Mothers Day: May 13

Mothers Day is celebrated in Australia, Canada, and the USA.

Motherhood is perhaps one of the most glorious things in the world. Mothers shape their children’s life in a way that no one else can do. Mother’s day has always been celebrated to cherish our dear mothers and make the day special for them. The Mother’s day concept was conceived by Anna Jarvis who felt it was essential to have a day to commemorate the glory of motherhood. It is now celebrated world wide.

Mothers Day History

Mother’s day has a recent history dating to the early 20th century. The one that is celebrated throughout the world is derived from the US one. There are other festivals like the Mothering Sunday of the UK that has an origin much earlier. This dates back to the 16th century. There are also beliefs that it originated from the ancient Greece who honored the great mother of Greek Gods Cybele. There was one in Rome dedicated to Juno.

Dating back to 1912, the founder Anna Jarvis copyrighted the name “Mother’s day” and the “2nd Sunday of May”. Jarvis is supposed to have been very particular about the position of the apostrophe. It was supposed to come after the ‘r’ in mother. This denoted that this was singular possessive. This means that it is expected of each person in the family to cherish their mother. It was not to denote a general term for all the mothers. This was the spelling that President Wilson used in making the holiday official.

Mothers Day Traditions and Activities

The day is usually celebrated by giving gifts to the mothers. Children usually like taking in charge of some of the household work such as cooking or doing the dishes. It is done to recognize the role of mothers in making their everyday life smooth. The mothers are also taken out for dinner. Recent traditions involve in getting the mothers a “Mother ring” as a token of affection.

There has been rampant commercialization of the Mother’s day. The sales of Mother’s day cards earn so much of revenue that it disgusted even the founder Jarvis. She became famous for her vociferous protest against this form of commercialization. She thought that the cards destroyed the bond and it made people lazy to write a personal letter. She even gave a statement saying that she wished she had never started the day because it was not the way she expected it to be celebrated.

There is nothing better than being at home with our mothers and spending some quality time with them. It would probably bring in more joy than any of the fancy gifts. The commercialization is to be condoned, but in the wake of modern life, there is no other go than to accept it.

Nowadays billions of dollars are generated on a single day. According to a survey, Americans usually spend 2.6 billion dollars on flowers and 1.53 billion dollars on very indulgent gifts like spa visits. There is a whopping sixty eight million dollars spent on the cards alone. The jewelers have a happy day with 7.8% of their revenue getting generated on one day.

Other interesting posts:

• Mothers Day Australia
• Georgia Honors Mothers on March 13 (Georgia Mothers’ Day)
• Syria Observes Mothers’ Day Celebration

Lag B’Omer Date: May 10

Lag B’Omer is celebrated by Israel and the Jewish people worldwide.

The party celebrations for Lag B’ Omer open with a traditional bonfire in commemoration of the passing of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai author of the Zohar.

Lag B’Omer History

According to the Torah, Jewish people are obligated to count the days from Passover the Shavuot, known as the counting of the Omer. An Omer is a unit of measure referring to the second day of passover when an Omer of barley was brought to the temple as an offering, therefore the omer became a measure.

Many Jewish people anticipate the day of Lag B’ Omer as it is observed on the 33rd day and the mourning practices of the counting of the Omer are lifted and the party celebrations begin.The Jewish people recite blessings and state the day and week of the counting. The counting is intended to be a reminder of the link between Passover which commemorates Exodus and Shavuot which commemorates the giving of the Torah. This also reminds the Jewish people redemption from slavery was not complete until the Torah was received.

During the period of the counting weddings, party celebrations, singing and cutting hair are not permitted as this is a time of partial mourning. On the 33rd day to remember a break in the plague Lag B’ Omer was instated as a small holiday to lift the prohibitions for one day.

Lag B’Omer Traditions and Activities

The bonfire symbolizes the great light of the Rabbi and many dance and sing in circles surrounding the flames. Lighting candles is also another Lag B’ Omer tradition.

Many recognize Lag B’ Omer as an outdoor festival, and party celebrations commence with singing, family picnics, dinner dances and outings. Many wedding celebrations take place on this day and haircuts are booked in advance to coincide with Lag B’ Omer.

