Holidays Around The World � October Holidays

The Chung Yeung Festival is Celebrated in China

Noel — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:00:44 +0000

Chung Yeung Festival Date: October 26

Chung Yeung Festival is a public holiday in China.

Chung Yeung Festival, also known as Autumn Remembrance, takes place on the ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which falls on October 26, 2009. The festival is a day to respect and remember ancestors, a practice widely valued by the Chinese.

History of China’s Chung Yeung Festival

Chung Yeung Jit is also known as “Chung Gau”; Chung meaning “double” and Gau meaning “nine”. Being the ninth day of the ninth month, it is “Double Nine” which symbolizes forever. On this day the Chinese people travel to the hillside to care for the graves of their ancestors and make sacrifices of special paper money and paper winter clothing.

Chung Yeung Festival also commemorates the day during the Han Dynasty (221 – 206 B.C.) when Fei Chang-fei, a Taoist soothsayer, advised a scholar, Huan Jing, to flee to the hills with his family to escape a pending disaster. Huan Jing and his family went to the hillside as directed, taking food and chrysanthemum wine with them. When they returned home they discovered that all the livestock had died from a plague, and they realized the soothsayer had saved their lives.

Chinese people have since commemorated that date by taking food and chrysanthemum wine to picnic on the hillsides. During this season, chrysanthemums, which are symbols of good health and longevity, are at their finest and are admired.

Chinese Chung Yeung Festival Traditions, Customs and Activities

On the day of Chung Yeung Festival, families journey to the graves of their ancestors to pay their respects and perform cleansing rites. After flying kites and hiking in the hills, they enjoy a picnic lunch which often includes ko, a Chinese cake.

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Kazakhstan Republic Day is a Public Holiday

Noel — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:05:13 +0000

Republic Day Kazakhstan: October 25

Republic Day is a public holiday in Kazakhstan.

In Kazakhstan, October 25 is observed as Republic Day, which celebrates Kazakh nationalism and commemorates the nation’s independence.

History of Kazakhstan’s Republic Day

The Republic of Kazakhstan is located in Eurasia and is bordered by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and the Caspian Sea. It is the 9th largest country in the world, as well as the world’s largest landlocked country. The country is very ethnically and culturally diverse, having been influenced by a number of Asian and eastern European cultures.

The area that is now Kazakhstan has been inhabited by nomadic tribes since before the Stone Age. From the 4th through the 13th century, the area was ruled by a number of nomadic nations. In the early 13th century, Mongols invaded and established administrative districts under the Mongol Empire.

By the 16th century, the tribes had developed a common language, culture, and economy. Beginning in the early 18th century, Kazakh-controlled territories were being colonized by tsarist Russia. Over the next 150 years, the various regions signed treaties of protection with the Russian empire, and by the
1860s, most of the area that is now the Republic of Kazakhstan was under Russian control.

In 1920, the area of present-day Kazakhstan became an autonomous republic within Russia and, in 1936, a Soviet republic. In the 1920s and 30s, the Kazakh economy, under Soviet rule, suffered from disruption to the traditional nomadic and livestock-based agricultural system. Also in the 1930s and 40s, thousands exiled from other parts of the Soviet Union, and hundreds of thousands of refugees from World War II battlefields poured into Kazakhstan. In the 1980s, unrest continued to grow, resulting in large protests and demonstrations. Kazakhstan declared its sovereignty as a republic within the U.S.S.R. in October 1990. Kazakhstan declared independence on December 16, 1991.

Kazakhstan Republic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

National Day in Kazakhstan commemorates the day in October 1990 when Kazakhstan declared it sovereignty from the U.S.S. R. This day is a day of Kazakh nationalism, with many speeches, songs, and performances throughout the country

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Labour Day Celebrated in New Zealand

Noel — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:00:33 +0000

Labour Day Date: October 24

Labour Day is a public holiday in New Zealand.

In New Zealand, Labour Day commemorated the establishment of the standard eight-hour workday in 1840. It is held annually on the fourth Monday in October, which falls on October 26, 2009.

History of New Zealand’s Labour Day

New Zealand’s workers were among the first in the world to claim the right to an eight-hour workday. The movement toward an eight-hour workday arose in Wellington colony in 1840, where carpenter Samuel Parnell refused to work more than eight hours a day. He encouraged other tradesman to limit their workday to eight hours, resulting in a workers’ meeting resolution being passed in support.

