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| Multicultural Calendar |
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Graybridge Malkam is pleased to provide
you with a list of upcoming holidays and celebrations from a variety of
cultures.
We're always looking for more culturally significant dates to add to our
calendar. If you know of any important dates that we've missed, please contact
us and let us know so we can share them with everyone. |
December 2010
International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures – United Nations
The United Nations Assembly encourages Member States to consider initiatives that identify areas for practical action at all levels of society to promote inter-religious and intercultural dialogue, tolerance, understanding and cooperation. It also encourages the promotion of dialogue among the media from all cultures and civilizations.
Universal Humain Rights Month (commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations on December 10, 1948)
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December 2 |
Hanukkah – Judaism
Jewish Festival of Lights; the Menorah, which contains 8 candles, is lit – one candle for each night of Hannukah; commemorates an ancient miracle. |
December 3 |
Day of Disabled Persons – United Nations
Celebrates and acknowledges the experience and capabilities of people with disabilities since 1992. |
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December 6 |
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women – Canada
Commemorates the tragic event when on Dec. 6, 1989 a young man opened fire on a group of female engineering students, killing 14 women, in Montreal's École Polytechnique. |
December 6 |
St. Nicolas – including Austria, Belgium, Netherlands and Eastern Europe
Known as the protector of children, he distributes gifts for children; he is the Santa Claus of these countries. |
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December 10 |
Human Rights Day – United Nations
Established in 1948 to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. |
December 16-24 |
Posada – Mexico
Pilgrims go door-to-door asking for shelter, which commemorates Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay before Mary gave birth to Jesus. |
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December 24 |
Christmas Eve
Parts of the world have their Christmas dinner and gift exchange with a celebration prior to midnight. |
December 25 |
Christmas/Feast of the Nativity – Christianity, Eastern Orthodox
Celebrating the birth of Christ; Eastern Orthodox celebration dates vary according to Julian and Gregorian calendar. |
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December 26 |
Boxing Day – Canada, Jamaica, Bahamas, UK
In the past, this was the day when churches opened their alms boxes and distributed the contents to the poor. |
December 31 |
Hogmanay – Scotland
Fire ceremonies; torch light processions, fireball swinging and lighting of New Year fires; play an important part in the Hogmanay celebrations. Hogmanay's roots reach back to the animistic practice of sun and fire worship in the deep mid-Winter. This evolved into the ancient Saturnalia, a great Roman Winter festival, where people celebrated completely free of restraint and inhibition. The Vikings celebrated Yule, which became the twelve days of Christmas. |
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| PLEASE NOTE: Sources for this page include Diversity Resources, Inc.
Multicultural Calendar, Creative Cultural Communication's Multicultural
Calendar, country specific sites and InterfaithCalendar.org.
If you are looking for a print calendar, check out www.multiculturalcalendar.com. |
