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M
Mabo
High Court Decision, Anniversary of (Australian -
Indigenous)
3 June
On 3 June 1992 the High Court of Australia handed down
its judgement on the Mabo Native Title case. Eddie Mabo
was from Mer, one of the Murray Islands in the Torres
Strait, off the coast of Northern Australia. He argued
in the High Court that Murray Islanders' rights to their
land were not extinguished by the annexation of the islands
by the State of Queensland, or by subsequent Queensland
or Federal Government legislation. The High Court agreed
with this view. The idea of 'terra nullius' - that Australia
had been empty of people when settled by the British -
was abandoned. The ruling recognised the prior occupation
of the land by Indigenous peoples.
More information at:
http://www.acn.net.au/articles/sorry/
http://www.nntt.gov.au/ |
Macedonian
Saint
Kiril
Saint Metodi
Maghi (Sikh)
14 January
Maghi, Makara Sankranti, the first day of the month of Magh. The eve of Maghi is the common Indian festival of Lohri when bonfires are lit in Hindu homes to greet the birth of sons in the families and alms are distributed. In the morning, people go out for an early-hour dip in nearby tanks. For Sikhs, Maghi means primarily the festival at Muktsar, a district town of the Punjab, in commemoration of the heroic fight of the Chali Mukte, literally, the Forty Liberated Ones, who laid down their lives warding off an attack by an imperial army marching in pursuit of Guru Gobind Singh.
More information at:
http://allaboutsikhs.com/way/sikhfestivals.htm |
Maha
Kumbh Mela (Hindu)
Held only once every 12 years (last held 24 January,
2001) Mahakumbhmela ('The Great Festival of Elixir')
takes place at the convergence of two of India's most
sacred rivers, the Ganges and Yamuna. To be immersed in
the rivers during Mahakumbhmela is considered one of the
most auspicious rituals for a Hindu to undertake in a
lifetime.
More information at:
http://www.divinerevelation.org/KumbhMela.html |
Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)
16 February 2007
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated throughout India; it is particularly popular in Uttar Pradesh. Maha Shivratri falls on the 14th day of the dark half of 'Margasirsa' (February-March). This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva and it is believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati.
More information at:
http://festivals.tajonline.com/maha-shivaratri.php |
Maltese
Mnarja Festival Mardi
Gras
see Gay
and Lesbian Mardi Gras Maroun,
Saint
see Saint
Maroun
Martin Luther King Day (USA)
15 January, 2007
One of the most visible advocates of nonviolence and direct action as methods of social change, this day honors the life and contributions of America's greatest champion of racial justice and equality, the leader who not only dreamed of a color-blind society, but who also lead a movement that achieved historic reforms to help make it a reality.
He spoke at numerous mass rallies and demonstrations against segregation and human rights violations of African-Americans. His most famous speech "I Have a Dream" was delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on 28 August 1963, in which more than 250,000 protesters gathered in Washington, D. C. King's received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and was assassinated on 4 April 1968.
It took almost 30 years for the US Government to officially legislate the Martin Luther King Jr Day as the third Monday in January. The day holds both national and international significance amongst human rights activisits who prescribe to non-violent racial harmony.
More information at:
http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/
http://www.martinlutherking.org/
http://www.nonviolenceworks.com/snv/mlk.htm
|
Maskal
or Finding of the True Cross of Christ (Ethiopian
- Christian Orthodox)
27 September
Maskal is a holy celebration of the predominantly Christian
Orthodox population of Ethiopia, which has been celebrated
for over 1600 years. Maskal means 'cross' and the feast
commemorates when the cross of Christ was revealed to
the Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, and
ruler of the Byzantine Empire, of which Ethiopia was once
part of.
More information at:
http://www.ethioembassy.org.uk |
Melbourne Cup (Australian)
6 November 2007
Melbourne Cup Day is Australia's most famous Tuesday. At 3.00pm AEST, on the first Tuesday in November, Australians everywhere stop for one of the world's most famous horse races - the Melbourne Cup. It is a day when the nation stops whatever it's doing to listen to the race call, or watch the race on TV. Even those who don't usually bet, try their luck with a small wager or entry into a 'sweep'. A sweep is a lottery in which each ticket-holder is matched with a randomly drawn horse and prize money is paid out to the first three places plus a 'consolation prize' for the horse that runs last. More information at:
http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/melbournecup/
|
Metodi, Saint
see Saint Metodi
Mid-Autumn/
Moon Cake Festival (Chinese)
25 September 2007
The Chinese celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Cake
Festival or Zhong Qiu Jie) on this day. It probably began
as a harvest festival. The festival was later given a
mythological flavour with legends of Chang-E, the beautiful
lady in the moon. According to Chinese mythology, the
earth once had 10 suns circling over it. One day, all
10 suns appeared together, scorching the earth with their
heat. The earth was saved when a strong archer, Hou Yi,
succeeded in shooting down 9 of the suns. Yi stole the
elixir of life but to save the people from his tyrannical
rule, his wife, Chang-E drank it. Thus started the legend
of the lady in the moon to whom young Chinese girls would
pray at the Mid-Autumn Festival.
