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Post by pennmom on Dec 6, 2021 13:38:11 GMT
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women – December 6, 2021~Canada
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is observed in Canada on December 6 each year. Informally called White Ribbon Day, the day marks the anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre in 1989. As we reflect on the act of senseless violence that claimed the lives of 14 women, we emphasize our dedication to fighting the hatred that inspired the tragedy.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND ACTION ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada honors victims of gender-based violence and those who have died because of it. It is also an opportunity to act and do our part to create a better world. We can overcome gender-based violence by reflecting and learning from the past, relating to survivors, and speaking against violent behavior.
The Canadian Parliament established the day in 1991 to commemorate the 1989 massacre at Polytechnique Montréal, previously École Polytechnique de Montréal. As we mourn the deaths, we must also remember all those who continue to be victims of gender-based violence. Canadians have constructed memorial sites throughout the country in response to the tragedy, ensuring that people are aware of the events, making society aware of how frequently violence against women occurs, and honoring the lives of those who have been killed.
Every act of violence against women is motivated by a perception that women are less human than males. As a result, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women commemorates more than one massacre. It is a call for awareness and change in the face of male violence against women worldwide. According to the United Nations, 35% of women are victims of some form of sexual and physical violence inflicted by an intimate partner or non-partner. This day serves as a reminder of the danger of the power imbalance between men and women worldwide and that we have a responsibility to do something about it.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 6, 2021 13:41:20 GMT
King Bhumibol’s Birthday – December 6, 2021~Thailand
King Bhumibol’s Birthday celebrations take place on December 6 in Thailand each year (unless the holiday falls on the weekend, then the celebrations move to the following Monday). The occasion is also known as Thailand’s National Day and Father’s Day. In an effort to commemorate the birthday of the late King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand becomes a party haven where almost everyone is out on the streets to pay tribute to the great king. There is music, dances, and lots of lights! And yes, decorations are everywhere too. If you want to witness Thailand at its best, make sure you visit the region in December. We guarantee it to be an adventure you will remember for the rest of your life.
HISTORY OF KING BHUMIBOL’S BIRTHDAY King Bhumibol, also known as Rama IX, ruled Thailand from June 9, 1946, until his death on October 13, 2016. King Bhumibol reigned the country for a long time and managed to gain the love of the people with his positive stance towards democracy. The King was also the only monarch born overseas in the U.S., while his father, Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, was studying at Harvard. All over Thailand, King Bhumibol was respected and cherished for his involvement in stopping a civil war that nearly erupted in 1992. The King also waged war against drugs by ensuring illegal narcotics did not make their way to the people. Most importantly, he was seen as the Father of Technology of Thailand and the ‘development’ King.
Apart from these steps towards the nation’s advancement, the King also adopted some interesting hobbies. Believe it or not, he was a Jazz musician and wrote about 49 compositions. In fact, he even started a jazz band in the 1950s and performed on the radio station, which he started from within the palace.
Late in 2016, the King’s health started to get affected, and he was admitted to the hospital due to his deteriorating condition. On October 13, 2016, he passed away. Thousands of his followers mourned his death and still continue to celebrate his life every year on December 5. During the King’s birth anniversary, buildings across Thailand display flags, buntings, and portraits of the late King. The streets are decorated with thousands of marigold flowers that represent celebrations.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 6, 2021 13:46:38 GMT
sonia (username @eskarina) -happy Independence Day! :)
Independence Day – December 6, 2021~Finland
Finland’s Independence Day is on December 6 and Finns all over the world are ready to kick off this year’s celebrations with a blast! While independence days of countries all over the world include numerous festivities, Finland is famous for memorializing their freedom from Russia in 1917 with a gala often held at the Presidential Palace. This gala usually has over 2,000 invited guests and is also broadcasted live. Read on to find out more about Finland’s Independence Day!
HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE DAY Gaining independence was a long and strenuous process for the citizens of Finland. Many battles were fought and thousands of lives were lost. Since numerous sacrifices were made for the freedom of the nation, Finns celebrate Independence Day by hosting grand festivities, whilst paying tribute to the martyrs.