The party celebrations for Lag B’ Omer open with a traditional bonfire in commemoration of the passing of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai author of the Zohar.

Buddha Day: May 5

Buddha Day is celebrated by Buddhists worldwide.

Visakha Puja or Buddha day is the most significant day in the Buddhist calendar, celebrating the three most important incidents in the life of the Buddha, his birth, the enlightenment and the death which all occurred on this day. Its a moveable day falling on the first full moon in May the fifth month except in leap year when it falls in June.

Buddha Day History

Visakha Puja is the holiest of days in all Buddhists lives. Buddhists make merits and attend sermons in temples all over Asia. The countryside people wake up early and start making food and sweets for the monks and then form a long line and walk to their temple of worship to attend in all religious activities.

Many activities are performed during Visakha Puja day, including the most important Tum Boon, going to temples for special observations, listening to Dharma preaching and giving donations. Rub Sil a practiced activity of with holding the 5 precepts which include to abstain from alcohol and all immoral acts. Tuk Bard is practiced by offering food to the monks from the alm bowl, practice of meditation, and many monks stay in the temple for a few days wearing the traditional white robes of the buddha.

Buddha Day Traditions and Activities

Vien Tien is the final activity and the most beautiful. The Buddhists attend a candle lit procession in the evening to their temple of worship holding flowers and three incense sticks. This is a silent homage to their Buddha and his disciples.

• Buddha’s Birthday
• Visakha Puja

Other interesting posts:

• Buddha’s First Sermon
• Dharma Day
• Bhutan Rejoices Descent of Buddha from Heaven

Spring Bank Holiday Date: May 31

Spring Bank Holiday is celebrated by the United Kingdom.

The Spring Bank Holiday weekendin the United Kingdom onthe last Monday in May, nowreplaces what used to be known asWhitsuntide a moveable date depending on what day Easter fell. The name Whitsuntide or Whit Sunday became known as it proved a very popular day for baptism and so associated with white clothing therefore developing from White Sunday.

Spring Bank Holiday History

The religious celebration for the now Spring Bank Holiday was originallyformed from the Pentecost, (Pentekoste) a word originating from the Greeks, meaning the 50th day after Easter, and the 7th Sunday after Easter Sunday. As recorded in the New TestamentWhit Sunday commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit in the form of flames to the apostles. Although the Spring bank holiday has nowreplaced Whitsuntide weekendand doesn’t fall on the same weekend as theChurch’s dates,some people still refer to this bank holiday as Whit weekend, or Whit Monday.

Spring Bank Holiday is usually the first bank holiday weekend of the yearwith any hope of decent weather. Some old traditions are still celebrated like Whit sun Ale, which includescountry fairs, competitionswhich include cheese rolling, music and sporting events celebratedafter the restoration of Charles 2nd who was born on the Monday of a Whit weekend, and who famously reinstated merry-making after the Civil war.

Spring Bank Holiday Traditions and Activities

The Whit sun Ales are so called after being sponsored by local pubs or breweries and is not the name of a beer, however a fair few would be consumed over this holiday weekend.The Spring bank holiday weekend also sees parades of brass bandsfollowed by the localpeople still doing the traditional Whit walks around their hometowns and villages.

Most people celebrate The Spring Bank Holiday enjoying a day off from work or school and spending time with friends and family outdoors or at the coast. The air is filled with BBQ aroma, and the atmospherebears a hint of summer coming. Local parks are full of children and picnic parties, and the local pubs and eateries usually enjoy a roaring trade over this bank holiday weekend.Some stores are open depending on local custom, and public transport run a holiday service.

Other interesting posts:

• Channel Islands Celebrates Spring Bank Holiday
• The Irish toast a Bank Holiday
• Whit Monday Celebrated by Christians Around the Globe

Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Malay Regimen Date: May 31

Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment is a public holiday in Brunei.

Brunei is an oil-rich tropical country that is located on the northern coast of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is a very rich sultanate for its small size and small population. The Muslim country has a number of festivals, public holidays, and national holidays such as New Years. However, one of its most important public holidays is the Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment, celebrated every year by the country on May 31 to commemorate the day the Brunei armed forces were first formed.

