Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
On 15 February 1971, United Kingdom’s coinage evolved from the centuries-old system of pounds, shillings and pence and went decimal. This enormous change to UK coinage called for one of the biggest publicity campaigns our nation had ever seen. Decimalisation took many years of careful planning and in order to achieve the monumental challenge of striking … Continue reading “Decimal Day – 50 years ago today”
Parinirvana Day is an annual festival, observed in some Mahayana countries, that remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached the age of 80. When the Buddha died, Buddhists believe that he entered a state called Parinirvana, which means Nirvana without end. It is considered one of the most auspicious days for Buddhists all … Continue reading “Parinirvana Day 15 February”
Saint Valentine of Rome was martyred on 14 February in AD 269. The Feast of Saint Valentine, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day, was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496 to be celebrated on February 14 in honour of the Christian martyr. The first reference to St Valentine’s Day being for lovers came … Continue reading “St Valentine’s Day 14 February”
Chinese New Year – Year of the Ox – officially begins on 12 February 2021, and ends on 22 February The Chinese New Year is popularly known as the Spring Festival in China because it starts from the Beginning of Spring (the first of the twenty-four terms in coordination with the changes of Nature) and marks … Continue reading “Year of the Ox – Chinese New Year”
In the second week of LGBT+ History Month, on the LCAHM Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LCAHM/, we will be looking at artists and musicians – past and present, well known and less so – from the LGBT+ community. This week we have artists Francis Bacon, Romaine Brooks, Claude Cahun and Jean Cocteau and from the world of … Continue reading “LGBT+ History Month”
Mental health problems affect one in four of us, yet too many people are made to feel isolated, ashamed and worthless because of this. Time to Talk Day encourages everyone to be more open about mental health – to talk, to listen, to change lives. Time To Talk Day brings the nation together to get talking and break the silence … Continue reading “Time to Talk Day (4 February)”
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”
