Holidays Around The World � october calendars

The Chung Yeung Festival is Celebrated in China

Noel — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:00:44 +0000

Chung Yeung Festival Date: October 26

Chung Yeung Festival is a public holiday in China.

Chung Yeung Festival, also known as Autumn Remembrance, takes place on the ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which falls on October 26, 2009. The festival is a day to respect and remember ancestors, a practice widely valued by the Chinese.

History of China’s Chung Yeung Festival

Chung Yeung Jit is also known as “Chung Gau”; Chung meaning “double” and Gau meaning “nine”. Being the ninth day of the ninth month, it is “Double Nine” which symbolizes forever. On this day the Chinese people travel to the hillside to care for the graves of their ancestors and make sacrifices of special paper money and paper winter clothing.

Chung Yeung Festival also commemorates the day during the Han Dynasty (221 – 206 B.C.) when Fei Chang-fei, a Taoist soothsayer, advised a scholar, Huan Jing, to flee to the hills with his family to escape a pending disaster. Huan Jing and his family went to the hillside as directed, taking food and chrysanthemum wine with them. When they returned home they discovered that all the livestock had died from a plague, and they realized the soothsayer had saved their lives.

Chinese people have since commemorated that date by taking food and chrysanthemum wine to picnic on the hillsides. During this season, chrysanthemums, which are symbols of good health and longevity, are at their finest and are admired.

Chinese Chung Yeung Festival Traditions, Customs and Activities

On the day of Chung Yeung Festival, families journey to the graves of their ancestors to pay their respects and perform cleansing rites. After flying kites and hiking in the hills, they enjoy a picnic lunch which often includes ko, a Chinese cake.

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Labour Day Celebrated in New Zealand

Noel — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:00:33 +0000

Labour Day Date: October 24

Labour Day is a public holiday in New Zealand.

In New Zealand, Labour Day commemorated the establishment of the standard eight-hour workday in 1840. It is held annually on the fourth Monday in October, which falls on October 26, 2009.

History of New Zealand’s Labour Day

New Zealand’s workers were among the first in the world to claim the right to an eight-hour workday. The movement toward an eight-hour workday arose in Wellington colony in 1840, where carpenter Samuel Parnell refused to work more than eight hours a day. He encouraged other tradesman to limit their workday to eight hours, resulting in a workers’ meeting resolution being passed in support.

On October 28, 1890, there was a parade held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the eight-hour workday. In celebration, many trade union members attended parades in cities, and government employees were given the day off. The parade began to be held annually in late October as either Labour Day or Eight-Hour Demonstration Day. In 1899, the government passed legislation to establish Labour Day as a public holiday beginning in 1900. In 1910, the government set the holiday on the last Monday of October, to be observed on the same day throughout the nation.

New Zealand Labour Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

New Zealand’s Labour Day celebration is marked by parades in some cities. However, many New Zealanders now regard Labour Day as simply a day off from work. Government buildings and many businesses are closed for the holiday.

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Micronesia Celebrates United Nations Day

Noel — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:00:20 +0000

Micronesia United Nations Day Date: October 24

Micronesia celebrates United Nations Day as a national holiday.

Since 1948, the anniversary of the United Nations Charter coming into force on October 24, 1945 has been celebrated as United Nations Day in Micronesia.

Micronesia United Nations Day History

Since the independence of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), it has established diplomatic relations with most of its Pacific neighbors like Japan, Australia, and the People’s Republic of China. Through various multilateral organizations, regional cooperation is a key element of its foreign relations guidelines. In 1991, the FSM became a member of the United Nations.

In the spring of 1945, the representatives of fifty nations assembled in San Francisco to put the final changes on a document of sweeping importance. This document came to be known as the Charter of the United Nations. It was on October 24 when a sufficient number of endorsements had been obtained to inaugurate the new United Nations officially.

The United Nations General Assembly in 1971 issued a new resolution (United Nations Resolution 2782) which states that the United Nations Day shall be an international holiday and recommended that it should be observed as a public holiday by all United Nations member states. United Nations Day aims to make the whole world aware of the goals and accomplishments of the United Nations Organization. The period from October 20 to 26 is known as United Nations Week, United Nations Day being a part of it.

Micronesia United Nations Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

On the island of Yap in Micronesia, United Nations Day is a big celebration. All schools, government offices, and almost all private organizations on the island are closed for United Nations Day. Traditionally, United Nations Day has been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions, and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization.

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Palau Celebrates United Nations Day

Noel — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:00:13 +0000

Palau United Nations Day Date: October 1

Palau celebrates United Nations Day as a national holiday. Since 1948, the anniversary of the United Nations Charter coming into force on October 24, 1945 has been celebrated as United Nations Day. Palau’s President, Johnson Toribiong, decreed that the United Nations’ Day national public holiday be moved from its usual date of October 24 to Friday, October 2, 2009. In the years to follow, it will be celebrated on the first Friday of October.

