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Multicultural Calendar of Events & Related Resources ​

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September

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15. This month’s length of time corresponds with Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16, and recognizes the revolution in 1810 that ended Spanish dictatorship.

This month celebrates American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate independence on September 16 and September 18, respectively. The 2019 Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving Our Nation,” inspires reflection on Hispanic Americans’ service and contributions to the history of America.


Events & Resources (from 2019-2020 academic year; some links may need refreshing):
September 9-10: Ashura, an Islamic holiday commemorating the day Noah left the ark and the day Allah saved Moses from the Egyptians.
September 12: Ethiopian New Year. Rastafarians celebrate the New Year on this date and believe that Ethiopia is their spiritual home.
September 14: Elevation of the Life Giving Cross (Holy Cross), a day that commemorates the cross used in the Crucifixion of Jesus in some Christian denominations.
Click below for related resources and local events:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/redtri.com/chicago/chicago-hispanic-heritage-month-with-kids/amp/
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/holidays/ashura.htm
https://theculturetrip.com/africa/ethiopia/articles/how-to-celebrate-the-ethiopian-new-year/
 
September 21: The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") was established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution. It provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace. 
 
September 23: Ostara Mabon, a celebration of the vernal equinox commemorated by Pagans and Wiccans. Mabon is a harvest festival that encourages pagans to, “reap what they sow,” both literally and figuratively. It is the time when night and day stand equal in duration; thus is it a time to express gratitude, complete projects and honor a moment of balance.
 
Related resources and local events:
https://kidsforpeaceglobal.org/peace-day-challenge/
 
https://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/
 
https://www.readbrightly.com/new-childrens-ya-books-hispanic-heritage/
 
https://www.chipublib.org/news/celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-with-cpl-6/
 
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/hispanic-heritage-month-movies-dvorak
 
Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15 to 10/15) 
 
September 27: Meskel, religious holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox and Eritrean Orthodox churches that commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by the Roman Empress, Helena, in the fourth century.
September 28: Teacher’s Day in Taiwan. This day is used to honor teachers’ contributions to their students and to society in general. People often express their gratitude to their teachers by paying them a visit or sending them a card. This date was chosen to commemorate the birth of Confucius, the model master educator in ancient China.
September 29: Michaelmas, or the Feast of Michael and All Angels, is a minor Christian festival dedicated to Archangel Michael that is observed in some Western liturgical calendars.
September 29-October 1 (sundown to sundown): Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year celebration, marking the creation of the world.
 
Related resources and local events:
 
https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.org/index.php/hispanic-heritage-month/88-hispanic-heritage-month-theme-2019
 
https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/search/fq=audiences:(5bc796d5c0db9c5c64d684ca)&fq=program:(52ec52e0cb8b1e0000000013)
 
https://www.jccchicago.org/programs/jewish-life/holidays/
 
https://www.leye.com/in-the-know/in-the-restaurants/rosh-hashanah-chicago/
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October

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This observance was launched in 1945 when Congress declared the first week in October as, “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1998, the week was extended to a month and renamed. The annual event draws attention to employment barriers that still need to be addressed.

October is LGBT History Month, a U.S. observance started in 1994 to recognize lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history and the history of the gay-rights movement.

Events this month:
October 8: Dasara, or Vijayadashami, in the eastern and northeastern states of India, marks the end of Navaratri, remembering goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to help restore dharma.
October 8-9: Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, a day of atonement marked by fasting and ceremonial repentance.
October 11: National Coming Out Day (U.S.). For those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, this day celebrates coming out and the recognition of the 1987 march on Washington for gay and lesbian equality.
October 13-20: Sukkot, a seven-day Jewish festival giving thanks for the fall harvest.
October 14: Canadian Thanksgiving, a chance for people to give thanks for a good harvest and other fortunes in the past year.
October 14: National Indigenous Peoples Day, an alternative celebration to Columbus Day, gives recognition to the indigenous populations affected by colonization.
Related resources and local events:
http://events.sulekha.com/ico-cultural-nights-garba-by-devang-patel_event-in_naperville-il_341450
 
