Multicultural Calendar for July

Multicultural Calendar - July 2008

Select a Month:

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.

Sam Mathew is an
Environmental Manager in
Cleveland, Ohio.
(Click image to enlarge)

Spotlight: 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.

“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.” •

July 20:

Independence Day (Columbia) - On this day in 1819, Columbia gained independence from Spain.

Umi no hi (Japan) - Japanese honor the importance of the sea and its role in Japanese history on this day.

July 23:

Hurricane Supplication Day (Virgin Islands) - Islanders gather at churches and pray for a hurricane season that isn’t too devastating.

July 26:

Independence Day (Liberia) - A country settled by freed American slaves was declared a nation in 1847.

July 30:

Dharma Day (Buddhist) - Commemorates Buddha’s first discourse following his enlightenment in Sarnath in northern India.

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