Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
In France, La Chandeleur, also known as Candlemas, is celebrated every 2 February (40 days after Christmas Day) by making crêpes. The tradition of feasting on crêpes stuffed with sweet and savoury fillings is a popular one, although there are several thoughts on the origins of the day. It is a day where candles are … Continue reading “La Chandeleur 2 February”
LGBT+ History Month is an initiative by Schools OUT UK that focuses on the celebration and recognition of LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, plus) people and culture, past and present; increasing the visibility of diverse LGBT+ histories, lives and their experiences. It has been celebrated every year in the UK since 2005 and the theme … Continue reading “LGBT+ History Month 1-28 February”
Burns Night is annually celebrated in Scotland and commemorates the life of the poet Robert Burns, who was born on 25 January 1759. The day also celebrates Burns’ contribution to Scottish culture, with his best known work being Auld Lang Syne. As Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns is recognised the world over for his work focusing … Continue reading “Burns Night 25 January”
Held on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr Day honours the work and dreams of Martin Luther King Jr and celebrates the life and achievements of this influential American civil rights leader. Martin Luther King Jr was born on 15 January 1929. An American Baptist Minister, he grew up in the Southern … Continue reading “Martin Luther King Jr Day 18 January”
Agatha Christie (15 September 1890- 12 January 1976), was an English detective novelist and playwright whose books have sold more than 100 million copies and have been translated into some 100 languages. Educated at home by her mother, Christie began writing detective fiction while working as a nurse during World War I. Her first novel, The … Continue reading “Agatha Christie – 45th anniversary”
The Epiphany on 6 January celebrates when the Magi (Three Wise Kings or Three Wise Men) brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the baby Jesus. In Spain, the Epiphany is called ‘Fiesta de los tres reyes magos’. Traditionally children have some presents on Christmas Day but most are opened at Epiphany. Children believe … Continue reading “The Epiphany”
17 December marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven. Although born and raised in Germany, Ludwig van Beethoven spent most of his life in Vienna, arriving in his early twenties in 1792 and remaining there until his death in 1827. The city is peppered with Beethoven landmarks, including the Beethoven Museum and his … Continue reading “Ludwig van Beethoven 250th anniversary”
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.