History of the Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Malay Regimen in Brunei

The armed forces of Brunei were first formed on May 31, 1961 by the former Sultan Omar Ali. Initially named Askar Melayu Brunei or Brunei Malay in the local language, it was renamed to include the word diraja (royal) by the sultan during its fourth anniversary celebrations. It was again renamed the Royal Brunei Armed Forces on January 1, 1984 after the country attained independence from Britain. Although political parties were allowed to operate in the country for a short while during the 1980s and the 1990s, they were later suppressed, and the Sultan continues to be both head of state as well as head of the army.

Since the army was initially formed, consisting of only 60 members, it has grown dynamically. It has a land force, naval force, and an air force that not only helps to protect the country from terrorists and insurgents but also helps during national disasters and calamities. Because of its history, only citizens with Malay ethnicity can join the army. However, there are no drafts to join the army, and people are free to join it if they want. The Singapore armed forces along with those of Brunei now conduct several joint exercises. Regular training sessions are held by both armies in both countries.

Brunei’s Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment is a public holiday, and most shops, museums, hotels, etc. remain closed on the day. To commemorate this day, parades are held by the various divisions belonging to the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment in different camps throughout the country every year. All of the members of the armed forces participate in the parade. Usually several important people like the sultan, minister of defense, and other figureheads participate in the celebrations. The sultan then inspects the guard of honor which is sometimes followed by the air force’s display of its aircrafts.

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• Brunei Joyously Celebrates National Day
• Brunei Marks the Anniversay of the Revelation Koran
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Trinity Sunday: May 30

Trinity Sunday is a religious observance for Christians all over the world.

Trinity Sunday celebrates among Christians the dogma of the Holy Trinity, the three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Western churches it is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost, and in Eastern Christian Churches on the Sunday of Pentecost.

History of Trinity Sunday

Arius was a church priest that created a non-Trinitarian system of belief among the teachings of the fourth century, and was therefore deemed as a heretic. Many were following his teachings, and the whole concept of the Holy Trinity was denied by Arius and his followers, considering God, the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit as not existing together as one.

Fathers of the Church, like Saint Gregory the Great, dedicated many hymns and Mass canticles to the Holy Trinity and tried to give more importance to the teaching of this doctrine of the Holy Trinity to all Christian believers. Many parishes began to have their own celebrations of the Holy Trinity, and it was not until 1911 that Pius X elevated the feasts to a primary of the first class.

Although it is one of the most debated dogmas of the Christian faith, the idea of the Holy Trinity is much appreciated by Christians all over the world as a representation of their most revered and adored persons: the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

Trinity Sunday Traditions, Customs and Activities

Trinity Sunday is also called The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. On this day there are no special celebrations; it is mostly a day for reflection on the teachings of the Church about the Holy Trinity. There are special readings during Mass, and the rituals are all focused on the Holy Trinity.

It is a Sunday to reflect with joy and thanks in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in all that they have done for Christians and for humanity. The Father is remembered as Christianity’s creator, the Son as its savior, and the Holy Spirit as its comforter. The day is marked by the profession of the Athanasian Creed, a Christian statement of belief that focuses on the Trinitarian doctrine and Christology.

Other interesting posts:

• Advent Sunday Celebrated by Christians Around the Globe
• Whit Monday Celebrated by Christians Around the Globe
• Palm Sunday Observed by Christians Around the World

Ascension of Baha’u'llah: May 29

Ascension of Baha’u'llah is a religious observance for the followers of Bahá’í.

May 29 marks the death anniversary of Baha’u'llah, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith. The Ascension of Baha’u'llah is celebrated all around the world by Bahá’í communities at approximately the same time that Baha’u'llah died, eight hours after sunset on May 29, 1892.

History of Ascension of Baha’u'llah

Baha’u'llah was born in November 12, 1817 and died May 29, 1892. He was born MĂ­rzá Iusayn-`AlĂ­ Nuri and was the founder of the Bahá’í faith. His final years were lived in the Mansion of BahjĂ­ as a de facto prisoner of the Ottoman Empire.