From around the 12th century to 1809, Finland was part of Sweden. However, since Sweden was weak after the war with Napoleon, it was unable to defend Finland and the Russians saw this as the perfect opportunity to take control of the country. The fight for freedom against Russia began from the moment they took over in 1809. During the Russian rule, intense efforts were also made to modify the culture of Finland. Known as the ‘Russification of Finland’, these efforts received severe backlash from the Finns. It also made the Finns realize that having their own separate country was the only option left for their survival and they began to work towards attaining their independence from Russia. In 1856, the Fennoman movement was launched and the use of Finnish as the national language was promoted. The idea behind this movement was to ensure that the national identity of the Finns was not lost and their interests were brought to the forefront.
In 1917, because of the defeats faced in World War I and the Russian revolution, the czar nation had become weak. Seeing this as an opportunity, the Finns pushed for independence and created a Declaration of Independence on December 4, 1917. The Finnish parliament officially adopted the Declaration on December 6, 1917 — from then on recognizing that day as the Independence Day of Finland.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 6, 2021 13:49:08 GMT
Día de la Constitución – December 6, 2021~Spain
‘Día de la Constitución’ or Constitution Day in Spanish on December 6 marks the anniversary of a referendum in Spain in 1978. On this day, Spain freed itself from authoritarian rule and approved a new constitution that laid out the rights of the people. This was an essential step for Spain as it freed itself from the clutches of a sole dictator and gave the nation the power to express its beliefs and live freely. Seeing the struggle of the Spanish people, it is essential to celebrate the beginning of a new democracy with a bang!
HISTORY OF DÍA DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN Before we consider the history of the Spanish Constitution, let’s first understand what the piece of paper truly means. A constitution lays out the laws of a nation that determine the powers and duties of the government. The constitution also serves as a document that guarantees certain rights to the people and ensures their safety. Moreover, when ‘Día de la Constitución’ was formed, it ended the 36-year rule of Francisco Franco and established a constitutional, limited monarchy. This was a required step to help the concept of democracy flourish.
When Franco died, new parliamentary elections were held in June 1977. The constitution was passed with 88% of the vote and approved by the Spanish Parliament on October 31, 1978. Furthermore, the Spanish people voted in a referendum on December 6, 1978, and King Juan Carlos signed it on December 27. From thereon, December 6 has been a public holiday in Spain.
Since the document was formed after many consultations, the seven panel members chosen to work on the constitution draft are called ‘Los Padres de la Constitución,’ meaning the ‘Fathers of the Constitution.’ Since the transition to democracy was a complicated process, the country also takes great pride in its achievements with loud and proud celebrations during this holiday. In fact, many people use the occasion to hold protest marches and make political statements. On the day, Spain’s Congress also opens its doors to the public and welcomes visits.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 6, 2021 13:50:40 GMT
National Gazpacho Day – December 6, 2021~U.S.
Ask anyone what they think of gazpacho, and they’ll say it’s the chilled, more delicate cousin of boring old tomato soup. But it wasn’t always made that way: gazpacho originated in Andalusia, a region of Spain, probably way back in the Middle Ages. Back then it was made out of a combination of stale bread, oil, vinegar, and water all pounded together with a mortar and pestle. At that time, Spain was part of the Islamic world, so the name gazpacho comes from an Arabic word for “soaked bread.” Nowadays, the primary ingredients are tomatoes/tomato juice, bell peppers, and cucumber, which get transformed into soup via a blender (you can use a mortar and pestle if you want to be really traditional about it). We know you’re hungry, so let’s all celebrate National Gazpacho Day this December 6!
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Post by pennmom on Dec 6, 2021 13:56:41 GMT
Computer Science Education Week – December 6-12, 2021~U.S.
Computer Science Education Week, or CSEd Week, is celebrated from December 6 to 12 this year. The largest learning event in history, Computer Science Education Week aims to get K-12 students interested in computer coding. During the second week in December, students are encouraged to take part in an “Hour of Code.” During this event, students are literally expected to code for an hour. Along with coding, Computer Science Education Week also highlights the importance of computer science. Computer science is an important subject because it teaches problem-solving and analytical skills, and is an essential skill in the modern job market. The day hopes to improve computer literacy among all.
National Influenza Vaccination Week – December 6-12, 2021~U.S.
