Holidays Around The World � January Holidays

Many People in the United States Celebrate Kwanzaa

Noel — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:00:24 +0000

Kwanzaa Date: December 26 to January 1

Kwanzaa is NOT a United States holiday. It is a festival among African-Americans.

Kwanzaa is an African-American Holiday that strives to celebrate the African roots. The celebrations center on various traditions unique to this festival, but the most important one is lighting the candles on the traditional holder called the Kinara. Kwanzaa is celebrated a day after Christmas till the New Year and is primarily celebrated in the United States. Apart from the lighting of the Kinara, other activities include pouring a drink honoring God (known as “libations”), having a magnificent feast, and exchanging gifts. It was first started with a purpose of bringing the African American community together and giving them an opportunity to celebrate their lineage.

History of Kwanzaa in the United States

The history of the festival dates back to 1966. It was the first specific African-American celebration. The founder, Ron Karenga, wanted African-Americans to discover the joy of celebrating their own culture rather than simply copying what the rest of society does. The founder gave this particular name to the festival, and it derived from the Swahilian phrase “Matunda Yaa Kwanza”. The choice of Swahili symbolized the movement that was started to unite all the families of the African Diaspora. This was the first festival to do so. It extended an opportunity to African-Americans to re-discover their African culture.

Kwanzaa has been popularly recognized with the US postal service releasing a stamp to honor it. The second stamp represented the principles followed in Kwanzaa. In earlier days, Christmas was considered to be specifically for the Caucasian community, and hence Kwanzaa was started to challenge this. But later, the founder changed his stance saying that it was not created to alienate Christianity. Today, most of African-American people celebrate Kwanzaa along with Christmas.

There are seven principles associated with this festival. They were intended to be the best compilation of the African traditions. Each tradition is represented by each of the seven days of this festival.

First, Umoja is celebrated to cherish unity in all walks of the society. Second, Kujichagulia recognizes ones self and our own purpose in life. Third, Ujima brings all the people together to manage the community and solve each others problems. Fourth, Ujamaa strives to bring forth corporate discipline in economics. Fifth, Nia deals with the purpose of life. Sixth, Kumba is to make us do our best. Seventh, Imani recognizes faith in people and values as the foremost thing.

The United States’ Kwanzaa Traditions, Customs and Activities

Houses are decorated with colorful African cloth and art, and women generally wear “kaftans”. There are fresh fruits that are eaten to represent the idealism of the African race. Children are generally included in the festivities as it teaches them about their lineage and gives respect to the ancestry. The drinks are shared among the family in a common glass. The feast is known as the “Karamu”. There is frequently drumming, singing, and reading a pledge to Africa and the principles of Africa. The people generally greet each other in Swahili with “Habari Gani” which means “What is new?”

There are also plenty of cultural exhibitions. There is an annual “Spirit of Kwanzaa” festival held at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts that contains examples of African dances, songs, and poetry that capture the essence of these people.

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The Building of the Cross Observed by Orthodox Coptic Christians

Noel — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 06:00:14 +0000

Building of the Cross Date: September 27

Building of the Cross is a religious observance for Orthodox Coptic Christians all over the world.

The Feast of the Building of the Cross is celebrated on September 27. On the Coptic calendar it falls on the seventeenth day of the month of Tout, and it commemorates the dedication of the Church of the Holy Cross built by the mother of Emperor Constantine, Queen Helen.

History of Building of the Cross

This feast has its origins in Jerusalem and is connected with both the finding of the cross where Jesus died and the building of the Church of the Holy Cross to guard the relics of the wood of the cross. After the death of Jesus, Jerusalem was a troubled city, and all the sacred places where Jesus had passed and suffered his Passion had been desecrated by the Roman armies and the many wars that were fought over Jerusalem.

When the Roman Empire became Christian under the rule of Constantine, he ordered, under the influence of his mother Helen, that the sites where Jesus had passed should be found. Excavations began in Jerusalem and around the city. During these excavations the location of the Calvary and also the cross on which Jesus had died were discovered. A church was promptly built to keep the relic, and the mother of Constantine, Queen Helen, became a devout of the Holy Cross. The Feast of the Building of the Holy Cross was instituted and later, as with many feasts, it was passed on to all Christians in Constantinople and Rome.

