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Since the formation of The Loyal Orange Institution
in September 1795, the Orange Order has been parading as an
appropriate medium to witness for their faith and to celebrate
their cultural heritage.
Parades therefore are very much part of the
Orange tradition and heritage as is recorded some ten months
after the formation it held its first Boyne Commemoration
Parade on 12th July 1796.
The Protestant community is not in any way unique in that
aspect. People the world over love to parade. There is a seemingly
endless list of parades throughout the world ranging from
the Carnival in Rio through Mardi Gras in New Orleans 4th
July across the United States of America, Bastille Day in
France, St. Patrick's Day in Dublin and New York to the Lord
Mayor's Show in London.
There are a number of inherent factors behind the organising
of Orange Parades.
They are a witness for our faith and this is evidenced by
parades to and from public worship.
Orange Parades are commemorative. Various events in the history
of the people are commemorated by parades that take different
forms. These range from the solemn remembrance of the fallen
at the Somme to the cultural extravaganza that is the 12th
of July commemorating the Glorious Revolution secured at the
Battle of the Boyne. Those who would dismiss the Boyne Commemorations
would do well to think of the benefits that flowed from the
Glorious Revolution.
The Bill of Rights of 1689, the Triennial Act of 1694 and
The Freedom of the Press Act 1695 are, among others, surely
worth commemorating.
The parades are a glorious display of pageantry. The colour
of the collarette or sash, the uniforms of the bands and the
beautiful paintings on the banners combine to make an Orange
Parade a visual kaleidoscope.
The Flags and Banners are full of religious, cultural, and
political symbolism depicting, biblical scenes, famous people
or events in history and in themselves portray the rich cultural
heritage of our people in picture form.
The music provided by the accompanying bands is of a very
high standard and you will find countless competition bands
including world champions in the ranks, of flute, brass, accordion,
and pipe bands participating in Orange Parades. Of course
you will also find, particularly in rural areas, the instrument
that in many peoples minds is synonymous with Orangeism -
the Lambeg Drum.
Orange Parades follow traditional routes. Parade routes are
not picked to cause offence, but by and large are main arterial
routes along which successive generations of Orangemen have
peacefully paraded.
The Orange Institution has a responsible attitude to parades
witnessed by its own stewarding arrangements and it is a matter
of historical record that some Lodges for a variety of reasons
(including those of security) have changed the pattern of
parades.
One important aspect of Orange Parades that is conveniently
ignored by some people is that they are organised locally
by Orangemen in the general area.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has stated the determination
of its members "to stand fast by their legal rights.
The members of the Order are on the side of tolerance and
are upholders of peace but to surrender their liberties and
rights would in the long run result in greater disorder".
In a democratic society there must be the right to peaceful
procession by law abiding citizens along traditional routes.
Therefore on the 12th July celebrate your culture in a peaceful,
respectful and responsible way.
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