Holidays Around The World � october calendar

Kazakhstan Republic Day is a Public Holiday

Noel — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:05:13 +0000

Republic Day Kazakhstan: October 25

Republic Day is a public holiday in Kazakhstan.

In Kazakhstan, October 25 is observed as Republic Day, which celebrates Kazakh nationalism and commemorates the nation’s independence.

History of Kazakhstan’s Republic Day

The Republic of Kazakhstan is located in Eurasia and is bordered by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and the Caspian Sea. It is the 9th largest country in the world, as well as the world’s largest landlocked country. The country is very ethnically and culturally diverse, having been influenced by a number of Asian and eastern European cultures.

The area that is now Kazakhstan has been inhabited by nomadic tribes since before the Stone Age. From the 4th through the 13th century, the area was ruled by a number of nomadic nations. In the early 13th century, Mongols invaded and established administrative districts under the Mongol Empire.

By the 16th century, the tribes had developed a common language, culture, and economy. Beginning in the early 18th century, Kazakh-controlled territories were being colonized by tsarist Russia. Over the next 150 years, the various regions signed treaties of protection with the Russian empire, and by the
1860s, most of the area that is now the Republic of Kazakhstan was under Russian control.

In 1920, the area of present-day Kazakhstan became an autonomous republic within Russia and, in 1936, a Soviet republic. In the 1920s and 30s, the Kazakh economy, under Soviet rule, suffered from disruption to the traditional nomadic and livestock-based agricultural system. Also in the 1930s and 40s, thousands exiled from other parts of the Soviet Union, and hundreds of thousands of refugees from World War II battlefields poured into Kazakhstan. In the 1980s, unrest continued to grow, resulting in large protests and demonstrations. Kazakhstan declared its sovereignty as a republic within the U.S.S.R. in October 1990. Kazakhstan declared independence on December 16, 1991.

Kazakhstan Republic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

National Day in Kazakhstan commemorates the day in October 1990 when Kazakhstan declared it sovereignty from the U.S.S. R. This day is a day of Kazakh nationalism, with many speeches, songs, and performances throughout the country

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Grenada celebrates Thanksgiving Day

Noel — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:52:10 +0000

Grenada Thanksgiving Day: October 25

Grenada Celebrates Thanksgiving Day as a National Holiday

In Grenada, Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday that commemorates the anniversary of the 1983 Caribbean and American military intervention in Grenada. A joint military force arrived in Grenada on Oct 25th to restore stability to the country following the deaths of then Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and some of his colleagues.

Grenada Thanksgiving Day History

Grenada attained the status of “Associated State of the United Kingdom” in 1967. In 1974, independence was granted with Sir Eric Matthew Gairy as the first Prime Minister of Grenada. Conflict between Eric Gairy’s government and some opposition parties gradually broke out including the New Jewel Movement (NJM). In 1976, Gairy’s party won elections but the opposition party did not acknowledge the outcome. The opposition accused Gairy of election fraud. Maurice Bishop and his New Jewel Movement launched a paramilitary attack on the government in 1979 resulting in its overthrow. Even though the constitution was suspended agrarian reforms started by the Gairy government were continued under the reign of Maurice Bishop.

Bernard Coard and his wife Phyllis with backing of the Grenadian Army, led a coup against the government of Maurice Bishop on October 19, 1983. Bishop was later placed under house arrest. These events were followed by street demonstrations in various locations in the island. Bishop had enjoyed strong support from the populace. Later he was freed by a large demonstration in the capital. Coard had Bishop captured and executed by soldiers along with his cabinet ministers. The regime of Coard then put the island under martial law.

U.S. President Ronald Reagan became worried because a communist leaning government overthrew a moderate one. Another concern was Cuban military personnel building a 10,000-foot airstrip on Grenada. Reagan was also worried about the security of the 800 American medical students enrolled at St. George’s School of Medicine in the island. Reagan and his advisers saw that rescuing the students was enough justification to invade the island.
In an operation codenamed Operation Urgent Fury, Grenada was invaded by the allied forces from the United States, the Regional Security System (RSS) and Jamaica on October 25.