In the 14th century, the eating of mooncakes at Zhong
Qiu Jie was given a new significance. The story goes that
when Zhu Yuan Zhang was plotting to overthrow the Yuan
dynasty started by the Mongolians, the rebels hid their
messages in the Mid-Autumn mooncakes. Zhong Qiu Jie is
hence also a commemoration of the overthrow of the Mongolians
by the Han people.
More information at:
http://www.regit.com/hongkong/festival/mooncake.htm
http://www.4panda.com/chinatips/festival/mid-autumn.htm http://www.newton.mec.edu/Angier/DimSum/china__dim_sum__moon_festi.html
http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/midfallstory.htm |
Midsummer's Eve (Norway)
23 June
Like in Denmark, Sankthansaften is celebrated on 23 June . June 23 is the 174th day of the year (175th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 191 days remaining.
The day is also called Jonsok, which means "Johannes wake," important in many Christian faiths although Midsummer's Eve has Pagan origins.
In parts of Norway a custom of arranging mock marriages, both between adults and between children, is still kept alive. The wedding was meant to symbolise the blossoming of new life. Such weddings are known to have taken place in the 1800s, but the custom is believed to be older.
In the last century Midsummer's Eve was largely celebrated in the local communities, but during the 1990s it has developed into a more private party with family and friends gathering round a bonfire to dance.
More information at:
http://www.scandinavica.com/culture/tradition/midsummer.htm |
Midsummer Solstice (Norway)
23 June
The summer solstice is the time when the sun is in its glory. This is the longest day of the year and the shortest night. The date of the summer solstice varies slightly from year to year. This year it falls on June 21st. Summer solstice customs are also associated with a fixed date: June 24 the Midsummer's Day. June 23rd is Midsummer's Eve.
As the name “Midsummer” indicates, this is considered the height of the summer. Yet there is an undertone of darkness in the light. While we celebrate the power of the sun, we also note its decline. From now on the hours of sunlight will decrease.
More information at:
http://www.schooloftheseasons.com/midsummer.html |
Mnarja
Festival (Maltese)
28 and 29 June
Mnarja (L-Imnarja or 'Harvest Festival Night') is a festival
celebrated by the Maltese community on the Feast of Saint
Peter and Saint Paul. The festival is characterised by
a night-long picnic during which the native dish 'stuffat
tal-fenek' (rabbit stew) and wine are consumed; folk singing
and dancing; and donkey races.
More information at:
http://www.june29th.com/mnarjafeature.htm |
Moon
Cake Festival
see Mid-Autumn
Festival
Mothers' Day
Vu Lan Day
Muhammad's
Birthday (Islamic/Muslim)
4 June, 2007
This day is celebrated as Prophet Muhammad's birthday.
Muhammad ibnu Abdullah, the founder of Islam, was born
in Mecca in the year 569 CE. He earned his living as a
trader and was known by his people as al-amin (the trustworthy
one). When Muhammad reached the age of 40, the angel Gabriel
came to him with revelations that established his prophethood.
More information at:
http://muttaqun.com/mawlid.html
http://www.amaana.org/prophet/milad.htm
|
Muslim/Islamic
Eid-ul-Azha
Eid-Al-Fitr
The Haj
Islamic/Muslim
Calendar
Muhammad's
Birthday
Muharram or Al-Hijra
(New Year)
Nisf ShabanMuslim/Islamic
Calendar
see Islamic/Muslim
Calendar Myanmar
see
New
Year (Myanmar)
N
NAIDOC
Week (Australian - Indigenous)
8 - 15 July, 2007
NAIDOC stands for the National Aboriginal and Islander
Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week acknowledges and
celebrates Indigenous cultures and the achievements of
Indigenous people in Australia. All Australians are invited
to join in local NAIDOC activities.
The Friday of NAIDOC Week is National Aboriginal and Islander
Day.
More information at:
http://www.naidoc.org.au/ |
National
Harmony Day (Australian)
21 March
The Australian Government's Living in Harmony initiative is designed to strengthen our community harmony and address issues of racism in Australia. The initiative is primarily a community based education program, which encourages communities to play a positive role through the initiative's three linked elements:
- a community grants program;a partnerships program; and
- a public information strategy, incorporating Harmony Day held on March 21 each year.