https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pjblog/september-2019/4-ways-kids-can-participate-on-yom-kippur
 
https://www.mykidisgay.com/blog/why-national-coming-out-day-still-matters

October 20: Sikh Holy Day, the day Sikhs celebrate Sri Guru Granth Sahib, their holy scripture and spiritual guide.
October 20: Birth of Báb, a Bahá’í holiday celebrating the birth of the prophet Báb.
October 20-22 (sundown to sundown): Shemini Atzeret, a Jewish holiday also known as The Eighth (Day) of Assembly, takes place the day after the Sukkot festival, where gratitude for the fall harvest is deeply internalized.
October 21-22 (sundown to sundown): Simchat Torah, a Jewish holiday, marks the end of the weekly readings of the Torah. The holy book is read from chapter one of Genesis to Deuteronomy 34 and then back to chapter one again, in acknowledgement of the words of the Torah being a circle, a never-ending cycle.
Related resources and local events:
http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/religion/sikhism.html
https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/bahai/the-birth-of-the-bab.aspx
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-the-bicentenary-of-the-birth-of-the-bab-tickets-76551424371
https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pjblog/august-2016/jewish-fall-activities
 
October 20-22 (sundown to sundown): Shemini Atzeret, a Jewish holiday also known as The Eighth (Day) of Assembly, takes place the day after the Sukkot festival, where gratitude for the fall harvest is deeply internalized.
October 21-22 (sundown to sundown): Simchat Torah, a Jewish holiday, marks the end of the weekly readings of the Torah. The holy book is read from chapter one of Genesis to Deuteronomy 34 and then back to chapter one again, in acknowledgement of the words of the Torah being a circle, a never-ending cycle.
October 27-31: Diwali, the Hindu, Jain and Sikh five-day festival of lights celebrates new beginnings, the triumph of good over evil, and lightness over darkness.
Related resources and local events:
https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pjblog/august-2017/7-fun-things-to-do-with-kids-on-simchat-torah
https://www.chipublib.org/blogs/post/festival-of-lights-diwali-for-kids/
https://www.chicagoparent.com/play/holiday-fun/dia-de-los-muertos-chicago/
 
• October 27-31: Diwali, the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh five-day festival of lights celebrates new beginnings, the triumph of good over evil, and lightness over darkness.
• October 29-30 (sundown to sundown): The birth of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í religion.
• October 31: All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween), a celebration observed in a number of countries on the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. It begins the three-day observance of Allhallowtide, the time dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed.
• October 31: Reformation Day, a Protestant Christian religious holiday celebrated alongside All Hallows' Eve (Halloween) during the triduum of Allhallowtide in remembrance of the onset of the Reformation.
• October 31-November 1 (sundown to sundown): Samhain, a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year.
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November

November is National Native American Heritage Month. The month is a time to celebrate rich & diverse cultures, traditions, and histories, as well as to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.


November 1: All Saints’ Day, a Christian holiday commemorating all known and unknown Christian saints. (In Eastern Christianity, the day is observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost.)
• November 2: All Souls’ Day, a Christian holiday commemorating all faithful Christians who are now dead. In the Mexican tradition, the holiday is celebrated as Dia de los Muertos (October 31- November 2), which is a time of remembrance for dead ancestors and a celebration of the continuity of life.
Related resources & local events:
•https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/.../day-of-the-dead/
•https://www.chicago.gov/.../supp.../maxwellstreetmarket.html
•http://www.bubblesacademy.com/.../kids-diwali-celebration/

• November 9-10 (sundown to sundown): Eid Milad un-Nabi, an Islamic holiday commemorating the birthday of the prophet Muhammad. During this celebration, homes and mosques are decorated, large parades take place, and those observing the holiday participate in charity events.
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• November 11: Veterans Day, a U.S. federal holiday honoring military veterans. The date is also celebrated as Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day, in other parts of the world and commemorates the ending of World War I in 1918.
Related resources & local events:
• https://coloursofus.com/32-native-american-childrens-books/
•https://www.google.com/.../national-native.../index.html
• http://www.mindfulmum.co.uk/fun/2012/milad-un-nabi-for-kids/
• https://www.google.com/.../celebrate-veterans-day.html/amp
 
• November 14 - December 24: Nativity Fast, a period of abstinence and penance practiced by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches in preparation for the Nativity of Jesus.
Related resources & local events:
• https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/.../1498075269_native...
• https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/.../5dadc5fc0c9300230...