Grenada Thanksgiving Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Thanksgiving Day in Grenada is commemorated by formal ceremonies although the event is largely not given much attention in the rural communities.

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Iran remembers Martyrdom of Iman Ali

Noel — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:44:34 +0000

Iran Martyrdom of Imam Ali: October 25

Iran Observes the Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Iman Ali.

This day commemorates the anniversary Imam Ali’s martyrdom at Kufa Mosque. Ali is remembered as the first Imam and Ali was also the first successor of Prophet Muhammad.

Iran Martyrdom of Imam Ali History

Ali ibn Abi Talib was fourth caliph of Islam and also the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Ali was born in Mecca, he was the son of Prophet Muhammad’s uncle. Ali was the first to be converted to Islam and one of the most devoted followers of the Prophet Muhammad. He married Fatima, Muhammad’s daughter, who bore him two sons named Hasan and Husayn. When Prophet Muhammad died in 632, Ali claimed the right to succeed the Prophet. However, in the caliphate, Abu Bakr, Umar I, and Uthman ibn Affan preceded him. He only became caliph in 656.

Ali’s was forced to deal with a rebellion led by Aisha in the first year of his reign. Aisha, Muhammad’s third wife had bitterly opposed Ali’s claim of succession. In late 656, the rebellion was finally suppressed but disputes over Ali’s right to the caliphate lingered. Muawiyah I, rejected to recognize Ali as the caliph and instead he claimed the caliphate for himself. This row persisted until 661, when a member of the Kharijite sect assassinated Ali at Al Kūfah. As a result, Muawiyah I was became the acknowledged caliph.

Those loyal to Ali’s and his opponents continued to stir the Muslim world. The dissension between the Ali’s supporters and his critics led to the split in Islam. The two major opposing groups in Islam are the Shias, who were the adherents of Ali and the Sunnis who are orthodox Muslims.

Iran Martyrdom of Imam Ali Traditions, Customs and Activities

On the anniversary of Imam Ali’s martyrdom, Ayatollah Khamenei of the Islamic Revolution leads the Friday prayers in Tehran.

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Retrocession Day in Taiwan

Noel — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:39:53 +0000

Taiwan Retrocession Day: October 25

Taiwan observes Retrocession Day as a public holiday.

Every year on October 25, Retrocession Day is an annual observance in Taiwan commemorating the end of 50 years of Japanese rule in 1945.

Taiwan Retrocession Day History

Taiwan was given away to the Japanese after China lost the Sino-Japanese War in 1894. This began a half-century of Japanese colonial reign on the island. The colonial rulers treated the people on Taiwan as second rate citizens. The colonial rulers’ era was one of adversity and torment for the islanders. Several unsuccessful uprisings were initiated by the locals and thousands died as a result. Nevertheless, they gave testament to the valiant character of the people. With the signing of the Instrument of Surrender on August 15, 1945, freedom was restored in Taiwan. The Japanese rule of Taiwan officially ended in October 25, 1945. Taiwan designated this day as Retrocession Day in memory of this event.

The people in Taiwan erupted with jubilation and merriment when they heard of this news. Taiwan’s economy grew with exceptional pace after retrocession. The people’s standard of living transformed a great deal for the better.

The proclamation of retrocession was somewhat contentious because none of the Allies acknowledged the turn over of Taiwan’s territorial sovereignty to the ROC when the Japanese surrendered.

Taiwan Retrocession Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

To celebrate the important significance of October 25, every year, families hang the national flag to remind themselves of the days when Taiwan was subjected to foreign rule and to appreciate the present accomplishments of its country. In the Republic of China, Retrocession Day is currently not an official public holiday. The Democratic Progressive Party has downplayed this event during their two recent terms of Taiwan rule because it rejects the idea of Taiwan being taken back by China.

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Zambia Rejoices Independence Day

Noel — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:27:17 +0000

Zambia Independence Day: October 24

Zambia Celebrates Independence Day as a National Holiday
Every year on October 24, Zambia celebrates its Independence Day in commemoration of the day it attained its freedom from British rule in 1964.

Zambia Independence Day History

In 1889, a treaty was signed between the Lozi overlord and a representative of the British South Africa Company in 1889 establishing British protection. Sir Harry Johnston added Eastern Zambia to Britain’s empire during his conquest of Nyasaland (now Malawi).