Building of the Cross Traditions, Customs and Activities

During the Feast of the Building of the Holy Cross, the Coptic Orthodox Church organizes processions with the sign of the Cross in the streets of the cities that the churches serve. Chanting known as Shannon-Hosanna echoes through the streets as the faithful accompany the cross and the clergy, announcing the joy of the cross of Christ and joy of heart, the inner Jerusalem, as it receives the graces of Jesus. It isn’t one of the major feasts of the Orthodox Coptic Church, and it is the equivalent of the daily Feasts of the Saints. It is a day to be spent with family and friends as everyone gathers to join the processions and eat together after the religious celebrations.

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Thaipoosam Cavadee Celebrated by the Tamils of Mauritius

Noel — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 05:05:19 +0000

Thaipoosam Cavadee of Mauritius: Jan 31

Thaipoosam Cavadee is a public holiday in Mauritius.

As a devotion to their Lord Muruga, the people of Mauritius have a yearly celebration called Thaipoosam Cavadee. It is also in this day that the Tamil people show deep thanks and appreciation for having a prosperous year and ask for a boundless blessing.

History of Thaipoosam Cavadee

The Cavadee celebration originated from an outlaw follower of Agattiyar. His name was Idumban which literally means “arrogant”. One day, Idumban was given an order by the guru. He was asked to bring back two summits attached at the ends of a cavadee. A cavadee is, in general a stick used in transporting loads. Idumban faithfully followed the request and on his way back, he was challenged by Lord Muruga which was disguised as a young child. Unaware that he was facing the God, he battled with Lord Muruga and unfortunately, he was pierced and got killed.

Since then, guru Agattiyar and his followers started a prayer ritual for Idumban that he may be resurrected. A rich tradition that, until now is being observed by the people in honor of their hero, Idumban.

Thaipoosam Cavadee Traditions, Customs and Activities

Today, the Tamils of Mauritius commemorate the heroism of Idumban by carrying the Cavadee until they reach the temple. This involves abstinence, prayers and cleansing of the heart and soul and letting out the negative aura of hate, egotism and jealousy. It is believed that wishes will be granted soon after doing the ritual.

Apart from the carrying of Cavadee, the people gather in the streets and parade in flower floats, all carrying their harvests like milk and wooden arches. As devotion, they also pierce their tongues and cheeks to signify gratitude and respect to their God. Those who chose not to pierce their tongue should tie their tongue with a scarf and must remain quiet throughout the ceremony.

The Thaipoosam Cavadee is a manifestation of how strong and faithful the Tamils of Mauritius are. That in every sufferings and defeat, there will always be a reward as long as you live in faith and courage.

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Birthday of Guru Har Rai is a Sikh religious observance

Noel — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:23:11 +0000

Birthday of Guru Har Rai: January 31

Birthday of Guru Har Rai is a religious observance for the Sikhism followers.
The Birthday of Guru Har Rai falls on January 31st, or on the 19th day of the Magh month on the Nanakshahi calendar followed by Sikhs to determine the dates of important Sikh events. Guru Har Rai was born on 1630 and died in 1661, he was the seventh of the Sikh Gurus.

History of Guru Har Rai

Guru Har Rai was the seventh of the 10 Sikh Gurus, he preceeded Guru Har Krishan, his son, and followed Guru Hargobind, his grandfather. Har Rai was born on February 26, 1630, as a child he demonstrated a great sensibility for all living things. Even though he continued the traditions of grand huntings from his grandfather, Har Raid prophibited the killing of animals and instead he wanted them to be captured and kept in a private zoo. He was the son of Baba Gurdita and Mata Nihal Kaur, married Mata Kishan Kaur and had two sons and one daughter.

Har Raid was a man of peace, even so he kept alive many of the traditions that came from the previous Gurus, he kept the armed Sikh Warriors, or Saint Soldiers, even if he never used them to enter any political or military confrontation. Emperor Shah Jahan had great enmity for Sikhs, and Guru Har Raid, and he also had four sons. His eldest son, who was to be next Emperor fell seriously ill and nobody knew why. The fact was that the younger son Aurangzeb had put tiger’s whisker in the food of the brother to kill him so that he could take the throne.

The Emperor finally found out what had happened and was told by his doctors that the cure was in some plants that could not be found in his kingdom, but that Guru Har Raid had them in his house. The Emperor, even though not happy about it, wrote a letter to Har Raid asking for the medicine plants. Har Raid was happy to see the humbleness in the letter and sent the plants to his enemy. He then said to his followers that were astonished with this, that one man breaks flowers with one hand while with the other offers flowers, and the flowers perfume both hands. So the Guru should also bless the hand that tries to kill him as the hand that came to him asking for help. He died at the early age of 31, on October 6, 1661.

