Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
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”
Agatha Christie (15 September 1890- 12 January 1976), was an English detective novelist and playwright whose books have sold more than 100 million copies and have been translated into some 100 languages. Educated at home by her mother, Christie began writing detective fiction while working as a nurse during World War I. Her first novel, The … Continue reading “Agatha Christie – 45th anniversary”
The Epiphany on 6 January celebrates when the Magi (Three Wise Kings or Three Wise Men) brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the baby Jesus. In Spain, the Epiphany is called ‘Fiesta de los tres reyes magos’. Traditionally children have some presents on Christmas Day but most are opened at Epiphany. Children believe … Continue reading “The Epiphany”
17 December marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven. Although born and raised in Germany, Ludwig van Beethoven spent most of his life in Vienna, arriving in his early twenties in 1792 and remaining there until his death in 1827. The city is peppered with Beethoven landmarks, including the Beethoven Museum and his … Continue reading “Ludwig van Beethoven 250th anniversary”
Hanukkah (10-18 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 ‘Hannukah’ means dedication and commemorates the triumph of a band of rebel Jews known as the … Continue reading “Hanukkah Sameach!”
