| Asian-Pacific-American
Heritage Month
Designated in 1992 as a month-long celebration of the
contributions Asians and Pacific Islanders have made to the United States.
"Asian Pacific" categorizes people of more than 24 ethnic groups
from countries such as China, Cambodia, Philippines, Korea, Japan, Singapore
and Vietnam. There are more than 12 different languages spoken among Asian/Pacific
Islanders.
Hopi Kachina Dances - During late spring and
early summer, long lines of aboriginal Kachina Dancers, representing many
spirit-powers, perform dances in Hopi pueblos. Dates of observance vary
according to community.
May 1:
Vappu Day (Finland) - Finland’s National
Holiday, celebrates spring and begins on April 30th.
*Santa Cruzan Day (Philippines) - Filipinos
consider this the first day of spring. It commemorates the corresponding
day in the 4th century A.D. when St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine
of Rome, found the holy cross on which Jesus was crucified.
May 2:
Yom Ha-Shoah (Jewish) - Also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, this is a Jewish holiday that takes place on the 27th day of Nisan, in the Hebrew calendar. It is held every year in remembrance of the approximately six million Jews who died in the Holocaust. It is a national holiday in Israel.
Dos de Mayo (Spain)
May 3:
Fiesta de las Cruces (Peru)
May 4:
Wesak (Buddhism) - The most important Buddhist
festival, Wesak celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddah
as one event.
Kokumin-no-kyujitsu (Japan) - Also called "Between
Day," this is a national holiday and part of Golden Week when many
Japanese take paid time off.
May 5:
Cinco de Mayo (Mexico/USA) - This holiday marks
the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the "Batalla de
Puebla" in 1862. It represents Mexican unity and patriotism. It is
much more widely celebrated by Mexican-Americans than Mexicans.
Kodomo no hi (Japan) - Boys Day honors young
boys. Kites in the shape of brightly colored carps are flown, carps
being a symbol of longevity and strength.
Children’s Day (Korea) - Represents
a day of celebration for children, both young and old. Amusement parks,
zoos and national parks become crowded with families enjoying the holiday
in the spring weather.
May
7:
Yom Hazikaron (Jewish) - Israel's memorial
day honoring soldiers who died while fighting for their country.
May
8:
Parents Day (Korea) - On this day children
are to show respect and love for their parents.
Independence Day (Israel) - Yom Ha'atzmaut,
or Israeli national independence day, commemorates the declaration of
independence of Israel in 1948. This year marks Israel's 60th independence
day.
May
9:
Joan of Arc Day (France) - St. Joan
of Arc is the patroness of soldiers and of France. A peasant girl who
believing that she was acting under divine guidance, she led the French
army in a momentous victory at Orleans. She was burned at the stake
on May 30, 1431, at the age of 19. |
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(Click image to enlarge)
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Fei Turner, China
Virginia took justifiable pride in celebrating
its 400th anniversary in 2007, but it has a long way to go to
catch up with the 5,000-year history of China, birthplace of Fei
Turner, Senior Tax Accountant, OJRP.
"Unlike the Unites States, which is only 200
years old, China is one of the world's oldest and most complex
civilizations, with a history of over 5,000 years," Turner says.
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"This leads to long- standing rules of many traditional practices
and beliefs. The nation covers a large geographical region with
customs and traditions varying greatly between towns and cities."
Turner left Communist China at age 19, along with her mother, to
join her father, who was already working in the United States as
a microbiology researcher.
One major difference between Communist China and the United States are freedom of speech and other liberties that the Constitution guarantees, says Turner, a naturalized American citizen. "People are encouraged to think freely and have the opportunities to influence government policies."
Turner says she also appreciates the wide range of economic and
professional opportunities available here. "In addition, I appreciate
the fact that so many employers offer great opportunities to handicapped
people to allow them to grow, career-wise," she says. "It's especially
important to me, since I use a wheelchair, and Dominion has made
every accommodation that I have needed since I was hired."
Turner has not yet returned to China, but she says her parents
do go back for visits every three to four years.
Contrary to popular perception, rice is not the staple food for
the entire country Turner says. "Rice is the staple of southern
cooking, while the northern cousins are more focused on noodles,
bread, pancakes and dinner rolls."
In Chinese culture, the Lunar New Year, known in Chinese as the
Spring Festival, is "undoubtedly the most important holiday for
Chinese communities," Turner says. "The Chinese New Year falls on
different dates of the Gregorian calendar from year to year. This
year, Chinese New year will fall on February 7."
Chinese New Year celebrations are marked by visits to relatives
and friends, new clothing and the gifting of red packets or envelopes
of money to children, Turner explains.
"During the 15 days of Chinese
New Year, families partake in many festivities and superstitions,
which may vary from region to region, as well as from family to
family."
One of the most popular Chinese New Year traditions is shooting
off fireworks, which represents a way of sending out the old year
and welcoming the new, Turner says.
"Another superstition is that the entire house should be cleaned
before the New Year. On New Year's Eve, all brooms, dustpans and
other cleaning equipment are put away. Sweeping or dusting should
not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be
swept away.
While many Chinese people today may not believe in superstitions,
these traditions and customs are still in practice. Many people
think that these tradition, whether believed or not, that provide
continuity with the past and provide the family with an identity."
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Matsu Festival (Taiwan) - Matsu saved
her brother from drowning at the age of 28 and ascended into heaven.
She earned the title of Goddess of the Sea and is the patron of fishermen.
May
10:
Golden Spike Day (Asian-American) - Commemorates
the day in 1869 when the final spike was driven into the Transcontinental
Railroad. Ten thousand Chinese immigrants were brought in as laborers
for the railroad. Their contribution was finally recognized in 1999.
May 13:
Our Lady of Fatima (Portugal) - On May 13,
1917, in Portugal, three shepherd children saw and conversed with the
Virgin Mary in a vision. This event occurred on the 13th day of the month
for six months in a row.
May 14:
Mother’s Day (USA) - A time-honored tradition
of pampering mothers and paying homage to them by giving gifts or making
special considerations for them.
May 21:
Sheep Festival (Cameroon) - Celebrates the
descent of the sheep herds from the mountains.
May 25:
African Freedom (Liberation) Day (Africa,
USA) - Has been a day of celebration of the many achievements and victories
of African people worldwide and a rededication to their current struggle
for freedom, justice and unity. It is marked by parades and rallies in
Africa and the United States.
Independence Day (Jordan) - On this
day in 1946, Jordan gained its independence from Britain.
May 26:
Memorial Day (USA) - A day of remembrance for
those who have died in service to their country.
May 27:
Children’s Day (Nigeria) - All students
are dismissed from school on this day to stay at home and play.
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