National Influenza Vaccination Week (N.I.V.W.) is observed between December 6 and 12 as a gentle reminder for you to stay protected in the upcoming winter months. If you haven’t already taken your vaccination shot, it’s not too late. We encourage you to get your dose as early as possible. The season for flu is quite unpredictable; it can begin as early as fall and last up to spring. Conventionally, flu activity is at its peak during winter, and so public healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities join hands to promote flu vaccination. Many people tend to show a cavalier attitude toward flu, dismissing it as a bad cold. But it’s more than that. It can cause serious health complications, such as bacterial infections or pneumonia, and can get you admitted to a hospital. If not treated at the right time, the flu can even lead to death. To prevent such mishaps and to raise awareness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) created N.I.V.W. in 2005.
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week – December 6-10, 2021~U.S.
We celebrate Older Driver Safety Awareness Week in the first full week of December, from December 6 to 10 this year, to make the roads a safe place for the older generation. The elderly may experience several challenges such as weak eyesight, hearing issues, dementia, sleep disorders, and physical disabilities that may impact their driving. These drivers are more at risk of experiencing car crashes that often lead to death. It is also important to note that traveling in vehicles is often necessary for the elderly who cannot walk for long intervals or distances. Do your part in making the world a better place for the older drivers and celebrate Older Driver Safety Awareness Week.Attachments:
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Post by pennmom on Dec 7, 2021 21:04:33 GMT
National Letter Writing Day – December 7, 2021~U.S.
Dear reader, it’s been so long since we wrote, but fortunately today we have no excuse because it’s National Letter Writing Day on December 7! Letter writing has been in decline because of smartphones, the Internet and before that, the telephone, but for hundreds of years, it was the only way for people separated by distance to get in touch with one another. Today is a great day to get back to basics and hand-write a letter. But isn’t the idea of sitting down for half an hour and hand-writing something to somebody special? We miss it. Don’t you? Write back soon. Love, us.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 7, 2021 21:06:20 GMT
World Trick Shot Day – December 7, 2021~International
World Trick Shot Day is held on the first Tuesday in December every year and this year we celebrate it on December 7. Trick shots are not only entertaining, but they’re also inspiring. Gravity-defying feats of physics take trick shots to the next level and prove to us that the only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves.
HISTORY OF WORLD TRICK SHOT DAY A trick shot is a seemingly unlikely or impossible shot, or one that requires great skill to make. World Trick Shot Day was created by the Harlem Globetrotters to allow fans around the world to demonstrate what they can do with some imagination, creativity, a basketball, and a hoop.
The Harlem Globetrotters, founded by Abe Saperstein, played their first basketball game and made their first shot in 1926, and have been making waves in the world of sports and entertainment ever since. They gained popularity with their antics and amazing abilities on the basketball court. Today, they hold numerous world records for their feats and continue to push the limits of the game.
They also invite and engage fans all over the world by encouraging them to make trick shot videos and share them. Popular Globetrotter Hammer Harrison is reported to have said, “We practice them because it’s such a thrill for us, and our fans. Our fans give us great feedback when we post them. We love getting the chance to see what they can do, too.”
The Globetrotters are proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and have entertained hundreds of millions of fans, including presidents, popes, kings, and queens over nine thrilling decades. All these make the day a remarkable one to show that we humans have no limits to what we can do.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 7, 2021 21:07:37 GMT
National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance – December 7, 2021~U.S.
A day of infamy, the day Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor, is commemorated with the National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance each year on December 7. On that day in 1941, more than 2,400 people died in Japan’s attack on the Hawaiian base of America’s Pacific Fleet. Hundreds of aircraft were destroyed or damaged, as were most of the ships in the harbor, and thousands of service men and women were killed or injured. It was an unprecedented surprise attack that precipitated the United States entry into WW II as we sided with the Allies and declared war on Japan.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 7, 2021 21:09:45 GMT
Flag Day of India – December 7, 2021~India
Real-life superheroes of the Armed forces are honored annually on Flag Day of India on December 7. This day allows citizens to take responsibility for looking after disabled servicemen, families, and dependents of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. Small flags in dark blue, light blue, and red colors representing the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, are distributed throughout the country in exchange for donations.
