Why Are Australians and New Zealanders Often Called ‘Cousins’ by Canadians and Americans?
Have you ever heard Canadians or Americans refer to Australians and New Zealanders as ‘cousins’? It might seem odd since there is no direct historical or political connection between the countries. After all, Canada and the United States had nothing to do with the colonisation or initial development of Australia or New Zealand. Let's delve into why this term of endearment is commonly used and how it fits into their broader cultural relationships.
Understanding the Term ‘Cousins’
When people use the term ‘cousins’ in this context, it often denotes a sense of close kinship or strong familial bond rather than a literal blood relationship. The term is used to describe a close and friendly relationship between people from different countries who share various levels of historical, cultural, and political connections. It is important to note that this does not imply a blood relationship but a shared heritage and cultural ties.
Commonwealth Ties and Cultural Bonds
One of the primary reasons Australians and New Zealanders, particularly New Zealanders, are often referred to as ‘cousins’ by Canadians and Americans is due to their shared membership in the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth is an international organisation comprising 56 member states, all of which were formerly part of the British Empire. Being part of the Commonwealth fosters a sense of shared history, culture, and close relations among member nations.
For instance, my American family has roots that span several countries, including Canada, Australia, and Britain. We have family members who are still in Wales, and my branch moved from Normandy to England in 1066 before settling in America in 1620. So, distant cousins is an apt description for our relationship, as our families share a common ancestry and cultural heritage.
Family Relations and Personal Connections
Many Australians and New Zealanders have extended families with members living in different Commonwealth nations. This is particularly true for New Zealanders, as many of my blood relations, including nieces, nephews, and cousins, live in Australia. The term ‘cousins’ in this context can also include friends and allies who have formed close bonds through shared experiences, such as serving in the armed forces together during World War I and II.
For example, certain factions in New Zealand use the term ‘cuzzies’ or ‘cuzzy bro’s’ to describe a lower echelon of society. However, this term is not commonly used in conversation by Australians and New Zealanders themselves when referring to people from the other country. Nationality and country of origin are different from familial relationships, and therefore, the term ‘cousins’ is not reserved for individuals from other Commonwealth countries.
Broader Cultural and Historical Context
The use of ‘cousins’ is a charming and informal way to describe a close and friendly relationship among nations. It reflects the idea that, despite the geographical and political distance, these nations share a common tie in their history and the broader British tradition. Just as one might have cousins who live far away and see only occasionally, the relationship between Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand is maintained through shared values, cultural practices, and community support.
In this analogy, one could think of the U.S. as a family member who moved out of the home early, choosing a somewhat independent lifestyle, while Canada, Australia, and New Zealand stayed close to home and maintained closer ties. However, in a broader sense, all of these nations are siblings with the U.K. as the parent. If we consider the descendant colonies as the parents and the U.K. as the grandparent, the ‘cousin’ analogy works well.
The term ‘cousins’ in this context is a affectionate and enduring way to describe the close and friendly relations, which transcend simple notions of blood ties or national boundaries. It is a reflection of the unique cultural and historical connections between these nations.
Conclusion
Finally, it is crucial to understand the term ‘cousins’ in its proper context. It is a way to express the close and friendly relationship between nations that share a common history, culture, and values. While there are indeed significant differences between countries like Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, these differences do not negate the deep and meaningful bonds that exist among them.
So, when Canadians or Americans refer to Australians and New Zealanders as ‘cousins,’ they are expressing a sense of familial closeness and shared heritage rather than a literal blood relationship. This term, used with affection and understanding, highlights the enduring and significant connections among these nations.