Holidays Around The World � may calendars

Memorial Day

Noel — Tue, 31 May 2011 21:44:48 +0000

Memorial Day Date: May 31

Memorial Day is celebrated in the USA as a public holiday.

Memorial day is formerly known as Decoration day and commemorates the men and women who died during military service for the USA.

Memorial Day History

The original recognised Memorial Day is the 30th of May however it is now observed on the last Monday in May to create a three day weekend. In the first instance Memorial day (Decoration day) wascreated to honour soldiers of the civil war and is celebrated near the day of reunification. After world war one Memorial Day has expanded to remember all the American soldiers who have lost their lives in military action in any war. The tradition is to decorate the graves of comrades and family and in smaller towns many hold memorial services. A moment of remembrance takes place at 3PM Eastern Timeand the USA flag is flown at half mast from dawn until noon on that day.

Memorial Day Traditions and Activities

Many people honour Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials wearing poppies signifying a memorial to those lost in war as a result of the John McRae poem ‘Flanders Fields’.Some Americans view Memorial Day as the beginning of summer and use the time off to have picnics, barbecues, family gatherings and sporting events. One of the longest Memorial Day sporting events is the Indianapolis 500 automobile race. This race has been in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911. In smaller southern communities many local organizations and emergency services celebrateMemorial Day by organizing parades and all family graves are decorated. In many towns the whole community celebrate Memorial Day by sharing a barbecue or picnic. In somesmall towns local soldiers are remembered during local church services or services in memorial parks.

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Spring Bank Holiday (Whit Weekend)

Noel — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:32:33 +0000

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.

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Brunei Celebrates Its Royal Brunei Malay Regiment

Noel — Mon, 30 May 2011 10:00:52 +0000

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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Trinity Sunday Celebrated by Christians Around the Globe

Noel — Sun, 29 May 2011 10:00:34 +0000

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.

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Ascension of Baha’u'llah Commemorated by Followers of Bahá’í

Noel — Sat, 28 May 2011 10:00:56 +0000

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 Mírzá Iusayn-`Alí Nuri and was the founder of the Bahá’í faith. His final years were lived in the Mansion of Bahjí 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 Bahjí. 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 Bahjí, 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.

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Republic Day Commemorated in Armenia

Noel — Fri, 27 May 2011 10:00:39 +0000

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.

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Azerbaijan Celebrates Republic Day

Noel — Fri, 27 May 2011 10:00:24 +0000

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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Argentina Festively Celebrates Its National Day

Noel — Tue, 24 May 2011 10:00:40 +0000

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.

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Whit Monday Celebrated by Christians Around the Globe

Noel — Mon, 23 May 2011 10:00:41 +0000

Whit Monday: May 24

Whit Monday is a Christian holiday celebrated around the world.

Whit Monday, popularly known as the Monday of the Holy Spirit or Pentecost Monday, is a day celebrated by Christians around the world directly after the day of Pentecost. The holiday is considered moveable as its date is determined by the date of Easter in both the Eastern and Western forms of Christianity.

History of Whit Monday

Observed by Christians as early as the first century AD, Whit Monday is the day that the Holy Ghost came upon the disciples of Jesus Christ who received the “gift of tongues” on the 50th day after Easter, according to the New Testament. It gets its name from Whitsunday which is a reference to the white cloths worn by those who are newly baptized on Pentecost.

The word Pentecost derives from the Greek pentekoste, a reference to the fiftieth day. In ancient times, the feast of Pentecost was originally calculated with Easter Sunday being the first day of fifty, putting the feast of Pentecost on Pentecost Monday.

In recent years, Whit Monday’s status as a public holiday has changed in many countries. It’s no longer a public holiday in many of the former British colonies, and recently Ireland removed the public status of it. France changed its status in the mid-2000s to an unpaid word day with the lost funds being donated to charity. However, France re-instated it as a public holiday in 2008.

Whit Monday Traditions, Customs and Activities

Many countries throughout the world celebrate this day in their own local ways. Many hymns are sung during the services on Monday of the Holy Spirit in Eastern Orthodox Churches. After this period, the weeks start ritually on Mondays instead of Sundays until the next holy week which will conclude on a Saturday. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, many of the same rituals performed on Pentecost are again practiced on Wit Monday.

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Labour Day Observed in Bermuda

Noel — Mon, 23 May 2011 10:00:35 +0000

Bermuda Day: May 24

Labour Day is a public holiday in Bermuda.

The people of Bermuda have long struggled for equality among all racial and cultural elements. Steeped in a slave past, the people of the country have fought to also bring about fairness in work relations. The creation of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party in the 1960s and Labor Day in the 1980s were part of a natural progression towards a safe and fair workplace for the people.

History of Labour Day in Bermuda

Bermuda saw its fair share of the slavery trade after its accidental founding as a colony in 1609. Eventually, slavery was prohibited in Bermuda in 1807, and all slaves were set free in 1834. But as tourism slowly became more popular and foreigners began settling on the island, disparities between the races and the classes once again became apparent.

As racial discrimination and economic disparity took hold, many Bermuda citizens worked to make Bermuda a more equitable place. One of the many forces behind the equality movement was the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party, formed in 1963. The party initially sought to remove racial barriers to land ownership, universal voting rights, and fair employment.

The party was successful early on, managing to fill nine out of thirty-six seats in parliament. However, conservative groups quickly grew worried, and the United Bermuda Party was formed to oppose the Labour Party. What followed was decades of United Bermuda Party rule accompanied by riots, assassinations, and political and civil unrest.

Of particular importance was the hanging of Erskine Burrows and Larry Tacklyn on December 2, 1977. Both were connected to the assassination of key political and government officials in 1972 and 1973. Their hanging sparked three days of riots in Casemates Prison and across other parts of the island. This led the British to send in the House of Lords’ David Pitt of Hampstead to Bermuda, who set up a committee to investigate the causes of those riots and others that had occurred in prior years.

The Pitt Commission Report of 1978 shone a bright spotlight on the far-reaching racial and economic disparities present in Bermuda. The commission found that Bermuda’s “parliamentary process did not properly represent Bermuda’s citizens.” This report may have been a major impetus for the Labour Party to push forward change. 1980 saw the largest turnout of registered voters ever, but Labour narrowly lost.

The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party soon after pushed legislation to bring further awareness of disparity in the workplace in the form of a proposal to create an official Labour Day. The part was successful in its attempt, and in 1982, the country celebrated its first Labour Day.

“As with every achievement of the workers and their organizations, this holiday was won only after a long struggle and even then the true wishes of the workers are never given to them in the manner in which worker’s demand,” said Freddie Wade, then Labour and Home Affairs Minister, during the first Labour Day ceremonies.

Years later in 1998, after 35 years of rule by the United Bermuda Party, Progressive Labour won putting for the first time a female in the position of Premier of Bermuda. Since then, Labour Day has taken on a stronger role in the lives of Bermuda’s citizens.

Bermuda’s Labour Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Most of Bermuda’s industry unions organize and sponsor events for Labour Day including parades, boat races, and speeches. Speeches have taken on a very visible presence during Labour Day proceedings as members of the major political parties and labor unions discuss what to be done to provide further equality to Bermuda’s people. Traditionally the speeches have been held at Bernards Park, but there are rumors that the event will change location in the near future.

Many citizens of Bermuda argue that there is still plenty of economic disparity on the island, many pointing to numbers that show a majority of recently created jobs going to non-native residents. Despite many advances on the island, it’s clear that Labour Day still means something important to a populous that has long grappled with equality.

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