A History Lesson

Today I learned that the word “parade” is derived from an old contraction “pirade” (originally “pi’raide”). The word is an abbreviation of “pirate raid” and was shortened to increase the response time to pirate attacks in the 17th century. When the town crier would shout, “Pirade! Pirade!”, then townsfolk would assemble in march rows, with wave after wave of villagers representing various trades. Candysmythes acted as ranged units and threw hardened sweet-treats from amongst the fold. Hence, the parade was born, and today we celebrate all sorts of holidays and pride by driving pirates back to the water, together.