Old Oz Customs

New Oz Customs

Let’s have a look at how social customs in Australia have changed over the last few decades.

Hitchhiking : This is where the hopeful traveller, electing to save a few shekels that a bus would cost, would stand with the relaxed index finger held out, (definitely no uncool thumb action) requesting a lift from a friendly passing motorist. An Australian made Holden, Ford or Valiant (maybe even a Pommy heap like a Morris 1100) would stop and off you’d go.

New Version : This has acquired the quaint name of “Car Jacking”. A group of dark skinned “youths” wait at a convenient spot where the unsuspecting motorist is likely to stop in his Chinese / Korean “SUV”. The youths then request a lift by smashing the driver’s window with a hammer (or other useful object). The driver’s head may also get a bit of smashing if he foolishly rejects handing over his vehicle. Off the youths go at ultra high speed for a harmless joyride.

Surprise Party : The old tradition of the Surprise Party was usually held for some auspicious occasion. It entailed a group of friends and family hiding in the dark until the subject of the party came home. As the person walks in the door, the light comes on and everyone yells out “Surprise !!” All very harmless.
Typically these parties were held for important things such as, 18th Birthdays - whereby the recipient was legally allowed to drink alcohol at the Pub and also acquire a Drivers Licence. (Not necessarily a good combination!)

New Version : These Surprise Parties have been renamed “House Invasions”. Similar to the old version, these parties have an element of surprise. The dark skinned House Invaders, after smashing their way into your home at 3 a.m., surprise you from your deep sleep (that is, if you haven’t been sent into a very deep sleep by the ubiquitous hammer / machete combo) and request your car keys, mobile phone, etc.

Fireworks : Back in the day “Cracker Night” (sometimes referred to as “Banger Night / Firework Night or Bonfire Night) This was inherited from the Great Britain tradition of Guy Fawkes Night. It consisted of, firstly building the Bonfire (which, on a bit of vacant ground, could reach enormous proportions over several weeks.) The fireworks themselves ranged from dynamite sized “Tuppeny Bungers” to long threads of “Tom Thumbs” “Double Bungers” were especially dangerous (Fantastic!) because you could fire them out of a pipe and blow up something many yards away. Once that bonfire was lit, adults and children would stand around it for hours at night in community revelry.

Today : Of course fireworks and bonfires are banned since the 1970’s. Except by the State (naturally) Now the date for State fireworks has shifted to New Years Eve and any reference to history or tradition has been removed. There is no longer any local involvement. Pyrotechnic “experts” decide the spectacle and tax payers foot the bill.

Yes, customs have changed Down Under. The list goes on but I might just privately reminisce in a bit of peace and quiet for a while. (Sigh 🥺)

Cheers to Old Oz.