On October 28, 1890, there was a parade held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the eight-hour workday. In celebration, many trade union members attended parades in cities, and government employees were given the day off. The parade began to be held annually in late October as either Labour Day or Eight-Hour Demonstration Day. In 1899, the government passed legislation to establish Labour Day as a public holiday beginning in 1900. In 1910, the government set the holiday on the last Monday of October, to be observed on the same day throughout the nation.

New Zealand Labour Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

New Zealand’s Labour Day celebration is marked by parades in some cities. However, many New Zealanders now regard Labour Day as simply a day off from work. Government buildings and many businesses are closed for the holiday.

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Grenada celebrates Thanksgiving Day

Noel — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:52:10 +0000

Grenada Thanksgiving Day: October 25

Grenada Celebrates Thanksgiving Day as a National Holiday

In Grenada, Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday that commemorates the anniversary of the 1983 Caribbean and American military intervention in Grenada. A joint military force arrived in Grenada on Oct 25th to restore stability to the country following the deaths of then Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and some of his colleagues.

Grenada Thanksgiving Day History

Grenada attained the status of “Associated State of the United Kingdom” in 1967. In 1974, independence was granted with Sir Eric Matthew Gairy as the first Prime Minister of Grenada. Conflict between Eric Gairy’s government and some opposition parties gradually broke out including the New Jewel Movement (NJM). In 1976, Gairy’s party won elections but the opposition party did not acknowledge the outcome. The opposition accused Gairy of election fraud. Maurice Bishop and his New Jewel Movement launched a paramilitary attack on the government in 1979 resulting in its overthrow. Even though the constitution was suspended agrarian reforms started by the Gairy government were continued under the reign of Maurice Bishop.

Bernard Coard and his wife Phyllis with backing of the Grenadian Army, led a coup against the government of Maurice Bishop on October 19, 1983. Bishop was later placed under house arrest. These events were followed by street demonstrations in various locations in the island. Bishop had enjoyed strong support from the populace. Later he was freed by a large demonstration in the capital. Coard had Bishop captured and executed by soldiers along with his cabinet ministers. The regime of Coard then put the island under martial law.

U.S. President Ronald Reagan became worried because a communist leaning government overthrew a moderate one. Another concern was Cuban military personnel building a 10,000-foot airstrip on Grenada. Reagan was also worried about the security of the 800 American medical students enrolled at St. George’s School of Medicine in the island. Reagan and his advisers saw that rescuing the students was enough justification to invade the island.
In an operation codenamed Operation Urgent Fury, Grenada was invaded by the allied forces from the United States, the Regional Security System (RSS) and Jamaica on October 25.

Grenada Thanksgiving Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Thanksgiving Day in Grenada is commemorated by formal ceremonies although the event is largely not given much attention in the rural communities.

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Iran remembers Martyrdom of Iman Ali

Noel — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:44:34 +0000

Iran Martyrdom of Imam Ali: October 25

Iran Observes the Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Iman Ali.

This day commemorates the anniversary Imam Ali’s martyrdom at Kufa Mosque. Ali is remembered as the first Imam and Ali was also the first successor of Prophet Muhammad.

Iran Martyrdom of Imam Ali History

Ali ibn Abi Talib was fourth caliph of Islam and also the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Ali was born in Mecca, he was the son of Prophet Muhammad’s uncle. Ali was the first to be converted to Islam and one of the most devoted followers of the Prophet Muhammad. He married Fatima, Muhammad’s daughter, who bore him two sons named Hasan and Husayn. When Prophet Muhammad died in 632, Ali claimed the right to succeed the Prophet. However, in the caliphate, Abu Bakr, Umar I, and Uthman ibn Affan preceded him. He only became caliph in 656.

Ali’s was forced to deal with a rebellion led by Aisha in the first year of his reign. Aisha, Muhammad’s third wife had bitterly opposed Ali’s claim of succession. In late 656, the rebellion was finally suppressed but disputes over Ali’s right to the caliphate lingered. Muawiyah I, rejected to recognize Ali as the caliph and instead he claimed the caliphate for himself. This row persisted until 661, when a member of the Kharijite sect assassinated Ali at Al Kūfah. As a result, Muawiyah I was became the acknowledged caliph.