Birthday of Guru Har Rai Traditions, Customs and Activities

Sikhs celebrate the Birthday of with readings from Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh’s Holy Scriptures. Gurdwaras, Sikh places of worship, are decorated with colorful flowers, images and flags. Communities of Sikhs join together to pray, sing and eat together. It is day to remember the peaceful mind and endeavors of Guru Har Rai, and a day for forgiveness as the Guru taught his disciples to forgive all those who would venture against them. Sikhs celebrate the remembrance of their Gurus in a very similar way, only changing the hymns and some passages that are read from the Guru Granth Sahib.

The celebration of the Birthdays of Sikhs Gurus lasts for 3 days, and on the birth anniversary there is the singing of the Asa di Var, morning hymns followed by the Katha, exposition of the scripture, there are lectures and poems are recited in praise of the Guru. The day ends with Rehras, evening prayers, and sometimes it is followed by a poetic symposium, a Kavi Darbar, where poets can praise the Guru with their own words.

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Duruthu Perahera is a public holiday in Sri Lanka

Noel — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 01:56:30 +0000

Duruthu Perahera Date: January 30

Duruthu Perahera is a public holiday in Sri Lanka.

Second on to the Kandy Esala Perahera, Duruthu Perahera celebrates the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. During this trip, he visited the Kelaniya temple near Colombo.

History of Duruthu Perahera

The celebrations consist of three procession, on the nights preceding the full moon, also called the poya. Whip-crackers lead each procession, followed by fire-ball performers, drummers, dancers and costumed performers. Decorated elephants parade between each of the groups, including, most spectacularly, an enormous tusker treading a special white carpet.

Duruthu Perahera Traditions, Customs and Activities

Hundreds of thousands of people attend the parades, with each one being more colorful and spectacular than the last — if you can make only one procession, go for the final one, head the night before the full moon.

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Tu B’Shevat Celebrated by Jews Around the World

Noel — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 23:00:55 +0000

Tu B’Shevat Date: Sunset on January 29 to sunset on January 30

Tu B’Shevat is a minor holiday in Judaism.

For Jews around the world, Tu B’Shevat is the New Year of the Trees, a starting or end point for agricultural activities involving important fruit-bearing trees. Many Jews consider this holiday to have a similar significance to the Arbor Day customs of other cultural groups. The holiday is observed every year on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, making this a moveable holiday.

The holiday used to be known as Hamisha Asar B’Shevat until around 2000.

History of Tu B’Shevat

A reference to Tu B’Shevat is made in the Mishnah, the first significant work of Rabbinic Judaism. In the Mishnah, Tu B’Shevat is mentioned as the new year for trees and one of four new years recognized on the Jewish calendar.

The “Tu” in the name of the holiday refers to the number 15 and translates as “The 15th of Shevat.” Originally there was confusion and debate about when the holiday should be celebrated.
After many discussions, authorities deferred to the Beit Hillel, a popular Jewish school of law, declaring the holiday to fall on the 15th of Shevat.

In the 1600s, a Tu B’Shevat seder was proposed by Rabbi Yitzchak Luria of Safed as part of the ceremonies of the holiday. The earliest texts referencing this seder (an order or sequence of actions) refer to the practice as a method to refresh the Tree of Life. The seder involved the consumption of a variety of dried fruits and nuts in a specific order that “creates a connection” to the Tree of Life, a tree said to have been planted by God in the Garden of Eden. In Israel, the practice is still in use today.

Tu B’Shevat Traditions, Customs and Activities

Many practitioners of Judaism plant trees on Tu B’Shevat as a way to help continue the cycle of life on Earth. In Israel, the Jewish National Fund organizes a massive tree-planting event on non- shmita years. (The shmita is a sabbatical year when the land must remain fallow every seventh year.)

The practice of the Tu B’Shevat seder is common in Israel and is also practiced by Jews elsewhere in the world. Many will pour the Cup of Elijah after the seder and open the door, inviting the Prophet Elijah into the home and trusting in God’s protection.

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Nepal’s Celebration of Martyrs’ Day

Noel — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 21:07:50 +0000

Martyrs’ Day: January 29

Martyrs’ Day is a public holiday in Nepal.

Martyrs’ day is an annual public holiday celebration by the Nepalese as a way of remembering and giving honor to people who sacrificed their lives to fight for what is right for the country and its people. Specifically in memory of the four martyrs who were executed in 1941: Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dashrath Chand, Gangalal Shrestha, and Shukraraj Shastri.