HISTORY OF FLAG DAY OF INDIA Flag Day of India – also known as The Armed Forces Flag Day, is commemorated through the collection of funds by the distribution of flags. Indian citizens express their gratitude to both veteran and current military personnel of the country and pay homage to those who died in service.
This annual tradition started in 1949 on 28 August; the then Defence Minister of India set up a committee to observe a Flag Day every year on December 7. The general idea behind this was the collection of funds from people by distributing flags.
In Addition to the colors of the national flag, the color code for the day is red, light blue, and dark blue, representing the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces – Army, Air Force, and Navy. Across the nation, patriotic events are arranged to encourage public participation and support the cause. The primary purposes of the day are to collect funds that will allow rehabilitation to families of martyrs and war victims, ensure well being of the serving personnel and their dependents, and to contribute to the welfare and resettlement of veterans and their families.
We love how on the Flag Day of India, the Indian Military staff aids the cause by arranging a variety of shows, activities, and carnivals to showcase in front of the general public and to ensure national security. During the celebrations, volunteers collect donations by selling stickers, coupon flags, and other memorabilia. We cannot think of a more patriotic way to show solidarity!
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Post by pennmom on Dec 7, 2021 21:11:47 GMT
National Illinois Day – December 7, 2021~U.S.
National Illinois Day is celebrated annually on December 7, and it is a day to commemorate one of the nation’s most exquisite states. Did you know that Illinois was the 21st state to join the United States? It is known to be associated with many prominent U.S. politicians in history and is a remarkable Midwest state with many museums, attractions, traditional food, entertainment, and other great local activities.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL ILLINOIS DAY The state of Illinois is situated in the Midwestern part of the United States. The state has the sixth-largest population, the 25th largest land area, and the fifth-largest gross domestic product (GDP). Nicknamed ‘the Prairie State’, the state’s main motto is “State Sovereignty, National Union”. It is famous for agricultural productivity, dairy products, manufacturing, and soybeans production. It is also a pioneer in food and meat processing. It is notable for cattle production and is a well-established state in social, cultural, and political views.
The state is a major transportation hub with road networks and routes connecting to international ports via its proximity to Lake Michigan. Some of its boundaries are formed by the Mississippi River, Ohio River, and Wabash River.
When farmers started settling on the Illinois prairie, they discovered that the thick soil was not easy to sow. Then, a Vermont blacksmith named John Deere made the work easier with the invention of the steel plow that cut soil more efficiently than previous tools. Afterward, railroads and shipping lines grew with farms in the rich prairies as settlers spread across the state.
A number of past U.S. presidents including Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Barack Obama are known to consider Illinois as home.
Traveling around the state, one can glimpse the wonders of nature through the designs of Floyd Lloyd Wright. One can also take a tour to enjoy his architecture in Oak Park, Starved Rock State Park, and Horseshoe Mound. With so much to explore and see, Illinois is truly a place for urban and outdoor enjoyment.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 7, 2021 21:13:00 GMT
National Cotton Candy Day – December 7, 2021~U.S.
National Cotton Candy Day is celebrated on December 7 to our sweet tooth’s joy and our dentists’ dismay. But did you know dentists actually invented it in the first place? It was even called fairy floss back in the day. Now, it’s the go-to at county fairs and a must-have when riding a Ferris wheel. Most of our childhood memories wouldn’t have been complete without the sugary cloud that is cotton candy. Read on to discover its history — as well as how to celebrate one of the sweetest days of the year.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 7, 2021 21:15:07 GMT
International Civil Aviation Day – December 7, 2021~World
On December 7 we celebrate International Civil Aviation Day to acknowledge the flight industry’s influence on modern life. It’s incredible to think that in less than 24 hours you can transport your body to pretty much anywhere in the world. Flying has made the world a much smaller place and had a huge impact on our lives. Today we celebrate the impact of flying and are thankful that it has opened so many doors for all of us.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION DAY The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialist organization within the United Nations, established December 7 as the day to celebrate the impact that civil aviation has had on the world. Tourism and business have both been changed forever due to flying, not to mention the cultural connections that have been enabled.