Palau United Nations Day History

Palau became part of a United Nations trust territory administered by the US for 47 years. Palau became independent in 1994. Soon after its independence, Palau joined the United Nations on December 15, 1994. In the spring of 1945, the representatives of fifty nations assembled in San Francisco to put the final changes on a document of sweeping importance. This document came to be known as the Charter of the United Nations. It was on October 24 when a sufficient number of endorsements had been obtained to inaugurate the new United Nations officially. The United Nations General Assembly in 1971 issued a new resolution (United Nations Resolution 2782) which stated that the United Nations Day shall be an international holiday and recommended that it should be observed as a public holiday by all of the member states of the United Nations. United Nations Day aims to make the whole world aware of the goals and accomplishments of the United Nations Organization. The period from October 20 to 26 is known as United Nations Week, United Nations Day being a part of it.

Palau United Nations Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Traditionally, United Nations Day has been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions, and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization.

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Nigeria celebrates Independence Day

Noel — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:30:49 +0000

Nigeria Independence Day: October 1

Independence Day is a public holiday in Nigeria.

Nigeria was a colony of Great Britain until it became an independent nation on 1st October, 1960. At present Nigeria is a fast growing nation with impressive foreign exchange earnings from petroleum industry.

History of Nigeria Independence Day

About 2000 years ago, Nigerian people having Nok culture exchanged slaves, Ivory and kola nuts for salt, glass beads, coral, cloth and weapons. They worked with metals like iron and produced terra cotta sculptures. During this period Great Britain was expanding colonies around the world and Nigeria also became a colony of British rulers. In 1900 the British government took control of the Royal Niger Company’s Nigerian territories. After the Second World War the nationalism and independence movements forced the British government to allow autonomy to Nigeria. Thus Nigeria was granted full independence in October 1st 1960. Since independence there were extreme civil wars between northern, Eastern and western regions of Nigeria. The petroleum trade was flourishing and thus Nigeria advanced financially after independence despite the ongoing civil wars and assassinations.

Nigeria Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Nigeria celebrates its independence every year on October 1st, both in the capital Abuja and 36 states. The President broadcasts a live speech on television and radio to mark the commencement of Independence Day celebrations. There will be flag raising ceremony to honor the nation. The armed forces parades with cultural dances are followed after the Presidential speech. The dance troops, singers, students from all states take part in the Independence Day celebration. On this day homage is paid to the freedom fighters and other national leaders who fought for the independence of Nigeria from the colonial rule. The celebration is an ideal platform for national integration in Nigeria.

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Captains Regents Day in San Marino

Noel — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:25:27 +0000

San Marino Captains Regent Day: October 1

Captains Regent Day is a public holiday in San Marino.

The Investiture of the Regent Captains ceremony is rich and elaborate and has followed the same protocol for centuries. San Marino’s heads of state, the two “Regent Captains”, are invested with their powers in Piazza Liberta twice a year.

History of San Marino Captains Regent Day

The charge of Regent Captain is renewable, but three years must have passed since the end of the previous tenure. For those of you who are interested, prospective Captains must be citizens of San Marino and at least 25 years of age.

The ceremony dates back to 1243 and attests to the remarkable harmony and stability of this lilliputian state in that the institution still functions in pretty much the same way today as it did more than 750 years ago.

The practice of dual heads of government is derived directly from the customs of the Roman Republic, equivalent to the consuls of ancient Rome.

The Captains Regent (Capitani Reggenti) of San Marino are elected every six months by the country’s Grand and General Council. The pair serve as heads of state and government. Normally the Regents are chosen from opposing parties. They serve a six-month term. The investiture of the Captains Regent takes place on April 1 and October 1 every year.

San Marino Captains Regent Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

According to the governmental system of San Marino, the third-smallest country in Europe, with only Vatican City and Monaco being smaller, every six months the Great and General Council elects two captains regent to be the heads of state. The regents are chosen from opposing parties so they can keep an eye on each other. They serve a six-month term and, once this term is over, citizens have three days in which to file complaints about the previous regents’ activities. If they warrant it, judicial proceedings against the former head(s) of state can be initiated.

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National Day Parade in China

Noel — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:17:11 +0000

National Day: October 1

National Day is a public holiday in China.

Every year on October 1, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) celebrates the anniversary of its founding. 2010 marks the 61st anniversary of the PRC.

History of National Day in China

Under the leadership of the Communist Party, the Chinese people, on October 1, 1949 declared victory in its War of Liberation against the nationalist forces of Chiang Kai Shek. A grand ceremony marking the founding of the People’s Republic of China was held on this day in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Central People’s Government, solemnly declared the founding of the PRC at the ceremony and raised the first national flag of China himself. 300,000 soldiers and other personnel gathered on the square for the grand parade and procession.

China’s National Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

China celebrates its national day grandly with a variety of organized events. The National Day Parade is included as an important component of the grand ceremony, and it’s organized every year in grand fashion. Fireworks displays are usually held nationwide in all cities, accompanied by National Day concerts.

The National Day Flower Bed festival can be seen in the main squares of many cities during National Day. The flowers in Tiananmen Square are typically the grandest and most beautiful of all. Hanging red Chinese lanterns during China’s National Day symbolizes luck and happiness.

