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”
Category: Annual Celebration
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”
Hanukkah Sameach!
Hanukkah (7-15 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 ‘Hanukkah’ means dedication and commemorates the triumph of a band of rebel Jews known as the Maccabees … Continue reading “Hanukkah Sameach!”
St Andrew’s Day 30 November
Andrew, also called Saint Andrew the Apostle, (died 60/70, Patras, Achaia [Greece]) was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, the brother of St. Peter and a son of Jonah. He is the patron saint of Scotland and of Russia, as well as many other countries including Greece, Barbados and Romania. Both he and his brother Peter were fishermen by … Continue reading “St Andrew’s Day 30 November”
Diwali
Diwali is known as the festival of lights as the festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness. It festival takes place at different times of the year as the Hindu calendar is based on the moon. In 2023, Diwali falls on 12th November. The festival lasts five days and honours the goddess of wealth, … Continue reading “Diwali”
Intersex Day of Remembrance Day
Intersex Day of Remembrance Day is on the 8th November. It marks the birthday of French Herculine Barban, an intersex person who lived in 1838 to 1868. Her memoirs were published in the 1970s by Micheal Foucault. An intersex person does not fit the typical definition of male or female due to biological characteristics, however, … Continue reading “Intersex Day of Remembrance Day”
Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos, or ‘The Day of the Dead’ in English, is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their loved ones for a celebration with food and drink. The holiday is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd November with the 1st often being dedicated to children who have passed away … Continue reading “Día de los Muertos”
International Pronouns Day 18 October
The purpose of International Pronouns Day is to make space for people to share their pronouns and to promote respect and inclusion of all gender identities. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. Together, … Continue reading “International Pronouns Day 18 October”
Birth of Baa’ullah 16-17 October
The Birth of Baháʼu’lláh is one of nine holy days in the Bahá’í calendar that is celebrated by adherents of the Bahá’í faith and during which work is suspended. The holy day celebrates the birth of Baha’u’llah, which means “Glory of God” in Arabic and he is the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith. The anniversary of the day … Continue reading “Birth of Baa’ullah 16-17 October”