The Living in Harmony initiative is designed to challenge all Australians to:
- take a stand against racism, prejudice and intolerance; help build a peaceful and productive future for our children by setting an example of how to live in harmony, making the most of our racial, cultural, social and religious diversity; and
- put into practice the best of traditional Australian values - justice, equality, fairness and friendship.
More information at:
http://www.harmony.gov.au |
Harmony Day Celebration (QUT)
21 March
see Equity events
National
Sorry Day
see Journey
of Healing
New
Year
New Year's Day celebrations are not only a changing of
calendars but a time for reflection, prayer and renewal
in many cultures and religions. 'New Year's Day' celebrations
vary across cultures and religions depending on the calendar
used. In fact, it is possible to celebrate a new year's
day every month of the year.
Celebrate Sekhmet (Egypt) in January, Chinese New Year
in February, Nowruz (Iran) in March, Baisakhi (Sikh) in
April, Buddhist New Year in May, Runic (Wicca) New Year
in June, Armenian New Year in July, Shenshai (Zoroastrain)
New Year in August, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) in September,
Sanhaim (Druid) in October, Dipavali (Hindu) in November,
and Papal States New Year in December.
New Year's Day can vary between cultures and religions
depending on the calendar. Some of the New Year's Days
are listed on the Cultural Diversity Calendar by country
and/or religion. |
New
Year, see also:
Afgahn/Iranian/Persian New Year (Now-Ruz)
Akitu
(Assyrian)
Baisakhi (Sikh) or see also New Year (Sikh)
Chol
Chnam Thmey (Cambodia/Khmer)
Chinese New Year - Chun Jie (Chinese)
Divali
or Deepavali (Hindu)
Ethiopian
New Year
Losar - (Tibetan New Year)
Muharram (Islamic/Muslim)
New Year (Gregorian
calendar)
New year (Baha'i)
Now-Ruz (Afghan/Iranian/Persian New Year)
Pii Mai (Laos)
Rosh
Hashanah (Jewish)
Shogatsu (Japan)
Singhalese New Year
Songkarn
(Thailand)
Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese)
Thingyan (Myanmar)
Vesak (Buddhist New Year)
|
New Year (Afghan/Iranian/Persian New Year)
21 March
Now Ruz or Now-Rooz marks the commencement of the New Year in Iran (formerly Persia ) and many surrounding countries in the Middle East such as Afghanistan , Tajikstan , Azerbaijan , Iraq , Syria , Turkey , as well as Parsees in India and Central Asia , and Iranians all over the world including Australia . Iranians and other nationalities, regardless of religious or cultural background have an affinity to Now Ruz. Now Ruz means 'new day' in Persian (Farsi) language and the festival marks the beginning of the solar year. Like the ancient Persian New Year, it occurs on the spring equinox, which generally falls on 21 March. The celebration involves thirteen days of rituals involving 'spring cleaning', purification rites involving special foods and symbols, celebrations with family including exchanging of gifts, and other activities.
Although this day generally transcends particular religious affiliations it originated from ancient religious and cultural rites observed by ancient Persians, and major cultures of the ancient Mesopotamians, Sumerians and Babylonians. It is also deeply rooted in the traditions of the Zoroastrian belief system.
More information at:
http://www.worldreligionday.org
http://www.farsinet.com/noruz/
|
|
New Year (Baha'i)
21 March
The 21st of March is the New Year for Baha'is and this day marks the first day of the year based on the solar year (northern hemisphere). The Bahai faith originated in Iran and the Baha'i New Year is sometimes referred to as "Now Ruz" as it coincides with the Iranian New Year (see below Now Ruz).
For the Baha'is, whose dogma borrows from a number of religions and teachings of what the Bahai's refer to as Divine Messengers (eg. Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad) this day also marks the end of their fasting period (from the 2 - 20 March) and is a joyous time of celebration. In the Baha'i calendar, 21 March falls on the day of Baha of the month of Baha. It is one of 19 Baha'i Holy Days on which work is suspended.
More information at:
http://www.worldreligionday.org
http://www.bahai.org |
Baisakhi - New Year (Sikh)
13 April
Baisakhi is New Year's Day in Punjab. It falls on the month of Vaisakh. This festival marks the ripening of the Rabi harvest. The day coincides with the solar equinox on the 13th of April. It was on this day that the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa (the Sikh brotherhood) in 1699. For Sikhs, this is as a collective birthday. It is celebrated on April 13, though once in 36 years it occurs on 14th April.
