Columbus Reaches the New World

This Day in History: Celebration of Columbus Day, Monday, October 8, 2012

 

The Nina = The Most Historically Accurate Replica

of a Columbus Ship Ever Built

 



Posthumous portrait of Christopher Columbus
Credit: Wikipedia

Columbus Day, which is celebrated annually on the second Monday of October, remembers Christopher Columbus' arrival to the Americas on October 12, 1492. He was the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings set up colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland in the 10th century.

 

'Twas not an easy or pleasant voyage across raging perilous seas. Ferocious winds, tormenting waves crushed the hull and tore at the sails. There was no room below decks for the ordinary sailor, so sleeping commenced on the open deck. Seasickness was not uncommon nor succumbing to death under immense pain. Conditions were harsh but willingness prevailed: hope, faith and courage paved the way to the New World for this was only the beginning.

 "We ate only old biscuit reduced to powder, all full of worms and stinking of the urine that the rats made on it. And we drank water that was yellow and stinking." ~Antonio Pigatetta 1500s, a sailor aboard the Magellan.

  

 Echoes of the Sea

 

The sea, which soars, soothes, threatens and shifts

Emanates life as an unanswered question

If it had lips, it would speak effortlessly

And share untold stories from every nation

 

Oh, sea, mighty warrior of all times

Let loose your triumphant vessels

And relinquish the esteemed memories

Once washed away like the sandcastles

 

The sea, whose entrails reflect symmetrical images

Imitates the snow-capped peak of Fujiyama

If it were a stage, its ghosts would be the stars

In an infinite unpredictable melodrama

 

Oh, sea, unforgiving and yet calm

Lay to rest those who died in your wake

Relinquish troubling tales of mystery and woe

That haunt those souls you once did take

 

The sea, in all its fierceness and serenity

Sustains any argument with the bravest of the brave

Changes its moods with the rolling tide

And whispers of the past echo with each wave

 

©2004 Echoes
Sharla Lee Shults



 

Related Videos

 

Columbus' Modern Ships (1:25)

Columbus' modern ships were fast and strong enough for the rough Atlantic seas.

 

Columbus' Mutinous Crew (2:12)

After 60 days and no sign of land, Columbus' doubtful crew wanted to turn back.

 

Christopher Columbus' Last Voyage (3:20)

During his fourth voyage Columbus was forced to take refuge in a cove off the shores of Hispaniola.

 

 

Since its discovery over 500 years ago a myriad of awakenings have shaped America, her land and her people. What are your visions of hope to see she remains strong?