History of Martyrs’ Day

Nepal has always been consistent in managing its strength despite the many forms of groups who always tried to threaten the government. The Kot massacre is living example of this struggle which happened before the Rana came into the ruling power on 1846.

Then the time of Bahadur, the first Rana, which contributed quite a number in the modernization of Nepal, established a power system which maintained the Rana dominion. But then, when the British turned down the new king, the commanding government was finally replaced.

During the reign of King Birendra, the unexpected happened as his son Crown Prince Dipendra shot to death his royal family members then eventually himself as well, with a shocking gunfire rampage.

Martyrs’ Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

There are over 13000 citizens who were killed during this Nepal history between 1996 and 2006. The martyrs’ of this nation were the spark that keeps the Nepalese intact together and striving for a better nation. This dark chapter of the Nepalese is one of the reason why Martyrs’ Day is being observed yearly.

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Democracy Day Celebration in Rwanda

Noel — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:06:08 +0000

Democracy Day in Rwanda: January 28

Democracy Day is a public holiday in Rwanda.

Rwanda celebrates its yearly Democracy Day every January 28th as a symbol of its remarkable success story since World War I. This public holiday serves as a medium in promoting equality and fair dealings among its people.

History of Democracy Day

Rwanda was made popular to history of the world because of its genocidal massacre that devastated a lot of lives on 1994. Later on the 19th century, Rwanda was taken over and became a part of German East Asia and soon became a UN trust territory under the territorial government of Belgium.

Despite the genocide that Rwanda experienced which took almost a million lives, the country continued to strive and it remarkably leveled up again after the genocide era. Now, it is considered as one the most developed countries worldwide.

Democracy Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Because of the astounding historical background of Rwanda, the nation established a national day of celebration of Democracy. Democracy day is a symbol of the country’s strong foundation. That no matter what storm it may face, Rwanda will always remain Rwanda.

In fact, Rwanda is now considered as the first country to be ruled by a female-majority parliament that was held during the partial elections on September 2008.

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Australia Day

Noel — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 05:52:23 +0000

Australia Day: January 26

Australia Day is of course celebrated by Australia.

Australia day is also known as the foundation day or the anniversary day. It is the official national day of the Australian country. It is celebrated every year on the twenty sixth of January. This day commemorates the coming of the first fleet at the Sydney cove in the year 1788 when the unfurling of the British flag takes place here and also the there is a proclamation of the British sovereignty over a eastern seaboard of the country of Australia. In every territory and the state of Australia the Australian day is celebrated as an official holiday for the public. It is also marked by an order of the country of Australia and the Australian of the years’ awards with the address from prime minister.

Australia Day History

Records of this celebration of the Australia day go back to the year 1808 along with the governor once the official celebration of this formation of the New South Wales in the year 1818. This day is seen as a controversial day by many historians. Alongside the proposals to change this Australian day date they have also been some significant protests that are seen from the indigenous Australian community.

Many of these indigenous Australians do see this Australia day as a day that is celebrated for what has been destroyed of the indigenous culture by the colonialism by the British. Since the year 1988 the invasion day protests are being held in supporting the view. Due to all this there have been concerns and also some proposals to have the date changed of this Australian day to another day.

On the thirteenth of May in the year 1787 a fleet of about eleven ships came and they were known to be the first fleet. These were sent by the British admiralty to Australia from England. Under Captain Arthur Phillip a fleet was sought to establish this penal colony at the Botany Bay on the New South Wales coast. This was already explored by Captain James cook much earlier in the year 1770. This settlement was quite necessary as there was a loss of the colonies in the northern part of America.

This fleet then arrived between the eighteenth and the twentieth of January in the year 1788. This was not suitable and hence he moved forward and went on to Port Jackson. This was the finest harbor according to him in the whole world. The site that was first decided was a place that had some level land and also a stream with portable water. The British flag was then raised there. There were officers and a few marines who attended this ceremony. By the afternoon of the twenty sixth the remaining fleets had come off from Botany Bay and were then anchored near the Sydney cove.

In Brisbane this day is celebrated to be the foundation day or the first landing as the colony had been surviving for twenty years in spite of the hardships that they faced initially and also the starvation and the deprivation that had been suffered by those who were the settlers of the first fleet. The celebrations begin here on the twenty fifth of January each year as the sun goes down and then goes on into the night.

