Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
Remembrance Day is a day of remembrance for all those who have died in war. It takes place on 11th November, the day that World War 1 ended, with the country observing a minute of silence at 11am as a time for reflection. Whilst the day first started as a commemoration of World War 1, … Continue reading “Remembrance Day 11 November”
Post submitted by Ella, one of our Student Experience Ambassadors Intersex Day of Remembrance, also known as Intersex Solidarity Day, is held each year to raise awareness of the human rights issues faced by intersex people around the world. An intersex person has anatomical, chromosomal or other biological characteristics that do not fall into society’s … Continue reading “Intersex Day of Remembrance”
Post submitted by Ella, one of our Student Experience Ambassadors 4 November 2024 marks the centenary of death of the French composer Gabriel Fauré. He was renowned for his refined and gentle pieces which have influenced the course of modern French music. As one of the most influential French composers, he linked the end of Romanticism … Continue reading “100th anniversary of the death of Gabriel Fauré”
Posted submitted by Ella, one of our Student Experience Ambassadors The Day of the Dead (el Dìa de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday during which families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives. This brief reunion between past and present family members includes food, drink and celebration. The celebration runs over three days: … Continue reading “El Dìa de los Muertos”
Diwali (also called Divali or Deepavali) [29/10-4/11] is a ‘festival of lights’ that celebrates the triumph of light over dark, good over evil and the blessings of victory, freedom and enlightenment. The name comes from Sanksrit dipavali, meaning ‘row of lights’. On the night of Diwali, celebrants light dozens of candles and clay lamps (called diyas), placing them throughout their … Continue reading “Diwali”
Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) was born in Cheetham Hill, Manchester. Sadly her father, an ironmonger with his own business in Deansgate, died when Frances was four years old and while her mother was pregnant with her fifth child. From her grandmother, who bought her books, Frances learned to love reading, in particular her first book, The … Continue reading “Frances Hodgson Burnett – centenary”
Simchat Torah or Simhat Torah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. The main celebrations of Simchat Torah take place in the synagogue during evening and morning services. In Orthodox, as well as many conservative congregations, this is the only time of year … Continue reading “Simchat Torah 24-25 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 19 October”
The theme for this year’s World Menopause Day is ‘Menopause Hormone Therapy’. World Menopause Day was established in 1984 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Menopause Society (IMS) with the intention of spreading awareness about this condition that affects women as they age. Speaking up about the menopause often does not come … Continue reading “World Menopause Day 18 October”
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. According to tradition, it is on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) that God decides each person’s fate, so Jews are encouraged to make amends and ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. The holiday is observed with a day-long fast, confession, intensive prayer … Continue reading “Yom Kippur 11-12 October”
