Post contributed by Lorna, Student Experience Ambassador Maslenitsa is a week-long celebration rooted in Slavic tradition that acknowledges thechange from Winter to Springtime; this year Maslenitsa is happening from 11-17 March. This festival originated in pagan times and is celebrated during the last week before the beginning of Lent in the Orthodox Christian calendar. Alternatively … Continue reading “Maslenitsa 11-17 March”
Category: Annual Celebration
What is Ramadan and why do Muslims celebrate it?
Post by Maariya, Student Experience Ambassador Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic (Lunar) calendar and is one of the five pillars of Islam. The month begins when the new moon is spotted and ends when the next new moon is spotted, meaning it lasts approximately 28-30 days. In Islam, the night comes before … Continue reading “What is Ramadan and why do Muslims celebrate it?”
Maha Shivaratri
Chinnappa, A. N. (2018) Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals in front of a statue of Lord Shiva at a temple in Bengaluru during the Maha Shivratri festival, Available at: https://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1668134/maha-shivaratri.jpg Post contributed by Lorna, Student Experience Ambassador Maha Shivaratri is one of the most significant festivals in India, which is known as ‘TheGreat Night … Continue reading “Maha Shivaratri”
International Women’s Day 8 March
Post by Caitlin, Student Experience Ambassador International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th. The day aims to put gender equality at the forefront, as well as celebrating the successes of women. The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is to inspire inclusion. This theme emphasises diversity, as well as creating inclusive spaces for all … Continue reading “International Women’s Day 8 March”
Hinamatsuri 3 March
Hinamatsuri is an annual festival that takes place on March 3rd and is associated with the start of spring. It is known as ‘Girls Day’ in English. The festival prays for the growth and prosperity of young girls. One way it is celebrated is with the display of traditional Japanese dolls called hinaningyo at home. … Continue reading “Hinamatsuri 3 March”
St David’s Day 1 March
St David’s Day celebrates the patron saint of Wales on the 1st March each year. Welsh people celebrate by wearing the national emblem of Wales, either a daffodil or a leek. St David’s date of birth is unknown but he lived around fifteen centuries ago. He became a monk at a young age and founded … Continue reading “St David’s Day 1 March”
Vasant Panchami/Saraswati Puja 14 February
Vasant Panchami, also called Saraswati Puja in honour of the Hindu goddess Saraswati, is a festival that marks the preparation for the arrival of spring. It is a Hindu and Sikh festival that marks preparations for the beginning of the spring season. Vasant Panchami also marks the start of preparation for Holika and Holi, which take place … Continue reading “Vasant Panchami/Saraswati Puja 14 February”
Lunar New Year -Year of the Wood Dragon
As the Year of the Rabbit comes to an end, the Year of the Dragon, more specifically the Wood Dragon, begins (10 February 2024-28 January 2025). The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig and each has their own distinctive qualities and … Continue reading “Lunar New Year -Year of the Wood Dragon”
La Chandeleur: Celebrating French Tradition
La Chandeleur, celebrated on February 2nd, holds a special place in French culture. While it’s often associated with crêpes, its origins trace back to some ancient pagan rituals and Christian traditions. Historically, it marked the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, symbolising a transition from the winter season to spring. Nowadays, La … Continue reading “La Chandeleur: Celebrating French Tradition”
Martin Luther King Jr Day
Martin Luther King Jr Day (15 January) celebrates the life of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr who fought for racial equality in America. His achievements include founding the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957 and leading the 1963 March on Washington. At this march he delivered the famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. … Continue reading “Martin Luther King Jr Day”