Abdu’l-Bahá, the eldest son of Baha’u'llah, took over most of the organizational work within the Bahá’í, while Baha’u'llah was more devoted to writing and the expansion of the Bahá’í faith. During this time Baha’u'llah wrote the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, his book of laws, several letters explaining his vision of a united world, and many prayers. On May 9, 1892, he contracted a slight fever that became worse over the next days. On May 29, he took his own life.

Baha’u'llah was buried near the Mansion of BahjĂ­. His shrine is the holiest place on Earth for Bahá’ís, something like Mecca to where they all turn to pray each day. He left an impressive heritage of spiritual writings and a personal testimony of life that endured persecutions, imprisonment, and exile, still finding joy in his mission given from God.

Ascension of Baha’u'llah Traditions, Customs and Activities

On this day, many Bahá’í gather at the Mansion of BahjĂ­, in the shrine of Baha’u'llah, in celebration of his life and the teachings that he left them to learn and follow, perfecting their own spiritual lives. All around the world, The Bahá’í community comes together approximately the same time that Baha’u'llah died, eight hours after sunset. There is no formal format of celebration for this day, so the different communities organize themselves as they please.

Usually the life of Baha’u'llah is remembered through his own words and teaching. There is food and conversation, all in a very welcoming spirit to everyone as it is common of the Bahá’í faith. The celebrations are held in a spirit of unity and friendship, open to anyone that would like to attend and experience the Bahá’í living faith and history.

Other interesting posts:

• The Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá Is Celebrated by the Bahá’í
• Bahá’i Celebrates the Birth of the Baha’u'llah
• Declaration of the Báb Commemorated by Followers of Bahá’í

Republic Day: May 28

Republic Day is a public holiday in Armenia.

On this date in 1918, the Armenian National Council declared the independence of Armenia, proclaiming itself the new republic’s temporary government. The holiday is also known as First Republic Day.

History of Republic Day in Armenia

After the end of the Ottoman Empire’s hold on Armenia, Armenians found themselves under the rule of the Russian Empire that fought with Armenians against the Ottomans. In March 1917, after the Russian Revolution that took Tsar Nicholas and the House of Romanov from power, a provisional government was established. This government established the Special Transcaucasian Committee with the intent of healing the wounds of the previous regime.

Major concessions were made to Armenians who looked forward to future cooperation with Russia. However, in October, the Bolsheviks took power in Russia, and Armenia refused to recognize the communist Bolshevik government. A civil war broke out in Russia, and Armenians, still expecting the Bolsheviks to be removed from power, remained united to the Russians.
In February 1918, the groups formed the Transcaucasian Federation with Georgians and Muslims.

As peace meetings were held with the Ottomans, Georgians and Armenians were not happy with the evolution of the agreements and settlements that were being proposed. On May 26, Georgia declared its independence and signed a treaty of protection with Germany. On May 27, the Muslim National Council announced the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. The Armenian National Council found itself lost and abandoned by its regional allies, and, led by Russian Armenian intellectuals, decided to declare its independence on May 28, following the dissolution of political unity of Transcaucasian countries.

Armenia’s Republic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Even though the Democratic Republic of Armenia was short lived, Armenians take pride in this first breath of life of an independent Armenian state. Republic Day was not celebrated during Soviet times, and only after the collapse of the Soviet Union did it gain more importance in Armenia’s annual celebrations.

The president and government officials raise the Armenian flag at the Presidential Palace in Yerevan, capital of Armenia. Outside the palace, the day is an opportunity for opposition leaders to protest against the government. The country’s streets are decorated with the national colors of red, blue, and orange. Across most of Armenia, it is primarily a day to be spent with family and friends, and politics is kept to a minimum during friendly conversation over khash, a typical Armenian dish made with the hooves, the shin bone, and the stomach of a cow.

Other interesting posts:

• Armenian Genocide Memorial Day Commemorated in Armenia
• Victory and Peace Day Commemorated in Armenia
• Armenia Commemorates Constitution Day

Republic Day: May 28

Republic Day is a public holiday in Azerbaijan.

