Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
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”
Post by Caitlin, Student Experience Ambassador World Book Day is on the 7th March and celebrates the joy of reading and aims to improve access to books for all children. As part of World Book Day, a variety of £1 books are put on sale to encourage accessible reading. They include stories for beginners, early, … Continue reading “World Book Day 7 March”
On 4 March 1824 John Cadbury opened his first shop selling cocoa, tea and coffee on Bull Street, Birmingham. In 1861 Richard and George Cadbury took over the family business and created the UK’s first totally pure drinking cocoa. In 1871 Cadbury was among the first to introduce bank holidays for its workers, something which … Continue reading “Cadbury 200th birthday”
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 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”
15 February marks 150 years since the birth of Ernest Shackleton, the Anglo-Irish Antarctic explorer who attempted to reach the South Pole. He is most associated with four expeditions exploring Antarctica, particularly the Trans-Antarctic (Endurance) Expedition (1914–16) that he led, which, although unsuccessful, became famous as a tale of remarkable perseverance and survival. Born in County Kildare … Continue reading “150th anniversary of the birth of Ernest Shackleton”
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”
Bagpuss, the most magical, saggy, old, cloth cat in the whole wide world, is 50. The children’s show first aired on 12 February 1974. Made by Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate, Bagpuss lived in a shop that was a home for lost property. Only 13 episodes were ever made, the programme and it has remained … Continue reading “Bagpuss is 50!”
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, 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”
