religious holidays « Henkel Diversity Blog

National and Religous Holidays in November / Nationale und Religiöse Feiertage im November

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

In many countries of the world, November, 11^th is a national holiday. It commemorates war veterans. The date wasa chosen, because it marks the day of the armistice agreement between Germany and the Allies to end World War I. In the USA it is called Veteran’s Day. In Great Britain, Belgium an France it is called Remembrance Day or Armistice Day. In these countries, people take two minutes of silence at 11 a.m.

This year on the 25^th, one of the most popular holidays in the USA is celebrated: Thanksgiving. Each year Thanksgiving is on the fourth Thursday in November. Families and Friends usually gather for a large dinner to celebrate the holiday together. The traditional food served on that day includes, of course, a roasted turkey. Thanksgiving dates back to the 16th century. The most common story of origin is, that in 1622 Native Americans taught the Pilgrims how to grow crops which helped them to survive their first winter.

On November, 1^st All Saints is celebrated by western Christians. It is a solemnity to honor all saints, because of the high number of saints it is not possible to commemorate each saint with an own day. Nowadays many families commemorate their late relatives on All Saints, bring flowers to their graves and light candles. The day is celebrated in catholic countries, for example Italy, Spain and France.

The protestant church celebrates Penance Day on November 17^th. „Penance“ is not meant as a visitation for one’s sind. On this day, people should rethink their lives and strengthen their belief.

Muslims celebrate the festival of sacrifice on November, 16^th. It is one of the most important islamic holidays and commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son. Traditionally, families sacrifice an animal and distribute the meat to the poor, but also to families and friends.

The Festival of sacrifice is celebrated during the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mekka, which takes place from the 14^th to 18^th November. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of the Islam. Every Muslim, who is physically able, must undertake this journey once in his life. The Hajj is a huge religious celebration: more than 2 million pilgrims gather at Mekka. [DE]

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National and Religious Holidays in September / Nationale und Religiöse Feiertage im September

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

Labor Day in the US

Starting with September, 6^th in the US people celebrate the American Labor Day. It is observed every year on the first Monday in September. Americans celebrate the day with leisure activities like barbecues, picnics or sport events. For the majority of the Americans, the day marks the end of summer.

Independence Day in Mexico

On the 16th, Mexico celebrates its independence. The day commemorates Hidalgo, a Mexican priest, who marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Indepence in 1810. In the night of September, 15^th he declared war against the Spanish occupation in his speech called „Grito de Dolores“, also known as „Cry of Independence.“ Today, the president of Mexico steps out on the palace balcony to repeat Hidalgos Grito de Dolores by shouting „Viva Mexico!“.

Mid-Autmn-Festival in China

China celebrates the Mid-Autumn-Festival on the 22nd. It is a very colorful and joyous festivity, also known as the Moon-Festival. It is one of the most important holidays in China. Chinese families celebrate it by carrying bright lanterns and eating moon cakes, the traditional food of the festival.

End of Ramadan

On the 11^th, one of the most important days of the Islamic religion is celebrated: the end of Ramadan. The celebration lasts three days. After a month of fasting, Muslims begin the first day with a small breakfast consisting of dates, before going to the mosque. After the prayer, people visit their family and friends, give gifts and have special meals together.

Three Jewish holidays in September

Jews observe three religious holidays in September. On the 9^th and 10^th, Rosch Haschana, the Jewish new year, is celebrated. However, there is no similarity to the New Year celebrations on the 31^st December. It is a day of repentance and reflection. Rosch Haschana also marks the beginning of the ten High Holy Days. They end on the 18^th with Jom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish Religion. Jews observe this holiday with a 24-hour fast and prayers. At the end of that day, Jews begin to build a hut for the upcoming holiday Sukkot. It is observed on the 23^rd and lasts one week. Sukkot celebrates the harvest and commemorates the wandering of the Jewish people after leaving Egypt. Throughout the holiday the hut called Sukkah becomes the living area, where meals are served. [DE]

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National and Religious Holidays in june / Nationale und religiöse Feiertage im Juni

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

After a month with so many national and religious holidays, the summer months don’t offer many holidays. Italy celebrates Republic’s Day on the 2nd June. It commemorates the establishment of the Italian Republic in 1946.

On the 16th June, China celebrates Duanwu, the dragon boat festival. It became a national holiday in 2008. This holiday has a very long tradition, going back more than 2000 years. It commemorates the Chinese poet Qu Yuan. The day is celebrated with dragon boat regattas and Zongzi, a special Chinese food.

On the 3rd June, catholic Christians celebrate Corpus Christi. It honors the Eucharist, also called communion, that was instituted on Maundy Thursday. It is celebrated with colorful processions in many catholic countries. [DE]

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Religious & National Holiday in March / Religiöse und Nationale Feiertage im März

Monday, March 15th, 2010 by Astrid Bosten

On March 17^th the green island Ireland will be even greener. It’s St. Patricks Day, the national holiday of Ireland which is widely celebrated by the Irish and Irish-at-heart around the world.

Mexico celebrates the birthday of former president and liberal reformer Benito Juárez on March 21^st.

The 28^thof March, palm Sunday, marks the beginning of the Christian Easter feast. The jewish Pesach feast starts on the 30^th of March commemorating the Hebrews’ escape in Egypt. [DE]

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