Holidays Around The World � November Calendar

Mauritania marks National Day

Noel — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 09:40:36 +0000

Mauritania National Day: November 28

National Day is a public holiday in Mauritania.

The National Day is a designated date on which celebrations mark the nationhood of a nation or non-sovereign country. On November 28, 1960, Mauritania declared its independence. This nationhood can be symbolized by the date of independence, of becoming republic or a significant date for a patron saint or a ruler. The National Day is celebrated as a national holiday in Mauritania.

Mauritania National Day History

Mauritania did not exist as an independent political unit before 1960. The country was created by colonial France in close alliance with the Arab-Berber theocracy in the Trarza region. The motives for creating the country was to build a bridge between French black West African colonies and Algeria and block the expansionist aspirations of proponents of a greater Morocco. European traders began to show interest in Mauritania in the 15th century. France gained control of the coastal region in 1817, and in 1904 a formal French protectorate was extended over the territory. Morocco opposed the country’s independence in 1960 and for a time tried to absorb it. The political crisis in France that saw the birth of the French Fifth Republic in 1958 necessitated a new French constitution.

In 1958, this new constitution provided for a French Community whose members would be autonomous republics. But status as an autonomous member of the French Community quickly lost its appeal as Mauritania witnessed the wave of nationalism sweeping the African continent. As soon as the Islamic Republic of Mauritania was proclaimed in October 1958, the Territorial Assembly changed its name to the Constituent Assembly and immediately initiated work to draft a national constitution; the document was unanimously adopted by the Constituent Assembly in March 1959 in place of the French constitution, and on November 28, 1960, Mauritania declared its independence.

Mauritania National Day Customs and Activities

People celebrate the day of independence with great pride and honour for their nation. Flag is hosted in the gathering of thousands of people and many patriotic events take place during the day long celebrations. At home people take full advantage of the public holiday and make many delicious meals enjoyed by family and friends.

Other interesting posts:

Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur is a religious observance for the Sikhism followers

Noel — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:45:52 +0000

Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur: November 24

Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur is a religious observance for the Sikhism followers. This day is NOT a public holiday in any country.
Sikhism followers remember the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur on November 24. He was beheaded as he refused to be forced to accept Islam as his religion and now stands as an example of freedom of choosing each one’s religion.

History of Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur

The events that led to the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur started with the ascension to the throne of the Mughal Empire by Emperor Aurangzeb. This Emperor ruled for 49 years and as he came into power he killed his brothers and locked in prison his father. He also tried by force to convert all of his empire to Islam. He managed to convert many using fear and terror and his successors continued his campaign to end the Hindu and Sikh religions.

Guru Tegh Bahadur and all his followers were friends of the Kashmiri Pandits, Hindus known for their high intellect and education. It came a time when the Kashmiri Pandits came under direct threat of extermination from Aurangzeb. So they came to Guru Tegh Bahadur asking for help in defense from the Mughals.

Pandit Kripa Ram met the Guru in Anandpur Sahib. It is said that the Guru was left in a great dilemma, because he understood that someone had to sacrifice himself to raise awareness of the evil ways of the Mughal Emperor. His son of 9 years old, Gobind Rai, the next sikh Guru after the death of his father, gave him the answer: he should be the one to sacrifice himself. So, Guru Tegh Bahadur told the Pandits to inform Aurangzeb that if he was to convert him to Islam then everyone would convert also, if not then they should be left alone.

The Emperor as he heard this, sent his guards to arrest Tegh Bahadur. In 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur arrived in Delhi with some of his followers and were told to convert to Islam or face death. In order to proof his sainthood, he was also tempted to perform miracles. He replied that he would rather die than to give up on his faith and freedom of belief, he did not also perform any miracle by request. Under Aurangzeb’s orders, the Guru and his companions were tortured for days. His companions were sawn, boiled and roasted as the Guru watched the horrendous deaths.

But Guru Tegh Bahadur did not flinch in his resolution and his faith. He was beheaded in a public square, the Chandni Chowk, because he was accused of preventing the spread of Islam. His example lived on, Hindus still today praise him for stepping up to defend them, and he has earned the title of Shield of India.

Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Traditions, Customs and Activities

Guru Tegh Bahdur Martyrdom Day is one of the ten most important festivals observed by all Sikhs. Like in the other festivals it is custom for all Sikhs in a community to organize a procession, a Prabhat Pherys, where the Panj Pyares lead the procession and are followed by musicians, dancers and gatka teams performing martial arts.

Passages from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Scriptures of Sikh Gurus, are read out loud during the day, and lectures are organized to preach and teach the scriptures, especially the ones of Guru Tegh Bahadur. They sing hymns while dancing in joy, as Sikhs gathered at the gurdwaras, the places of worship for Sikhs. At early morning there are morning hymns, or Asa di Var, followed by an exposition of the Guru Granth Sahib. During the day there is food served and everybody joins in prayers and joyous singing. Around sunset it is time for the Rehras, or evening prayers.

Other interesting posts:

Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrated in Belize

Noel — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:47:52 +0000

Garifuna Settlement Day Date: November 16

Garifuna Settlement Day is a public holiday in Belize.

Garifuna Settle Day is a holiday that is celebrated in Belize as a day of remembrance, pride, and strength of the Garifuna culture.

History of Garifuna Settlement Day

Belize is a country in Central America that is bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea. The country has a very low
population with 320,000 people and is considered one of the lowest populated countries in the world. Even though the country suffers from low population, tourism levels are very high. The mild climate, the ability to snorkel and scuba dive in safe waters, and the offshore islands bring almost two million dollars a year into the country from tourists all over the world.

Belize has a very diverse society. There are many languages spoken in Belize such as Spanish and Creole, but Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language. Belize consists of many cultural groups, Garifuna being one of the primary groups of the country.

The Garifuna culture (or Black Caribs) is a culture of uniqueness. The group first appeared over 300 years ago when escaped slaves mixed with Carib Indian immigrants who had given them refuge on Saint Vincent island. The Garifuna people adopted to Carib language because they were forced by colonial masters to do so, but they cherished their African music and religious traditions so much that they continued to celebrate them.

In 1795, the Garifuna people rebelled against the British and were punished by being deported to the island near Honduras called Roatan. When this ocurred, the Garinua people slowly began to establish communities along the coasts of southern Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, therefore becoming one of the most diverse and dominant cultures in Belize. In November of each year, Garifuna Settlement Day is celebrated to remember the arrival of the this group to the country of Belize.

Belize Garifuna Settlement Day Public Traditions, Customs, and Activities

On Garifuna Settlement Day, locals typically re-enact the Garifuna’s arrival in Belize by slipping out to sea in boats, and riding the surf onto the shore, waving palm fronds and banana leaves to symbolize the cassava that sustained their ancestors. This ritual, rich in music and dance, helps celebrate the day in history and sustain Garífuna culture.

Other interesting posts:

Bhutan Rejoices Descent of Buddha from Heaven

Noel — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:43:58 +0000

Descent of Buddha from Heaven: November 9

Bhutan Observes Descent of Buddha from Heaven as a public holiday.

Every year on the twenty-second day of the ninth month of the Tibetan Calendar, Bhutan celebrates the Descent of Buddha from Heaven.

Bhutan Descent of Buddha from Heaven History

On his fourty-first year, the Buddha defeated all opponents when he participated in a great debate at Shravasti, by manifesting miracles. According to Buddhist beliefs, Buddha vanished in order to avoid being offered gifts and being treated as a god. Buddha then reappeared in heaven in the dominion of 33 gods. There he taught a company of heavenly beings that included his mother. After three months, one of the Great Disciples begged Buddha to return to earth.

Buddha agreed to return in a week’s time. On the seventh day, Indra and Brahma made the triple staircase for Buddhas return to earth. He descended the central flight of steps at the appointed time, with Indra and Brahma on both sides as they were received by crowds that gathered at the base of the stairs. Buddhist legends says that the triple staircase used by Buddha, Brahma and Indra slowly vanished. The only part that remained was the part enclosed by Emperor Ashoka’s temple. Even that disappeared as time passed.