In the past, National Day was usually marked by large political gatherings and speeches, military parades, and state banquets. However, when China’s economy developed in 2000, the holiday was made to last for a full week. This is called a Golden Week. However, controversy within the government about the Golden Week’s effectiveness to increase consumption has led some to reduce or eliminate the Golden Week.

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Independence Day in Cyprus

Noel — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:05:56 +0000

Cyprus Independence Day: October 1

Independence Day is a public holiday in Cyprus.

After a five year struggle, Cyprus won its independence from the UK in 1960. Schools, office and shops are closed.

History of Cyprus Independence Day

Cyprus was a colony of Great Britain from 1878 until 1960. For several centuries, Cyprus had been ruled by the Ottoman, Byzantine, Greek, Egyptian, Persian, Assyrian and Phoenician empires.

After raging guerilla warfare for almost five years, Sir Hugh Foot, the British governor, read a British proclamation declaring the independence of Cyprus.

Archbishop Marakios III, leader of the Greek community was overthrown during a coup by Greece. The Turkish army invaded the northern part of Cyprus.

The country is de facto partitioned into two main parts: The area under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus, comprising about 59 percent of the island’s area; and the Turkish-occupied area in the north, calling itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, covering about 37 percent of the island’s area and recognized only by Turkey.

Cyprus Independence Day Traditions and Activities

Cyprus people celebrate their Independence Day with festivals at schools and communities and with a big military parade, which take place in their capital named Nicosia.

Cyprus’ flag, has the map of its island in yellow (the color of copper, of which Cyprus was famous in the ancient years and took its name from: couprum (copper in latin) Òkipros (Cyprus in Greek). Also, there are two lops from an olive tree, which symbolize peace.

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Summertime Ends in Europe, Ireland, and the United Kingdom

Noel — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 10:00:53 +0000

Summertime Ends in Europe, Ireland, and the United Kingdom – Date: October 31

Summertime Ends in Europe, Ireland, and the United Kingdom

On the last Sunday in October, at 1:00 AM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), summer officially ends in the United Kingdom. The clocks go forward in spring, losing an hour—at 1:00 AM (GMT) the UK moves to 2:00 AM British Summer Time (BST). The clocks go back in autumn, giving an extra hour—at 2:00 AM (BST) the UK moves to 1:00 AM (GMT).

Summertime Ends in Europe, Ireland, and the United Kingdom – History

Originally, the Summertime Act of 1972 was defined as the period when British Summertime starts at 2 AM (GMT) on the morning of the day after the third Saturday in March or the day after the second Saturday. British Summer Time was to end at 2 AM (GMT) on the day after the fourth Saturday in October.

All clocks in the European Union since 1996—of which the UK is a member state—have changed on the same dates and at the same time of 1 AM (GMT). Now, summer time in the UK is in force from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October. This is done in order to bring the date of the start of summer time in line with that used in Europe.

Summertime Ends in Europe, Ireland, and the United Kingdom – Traditions, Customs and Activities

In London, the end of summer kicks off with the Thames Festival that takes place on the weekend starting in September. This is London’s largest free arts festival; it is an open-air celebration of the city and its river. Most families in the countryside, however, make a last ditch effort for an end-of-summer out-of-town camping trip.

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Taiwan Celebrates Chiang Kai-Shek Day

Noel — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 10:00:35 +0000

Chiang Kai-Shek Day Date: October 31

Taiwan celebrates Chiang Kai-Shek Day as a public holiday.

On October 31, Taiwan celebrates Chiang Kai-Shek Day. The birth anniversary of Chiang Kai-Shek is celebrated as a national holiday in Taiwan.

History of Chiang Kai-Shek Day in Taiwan

On October 31, 1887, in Chekiang province, China, Chiang Kai-Shek was born. He was the leader of the Nationalist government of China from 1928 to 1949. As a young man training in the Japanese military, Chiang was attracted to the ideals of republicanism. After completing his military training, he returned to China and fought against the dying Manchu imperial dynasty. He eventually joined forces with Sun Yat-sen’s Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang. During this association both Chiang and Sun became enamored of Soviet communism and even reorganized the Nationalist Party based on a Soviet model. After Sun’s death, Chinese communists, who had been admitted into the party, came into conflict with strict republicans. Chiang’s political shrewdness came to the fore at this point, as he stemmed the influence of the communists in his party while keeping Moscow as an ally.

When the Japanese Army invaded China in 1937, Chiang lost control of the coastal regions and was forced to move his capital from Nanking to Chungking. In an effort to beat the Japanese, he agreed to collaborate with Mao Zedong and his communist army. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Chiang and his government received considerable financial support from the United States. Eventually Chiang led a coup that expelled the communists, feeling that they were too strong a challenge to his own control of the party. In 1949, he lost his nation to communism. Chiang removed himself to Taiwan, where he set up a relatively benign dictatorship—an alternate China.

Taiwan’s Chiang Kai-Shek Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Taiwan celebrates Chiang Kai-Shek’s birthday as a national holiday. All the government offices and schools remain closed on this day, and celebrations are held throughout the country to honor Chiang Kai-Shek.

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