The first International Civil Aviation Day was held in 1994 as part of ICAO’s 50th anniversary and in 1996 the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day. They agreed to try and use the day to reinforce the importance of civil aviation to social and economic development, and to recognize the unique role the International Civil Aviation Organization plays in helping countries to cooperate and bring to life a truly global transit network.
As the UN has now adopted Agenda 2030, a pledge for the reduction of pollution that comes with the end goal of a new era in global sustainable development, the importance of aviation as an engine of global connectivity remains just as relevant. As such, in recognition of ICAO’s 75th anniversary, the council selected the theme “75 Years of Connecting the World” for the 2019 celebrations, which will run through to 2024.
International Civil Aviation Day is a day to enjoy the extraordinary things humans are capable of and to look at the future, as we continue to innovate and bring cultures closer together.Attachments:BBCode.url (45 B)
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Post by pennmom on Dec 8, 2021 12:27:42 GMT
Panama Mother’s Day – December 8, 2021~Panama
Mother’s Day in Panama is celebrated annually on December 8. The day is a national holiday and celebrated throughout the country. The celebration is always full and lengthy and rightfully so, in honor of the dear mothers all over the country who have showered all their love on their children.
HISTORY OF PANAMA MOTHER’S DAY There are varying accounts of the history of the creation of Mother’s Day in Panama. One account is that it was introduced by the Rotary Club and first celebrated on May 11, 1924. The date was, however, changed to December 8 in 1930 in order to make the celebration coincide with the day of the Catholic celebration of the Immaculate Conception — this is when Catholics worldwide celebrate the solemn belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It was said that the catholic Panamanians then wanted to turn the feast of the immaculate conception into a public holiday, but faced resistance from representatives of the secular population who wanted to keep church and state affairs separated. Celebration of Mother’s Day together with the feast was the resolve they all reached.
On this day, communities will hold mass processions through the streets of the town, and festivities will continue throughout the day.
In the indigenous Ngäbe communities, the entire community gets together and hosts a big celebration. The women will dress up in their finest clothing, adorning themselves with jewelry and wearing makeup. The men will prepare a big feast for everyone to eat and enjoy with drinks. As nighttime comes, music is played and everyone dances until the late hours.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 8, 2021 12:29:53 GMT
Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day – December 8, 2021~World
If you’ve ever noticed any unusual characters on December 8, they might be celebrating Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day! On this day of imagination and time-hopping celebration we pretend that we can move across the years and go wherever we want. Whether you’re entertaining the kids or looking to bring some creativity to your day, we have the best ideas to make sure you don’t get stuck in a wormhole.
HISTORY OF PRETEND TO BE A TIME TRAVELER DAY Time travel is an important fixture in the science fiction we know and love today, as well as a consideration for scientists trying to crack its possibilities. But despite its appearance in numerous movies, books and TV shows, it’s a relatively new idea.
The earliest mentions of time travel were always about moving forward. Texts like the Ancient Indian ‘Mahabharata’ used a version in which people fell asleep or visited a god and when they regained their senses found that they had jumped forward into the future.
It wasn’t until 1895 when time travel became a two-way street, with the publication of H. G. Wells’ novel “The Time Machine.” The book popularized the notion of a vehicle designed to transport its passengers forwards and backwards in time. The book’s protagonist travels to A.D. 802,701 and observes the future of the human race, before returning to tell the tale to his dinner guests. The movie adaptation was created in 1960, then again in 2002 with Guy Pearce.
Time travel stories became yet again more complex in 1941 with Robert A Heinlen’s short story “By His Bootstraps” which showed the protagonist occupying multiple time-frames at once through time travel, and therefore intersecting with different versions of himself.
Numerous other new stories fascinated by the idea of moving through time and space, including “Back to the Future”, which exploded onto screens in 1985. Meanwhile, in television, the BBC invented “Doctor Who” and zapped it into homes around the UK in 1963. The show featured a professional time traveler – The Doctor – and has enjoyed great success over the years with new characters, storylines and universes. In 2018 Jodie Whitaker became the first-ever woman to take on the role.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 8, 2021 12:31:49 GMT
National Brownie Day – December 8, 2021~U.S.