The chief toast here goes to the major George Johnston. He was the first officer who came on to the shore from the first fleet. Even through his ill effects back home he made sure that he led the officers of New South Wales corps and arrested the governor William Bligh the following day. This was now called the rum rebellion.

On the twenty sixth of January in the year 1818 which was the thirtieth anniversary, the governor Lachlan Macquarie held a thirty gun salute at the Dawes point and then gave a holiday to the workers of the government. This tradition was soon followed by other public offices as well as the banks. In the year 1888 all the colonial capitals except Adelaide were celebrating the anniversary day.

South Australia adopted Australia day in the year 1910. This was soon followed upon by Victoria in the year 1931. All the states in Australia are now celebrating this day since the year 1935.

Australia Day Traditions and Activities

As the hundred and fiftieth anniversary this day was celebrated for a whole long week through out Australia other than New South Wales. The anniversary was held on the twenty sixth of January which is the actual anniversary day of the Australia day.

Australia Day is also known as:

Foundation Day
Anniversary Day

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India Joyously Celebrates Republic Day

Noel — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:00:54 +0000

Republic Day: January 26

Republic Day is a national holiday in India.

Long under British control, India had many reasons to break away and seek the formation of a republic, independent from Britain. With prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi and dedication from millions of Indians, independence was finally achieved in 1947, becoming official on January 26, 1950. In 2010, India celebrates sixty years of the republic on January 26.

History of Republic Day in India

The British made their first large imprint on India in 1612 with the creation of The East India Company’s first permanent factory. The East India Company continued to dominate commercial trade in the region until shortly after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. In 1858, the British Crown assumed full control of the area now called India.

During the time of the British Raj, 1858—1947, many things changed in British India. While the country saw improvements in transportation and communication infrastructure in the late nineteenth century, it was also plagued by intermittent famines. Subsequent analysis of the situation led many to the conclusion that the mix of uneven rainfall patterns and British meddling in the affairs of the agriculture industry were primarily responsible.

It wasn’t until 1909 that Indians were given a much stronger hand in the government affairs. The Morley-Minto Reforms of that year allowed Indians limited ability to be elected to legislative councils for the first time, encouraged the creation of a parliamentary system, and gave Indian Muslims reserved seats within certain governmental bodies. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 broadened the influence of Indian citizens within government, though the reforms were counterbalanced by a limited number of eligible voters and special-interest seats in provincial legislature that were sympathetic to the British.

That same year, the Amritsar Massacre took place, claiming the lives of potentially more than 1,500 defenseless Indians, thought to be part of “revolutionary army.” This massacre, combined with Britain’s decision to force Indians to fight in World War I, sparked outrage across the country, prompting famous political and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi to encourage Indians to participate in a non-cooperation movement.

Gandhi and the Indian National Congress paved the way for reform, especially after the controversial Simon Commission was implemented by Britain to bring constitutional reform in 1928. The commission, composed entirely of British Parliament members, was met with derision and protest. The Indian National Congress took matters into their own hands, forming an all-Indian commission; however, the British fully ignored their gesture.

By then, the full independence movement had gained considerate ground, though many like Gandhi made pleas for a more moderate dominion status. When the British failed to promise dominion status in late 1929, Gandhi and Congress had had enough. A president was elected, and a constitution was drafted by Gandhi, leading to a declaration of independence at midnight on New Years Eve.

The declaration was made official on January 26, 1930, though true independence wasn’t recognized by Britain until August 15, 1947. A new constitution was made, and to appease the nationalists, the country wasn’t fully made the Sovereign Democratic Republic of India until January 26, 1950.

India’s Republic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Republic Day is one of three national holidays in India. Festivities are typically very grand, drawing in huge crowds from all over the country. Since 1976, it has been custom for the government to invite a foreign head of state to participate in the celebrations. The 2010 Republic Day Parade will feature Lee Myung-bak, the president of South Korea, and his wife Yoon-ok.

The Republic Day Parade is broadcast on television nationwide and on the Internet. The military is typically involved in the parade, typically ending with flybys of Indian Air Force jets. Additionally, popular themes of India like “Sare Jahan Se Aacha” (a patriotic poem created by Muhammad Iqbal) and “Ae Mere Pyare Vatan” (a patriotic song written by Prem Dhawan) are sung during the festivities.

On January 22, 2010, media reports stated that Indian airports were being put on alert due to convincing intelligence reports that stated the possibility of terrorist attempts to hijack an airplane. It was also reported that Indian police and military squads were set to provide stiffer security during the parade as militant activity had been recently increasing in frequency.

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