Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
International Pronouns Day, 19 October [occurring annually on the third Wednesday in October], seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. 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, we can … Continue reading “International Pronouns Day 19 October 2022”
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the world’s oldest national broadcaster, and the largest broadcaster in the world by number of employees, employing over 22,000 staff in total, of whom approximately 19,000 are in public-sector broadcasting. The BBC was established under a royal charter and its BBC World Service broadcasts in 28 languages. Known colloquially as the Beeb … Continue reading “BBC centenary (18 October)”
According to tradition, it is on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) that God decides each person’s fate, so Jews are encouraged to make amends and ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. The holiday is observed with a day-long fast, confession, intensive prayer and special religious services. The name Yom Kippur is based on … Continue reading “Yom Kippur 4-5 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 17-18 October 2022”
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872 –1958) was an English composer, born in Down Ampney, Gloucestershire, whose works include nine symphonies, five operas, music for film, ballet and stage, several song cycles, church music and works for chorus and orchestra, written over sixty years. Strongly influenced by Tudor music and English folk song, his output marked a decisive … Continue reading “150th anniversary of the birth of Ralph Vaughan Williams”
The theme of 2022’s World Mental Health Day, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority‘. The last couple of years have brought many challenges for all of us but, in particular, for people with mental health conditions, many of whom have been experiencing … Continue reading “World Mental Health Day 10 October 2022”
This year Muhammad’s birthday, Mawlid or Eid Milad un Nabi, derived from the Arabic ‘to give birth’, is observed on sundown of 7 October to sundown on 8 October. The date varies each year as it is governed by the lunar calendar. Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is commemorated by Muslims during the month of Rabi’ al-awwal, … Continue reading “Mawlid 7-8 October 2022”
National Poetry Day is a UK-wide celebration of poetry and this year’s theme is The Environment. Libraries and bookshops across the country are celebrating National Poetry Day. Pop in to see what is going on. National Poetry Day was founded in 1994 by the charity Forward Arts Foundation, whose mission is to celebrate excellence in poetry and … Continue reading “National Poetry Day 6 October 2022”
October is Menopause Awareness Month, with 18 October designated as ‘World Menopause Day’ and this year’s theme being ‘Cognition and Mood’. The menopause is a natural stage of life that affects all women. Medically speaking, it is where a woman ceases to ovulate and their periods eventually stop, caused by a change in hormone levels. … Continue reading “Menopause Awareness Month (October) and World Menopause Day (18 October)”
The theme for this year’s Black History Month is ‘Time for Change: Action Not Words’, which means working to tackle racism, reclaim Black history and ensure Black people, their pasts and their stories are included and represented all year round. Started in the US as a week-long celebration in 1926 by Carter G Woodson, a … Continue reading “Black History Month”
