Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
Saint Patrick’s Day, (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig, “the Day of the Festival of Patrick”), is a cultural and religious celebration for the foremost patron saint of Ireland (c. AD 385–461). Tradition says that he spent many years evangelising in the northern half of Ireland and converted “thousands”. Patrick’s efforts against the druids were eventually … Continue reading “St Patrick’s Day 17 March”
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March every year and is a focal point in the movement for women’s rights. The earliest Women’s Day observance in 1909 was called ‘National Women’s Day’ and was held in New York City, organised by the Socialist PArty of America at the suggestion of activist Theresa Malkiel. There … Continue reading “International Women’s Day 8 March”
Because books aren’t just for bedtime. World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading and is marked in over 100 countries around the globe on the first Thursday in March. This year’s theme is ‘Share a million stories‘. It is the perfect opportunity for parents, teachers … Continue reading “March 5 – World Book Day”
(The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City) Congratulations to Luke Sainsbury (2nd year UG History of Art) who is the winner of this term’s LCAHM competition – your favourite painting in up to fifty words – with Rush Hour by George Condo (2010). Luke wins a voucher for Afternoon tea for Two at the … Continue reading “Winner of LCAHM Afternoon Tea competition”
Saint David’s Day (Welsh: Dewi Sant) is the feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales and falls on 1 March, the date of Saint David’s death in 589 AD. The feast has been regularly celebrated since the canonisation of David in the 12th century by Pope Callixtus II. Saint David was a Celtic monk … Continue reading “1 March – St David’s Day, Patron Saint of Wales”
The Carnival of Venice [which this year runs from 8-25 February] was started from a victory of the Venice Republic against the Patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrico di Treven, in the year 1162. In the honour of this victory, the people started to dance and gather in Piazza San Marco. However, under the rule of the … Continue reading “Le maschere del Carnevale di Venezia display in Ashley foyer”
Bicentenary of the birth of Sir John Tenniel, illustrator of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Alice through the Looking-Glass Sir John Tenniel (28 February 1820 – 25 February 1914) was an English illustrator, graphic humourist, and political cartoonist prominent in the second half of the 19th century. He was knighted for his artistic achievements … Continue reading “I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date – Bicentenary of the birth of Sir John Tenniel, illustrator of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland”
Tom and Jerry are celebrating 80 years of cat and mouse high jinks. Created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the duo debuted in the short “Puss Gets the Boot” in 1940, though at the time they were called Jasper and Jinx. They went on to star in 164 animated shorts produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Film … Continue reading “Tom and Jerry Fans are celebrating the beloved duo’s 80th birthday”
Parinirvana Day, or Nirvana Day is a Buddhist holiday which commemorates the death of Buddha and is celebrated on 15 February [it is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the fourth month of the Bhutanese calendar] (and by some on 8 February). This day – also known as Nirvana Day – is celebrated because it … Continue reading “15 February Parinirvana Day”
The first reference to St Valentine’s Day being for lovers came in Geoffrey Chaucer’s 1382 poem Parlement of Foules, when he wrote “For this was on St Valentine’s Day when every bird cometh there to choose his mate.” The Long Engagement by Pre-Raphaelite artist Arthur Hughes was given to the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in … Continue reading “14 February – St Valentine’s Day”