On May 28, 1918, Azerbaijan declared independence from the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, thus forming the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. Azerbaijan became the first democratic parliamentary republic in the Muslim world. This holiday was not celebrated during Soviet times, and it became a public holiday after the collapse of the USSR.

History of Republic Day in Azerbaijan

In 1917, the Russian Caucasus Front collapsed because of the Russian Revolution that deposed Czar Nicholas II of Russia, the last Czar of Russia. The Provisional Government took power, and on March 9, the Special Transcaucasian Committee was formed to govern over the areas occupied on the Caucasian front, Azerbaijan included. The short-lived administration included representatives from Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia.

Azerbaijan wanted independence from Russia, and all over the country local Muslim National Councils were formed. On March 27, delegates from these councils met and elected a central committee. These representatives would become the founding members of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

After the October Bolshevik Revolution, the Soviets created the Transcaucasian Commissariat as the first government of the independent Transcaucasia to strengthen the Georgian-Armenian-Tartar union. On February 24, 1918, the Transcaucasian Commissariat proclaimed Transcaucasia as the independent Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic. This only exposed the fragile union in the region leading to conflicts. On May 26, 1918, after the fall of the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, its bodies were dissolved and the Azerbaijani part of it was renamed the Azerbaijani National Council. On May 28, they proclaimed the foundation of the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic. The first Azerbaijani Republic lasted for only 23 months before being taken again by the Soviet Union. It declared its independence again in 1991 after the collapse of the USSR.

Azerbaijan’s Republic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

On this day in Azerbaijan, people decorate the cities with the national flag, hoping that it will always wave freely in a free and democratic Azerbaijan. The colorful flag is blue for Turkic, red for modernism and progressiveness, and green for Islam. On the streets Azeris enjoy the day as they remember the past and look forward to building Azerbaijan from generations that lived all their lives under the Communist Soviet Union, adapting to a democratic capitalist republic where they can enjoy their own choices in life. In the capital city of Baku, all the official celebrations of Republic Day are held, as the president and government officials raise the national flag at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Azerbaijan in front of a Guard of Honor.

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National Day: May 25

National Day is a public holiday in Argentina.

May 25 is Argentina’s National Day, also known as First Government Day. It celebrates the constitution of the first government that became independent from the colonial Spaniards after the May Revolution in 1810.

History of National Day in Argentina

European explorers arrived in Argentina as early as 1502, led by Américo Vespucio. Spanish navigator Juan Díaz de Solís found the River of Silver in 1516, but was killed as he tried to go up river. Later in 1534, the northern part of Argentina was given to Pedro de Mendoza, who in 1536 built the Port of Santa Maria del Buen Ayre, today the city of Buenos Aires.

Spaniards came to colonize the land, and the Jesuits created as many as 30 missions all over the territory. Much later in 1810, Spain was invaded by Napoleonic forces. In Buenos Aires the viceroy tried to remain faithful to Spain, but he was under great pressure as independent forces gathered and asked for independence for Argentina and surrounding territories. Meetings were held during May Week in 1810, and it was decided that a revolutionary junta should take control of the country.

Meanwhile, outside in Plaza de Mayo, the people were getting nervous and demanded to know what was occurring. On that same day, May 25, the first new government was formed, but it was still under the influence of Spain since many of the members of the junta were Spanish descendents.

It wasn’t until July 9, 1816 that true independence from Spain was declared, following the example of other nations like Peru, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

Argentina’s National Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

May 25 is celebrated all over Argentina, but the main center of celebrations is in Buenos Aires at the Plaza de Mayo, the huge town square in the heart of the city where in 1810 the revolutionary junta took power forming the country of Argentina.

Argentinean flags are displayed everywhere, and people dress in the national colors of white and blue. The sun symbol in the flag commemorates the appearance of the sun through cloudy skies on May 25, 1810 during the first mass demonstration in favor of independence.

Speeches from the President and Government officials are followed by music concerts as most of the population of Buenos Aires gathers in Plaza de Mayo. In other cities similar events are sponsored by the government, with dance, music, and art exhibitions as Argentineans celebrate the birth of their country.

Other interesting posts:

• Argentina Independence Day
• Argentina remembers the Death of San Martin
• Flag Day Observed in Argentina