May 2010

Photo by Theresa MillerAccording to Theresa Miller, diversity is about "being different, but no one pays attention or is bothered by the difference."

An Executive Assistant in Richmond, Va., Miller said her photo shows "different animals getting along together." The photo was taken at "our farm in Brunswick County, Va., with our labs and Roosters eating breakfast together in front of the barn."
 

Multicultural Calendar

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:

• Dos de Mayo (Spain) 

May 3:

• Fiesta de las Cruces (Peru) 

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 6:

• 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.
• Parents Day (Korea) - On this day children are to show respect and love for their parents.

May 9:

• 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 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 ocurred on the 13th day of the month for six months in a row.

May 19:

• Shavu'ot (Jewish) - Also known as the Festival of Weeks, Shavu'ot is the second of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Passover and Sukkot). Shavu'ot commemorates the time when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple. This is known as Hag ha-Bikkurim (the Festival of the First Fruits). Shavu'ot also celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, also known as Hag Matan Torateinu (the Festival of the Giving of Our Torah). 

May 21:

• Wesak (Buddhism) - The most important Buddhist festival, Wesak celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddah as one event.
• 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 27:

• Children's Day (Nigeria) - All students are dismissed from school on this day to stay at home and play.

May 30:

• 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.

May 31:

• Memorial Day (USA) - A day of remembrance for those who have died in service to their country.