| July - August:
Sun Dance - For many tribes of Plains Indians, the Sun Dance was
a major ritual (Aboriginal) communal religious ceremony. Generally held
in early summer, the four-day ceremony involves sacrifice and supplication
to ensure harmony between all living beings.
July - August: Green Corn Ceremony - Performed
by some Oklahoma tribes as a time of Aboriginal renewal. The ceremony
involves participation in sweatlodge ceremonies, dances, offerings and
fasting.
July 1:
Canada Day (Canada) - On July 1, 1867, the
British North America Act created the Canadian federal government. The
BNA proclaimed "one Dominion under the name of Canada," hence
the original title "Dominion Day." Dominion Day was officially
renamed "Canada Day" by an act of Parliament on October 27,
1982.
July 4:
Independence Day (USA) - On this day in 1776,
the 13 U.S. colonies claimed autonomy from England. Today, the day is
most commonly celebrated with picnics, barbecues and fireworks.
July 7:
Tanabata or the Vega Star (Japan)
- Celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th moon. According to festival legend,
the weaver princess star, Vega, fell in love with the herdboy star, Altair.
They were allowed to meet once a year when the Vega and Altair constellations
drew near and the lovers met over a bridge made by a flock of birds.
July 9:
Independence Day (Argentina) - On July 9, 1816,
an Argentine congress met at Tucuman, declaring Argentine independence
and adopting a constitution.
July 10:
Independence Day (Bahamas) - On July 10, 1974,
the Bahamas was recognized as an independent nation, and throughout the
island there is grand celebration commemorating it.
July 12:
Battle of Boyne Day (Ireland) - In Northern
Ireland, this day commemorates the victory in 1690 of Protestant King
William III over Catholic King James II, placing political control of
Ireland in the hands of the Protestants.
July 14:
Bastille Day (France) - A national holiday
in France. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789,
when prisoners were set free, thus ending the French monarchy.
Obon (Buddhism) - It is celebrated in honor
of their deceased ancestors.
July
17:
Munoz-Rivera Day (Puerto Rico) - Celebrates
the anniversary of the birth of Luis Munoz-Rivera, a patriot, journalist
and nationalist. |
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(Click image to enlarge) |
Sam
Mathew , India
Just as builders use composite
materials, such as concrete, bricks and plywood, to build a sturdy
home, Sam Mathew’s native region of Kerala, in southern
India, built a strong culture from a diverse mix of religions,
philosophies and ideologies.
“Kerala, my ancestral land,
has a composite culture that welcomes all religions, philosophies
and ideologies,” says Mathew, Manager, Environmental, Gas
Environmental Services in Cleveland.
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“Throughout
history, Hindus, Buddhists, Arabs, Christians and Jews not only
coexisted peacefully, but also interacted to create a composite
culture.”
Mathew
explains that Kerala is known as the “Spice Coast.”
In ancient times, “traders from Arabia came down to trade
spices, establishing shipping routes, which eventually led to some
famous landings of traders and explorers, resulting in significant
globalization and cultural mingling.” Those visitors included
St. Thomas the Apostle, who carried Christianity to India 2,000
years ago, and Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, commander of
the first ships to sail directly from Europe to India in 1498.
“The Indian culture was formed as a result of a steady stream
of immigration thousands of years ago,” Mathew says. “A
sense of tolerance and the spirit of accommodation has created a
fusion of various cultures.”
Kerala is home to several Indian classical dance forms, including:
Koodiattam, a Sanskrit drama associated with temple rituals;
Kathakali, a world famous dance drama; and Mohiniattam,
the dance of the enchantress.
Kerala also is the home of Kalarippayattu,
one of the world’s oldest forms of martial arts.
Mathew explains that India does not have a national dish per se,
adding that “the cuisine is diverse as ingredients, spices
and cooking methods vary from region to region.” Spicy foods
and sweets are popular, while rice and wheat are staple foods. People
living in Southern India rely more on tropical staples, fruit and
seafood, he says.
Major holidays and festivals celebrated in Kerala include Diwali,
a Hindu festival of lights, Onam, an annual harvest festival, Eid,
an Islamic religious festival, and Christmas.
“Indian culture is admired and respected all over the world
for its beauty and depth,” Mathew says. “Almost every
Indian custom and tradition has either a scientific, logical, historical,
social or spiritual significance.
A unique feature of Indian culture
is its self-rejuvenating capacity. Customs that are obsolete are
gradually dropped. The culture tailors itself constantly to take
the best of the modern age without losing its roots.” • |
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