Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
Hanukkah (10-18 December) celebrates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 160s BC. After outlawing the Jewish religion and Jewish practices, King Antiochus IV decreed that Jews must worship Greek gods in the Temple. The word ‘Hannukah’ means dedication and commemorates the triumph of a band of rebel Jews known as the … Continue reading “Hanukkah Sameach!”
One of the most widely read French authors, Alexandre Dumas’ (1802-1870) works have been translated into many languages. Many of his historical novels of high adventure were originally published as serials, including ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ and ‘The Three Musketeers’. His novels have been adapted into nearly 200 films. Dumas began his career writing … Continue reading “150th anniversary of the death of Alexandre Dumas”
To celebrate their 200th birthday, the Royal Society of Literature have launched two new new programmes: RSL Open, championing the excellence of writers from communities that have been under-represented in UK literary culture and RSL International Writers, celebrating the power of literature to transcend borders.
World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day. … Continue reading “World AIDS Day”
Andrew, also called Saint Andrew the Apostle, (died 60/70 ce, Patras, Achaia [Greece]) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and the brother of St. Peter. He is the patron saint of Scotland and of Russia, as well as other countries including Greece, Barbados and Romania. The celebration of Saint Andrew as a national festival is thought to originate … Continue reading “St Andrew’s Day 30 November”
Guru Nanak, also referred to as Baba Nanak, was the founder of Sikhism and is the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. These Gurus were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs. Guru Naka’s birthday, which is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar, is commemorated on the Full Moon Day (Pooranmashi … Continue reading “Guru Nanak’s birthday 30 November”
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honours the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Transgender Day of Remembrance was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender … Continue reading “Transgender Day of Remembrance”
18 November to 18 December is Disability History Month and the University will be exploring the theme of ‘Accessibility: How far have we come? How far have we to go?’ with a comprehensive programme of events. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/disability-history-month/index.aspx Each day during Disability History Month, on the LCAHM Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LCAHM/ we will be looking at disabled artists … Continue reading “Disability History Month 18 November-18 December”
Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness which is why Diwali is also known as the festival of lights. People … Continue reading “Diwali 14 November”
Remembrance Day The British grave of the Unknown Warrior (often known as ‘The Tomb of The Unknown Warrior’) holds an unidentified British soldier killed on a European battlefield during the First World War. He was buried in Westminster Abbey on 11 November 1920, simultaneously with a similar interment of a French unknown soldier at the … Continue reading “At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month”
