Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
The theme for this year’s World Menopause Day is ‘Cardiovascular Disease’. World Menopause Day was established in 1984 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Menopause Society (IMS) with the intention of spreading awareness about this condition that affects women as they age. Speaking up about the menopause often does not come easily … Continue reading “World Menopause Day 18 October (October is World Menopause Awareness month)”
The purpose of International Pronouns Day is to make space for people to share their pronouns and to promote respect and inclusion of all gender identities. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. Together, … Continue reading “International Pronouns Day 18 October”
The Birth of Baháʼu’lláh is one of nine holy days in the Bahá’í calendar that is celebrated by adherents of the Bahá’í faith and during which work is suspended. The holy day celebrates the birth of Baha’u’llah, which means “Glory of God” in Arabic and he is the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith. The anniversary of the day … Continue reading “Birth of Baa’ullah 16-17 October”
Navaratri (meaning ‘nine nights’) is a Hindu festival celebrated every autumn. It is usually held at harvest time. Lasting for nine days, Navaratri celebrates good triumphing over evil. During the festival, three goddesses are worshipped: Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The first three nights are dedicated to Durga (the mother goddess representing power), the next three … Continue reading “Navaratri 15-24 October”
Jean Maurice Eugène Clément Cocteau (1889-1963) was a French poet, playwright, novelist, designer, filmmaker, visual artist and critic. One of the foremost creatives of the surrealist, avant-garde, and Dadaist movements, he was one of the most influential figures in early 20th-century art. In 1917, Cocteau met Picasso. They went to Rome and Cocteau worked with … Continue reading “Jean Cocteau 60th anniversary of his death 11 October”
The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year. This year’s theme is ‘Mental Health is a universal human right’ The green ribbon is in the international symbol of mental health awareness. Mental health problems exist in our lives, families, workplaces and communities, impacting everyone. We need to do as … Continue reading “World Mental Health Day 10 October”
Simchat Torah or Simhat Torah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. The main celebrations of Simchat Torah take place in the synagogue during evening and morning services. In Orthodox, as well as many conservative congregations, this is the only time of year … Continue reading “Simchat Torah 7-8 October”
The theme for this year’s National Poetry Day is ‘Refuge’. National Poetry Day is the annual mass celebration on the first Thursday of October that encourages everyone to make, experience and share poetry with family and friends. Each year we come together because voices, words and stories help to bridge understanding in our community. The … Continue reading “National Poetry Day 5 October”
The theme for this year’s Black History Month ‘Black Resistance’ explores how African Americans have addressed historic and ongoing disadvantage and oppression, as evidenced by recent events. Started in the US as a week-long celebration in 1926 by Carter G Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher, in 1976 it became a … Continue reading “Black History Month 1-31 October”