National Brownie Day is on December 8. Every year brownie lovers come from far and wide to celebrate National Brownie Day. Warm, chewy, and rich, a nice chocolate (or blondie) brownie is the perfect dessert to end your night with. Indulge in gooey goodness and let the real world melt away with you for a delectable moment.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BROWNIE DAY Legend has it that the creation of brownies hales from the Palmer House Hotel in 1893. Bertha Palmer, a prominent Chicago socialite whose husband owed the hotel, asked a pastry chef for a dessert suitable for ladies attending the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition. She requested a cake-like delicacy small enough to be included in boxed lunches. The result was the Palmer House Brownie with walnuts and an apricot glaze. The modern Palmer House Hotel serves a dessert to patrons made from the same recipe. The name was given to the dessert sometime after 1893, but was not used by cook books or journals at the time.
By 1907 the brownie was well established in a recognizable form, appearing in Lowney’s Cook Book by Maria Willet Howard as an adaptation of the Boston Cooking School recipe for a “Bangor Brownie”. It added an extra egg and an additional square of chocolate, creating a richer dessert. The name “Bangor Brownie” derives from the town of Bangor, Maine, which legend states was the hometown of a housewife who created the original brownie recipe. Maine food educator and columnist Mildred Brown Schrumpf was the predominant proponent of the theory that brownies were invented in Bangor. While “The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink” refuted Schrumpf’s premise that “Bangor housewives” created the brownie, “The Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America” said it had discovered evidence to support Schrumpf’s claim, in the form of several 1904 cookbooks that included a recipe for “Bangor Brownies.”
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Post by pennmom on Dec 8, 2021 12:34:21 GMT
Feast of the Immaculate Conception – December 8, 2021~International
A very important pillar of Catholic teaching is celebrated on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. There is a popular idea that the day refers to the conception of Jesus by the Virgin Mary. It doesn’t. As a matter of fact, it is actually the conception of Mary herself that is referred to here. Although she was born in the natural biological manner, her conception is believed to be ‘immaculate’ by Catholics because God intervened, relieving Mary of original sin.
HISTORY OF FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION For centuries, theological dispute surrounded the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The argument followed the context of the word ‘immaculate,’ which refers to the belief that Mary – the mother of Jesus Christ, was herself conceived without original sin.
Throughout Christian history, the Immaculate Conception has been questioned by theologians. This topic remained open for debate until December 8, 1854, when Pope Pius IX declared it to be an essential principle of faith in the Catholic Church. The written statement on this is titled Ineffabilis Deus, which clarifies the importance of the divine concept of Immaculate Conception in the Catholic Church.
Many churches, particularly the Catholic Church, hold masses or special services to mark the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on or around December 8. Those that commemorate this holiday always prepare for it prior to its occurrence. In Rome, at the base of the Colonna della Immacolata; which stands at 12-meters tall by the statue of the Virgin Mary, the pope places a wreath. Members of the fire service hang a floral wreath on the arm of the statue.
While some people prefer to host dinners at home for their families, there are several other celebrations as well, creating a festive feel in the streets.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a public holiday in many countries. In Guam, it is also known as ‘Our Lady of Camarin Day,’ honoring a small wooden statue which is known as Marian Kamalen or ‘Our Lady of Camarin.’ A procession is then followed by people who pray and honor Jesus Christ through his mother, Mary.
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Post by pennmom on Dec 8, 2021 12:37:07 GMT
Bodhi Day – December 8, 2021~Japan
Bodhi Day is celebrated in Japan on December 8 every year. It generally falls on the eighth day of the 12th month of the lunisolar calendar. In Japan, the day is known as Rohatsu and was moved to its current date when Emperor Meiji began the westernization of Japan and introduced the Gregorian calendar. It is a spiritually invigorating day that is beneficial to many.
HISTORY OF BODHI DAY Bodhi Day is observed to mark the moment that took place 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment and became the Buddha or ‘awakened one’. The story goes that, rejecting the luxurious lifestyle of a prince, Siddharta left the comforts of the palace at the age of 29 and went on a journey of deep introspection to seek meaning in life.