More information at:
http://allaboutsikhs.com/way/baisakhi.htm |
New
Year (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand)
2 April, 2007
Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos use the
Lunar Calendar. Cambodia also uses the Khmer Calendar.
In Cambodia, New Year's Day is known as 'Chol Chnam Thmey';
in Laos, as 'Pii Mai'; in Myanmar, as 'Thingyan'; and
in Thailand as 'Songkarn'.
Most festivals are based on Brahman (Hindu) or Buddhist
rituals and coincide with agricultural or seasonal changes.
For the small minorities of ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese
peoples in these countrues New Year is celebrated in Late
January or early February based on the Chinese Calendar.
The Khmer New Year commences on 12 or 13 April on the
Gregorian Calendar. It is a three to four day festival.
More information at:
http://cambodia.worldvision.org.nz/tw_cambodia_culture_special.asp |
New
Year - Chun Jie (Chinese, Singaporean)
18 February , 2007
The start of the year is guided by the Chinese lunar/solar
calendar. It is known as Chun Jie in Singapore but also Chinese New Year in China and other areas of South East Asia including Australia. Chun Jie means 'springtime'
Of particular significance is the eve of
the New Year where families reunite to share a banquet.
Special foods are prepared and served in multiple courses.
Some foods have symbolic value for example fish balls,
which signify reunion.
The New Year festival is also referred to as the Spring
Festival. Celebrations continue for 15 days and there
are special activities for each day. The fifteenth day
is marked with the Lantern Festival. According to Taoism,
the Lord of Heaven visits the earth on this day to confer
luck and happiness on those who are morally upright.
More information at:
http://www.new-year.co.uk/chinese/year.htm
http://chineseastrologyonline.com/2006.htm
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/whatson/chinesenewyear/events.php |
New Year (see Gregorian calendar)
1 January
New Year - Losar (Tibetan)
18 February, 2007
Losar, the new year festival of Tibetans, commences on the first day of the first month of the new year, which usually falls in late January or early February every year. Losar is said to have its genesis in the pre-Buddhist period in Tibet.
More information at:
http://www.tibet.net/phogaly/
http://www.tibettrip.com/festivals.htm |
New Year - see Muharram or Al-Hijra (Islamic/Muslim New Year)
31 January
New Year - Shogatsu (Japan)
Monday 1 January, 2007
New Year (shogatsu or oshogatsu) is the most important holiday in Japan . Most businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3, and families typically gather to spend the days together.
Years are traditionally viewed as completely separate, with each new year providing a fresh start. Consequently, all duties are supposed to be completed by the end of the year, while bonenkai parties ("year forgetting parties") are held with the purpose of leaving the old year's worries and troubles behind.
More information at:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2062.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/topic/0101.html |
New
Year - Tet (Vietnamese)
18 February, 2007
Tet Nguyen Dan is the Vietnamese New Year Festival. Tet
is celebrated on the first day of the first moneth on
the lunar/solar calendar
(similar to the Chinese Calendar).
2003 is the Year of the Goat. The
goat’s talents will always make money. Very charitable
and easily empathetic, the goat is elegant in action and
appearance. Passionate in everything, the goat is best
at the arts but is a poor salesman.
Tet is also a harvest festival where both farmer and land
rest between cycles. The festival lasts for three days
and includes spending time with family, making offerings
to the gods of food and flowers and visiting family graves.
More
information at:
http://www.familyculture.com/holidays/tet.htm |
|
Now Ruz or Now-Rooz (Afghan/Iranian/Persian New Year)
21 March
Now Ruz or Now-Rooz marks the commencement of the New Year in Iran (formerly Persia ) and many surrounding countries in the Middle East such as Afghanistan , Tajikstan , Azerbaijan , Iraq , Syria , Turkey , as well as Parsees in India and Central Asia , and Iranians all over the world including Australia . Iranians and other nationalities, regardless of religious or cultural background have an affinity to Now Ruz. Now Ruz means 'new day' in Persian (Farsi) language and the festival marks the beginning of the solar year. Like the ancient Persian New Year, it occurs on the spring equinox, which generally falls on 21 March. The celebration involves thirteen days of rituals involving 'spring cleaning', purification rites involving special foods and symbols, celebrations with family including exchanging of gifts, and other activities.
Although this day generally transcends particular religious affiliations it originated from ancient religious and cultural rites observed by ancient Persians, and major cultures of the ancient Mesopotamians, Sumerians and Babylonians. It is also deeply rooted in the traditions of the Zoroastrian belief system.