British administration in Zambia (then called Northern Rhodesia) was the same like its other African territories. A governor heads a small central council composed of Europeans appointed by the British government. The local rulers are allowed greater freedom under this system of indirect rule. In the late 1920s copper was discovered in the north, this development led to the extension of the railway and the building of the first smelting plants in the so-called copper belt. In 1939, Zambia had become a major producer of copper, and the urbanization of the northwest has begun. The arrival of European technicians and administrators to Zambia was brought about by the copper industry.

In 1953, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, comprising the territories of Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland (now Malawi), was dominated by the white population of these territories. Every African politician in the state condemned the federation from its inception by. For Zambia, the path towards independence was more problematic than the other British African territories because the federation had to be broken first.

On 24 October 1964, Northern Rhodesia became the Republic of Zambia, with Kaunda as the first president.

Zambia Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

A large parade in Lusaka marks the celebration of Zambia’s Independence from British rule.

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Israel observes Simchat Torah

Noel — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:04:01 +0000

Israel Simchat Torah: September 30-31

Israel celebrates Simchat Torah as a two day holiday.

On the Hebrew calendar, the autumnal holiday of Sukkot is immediately followed by the Shemini Atzeret. Shemini Atzeret is a two-day holiday and the festivities for the Simchat Torah are observed on the second day. The first day of the two day holiday is called “Shemini Atzeret” and the second day is called “Simchat Torah”. According to Halaka, both days are officially Shemini Atzeret, and the liturgy reflects this.

Israel Simchat Torah History

European Jewish communities during the 9th century designated a special reading from the Prophets to be read on this day. Some time in the 14th century, upon the completion of Deuteronomy, the reading of Genesis was added immediately. The removal of all the Torah scrolls from the ark, and the singing of a separate hymn for each scroll became a general practice in the southern European communities. The wealthier members of the northern European communities would give a dinner for friends and acquaintances after the reading of the Deuteronomy. It became a common practice by the end of the 15 century for the children to tear down and burn the sukkahs during Simchat Torah. Rabbis later permitted dancing in the synagogue on this festival.

The practice of taking out the scrolls and filing fervently around the bimah on the night of the 23nd of Tishri became customary in the 16th century. After the procession on the same night, a number of passages from the Torah were read. The male members of a congregation read the passage from Deut. 33:1-29 as many times as they deemed necessary. This practice is still followed today in Orthodox synagogues.

Israel Simchat Torah Traditions, Customs and Activities

It is during the evening and morning services that the main celebration of Simchat Torah takes place. This is the only time of the year for many Orthodox and Conservative congregations in which the Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark and read during the night. The final parashah of Deuteronomy and the first parashah of Genesis are read in the synagogue in the morning. When the ark is opened, the worshippers stand-up to dance and sing with all the Torah scrolls in a merry celebration. This act often lasts for several hours.

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Reformation Day

Noel — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 23:30:13 +0000

Reformation Day: October 31

Reformation Day is observed in Germany and Slovenia.

As the name of this holiday clearly suggests, it is a day when people across several countries of the world celebrate one of the most important and crucial Reformations to have occurred in the history of Christianity, the Protestant Reformation.

Reformation Day is a religious holiday, which is celebrated in many countries of the world with a largely Christian population. It is celebrated on the last day of October every year. Many countries observe this day as a national or public holiday.

Reformation Day History

Martin Luther is a name, who every Protestant will be aware of. He was a famous professor of theology and a priest. During the year of 1517, the Roman Catholic Church, in order to raise money and funds for St. Peter’s at Rome, started the practice of selling pieces of paper known as the indulgences or pardons, to the general public. The Church induced fear in the people and influenced them to buy these pieces of paper from the Church, so that their sins will be forgiven by buying pardon from the Church.

Martin Luther revolutionized the entire belief system of the Christians when he stood up against the Roman Catholic Church. He proposed theses of ninety-five points, in which he condemned the various malpractices and abuses of the Catholic Church. These ninety-five theses he nailed on the doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg in Germany. The church door was the place for main thoroughfare in Wittenberg and also used to post important public notices. This strategic vantage point gave Luther’s Theses the deserved attention that it should have got.

