family and friends. Activities such as barbecues, picnics, and casual gatherings are common.

Residents often take advantage of the summer weather by going hiking, walking or enjoying time near Newfoundland's scenic coastlines and parks. For some, the holiday is a time to reflect on the province's history, including its ties to the Orange Order and its cultural heritage.

In most communities, the traditional parades and formal events associated with Orangemen's Day have faded. The day is now less about organized celebration and more about personal relaxation and enjoying the holiday.

The Battle of the Boyne

The Battle of the Boyne was a significant historical conflict fought near the River Boyne in Ireland on July 12, 1690. It was a decisive moment in the struggle for the English, Scottish, and Irish thrones and remains a pivotal event in Irish and British history.

The battle pitted King James II, a Catholic, against King William III of Orange, a Protestant and James's son-in-law. James had been deposed from the English throne in 1688 and sought to reclaim it with the support of Catholic allies in Ireland and France.

The battle symbolized the conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism in Ireland and Britain. Protestants generally supported William, while Catholics backed James.

The battle took place near Drogheda, along the River Boyne, about 50 kilometers north of Dublin, Ireland. William III led an army of approximately 36,000 troops, including Dutch, Danish, English, and Ulster Protestant soldiers. James II commanded around 25,000 troops, made up of Irish Catholics and French soldiers provided by King Louis XIV of France.

William's forces successfully crossed the Boyne River despite James's defensive positions. Superior strategy and numbers allowed William's army to outmaneuver and defeat James's forces. James fled the battlefield, retreating to France, effectively abandoning his claim to the throne.

The Protestant King William III emerged victorious, solidifying his rule over England, Scotland, and Ireland. The battle was a key moment in ensuring Protestant dominance in Ireland, particularly in the north.