More information at:
http://www.worldreligionday.org
http://www.farsinet.com/noruz/
|
New
Zealand
ANZAC
Day
Waitangi
Day Nicholas,
Saint
see Christmas Norwegian
see Midsummer's Eve
Nisf
Sha'ban (Islamic/Muslim)
8 September, 2007
Nisf Sha'ban is an Islamic feast of repentence. It falls
on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Islamic/Muslim
Calendar.
More information at:
http://www.muslim-events.com |
O
Obon, Festival of the Dead (Japanese - Buddhist)
11 August, 2007
Obon is a Japanese Buddhist festival usually held in mid-July or August for a week and is a time when the souls of dead ancestors are supposed to return home for three days. In particular, prayers are said for anyone who has died in the previous year as it is believed that they need more guidance to find their way. The festival has been held since the 7th century although many of the events have changed and it is one of the most significant and enjoyable of the Japanese festivals. It goes by a variety of names, the most popular of which is "The Festival or Feast of the Dead".
More information at:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2286.html
|
Oktoberfest
(German)
22 September - 7 October, 2007
Oktoberfest is celebrated in Germany and by German communities
in other parts of the world. It dates back to 1810 when
a royal wedding of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese
of Saxony-Hidburhausen took place at Thereienwiese ('Theresa's
fields'). As time has past, Oktoberfest has lost its original
meaning, but has continued as an expression of joy and
happiness. It is celebrated by the consumption of German
beers, and other German specialities such as bratwurst.
Costumed parades and music concerts complete the day.
More information at:
http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/ |
Orange
Ribbon Day (Australian - now National Harmony Day)
21 March
The Orange Ribbon campaign was initiated by Susan Leith-Miller
in Sydney as an awareness raising exercise in support
of multicultural Australia. Susan was disturbed by the
'multicultural debate' and its effects, and decided to
use orange ribbons as a way to express her support for
the multiculturalism of our society.
In 1997, QUT's Cultural
Diversity Committee decided
to promote the Orange Ribbon campaign at QUT during the
international week against racism. QUT's Equity Section and Student Guild run
annual events and activities supporting multiculturalism,
cultural diversity and anti-racism on National
Harmony Day.
Staff and students are encouraged to wear an orange ribbon
- not only during the week against racism, but at any
time - to show personal support for cultural diversity
and the elimination of racial discrimination.
http://www.immi.gov.au
http://www.harmony.gov.au |
Orthodox
Easter
(Orthodox)
Good Friday
(Orthodox)
Great Lent (Orthodox)
Saint Sava
Orthodox
Calendar
see Julian/Orthodox
Calendar
Our
Lady of Fatima, Day of (Portugese/Timorese - Christian)
13 May
On this day in 1917, the Christian 'Mother of God', Mary
appeared to three children in the town of Fatima, in Portugal.
The children were asked to spreas the message of peace
to all Christians in order to end the European conflict
of the time. Our Lady of Fatima is a revered figure for
Portuguese and Timorese people.
More information at:
http://www.fatima.org/ |
P
Passover
see Pesach
(Passover) Patrick,
Saint
see Saint
Patrick's Day Peace
see International
Day of Peace
Pentecost (Jewish)
April 2-5, 2007
Pentecost is a feast —symbolically related to the Jewish festival of Shavuot —on the Christian liturgical calendar that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirt upon the Apostles and the followers of Jesus seven weeks after Easter and ten days after Ascension Thursday .
More information at:
http://www.jewfaq.org/holidaya.htm |
Peru
Inti Raymi or Festival of the
Sun
Pesach
(Passover) (Jewish)
April 2-5, 2007
Pesach, or Passover, commemorates the departure of the
Jewish people from Egypt. On the first evening of Passover,
the Seder ceremony, a series of blessing, prayers and
rituals is performed.
More information at:
http://www.holidays.net/passover/
|
Portugese
Our Lady of Fatima, Day of Poverty
see Anti-Poverty Week
Pride
Month (Australian - Queensland - Gay/Lesbian)
June
In Queensland Pride Month is celebrated in June with a series of events, rallies, dance parties,
theatre and film festivals and community forums aimed
at supporting the gay/lesbian community, their friends
and families. Go to Mardi Gras for more information about National and International Gay/Lesbian festivals.
More information at:
http://www.pridebrisbane.org.au/ |
Purim
(Jewish)
4 March, 2007
This festival commemorates the survival of the Jewish
people from destruction by Haman and the King of Persia.
Following the intervention of Hasehm, Queen Esther and
her uncle Mordechai, the people were spared. The miraculous
turn of events are celebrated on Purim with the reading
of the Megilla, with feasting and by sending gifts of
food to the needy and to friends.
More information:
http://www.ahavat-israel.com/torat/purim.html
http://www.holidays.net/purim/
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