The Impact of Reformation

Martin Luther had never aimed to start a new church. However, people were greatly influenced by his preaching and writings. He brought to the notice of people some important points from the Bible such as justification by faith and the priesthood of all believers.

Justification by faith means that Christian’s can never buy or earn God’s love, but only have faith in God to seek forgiveness for their sins. Priesthood of all believers means that Christians need not depend on priests or middle men to have a relationship with God.

Thus, the brave and noble act of this individual brought about a complete change in the history of Christianity and gave rise to a new domain of Churches known as the Protestant Church and hence the reformation is also known as the Protestant Reformation. The followers of Luther came to be known as the Lutherans.

Martin Luther is also largely responsible for the singing of hymns in churches.

Reformation Day Traditions and Activities

Today, this day is celebrated with fond remembrance of Martin Luther. People try to reconstruct the day’s events as they might have happened on the same day several years earlier in 1517. They create various art and craft items, paint windows with glass paintings similar to the ones we would see in olden day’s churches. People also try to create old parchment paper, similar to the one that might have been used by Martin Luther and write hymns and prayers on them.

The church has special prayers and services on this day. They try to rejuvenate the doctrines and preaching of Martin Luther and reinforce the importance of faith in God above all other practices such as confessions, seeking absolution and other such malpractices.

Symbol and Color of the reformation Day

The color of the day is red which symbolizes the blood that Lord Jesus Christ had shed for the forgiveness of all our sins.

A very important symbol for the day is a seal that Martin Luther wore as a ring. It is known as the Luther Rose. The Luther Rose consists of a black cross, on a red heart. The heart is set in the middle of a white rose. The white rose is placed on a field of heavenly blue. Encircling this field is a ring of gold.

Reformation Day is a public holiday in Germany and Slovenia.

Reformation Day is also known as:

Martin Luther Reformation Day
Luther Reformation Day

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Cambodia remembers Birthday Anniversary of King Sihanouk

Noel — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 11:18:15 +0000

Birth of King Sihanouk: October 31-November 2

Birth of King Sihanouk is a Public Holiday in Cambodia.

The birth of King Norodom Sihanouk took place on Oct. 31st 1922 in Cambodia at the capital of Phnom Penh. King Norodom Sihanouk was a direct descendant of the 19th century King Norodom. King Sihanouk was ruler of Cambodia on two separate occasions, 1941-1955 and again from1993-2004. As a nationalist leader, King Sihanouk secured Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule and protected his beloved country from the most powerful rivalries.

Cambodia Birth of King Sihanouk History

King Sihanouk was the first of four children from parents Norodom Suramarit and Princess Monivong Kossamak. It is said he parents were musically talented and raised him in a humble manner. King Sihanouk was selected as king in 1941 when he was just 18 years old. In March of 1945, he proclaimed Cambodia independence and came quickly came to terms with the returning French after the war. Both in 1947 and 1951, King Sihanouk opposed demands by legislatures for a re-declaration of independence from France.

In 1953 and effectively completed in 1954, King Sihanouk went into exile in Thailand successfully regaining Cambodia independence from France easily. In 1955, King Sihanouk stepped down as monarch in favour of his father who only served as King for 5 years afterward. During this period the former King Sihanouk served his country under many titles and continued playing a prominent role in Cambodian politics. King Sihanouk regained his crown 52 years later in 1993 when a United Nations sponsored election royalist party was elected to power and approved a new constitution that re-established monarchical rule.

Cambodia Birth of King Sihanouk Customs and Activities

Birth of King Sihanouk Festivals, Customs and Activities Many of the countries people will return to the capital city of Phnom Penh – birthplace of King Sihanouk – for celebration. Many years the popular Cambodian Water Festival and the King’s birthday will coincide with each other which creates a gigantic celebration along the riverfront of the Royal palace. This is typically a 3-day festival with an amazing fireworks display after sunset in front of the Royal Palace. For those who don’t necessarily visit the capital city of Phnom Penh, this is a great excuse to join in the festivities. With the combination of the Water Festival and King’s Sihanouk birthday celebration, the locals are in for quite a spectacular event. Tourists who happen to be in the area are in for a great treat as well.

