What is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?, Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the past, present, and future of Native peoples throughout the United States. The holiday recognizes the legacy and impact of colonialism on Native communities, and it also celebrates the cultures, contributions, and resilience of contemporary Native peoples. The idea was born as a counter-celebration to Columbus Day in 1977, at a United Nations sponsored conference…, Why is the Holiday Important?, Currently, there are over 600 Native Nations in the US, and 6.8 million Americans identify as Native American (about 2% of the country’s total population). Yet representation for Native peoples (especially contemporary Native peoples) is seriously lacking, and Native communities still experience a legacy of discrimination as a result. Indigenous Peoples’ Day pushes back on this invisibility. It…, Resources, To learn more about Indigenous Peoples Day, visit the National Museum of the American Indian or the official proclamation .
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Filipino American History Month (FAHM) celebrates Filipino heritage and culture, and recognizes the contributions of Filipino Americans to American history. The Filipino American National Historical Society introduced FAHM in 1992, and Congress officially recognized FAHM in 2009. FAHM is celebrated in October to commemorate the arrival of the first Filipinos to America (California) on October 18…
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Italian American Heritage Month is celebrated in October to recognize the contributions and achievements of Italian immigrants and their descendants living in the United States, and reflect on their histories, traditions and culture. More than five million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 2000, and there currently are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent residing…
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Polish American Heritage month celebrates the positive impact Polish Americans have had and continue to have on the United States, as well as Polish history and culture. Originally celebrated in August, Polish American Heritage Month is now observed in October to commemorate the arrival of the first Polish settlers in Jamestown, VA in October 1608 as well as the death of Casimir Pulaski, the…
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The Origins of Christmas, From a religious standpoint, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. In addition, Christmas has become a cultural holiday for many over the years with the evolution of St. Nicholas into Santa Claus., When Christmas is Observed, The Christmas season begins for Western Christianity and some of the Eastern Churches on December 24 with Christmas Eve followed by Christmas Day on December 25 and runs through either the Epiphany or the Baptism. The Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Evangelical Church, and some Anabaptists recognize January 6 as Christmas. Most Oriental Orthodox and some of the Eastern Orthodox churches…, How Christmas is Celebrated, Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in countries around the world, including many whose populations are mostly non-Christian. Popular traditions include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.
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Parinirvana Day, or Nirvana Day, is an annual Buddhist festival that remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana at the age of 80. Most Buddhists celebrate Nirvana Day on February 15. Others celebrate it on February 8. The day is used as an opportunity to reflect on one’s own future death and on people whom one has known who have recently died. Meditations are done for the recently…
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Susan B. Anthony Day is a commemorative holiday to celebrate the birth of Susan B. Anthony. It is currently recognized by four states (California, Florida, New York, and Wisconsin). Susan B. Anthony is known for her leadership in the long campaign for women's right to vote in the United States and abroad. Born in Adams, Massachusetts, a statue of Susan B. Anthony was unveiled at the Adams Town…
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February 19th is a significant date for the Japanese American community. On this day in 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which gave the U.S. Army the authority to remove civilians from the military zones established in Washington, Oregon, and California during WWII. This led to the forced removal and incarceration of some 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry…
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Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honor of the god Shiva. This notable, solemn festival marks the "overcoming of darkness and ignorance" in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.
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Marines across the globe celebrate the establishment of the Marine Corps on November 10, 1775. It is a day where Marines acknowledge the total years of service as of the Marine Corps as well as the many sacrifices made to defend democracy and the continued legacy of the Marines. The Marine Corps Birthday , also known as Marine Corps Day, includes a cake cutting ceremony in Washington D.C., which…
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