Bhutan Descent of Buddha from Heaven Traditions, Customs and Activities

To Buddhists the following events like holidays, eclipses, equinoxes and solstices, are to be considered moments of auspicious relationships. Any activities during those holy days are believed to have an effect on one’s karma than on any other day. These days are recommended by Tibetans and Buddhists for spiritual practices only. They believe that the results of these holy days increase countless times over for the good of all.

Other interesting posts:

Diwali is a Hindu festival celebrated all over the world

Noel — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:45:35 +0000

Diwali Festival: November 5

Diwali is a religious 5 day festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world. It is also a public holiday in Fiji, India, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago.

Diwali is a beautiful Hindu festival that is celebrated during 5 days and is known as the Festival of Lights. It literally means Row of Lights in Sanskrit. It begins late in the month of Ashwin with Dhan Teras the first day, and ends in the beginning of month Kartika, the last day is called Yama Dvitiya.

History of Diwali

There are many stories and legends behind the celebrations of Diwali. Mainly it marks victories over evil.

First victory is the return of Lord Raama to Ayodhya after fighting and defeating demon king Ravana. The legend says that the wife of Raama, Sita, was kidnapped by Ravana, king of Lanka. To free his wife, Raama faced Ravana in a fight, the fight between the two caused a great war between their kingdoms, Lanka and Ayodhya. During the war Raama managed to defeat Ravana in combat and free Sita. When the two of them returned to their kingdom of Ayodhya, the people was filled with joy for the victory, they decorated their homes and streets with small lights called diyas to welcome their victorious king.

Another story is told to be behind the celebrations of Diwali. Demon King Nakasur, ruler of Pragjyotishpur, was victorious over Lord Indra in a war. As winner he decided to take as his spoils the earrings from Mother Goddess Aditi, who was a relative of Satyabhama, wife of Lord Krishna. Not happy only with this, he took prisoner in his harem thousands of daughters from the Gods. Satyabhama wasn’t the least happy with what had happened, so together with her husband, Lord Krishna, they went after Narakasur and defeated him without mercy. The women were freed from the harem and the earring returned to Mother goddess Aditi.

One final story, and that is behind the biggest celebration of Diwali, is about the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity. There was a time when gods and demons were at war, like always they seem to be in an eternal fight between good and evil, and the ocean was churned because of their fights, this was called the Samudra Manthan. So, to prevent greater evils to come from that war, Lakshmi incarnated as a beautiful woman that managed to distract all the demons.

Since the festival has 5 days, each day has its own celebrations and reasons to be and all of these divinities are adored and praised with the lighting of diyas in their house and all over the cities.

Diwali Traditions, Customs and Activities

Diwali is celebrated by days, and in each of the 5 days there different activities.

The first day is the festival of Dhanteras. It is day to worship Lord Yamaraj, God of Death, by lighting a Yama-Diya durng the night and offer prayers. By tradition people on this day a utensil for their houses, any kind of utensil for the kitchen or anything else.

On the second day there is the festival of Choti Diwali, it celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasur. On this day the tradition is to take baths and receive massages with oils, if you do not take a bath on this day you will go to Hell, at least that is what traditional sayings foretell.

The third day is the festival of Lakshmi Puja and is the main day of celebrations. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day and prayers are offered to her for wealth and prosperity. People clean their homes the best they can and decorate the homes with beautiful lights and in the streets there are great fireworks displays.

The fourth day is the festival of Govardhan Puja, Lord Govardhan is worshipped on this day for joining Lord Krishna in protecting the people of Vraja from heavy rains.

The fifth and final day is dedicated to brothers and sisters, legend says that on this day Lord Yamaraj visited his sister Yamuna and blessed her, so if brothers visit their sister son this day like Lord Yamaraj, they will also be blessed and be liberated from all their sins. Sisters also get sweets on this day and not only spiritual gifts.

During the festival there are many other activities, it is tradition to play card games to pass the time. Everyone likes to play with fireworks and it seems like New Year at night during the festival days as everybody lights fireworks on the streets. Great dinners and lunches are prepared on these days for the whole family, while it is tradition to offer sweets to women on these days, and especially to your sisters on the last day.

