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.

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.

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.