Assumption Day: August 15

Assumption Day is a Christian religious observance in many countries worldwide.

It is assumed that on the Assumption Day, the Virgin Mary raised into Heaven after her death. This is a famous Christian belief. This day is also called as the feast day of the Assumption of Mary. It is celebrated in many countries irrespective of nations on August 15 or around that day. Mostly in Europe and South America, this is celebrated in a grand manner. Some countries celebrate this day at other times of the year. This day is also known as the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, or the Feast of Assumption or the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

History of Assumption Day

Mary’s Assumption is said to have been a divine endowment to Mary as “Mother of God.” Pope Pius XII defined this doctrine dogmatically and infallibly on November 1, 1950 in his Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus. The feast day is known as “The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christian.” The Assumption was recently defined as infallible dogma by the Catholic Church.

The Assumption Day is a day of obligation (which this year falls on a Saturday). Some Italian plazas are very much crowded on this day. Citizens would ride through ‘lakes’ and it was very common for people to carry bowls of rose water, which they sprinkled on themselves. This holiday has been observed since fourth century. It is a Christianization of an earlier cultivation festival. This is a Holy Day of Obligation in many Roman Catholic Jurisdictions. Many catholic and orthodox Christians seem that the Assumption is very important as the Virgin Mary’s heavenly birthday. Remnants of the ancient celebration include public illumination and nighttime beacons, both probably symbolic of the sun.

In some countries, the people throw coins from windows down to the streets. This is the symbolic evident of prosperity. Blue is the colour, which is generally associated with the Virgin Mary. Truth and clarity are symbolized by that colour. It also symbolizes the colour of the sky, which is compared to heaven. It is found that lily is also related with the Virgin Mary. This lily colour is the symbol of purity, simplicity and chastity.

The Assumption is a great source of hope for us. In Rome, the day was marked by a huge procession headed by the pope who went on barefoot. The pope carries a painting of Christ from the church of the Lateran to the church of St. Mary Major. By that process, it is seemed to commemorate the coming of Christ for his mother on Mary’s death.

In the fifth and sixth centuries, the idea of the assumption of Mary into the Heaven after her demise was first expressed. Till now, we have no genuine knowledge of day, year and the manner of Our Lady’s death. The probable assigned death of her varies between three and fifteen years after Christ’s Ascension. It is found that Mary lived at Ephesus after the death of Jesus. However, Mary’s grave was found in Jerusalem. Both Jerusalem and Ephesus claim to be the death place of Mary.

It is believed that Mary died in the presence of all the Apostles. However, after the burial when the tomb was opened the tomb was found empty. Thus, after that incidence, it was concluded that Mary’s body was taken up into the heaven. There are a lot of pictures of Mary painted by different well known artists where it is seen that the Mother of God stands on the moon, embellished with sun and twelve stars on her head for her crown. Again, they also say that the Lady was bestowed celestial elegance. We pray to be with the Blessed Mother. It is believed that Mother Mary always offers her blessings to the abused or orphan children, who have no one in this world. There is a special belief of the coastal area that they have a blessing of the water, the sea or the ocean. The Assumption Day is treated as public holiday in some countries like Austria, Spain, Poland, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Slovenia, Belgium, Chile, Croatia, some parts of Germany and Switzerland, Guatemala etc.

Assumption Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

On this auspicious day, a colourful procession moves through the streets and the fireworks exhibit the celebration of the Feast of the Assumption in Italy. In Sicily and the rural areas outside the city of Rome, the main event is a big procession. A statue of Mary decorated with flowers is carried through the town where a statue of Christ is carried by a group of people. They wait for the coming of the Mary’s Statue. After that, both the statues are inclined toward each other three times. The feast is called “Our Lady of the Navigators” in Sao Paulo and other parts of Southern Brazil.

Parades are held on magnificent canoes, three musicians, two rowers and a purser. The musicians are dressed as “Three Wise Men” in Bible. The phrase “having completed the course of her early life” raises two questions. The first one is “was Virgin Mary died before her Assumption?” and the next one is “was she assumed before her death?”

The Assumption Day is an admired day in France. This has a major priority in the list of the holidays. France celebrates this day with a great occasion. In Spain, there are many holidays for each region, city and town throughout the whole country besides the National Holidays. New Years’ Day is very much celebrated in Spain. The whole country is converted into festive mood on January 1. Day of Three Kings is celebrated on January 6, which is 12 days after the Christ Day. It is known as Christmas Day for children. On that day, three men dressed as the king move around the town and scatter sweets to the children in a magnificent procession. Labour Day is known here as Dia del Trabajo which is celebrated on March 1 throughout Spain. On July 24, San Juan is celebrated. On that day, the people around the coastal region rush into the sea and wash the sins. It represents the baptism of the Saint John Baptist.