As preparation for the festival, and for the main day of Diwali, houses are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with flowers, wall pictures of the gods and placing diyas, or little lights, on the house to light them all throughout the five days. Children especially like to prepare different ways to make decorations with things that they find in the streets or in the house, so that they can also please the gods.

Other interesting posts:

Cambodia celebrates Water Festival

Noel — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:05:08 +0000

Cambodia Water Festival: November 2-4

Water Festival is a Public Holiday in Cambodia.

November 2, 2009, the Cambodia Water festival (Bon Om Touk) is the largest 3-day festival in Phnom Penh celebrating the end of the raining season and the start of the fishing season. The Water Festival is a national holiday that is looked forward to all year. While other festival and celebrations are important in their own way in Cambodia, the Water Festival seems to outshine them all. It is said over a million people makes their way to the capital city during the festivities.

Cambodia Water Festival History

The history of the Cambodian water Festival is said to date back to the 12th century. While there are different accounts of why the water festival started one of them includes King Jayavarman VII wanting to kick off the Cambodian fishing season in style by keeping the river happy and ensuring a bountiful harvest will come yearly – which coincides with the Full Moon. Another possibility is that the boat races were a way to train his navy for battle. Whatever the case may be, the point s Cambodians enjoys this festival a great deal and will continue to do so. Fishing is a vital source of financial stability for the Cambodian person -which is why they would want to keep the river happy by honouring it.

Cambodia Water Festival Customs and Activities

Many months before the Water Festival begins, the locals prepare their fishing boats by decorating them in lavish, colorful decorations – boats with large eyes on the prowl to discourage evil spirits. Thousands of local flock watch the boat races and cheer for their favorites. Day 2 is when the boat races really start to begin. A massive fireworks display also takes place that will light up the night sky. The entire area has a circus atmosphere that locals and tourists will surely enjoy. Unlike western boat races, Cambodian boat crew face forward instead of backward. While the other festivities are great, the boat races at the Water Festival are the main event and not to be missed.

Other interesting posts:

All Souls Day – “May the Dead Rest in Peace”

Noel — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:28:21 +0000

All Souls Day: November 2

All Souls Day is celebrated in Mexica, USA, Latin America, South America and Canada.

All Souls Day is a day celebrated in Mexico, Latin America, South America El Día de los Muertos. The holiday is dedicated for the living persons to visit their dead relatives in their graves and to honor them with those items which they were very fond of. All Souls Day is also known as “The Day of the Dead”.

Day of the Dead History

Mexico known for its Latin American connections is also known for its unique holidays and cultures. Dia de los Muertos is also said to have been originated in Mexico. The day of the dead has been observed for a very long time in the Mexican region. Their origins can be tracked back up to the Zaqpotec, Aztec, and Maya’s. Rituals to celebrate the death of loved ones and to honour them, has been carried on for more than 2500 – 3000 years. The festival of El Día de los Muertos is celebrated on the 2nd of November every year.

The celebrations in Mexico are dedicated to goddess Mictecacihuatl. The 1st of November honours the infants and children’s and 2nd of November honour the adults. It is believed that during this day it is possible for the dead to visit their loved ones. People visit the dead person’s cemeteries and offer them with prayers and food and beverages. They also presented them with articles, which the deceased were very fond of. Some people sell out interesting anecdotes about the dead and a few get drunk in remembrance of the dead. It is believed that the dead eat the nutritional value present in the foods and what we eat after presenting to them is devoid of all these.

Day of the Dead Customs and Activities

The celebrations held to mourn the dead are highly varied. Some people build new altars, and decorate the graves. The people gather food for the dead and present them at the graves. Toys and play stuff are presented to children. Bottles of drinks such as tequila and atole jars are brought for the older adults. The people also present them with trinkets and other articles of joy for the dead. Chocolate or Sugar skulls are made and presented to the dead with their name written on the forehead. A few other people even present them with sleeping bags for the souls of the departed to sleep in after their tiring journey. The day of the dead is celebrated in several parts o the world under several names. Whichever be the form of celebrations, the respect and love for the dead loved ones brings back memories of those persons which will remain as warm memories in the living person’s hearts.

There is a popular belief on the theory that there is life after death. Whether the theory is true or not, we may never know for sure. Either way the people of the world always have an emotional bonding with their loved ones even when they are dead. People go to great extents to honour their dead loved ones and people have dedicated special days for their remembrance of the dead.