• November 14-December 24: Nativity Fast, a period of abstinence and penance practiced by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches in preparation for the Nativity of Jesus.
• November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance, established in 1998 to memorialize those who have been killed as a result of transphobia and to raise awareness of the continued violence endured by the transgender community.
• November 24: Feast of Christ the King, a Catholic holiday established in thanking God for the gift of time and a rededication to the Christian faith.
Related resources & local events:
• http://www.welcomingschools.org/.../youth-definitions/
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/.../how-talk-kids-about...
• http://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/christ-the-king/
• https://interactive.wbez.org/.../chicago-native-americans/
• https://multiculturalkidblogs.com/.../native-american.../
 
• November 28: Thanksgiving in the United States. It began as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.
• November 30-December 3: St. Andrew’s Day, the feast day for St. Andrew within various Christian denominations.




December

Our theme for the month of December is Kindness & Social Justice. “Social justice is the view that everyone deserves to enjoy the same economic, political and social rights, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender or other characteristics” (https://www.educationworld.com/.../social-justice...).


Events this week:
• December 3: International Day of Disabled Persons, designed to raise awareness in regards to persons with disabilities in order to improve their lives and provide them with equal opportunity.
• December 8: Immaculate Conception of Mary, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the solemn celebration, by various Christian denominations, of belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Related resources & local events:
• https://www.weareteachers.com/books-about-social-justice/
• https://www.barnesandnoble.com/.../8-empowering-middle.../
• https://www.un.org/.../day-of-persons-with-disabilities
• December 10: International Human Rights Day, established by the United Nations in 1948 to commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a religious holiday in Mexico commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531.
• December 13: St. Lucia’s Day, a religious festival of light in Scandinavia and Italy commemorating the martyrdom of St. Lucia, a young Christian girl who was killed for her faith in 304 C.E. She secretly brought food to persecuted Christians in Rome while wearing a wreath of candles on her head so both her hands would be free.
• December 16-24: Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration in Mexico commemorating the trials Mary and Joseph endured during their journey to Bethlehem.
 • December 21: Yule Winter Solstice, celebrated by Pagans and Wiccans. The shortest day of the year represents a celebration focusing on rebirth, renewal and new beginnings as the sun makes its way back to the Earth.
• December 22-30: Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday that is celebrated around the world for eight days and nights. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees, or Israelites, over the Greek-Syrian ruler, Antiochus, approximately 2,200 years ago.
• December 25: Christmas Day, the day that many Christians associate with Jesus’ birth.
• December 26-January 1: Kwanzaa, an African-American holiday started by Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate universal African-American heritage.
• December 26: Zartosht No-Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra), a day of remembrance in the Zoroastrian religion.
• December 26: St. Stephen’s Day, a day to commemorate St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, or protomartyr.
• December 27: St. John’s Day, Apostle and Evangelist, feast day for St. John celebrated by Christian denominations.
• December 28: Feast of the Holy Innocents, a Christian feast in remembrance of the massacre of young children in Bethlehem by King Herod the Great in his attempt to kill the infant Jesus.
• December 29: Feast of the Holy Family, a liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church in honor of Jesus, his mother and his foster father, St. Joseph as a family. The primary purpose of this feast is to present the Holy Family as a model for Christian families.
• December 31: Watch Night, a day for Christians to review the year that has passed, make confessions, and then prepare for the year ahead by praying and resolving.

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