He meditated in Bodh Gaya, a town in northeastern India, under a Peepal tree (a species of Banyan fig), now famously known as the Bodhi Tree, and resolved to continue meditating until he achieved ‘bodhi’ (‘enlightenment’). He attained bodhi at the age of 35, after 49 days of continuous meditation. He was now able to see how everyone and everything was connected, and therefore reached a state of enlightenment that would lead him to create the Four Noble Truths: Dukkha (unsatisfactoriness), Samudaya (arising), Nirodha (cessation), and Magga (path) in which the Eightfold Path is set out.
Buddhists commemorate this day by meditating, studying the ‘dharma’ (‘universal truth or law’), chanting sutras (Buddhist texts), and performing kind acts towards other beings. Some people mark the day in a more traditional sense by cooking a meal of tea and cakes. Bodhi tree plantings are held throughout the month and are usually accompanied by tea ceremonies, while incense and multi-colored lights are displayed during the following month in the capital city of Tokyo and in towns and villages across the country.
However, Bodhi Day is not an official holiday in Japan — only Buddhists, who make up about 34% of the country’s population, observe the day.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Dec 9, 2021 19:21:45 GMT
Tanzania Independence Day – December 9, 2021~Tanzania
Tanzania Independence Day is celebrated on December 9 every year. 2021 marks the 61st year of the country’s independence from Britain, which governed Tanzania till 1961 under the name of Tanganyika.
HISTORY OF TANZANIA INDEPENDENCE DAY Tanzania’s independence movement started in 1954 and was led by Julius Nyerere, who co-founded the “Tanganyika African National Union (TANU)”. He was educated in Uganda and Scotland and began voicing his anti-colonial, Africanist political agenda when he returned to his country. He was inspired by the non-violent independence movement waged by Mahatma Gandhi in India and advocated for a similar resistance in Tanganyika. He was instrumental in uniting several tribal factions over the region to launch a united front against the British.
Elected to the General Council in the national elections of 1958–59, Nyerere, known as teacher or ‘Mwalimu’ in Swahili because of his teaching career, became the first President of an independent Tanganyika in 1961. It became a Republic the next year and merged with Zanzibar in 1964 after they overthrew the Sultan of Zanzibar. This is when the name of the country changed to Tanzania.
He was also a socialist who laid down state-ownership policies for services and community ownership for farms. When his plans failed to make Tanzania self-reliant, he became the first African leader to voluntarily resign from office. He remains a respected figure in the region because of his ethical principles.
Incidentally, the current ruling party, which is also the only party to have ruled the country, ‘Chama Cha Mapinduzi’, is an extension of TANU after it merged with the Afro-Shirazi party of Zanzibar. Currently, most of the Zanzibar archipelago remains a semi-autonomous region of the country with a flag that is a variation of the flag of Tanzania.
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pennmom
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Post by pennmom on Dec 9, 2021 19:23:39 GMT
Weary Willie Day – December 9, 2021~U.S.
Weary Willie Day is celebrated on December 9 every year in the U.S. as a recognition of the art of clowning, but with a twist. Weary Willie, as the name suggests, is a clown who wears his smile upside down and the day is a tribute to the character popularised by circus performer Emmett Kelly during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
HISTORY OF WEARY WILLIE DAY Kelly, who created the Weary Willie character, was born in 1898 and started his career as a trapeze artist and cartoonist. When he started ‘clowning about’, he performed as the traditional white-faced, happy-go-lucky clown. He came upon the idea to create a contrasting, sad clown as early as the 1920s but it was difficult to sell management on his idea.
The Great Depression that began in the U.S. in 1929 saw an increase in the number of migrant workers forced to travel to earn a living. These workers, termed ‘hobos’, became the inspiration for Kelly to revisit his unpopular idea. Given the changed circumstances that had made his idea more acceptable and relevant, management finally gave the go-ahead and Weary Willie was born.
The character really captured the zeitgeist and became the most recognizable clown figure in the U.S. at the time. Weary Willie was not completely made up in white paint like other clowns and did not wear brightly-colored clothing. He looked more like an out-of-work tramp with an upside-down smile plastered on his painted mouth, and this made people feel better about themselves and uplifted their mood.
While the first occurrence of this holiday is not clear, the day coincides with the birthday of Kelly, who was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in 1989 and the International Circus Hall of Fame in 1994. The model of the sad clown continues to remind us to take life’s troubles with a pinch of salt.
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