Maha Shivaratri (1 March) is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the god Shiva. It celebrates the grand marriage of the lord of destruction, Shiva – with the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty, Parvati, who is also known as Shakti (power). A major festival in Hinduism, this festival is solemn and marks a remembrance of … Continue reading “Maha Shivaratri”
Author: dorothy
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! (Happy St. David’s Day)
The National Day of Wales is St. David’s Day and is observed on 1 March, the traditional date of his death in 589 AD. Saint David (known as Dewi Sant in the Welsh language) was a Celtic monk born towards the end of the fifth century and was Archbishop of Wales. He spread the word … Continue reading “Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! (Happy St. David’s Day)”
Maslenitsa 28 February-6 March
Maslenitsa is an Eastern Slavic religious and folk holiday, which has retained a number of elements of Slavic mythology in its ritual, celebrated during the last week before Great Lent. It celebrates the end of winter chills and the start of spring, of warmth, of hope, of growth. It is mostly celebrated by Eastern Slavs, … Continue reading “Maslenitsa 28 February-6 March”
Saraswati Puja/Vasant Panchami 5 February
Also known as Shri Panchami/Saraswati Panchami, this is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati. The festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring – Vasant Panchami means the fifth day (‘Panchami’) of Spring (‘Vasant’). It takes place 40 days before Holi and marks the start of preparations for that festival. On this day … Continue reading “Saraswati Puja/Vasant Panchami 5 February”
Time to Talk Day 3 February
Time to Talk Day is about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. We all have mental health. By talking about it, we can support ourselves and others. One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Don’t forget the wealth of … Continue reading “Time to Talk Day 3 February”
La Chandeleur 2 February
In France and Belgium, crêpes are traditionally served on La Chandeleur (Candlemas). This day was originally Virgin Mary’s Blessing Day but became known in France as “Le Jour des Crêpes” (“The Day of the Crêpes”), referring to the tradition of offering crêpes. The tradition dates back to 472, when Pope Gelasius I offered crêpes to French … Continue reading “La Chandeleur 2 February”
LGBT+ History Month
1-28 February LGBT+ History Month is annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. The overall aim of LGBT+ History Month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public by Increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual … Continue reading “LGBT+ History Month”
Lunar New Year 1-15 February
Xīnnián hǎo 新年好 This year, Lunar or Chinese New Year falls on 1 February, although celebrations will typically last 16 days, starting from Chinese New Year’s Eve (31 January) until 15 February . This year is Year of the Tiger. The tiger is known to be king of all beasts in China and comes third … Continue reading “Lunar New Year 1-15 February”
National Puzzle Day 29 January
January 29 is National Puzzle Day, the perfect day to do a little brain exercise. Whether it’s a crossword, jigsaw or Sudoku, puzzles engage our brain in more ways than one. Scientists have discovered that when we work on a jigsaw puzzle, we utilize both sides of the brain, improving memory, cognitive function and problem solving … Continue reading “National Puzzle Day 29 January”
Martin Luther King Jr Day 17 January
Martin Luther King Jr was born on 15 January 1929. An American Baptist Minister, he grew up in the Southern United States under segregation, a policy that required Blacks to use separate facilities to Whites and toattend different schools. King rightly believed that the policy of segregation was unjust and he spoke out openly about … Continue reading “Martin Luther King Jr Day 17 January”