Those loyal to Ali’s and his opponents continued to stir the Muslim world. The dissension between the Ali’s supporters and his critics led to the split in Islam. The two major opposing groups in Islam are the Shias, who were the adherents of Ali and the Sunnis who are orthodox Muslims.

Iran Martyrdom of Imam Ali Traditions, Customs and Activities

On the anniversary of Imam Ali’s martyrdom, Ayatollah Khamenei of the Islamic Revolution leads the Friday prayers in Tehran.

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Retrocession Day in Taiwan

Noel — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:39:53 +0000

Taiwan Retrocession Day: October 25

Taiwan observes Retrocession Day as a public holiday.

Every year on October 25, Retrocession Day is an annual observance in Taiwan commemorating the end of 50 years of Japanese rule in 1945.

Taiwan Retrocession Day History

Taiwan was given away to the Japanese after China lost the Sino-Japanese War in 1894. This began a half-century of Japanese colonial reign on the island. The colonial rulers treated the people on Taiwan as second rate citizens. The colonial rulers’ era was one of adversity and torment for the islanders. Several unsuccessful uprisings were initiated by the locals and thousands died as a result. Nevertheless, they gave testament to the valiant character of the people. With the signing of the Instrument of Surrender on August 15, 1945, freedom was restored in Taiwan. The Japanese rule of Taiwan officially ended in October 25, 1945. Taiwan designated this day as Retrocession Day in memory of this event.

The people in Taiwan erupted with jubilation and merriment when they heard of this news. Taiwan’s economy grew with exceptional pace after retrocession. The people’s standard of living transformed a great deal for the better.

The proclamation of retrocession was somewhat contentious because none of the Allies acknowledged the turn over of Taiwan’s territorial sovereignty to the ROC when the Japanese surrendered.

Taiwan Retrocession Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

To celebrate the important significance of October 25, every year, families hang the national flag to remind themselves of the days when Taiwan was subjected to foreign rule and to appreciate the present accomplishments of its country. In the Republic of China, Retrocession Day is currently not an official public holiday. The Democratic Progressive Party has downplayed this event during their two recent terms of Taiwan rule because it rejects the idea of Taiwan being taken back by China.

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Micronesia Celebrates United Nations Day

Noel — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:00:20 +0000

Micronesia United Nations Day Date: October 24

Micronesia celebrates United Nations Day as a national holiday.

Since 1948, the anniversary of the United Nations Charter coming into force on October 24, 1945 has been celebrated as United Nations Day in Micronesia.

Micronesia United Nations Day History

Since the independence of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), it has established diplomatic relations with most of its Pacific neighbors like Japan, Australia, and the People’s Republic of China. Through various multilateral organizations, regional cooperation is a key element of its foreign relations guidelines. In 1991, the FSM became a member of the United Nations.

In the spring of 1945, the representatives of fifty nations assembled in San Francisco to put the final changes on a document of sweeping importance. This document came to be known as the Charter of the United Nations. It was on October 24 when a sufficient number of endorsements had been obtained to inaugurate the new United Nations officially.

The United Nations General Assembly in 1971 issued a new resolution (United Nations Resolution 2782) which states that the United Nations Day shall be an international holiday and recommended that it should be observed as a public holiday by all United Nations member states. United Nations Day aims to make the whole world aware of the goals and accomplishments of the United Nations Organization. The period from October 20 to 26 is known as United Nations Week, United Nations Day being a part of it.

Micronesia United Nations Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

On the island of Yap in Micronesia, United Nations Day is a big celebration. All schools, government offices, and almost all private organizations on the island are closed for United Nations Day. Traditionally, United Nations Day has been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions, and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization.

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Zambia Rejoices Independence Day

Noel — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:27:17 +0000

Zambia Independence Day: October 24

Zambia Celebrates Independence Day as a National Holiday
Every year on October 24, Zambia celebrates its Independence Day in commemoration of the day it attained its freedom from British rule in 1964.

Zambia Independence Day History

In 1889, a treaty was signed between the Lozi overlord and a representative of the British South Africa Company in 1889 establishing British protection. Sir Harry Johnston added Eastern Zambia to Britain’s empire during his conquest of Nyasaland (now Malawi).