Other interesting posts:

Bulgaria marks Revival Day

Noel — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 15:55:38 +0000

Bulgaria Revival Day: November 1

Revival Day is a public holiday in Bulgaria.

November 1, 2009 Bulgarian or National Revival day rakes place on November annually and honours the cultural and spiritual leaders – enlighten men & women, fighters, and book men – who contributed to Bulgarian liberation and strove form a independent nation church, culture, and language. The first National Revival Day was marked in 1909. Bulgaria is a country of southeast Europe on the Black Sea with a current population estimate of over seven-million.

Bulgaria is a very resourceful country that produces wheat, tobacco, barley, wine, brandy, vegetables, sugar beet and sunflower seeds. Industrialization is also very important in Bulgaria since the 1940′s – coal, lignite, iron, copper, lead, and natural gas are produced. About 85% of the country is made up of Bulgarians with the rest being 10% Turks and 5% Gypsies.

History of Bulgarian Revival Day

Bulgaria was settled by Slavs in the 6th century and was subjected to the Ottoman Empire from the late 14th century until 1908. November 1 1923 King Boris III proclaims the day a national celebration. The history of Bulgaria’s Revival Day almost didn’t exist at one point in 1945 the celebration is banned. The Soviet Union invaded in 1944 and established the People’s Republic of Bulgaria in 1947. Communist rule ended with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989 and 1992 Bulgaria Revival Day date was restored and the celebrations continued – in a sense, Bulgaria revived the revival.

While the 1990′s gave Bulgaria the opportunity to create their own government, it was more difficult than initially anticipated. No centralized government could stabilize in Bulgaria. In 2009, elections gave the anti-corruption Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria, led by Sofia Mayor Boiko Borisov, a near majority of the seats in the parliament and some 40% of the vote.

Bulgarian Revival Day Festivals, Customs and Activities

On Bulgarian Revival Day the tradition of raising the national flag is done before the Presidency. Bulgarian Revival day is not one of the more festive days in Bulgarian history – it does not include magnificent firework displays or parades. More important than parades and fireworks, Bulgarian Revival gave the Bulgarians gave hope to the locals that they can be equal – politically and socially – from other politically independent and socially organized and culturally emancipated nations. With a stable government in place Bulgaria has the potential for a brighter future and rise to a new level Bulgarians hoped for.

Other interesting posts:

Portugal Remembers All Saints

Noel — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 15:45:20 +0000

All Saints’ Day: November 1

All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in Portugal.

All Saints’ Day is a celebration of all Christian saints, known and unknown, and especially for those saints who have no special feast days of their own. It is observed worldwide by Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Protestant churches. In Portugal it is annually held on November 1, as with many western countries and in many eastern churches it is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

History of All Saints’ Day

Some sources say that the idea behind All Saints’ Day dates back to the Greece. Christians in Greece during the fourth century would celebrate a festival, in late May or early June, in honor of all saints and martyrs. Other sources state that a celebration known as “All Martyrs” began as early as the third century. Anyway, the idea behind it was that there were so many martyrs and saints within the Christian faith that it was hard to keep a day for each, therefore this day would celebrate all those that were left out of the official Church calendar. Known is that Pope Gregory IV made All Saints’ Day an official holiday of the Catholic Church in the year 837. Pope Gregory IV chose the date, November 1, as an attempt to Christianize several pagan festivities known as the Festival of the Dead, or Feast of Saman, lord of Death, mainly a Celtic festivity. Later, in the year of 993, the monastery of Cluny, in France, began the celebration of All Souls’ Day on November 2, which quickly spread among Christian Communities.

All Saints’ Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

All Saints’ Day is observed by Christians around the world. In Portugal, churches ceremonies are held in memory of the patron’s saints of chapels, churches and parishes. Later on the day, people will bring flower arrangements to the graves of dead relatives and light candles as a symbol to enlighten their way into Heaven. All Saints’ Day is closely related and celebrated in the same date, even though All Souls’ Day is on the next day. It is common to buy on this day a very typical Portuguese cake called Velhote, or Old Man in English.