Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. 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 … Continue reading “Yom Kippur 11-12 October”
The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year. This year’s theme is ‘It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace’. 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 … Continue reading “World Mental Health Day 10 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 “Navatri 3-12 October”
The theme for this year’s National Poetry Day is ‘Counting’. 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. 66.5% … Continue reading “National Poetry Day 3 October”
The theme for this year’s Black History Month ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ and marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. The main aims of Black History Month are to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people throughout the world and to educate all on black history. At the … Continue reading “Black History Month”
International Translation Day is a day recognising translation professionals. It is celebrated every year on 30 September, which is the day of the feast of St. Jerome, the Bible translator who is considered the patron saint of translators. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of language professionals, which plays an important … Continue reading “International Translation Day 30 September”
Gustav Holst, b Cheltenham (1874-1924), was an English composer, arranger and teacher whose suite ‘The Planets’ is one of the best-known pieces of classical music ever written. Holst’s works were played frequently in the early years of the 20th century, but it was not until the international success of The Planets in the years immediately after the … Continue reading “150th anniversary of the birth of Gustav Holst”
Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi (15-16 September) is an Islamic event that commemorates the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is commemorated by Muslims during the month of Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month of the Muslim calendar. Also called Maulud Nabi in Malaysia, the day is commonly marked by religious lectures and readings of … Continue reading “Muhammad’s birthday”
Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) was an Austrian composer and organist, best known for his symphonies and sacred music. His compositions helped to define contemporary musical radicalism, with their dissonances, unprepared modulations and roving harmonies. He is best known for Symphonies Nos 3 to 9 – each of them has a distinctive character but all have common … Continue reading “Bicentenary of the birth of Anton Bruckner”
Earlier this year, the Museum of the Order of St John partnered with the University of Birmingham and two of our students to explore and interpret the internationally important Crusader Coin Collection. The coins have been the object of the project “Bearers of the Cross”, which has made them available on an online catalogue and … Continue reading “The Crusader Coin Collection – Museum of the Order of St John partnership with the University of Birmingham”