In France during the Assumption Day, the feast of the Assumption of Mary celebrates the catholic faith that the Virgin Mary’s spirit and body ascended to the heaven. It is a very important occasion for rural and church festivals. It is celebrated as a public holiday. It is very important holiday in France, where the virgin Mary has been patron saint since 1638. Many Catholics in France go to the church premises on August 15, Assumption Day. The festival consists of parades, sports, markets or communal meals. The public life in the France remains quite normally. Banks, post offices, stores, and other businesses are closed. Except the tourists’ area, the restaurant and cafes are closed. However, some stores in Paris, airports, railways and main highways remain opened.

Assumption Day is a very popular summer festival at the villages, the islands and the towns of Greece.

The feast of Assumption is known in the Eastern Church as the “Falling Asleep of the All Holy Mother of God” in Poland. This day marks one of the dogmas of the church. Everywhere the day has its charming cultural customs. All women bearing the name of Mary keep the house open in our Lady’s honour and welcome all the guests who come to their home. In Poland, this day is also known as the feast of Our Lady of Herbs. The city is decorated with sweet smelling bouquet and green herbs. At the churches, the children sing hymns both in Polish and English and they dance of their regional culture. On August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption can be said a holy day of obligation in the church. For Lady, this is one of the oldest and highest feasts. This day possesses a blessing of herbs, flowers and foods of the garden.

In Portugal, the Assumption Day is called the Romeria. This Romeria is marked with the playing of a brass band and of drums and bagpipes and at churches, the statues of Mary and Queen of Angels are crowned.

Assumption Day is celebrated in some states in Germany. In Saarland and Bavaria, it is noted as a public holiday. Many people attend to the church and collect herbs. This is a tradition of these countries. The church started this celebration by ringing the bell. There are some unique traditions about trees and plants on that day. The first ripped walnuts, which are called the Mary’s nuts, are offered to the children. People may go to the field to collect the herbs like agrimony, clover, mullein, mugwort, verbena, yarrow etc. In some parts of Germany, the banks, businesses are closed, but some parts remain unaffected.

In Costa Rica, this day is celebrated as a ling procession of people wearing coloured dress through the street. This day is also combined with Mother’s Day in that country.

In the country of Andorra, the Assumption Day is observed magnificently. The people enjoy a lot. They pray for the Mother Mary. It becomes a public holiday in Andorra.

This day becomes a public holiday in Guatemala. This is also a time for family get together and luxurious feasts. You can see the parades in some major city. The people celebrate splendidly and use the day as a time for reflection.

Other interesting posts:

• Georgia celebrates Mariamoba
• Mary’s Announcement Observed by Orthodox Christians
• Maundy Thursday Observed by Christians Around the World

Foundation of Panama Date: August 15

Foundation of Panama is a public holiday.

Republic of Panama better known as Panama is present on the isthmus joining North and South America. A flourishing business economy Panama celebrates its Foundation Day on the 15th of august each year. Pedro Arias de Avila discovered Panama La Vieja or Old Panama in the year 1519. Actually, 15th august is the combined anniversary celebration of both foundation of Panama Veija and the opening of the Panama Canal. At one such ceremony on function day a photo exhibition of Panama City photos in the 40s, 50s and 60s was inaugurated at the Casa de Gobernacion. It is the office of the Panama provincial governor. The chief guests of the function were Governor Irina Brown and IPAT director Liriola Pittí de Cordoba.

Foundation of Panama History

The relics of Old Panama are about two miles away from the present capital of the state, Panama City. An open park flaunts the remnants of walls and vaults refreshing the pomp of the first camp of the Spaniard on the Pacific Ocean. The sumptuous amount of gold coming from Peru, Chile and California lured cunning pirates to Panama’s water.

The city suffered the most when Henry Morgan plundered and raided the city in 1671. Panama’s governor soon commanded the power magazine burned and the entire city was lost in flames. Consequently, the capital had to be shifted to a new location leading to the foundation of Panama City in 1673. Among the leftovers in Old Panama are the cathedral with a huge bell-tower, Matadero Bridge, King’s Bridge and the Bishop’s House. These remains are World Heritage and their archaeological sites are being restored. An artisan’s bazaar filled with native’s handworks and a tiny restaurant is present just in front of the rubbles.

Foundation of Panama Traditions and Activities

The Panama Railroad Company was set up a year ahead of the discovery of the gold coin. However it could not start before 1855.There had been a great advantage and boost to the infrastructure and economy when the Panama Canal was constructed.