British administration in Zambia (then called Northern Rhodesia) was the same like its other African territories. A governor heads a small central council composed of Europeans appointed by the British government. The local rulers are allowed greater freedom under this system of indirect rule. In the late 1920s copper was discovered in the north, this development led to the extension of the railway and the building of the first smelting plants in the so-called copper belt. In 1939, Zambia had become a major producer of copper, and the urbanization of the northwest has begun. The arrival of European technicians and administrators to Zambia was brought about by the copper industry.

In 1953, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, comprising the territories of Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland (now Malawi), was dominated by the white population of these territories. Every African politician in the state condemned the federation from its inception by. For Zambia, the path towards independence was more problematic than the other British African territories because the federation had to be broken first.

On 24 October 1964, Northern Rhodesia became the Republic of Zambia, with Kaunda as the first president.

Zambia Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

A large parade in Lusaka marks the celebration of Zambia’s Independence from British rule.

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Israel observes Simchat Torah

Noel — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:04:01 +0000

Israel Simchat Torah: September 30-31

Israel celebrates Simchat Torah as a two day holiday.

On the Hebrew calendar, the autumnal holiday of Sukkot is immediately followed by the Shemini Atzeret. Shemini Atzeret is a two-day holiday and the festivities for the Simchat Torah are observed on the second day. The first day of the two day holiday is called “Shemini Atzeret” and the second day is called “Simchat Torah”. According to Halaka, both days are officially Shemini Atzeret, and the liturgy reflects this.

Israel Simchat Torah History

European Jewish communities during the 9th century designated a special reading from the Prophets to be read on this day. Some time in the 14th century, upon the completion of Deuteronomy, the reading of Genesis was added immediately. The removal of all the Torah scrolls from the ark, and the singing of a separate hymn for each scroll became a general practice in the southern European communities. The wealthier members of the northern European communities would give a dinner for friends and acquaintances after the reading of the Deuteronomy. It became a common practice by the end of the 15 century for the children to tear down and burn the sukkahs during Simchat Torah. Rabbis later permitted dancing in the synagogue on this festival.

The practice of taking out the scrolls and filing fervently around the bimah on the night of the 23nd of Tishri became customary in the 16th century. After the procession on the same night, a number of passages from the Torah were read. The male members of a congregation read the passage from Deut. 33:1-29 as many times as they deemed necessary. This practice is still followed today in Orthodox synagogues.

Israel Simchat Torah Traditions, Customs and Activities

It is during the evening and morning services that the main celebration of Simchat Torah takes place. This is the only time of the year for many Orthodox and Conservative congregations in which the Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark and read during the night. The final parashah of Deuteronomy and the first parashah of Genesis are read in the synagogue in the morning. When the ark is opened, the worshippers stand-up to dance and sing with all the Torah scrolls in a merry celebration. This act often lasts for several hours.

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Palau Celebrates United Nations Day

Noel — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:00:13 +0000

Palau United Nations Day Date: October 1

Palau celebrates United Nations Day as a national holiday. Since 1948, the anniversary of the United Nations Charter coming into force on October 24, 1945 has been celebrated as United Nations Day. Palau’s President, Johnson Toribiong, decreed that the United Nations’ Day national public holiday be moved from its usual date of October 24 to Friday, October 2, 2009. In the years to follow, it will be celebrated on the first Friday of October.

Palau United Nations Day History

Palau became part of a United Nations trust territory administered by the US for 47 years. Palau became independent in 1994. Soon after its independence, Palau joined the United Nations on December 15, 1994. In the spring of 1945, the representatives of fifty nations assembled in San Francisco to put the final changes on a document of sweeping importance. This document came to be known as the Charter of the United Nations. It was on October 24 when a sufficient number of endorsements had been obtained to inaugurate the new United Nations officially. The United Nations General Assembly in 1971 issued a new resolution (United Nations Resolution 2782) which stated that the United Nations Day shall be an international holiday and recommended that it should be observed as a public holiday by all of the member states of the United Nations. United Nations Day aims to make the whole world aware of the goals and accomplishments of the United Nations Organization. The period from October 20 to 26 is known as United Nations Week, United Nations Day being a part of it.

Palau United Nations Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Traditionally, United Nations Day has been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions, and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization.

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