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Halloween

Noel — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 05:22:26 +0000

Halloween Date: October 31

Halloween Day is celebrated as a festival worldwide.

A festival that is closely related to All Saints day or sometimes even considered the same in some parts of the world is Halloween. The festival itself evokes a great sense of joy among the younger generation of people. The festival comes about as a practice followed among the Christian population and had its genesis in Samhain, a Celtic festival.

Halloween History

The celebration of the festival is carried out in order to pacify the dead. It is believed that on this day the portal that separates the dead and the living is breached and that tragedy follows in the form of illness and crop failures. It is because of this reason that bonfires are carried out as a ritual practice on the day of Halloween so that bones of dead carcasses can be cast into the flames as a sacrifice for the dead.

Halloween mainly is associated with Europe as far as its origins are considered as some of the foremost civilizations like the Celtics often believed in supernatural powers and celebrated festivals and rituals to honor the dead. The festival spread to The United States where it now enjoys cult status thanks mainly due to Hollywood.

Halloween celebrations mainly involve scary proceedings like people wearing masks, bonfires, scary storytelling and events of such an order. This became popular as Hollywood started cashing on the people’s belief in Halloween and started making movies to cater to the scare thirsty followers thereby enabling more people to take part in the celebration of the festival.

Halloween was primarily named as All Hallows’ Eve. But this soon became the popular festival we know now. The celebrations of the festival have been going on for centuries now and the type of celebrations differ upon the place. In the more developed world that is today, kids often practice trick or treat, an event where kids visit people’s houses dressed up as scary monsters and ask for chocolates and candy.

Halloween Traditions and Activities

The event brings much cheer to the kids in town as they get to dress up as some of their favorite creatures. Soon, commercialization made its mark in the celebration of the festival and several companies started cashing in on the costume frenzy. Costumes that were irrelevant to Halloween were manufactured and sold by the thousands. Older generation of celebrations involved skeletons being hung outside houses to pacify the dead. Celebration of Halloween now is almost a universal event, with kids running in costumes and scary movies being watched. The festival has acquired a large fan following and studies show that the average American spends more on Halloween each year than he/she did the previous year.

Interesting facts about Halloween
The pumpkin shaved in the form of a head and with a light inside is done to replicate a person’s head as it is the most powerful part of the human body and is hung outside instead of skeletons used by the ancient Celtics. The festival is believed to have been brought to the Americas by the Irish in 1846 during the Great Famine.

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Czech Republic takes the day off for Independence Day

Noel — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:12:08 +0000

Independence Day in Czech Republic: October 28

Czech Republic celebrates Independence Day as a public holiday.

Czech Republic, on October 28th , celebrates the anniversary of its independence day. Independence day is a National Holiday in Czech Republic.

History of Independence Day in Czech Republic

Looking back at the history of Czech Republic shows that settlements started to happen in the Neolithic era. During the 3rd century The Celts and Boiis arrived and were followed by the Germanic tribes of Marcomanni and Quadi in the 1st century. The Czech or Bohemian state, which was later an important power center in central Europe, was formed in the 9th century after its unification by the Premyslids. Bohemian state remained a part of the Holy Roman Empire for a long time and became the central part of many religious wars during the 15th century. The famous of these wars are the Hussite Wars in 15th century and Thirty Years of War in 17th century. The outcome of these wars was widespread destruction of both, lives and infrastructure. It was at this point that Habsburg captured Bohemia and became a part of Austria-Hungary. During the First World War the Austrian-Hungary Empire buckled and this gave birth to an independent republic of Czechoslovakia in 1918.

Independence Day in Czech Republic – Traditions, Customs and Activities

Czech Republic celebrates its independence day as a national holiday. The country president’s speech is televised and is followed with the awarding of medals to Czechs who have done great deeds. Every October 28th, a few thousand of the Czech Republic’s leading citizens are invited to the Independence Day ceremony at Prague Castle. The great halls of the castles are opened to the guests who partake in food, drink, and schmoozing. Country wide celebrations take place to mark that day in 1918 when Czech emerged from the shadows of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to become a republic.

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