The most significant improvement was seen in health and sanitation. This was clearly visible since yellow fever and malaria were almost eradicated and a good quality water supply system was started. The benefits were however followed by disturbances. Since most of the workers were from West Indies, a sudden social and racial discrimination started growing in the city.

Panama City was the hub of international banking in Late 1970’s and 1980s which made it the worldwide money laundering pivot. In 1989, after a year long problem between Panama and U.S., General Manuel Noriega, the leader of Panama was deposed by George Bush, president of United States. However Panama City still remains a banking hub though there is little flow of cash.

Balboa earlier a part of the Panama Canal Zone was the Headquarter of the region. Nowadays tourism is considered as an important source of money collection in Panama. Panama is the fourth largest and also a rapidly flourishing economy in Central America. The scope of tourism is increasing at a rapid rate and as such it has become one of the most interesting and sought after tourist destinations in the world.

Other interesting posts:

• Panama Independence Day
• Panama Celebrates Flag Day
• Panama Celebrates Its Independence From Spain

Liberation Day Date: August 15

North Korea celebrates Liberation Day as a public holiday.

North Korea occupies the northern half of the Korean peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Amnok and Tumen River forms the boarder between North Korea and China. In the history of North Korea, the date August 18, 1948 is very significant, as they got independence from Japan on this day. North Korea celebrates this day as The Liberation Day.

North Korea Liberation Day History

A great leader of Korea, Kim IL Sung travelled to China in 1925 to start rebellion against Japan. Anti Japanese forces were urbanized in China. This army consisted of Chinese, Korean and later Soviets. Guerrilla forces were assembled in Northeast part of China. Korean People’s Revolutionary Army (KPRA) was organized which took over Ponchobo, which was considered a great victory in North Korea. The Korean guerrilla attacked around the Chinese-Korean frontier. These frequent wars continued for years.

After the defeat of Japan in World War II in 1945, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel in agreement with a United Nations arrangement. The north was to be administered by Soviet Union and the south by the United States. However, the Soviets and the Americans could not continue the treaty of sharing government over Korea. This led to the establishment of two separate governments and North Korea became a Democratic People’s Republic in 1948.

North Korea Liberation Day Traditions and Activities

In commemoration of North Korea’s liberation from the Japanese colonial rule, the local residents celebrate a national holiday, the Liberation day, on August 18, every year. A two day rally is organized where participants perform various kinds of joint events including joint solidarity meeting, cultural performances and seminars. Hundreds of social and religious representatives take part in the festivals. Following the opening ceremony, the dance troupes and artists give their spectacular performances.

The festival also includes photo exhibitions and religious preaching. They also recall the memoirs of the great leaders, who fought for their independence and lost their lives. In the recent years, North and South Korea celebrate their Liberation day together by organizing glamorous ceremonies at Seoul. These grand festivals for reunification will provide Korean nation with an opportunity to further accelerate the movement for independent reunification which started in 1925. The residents clearly convey the will of the North and South Korean people to achieve great national unity. This liberation day is held in high pride a it denounced Japan’s 40 year rule of Korea and is celebrated with rejoice.

North Korea after so many years of liberation:

After 61 years of Korean Liberation day, Korea has emerged as one of the first class nations in the world. It has fascinating cities and tourism has become an important part of the economy. Korean government stress more domestic firms and they have become an independent democratic country. Thus, Korea has at last made a place on the world platform of development and urbanization. The rebellion by Kim IL Sung started in 1925 at last brought independence to the country after lots of bloodshed. The Korea residents of today are really proud to be a Democratic Republic country.

Other interesting posts:

• North Korea Observes Foundation of the State
• North Korea rejoices Founding of Workers’ Party
• North Korea Observes Constitution Day

Constitution Day Date: August 15

Equatorial Guinea celebrates Constitution Day as a public holiday.

Equatorial Guinea located on the western coast of Africa celebrates its constitution day on 15th august every year. This independent republic nation adopted the constitution on 15th august 1982. Since then 15th august is a public holiday for the nation to respect the constitution of the country.

Equatorial Guinea Constitution Day History

Equatorial Guinea used to be a single party state under the 1982 constitution. In 1987, this state party was identified as the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea. However, in 1991 a fresh multiparty constitution was started after the approval from people referendum. House of Representative consisting of 80 members replaced the actual legislature of 41 members. Under this constitution, universal adult voters elect a president for a period of seven years and the legislators or Chamber of People’s Representatives members for a period of five years. The president appoints a cabinet. All elements of the government including the legislative and judiciary division are under the supervision of the president. A prime minister who is appointed and assigned powers by the president runs the government. The nation is separated into seven provinces administratively. The Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea currently serves as the only legal and commanding administrative organization. There has been no past record of democratic procedure in the country, the leadership being passed from colonial power to a domineering dictatorship.

Under the 1982 constitution, the president is the most powerful person in the government. He can discard the members of the cabinet, dictate laws, dismiss the Chamber of Representatives, discuss and sign treaties and summon the legislative elections. The president maintains his post of the commander in chief of the armed forces and also supervises closely on the military movements. Recently in June 2004 the president reformed the cabinet by introducing two additional posts of Minister of National Security and Director of National Forces.

The Fundamental Law of the State has been changed to the Constitutional Law under which Spanish and French were declared as the official language of the nation. Spanish law and the tribal system together form the basis of the constitutional system. Brutal crimes as well as minor theft occur much less in this country compared to other African nations. The rights of the civilians are limited and extensively controlled by the government. The convicts are severely tortured and are not entertained by the judicial system. There has been a long record of government’s intervention in privacy and family. There is strict regulation on activity and migration, press and religion among other assaults.

Equatorial Guinea Constitution Day Traditions and Activities

Equatorial Guinea was a Spain colony until August 12 1968. On august 17, 1968 the natives of Equatorial Guinea had accepted a Constitution under which they were asked for vote of approval soon after the referendum. On august 12, 1979 London was supposed to draft a constitution for the nation to separate the white minority continuing the political party.

Equatorial Guinea is currently one of the honorable members of the United Nation, the African Union and the European Union and celebrates the national holiday of Constitution Day with joy and happiness.

Other interesting posts:

• Equatorial Guinea Liberty Day
• Equatorial Guinea Independence Day
• Equatorial Guinea Armed Force Day

Independence Day Date: August 15

Independence Day is a public holiday in the Republic of the Congo.

Over the years, many nations have been invaded and governed by foreign administration. Under the rule of foreign government, the natives were barred from exercising freedom in any form. Independence Day for a nation signifies a day when the nation retrieved their rights from the foreign rulers and gained back their esteem of statehood. Similarly, the Republic of the Congo gained back its independence on the August 15, 1960 from France.

History of Independence Day in the Republic of the Congo

The Republic of the Congo is located in the central part of Africa. The Pygmy people were the ancient inhabitants, followed by the Bantu Tribes, who tamed the Pygmy people to establish their rule. During the Bantu expansions, they used the Congo River for their trade. It was in the 15th Century that the European traders started using the Congo River which ignited a relationship between the Bantu Tribes and the Portuguese traders. Earlier relationships between the Congo king and the king of Portugal were healthy. But with the discovery of Brazil, the Portuguese started appointing black slaves from Congo to work in the Portuguese plantations in Brazil. This huge need of black slaves by the Portuguese king started depopulating Congo leading to riots and constant attacks by the neighboring states. Finally a series of revolts started against the Portuguese because of this slave trade.

These revolts led to several wars of the different regions of Congo against Portuguese invaders. These wars somehow led to disintegration of Congo and many new states thereby came into existence, gradually, Congo shirked into a small nation, which submitted them to be the Portuguese, who destroyed the place. Later, due to over industrialization in Europe, there suddenly grew a demand for African Rubber, Oil and Cotton.

The French, Portuguese and British joined hands to conquer territories in Africa and set their rule over the Congo River Basin. The French conquered a major area to the north of the Congo River and gradually brought middle Congo, Chad, Gabun, Obangui-Chari under their jurisdiction with Brazzaville as the capital. Since then Congo’s economic advancement have been restricted to natural resources of rubber, cotton and the newly discovered oil reserves. Due to ill treatment and tortured labor system, rebellions started against the French invaders and the difference in ethnicity laid siege to several riots in Brazzaville in 1959.

After September 1958 AEF was dissolved and the four union territories became a part of the French community, leaving the central part which was then named as Congo Republic, which gained formal independence on August 15, 1960. Fulbert Youlou was appointed the first president of the Republic of the Congo.

The Republic of the Congo’s Independence Day Traditions and Activities

Since then, this day is celebrated every year by the Congolese as their Independence day, the day when they gained back their rights to their motherland. This day is declared as the National Holiday and celebrated by a host of events within The Republic of the Congo. As the Republic of Congo is on the verge of completing their 49th independence anniversary, the celebrations are surely going to be big this year, and even bigger the next time. With every “Fête Nationale” (Local name for Independence Day) the Congolese realize their needs to develop their country in every possible way which can pave the way for a strong nation.

Other interesting posts:

• Republic Day Commemorated in the Republic of the Congo
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo Remembers Its Independence
• Republic of Congo Celebrates Youth Day