May 2009

Madison and Anthony - photograph by Carl Shimckus"Diversity to me is the merging of two apparently different subjects, opposites in thought, practice or attitude," said Carl Shimckus, a Senior Engineering technician in Waterford, CT.

"I felt that the meeting of a little girl, less than 24 hours-old, with her great-grandfather couldn’t be anything but diverse.

"The picture was taken of my granddaughter, Madison Noelle Pudvah, in the hospital room the day after her birthday, at her first meeting with her great-grandfather, Anthony Fabiano."
 

Multicultural Calendar

Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month - Designated in 1992 as a month-long celebration of the contributions Asians and Pacific Islanders have made to the United States. "Asian Pacific" categorizes people of more than 24 ethnic groups from countries such as China, Cambodia, Philippines, Korea, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. There are more than 12 different languages spoken among Asian/Pacific Islanders.

Hopi Kachina Dances - During late spring and early summer, long lines of aboriginal Kachina Dancers, representing many spirit-powers, perform dances in Hopi pueblos. Dates of observance vary according to community.

May 1:

Vappu Day (Finland) - Finland’s National Holiday, celebrates spring and begins on April 30th.

Santa Cruzan Day (Philippines) - Filipinos consider this the first day of spring. It commemorates the corresponding day in the 4th century A.D. when St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine of Rome, found the holy cross on which Jesus was crucified.

May 2:

Dos de Mayo (Spain)

May 3:

Fiesta de las Cruces (Peru)

May 4:

Kokumin-no-kyujitsu (Japan) - Also called "Between Day," this is a national holiday and part of Golden Week when many Japanese take paid time off.

May 5:

Cinco de Mayo (Mexico/USA) - This holiday marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the "Batalla de Puebla" in 1862. It represents Mexican unity and patriotism. It is much more widely celebrated by Mexican-Americans than Mexicans.

Kodomo no hi (Japan) - Boys Day honors young boys. Kites in the shape of brightly colored carps are flown, carps being a symbol of longevity and strength.

Children’s Day (Korea) - Represents a day of celebration for children, both young and old. Amusement parks, zoos and national parks become crowded with families enjoying the holiday in the spring weather.

May 8:

Wesak (Buddhism) - The most important Buddhist festival, Wesak celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddah as one event.

Parents Day (Korea) - On this day children are to show respect and love for their parents.

May 9:

Joan of Arc Day (France) - St. Joan of Arc is the patroness of soldiers and of France. A peasant girl who believing that she was acting under divine guidance, she led the French army in a momentous victory at Orleans. She was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431, at the age of 19.

May 10:

Golden Spike Day (Asian-American) - Commemorates the day in 1869 when the final spike was driven into the Transcontinental Railroad. Ten thousand Chinese immigrants were brought in as laborers for the railroad. Their contribution was finally recognized in 1999.

Mother’s Day (USA) - A time-honored tradition of pampering mothers and paying homage to them by giving gifts or making special considerations for them.

May 13:

Our Lady of Fatima (Portugal) - On May 13, 1917, in Portugal, three shepherd children saw and conversed with the Virgin Mary in a vision. This event ocurred on the 13th day of the month for six months in a row.

May 21:

Sheep Festival (Cameroon) - Celebrates the descent of the sheep herds from the mountains.

May 25:

Memorial Day (USA) - A day of remembrance for those who have died in service to their country.

African Freedom (Liberation) Day (Africa, USA) - Has been a day of celebration of the many achievements and victories of African people worldwide and a rededication to their current struggle for freedom, justice and unity. It is marked by parades and rallies in Africa and the United States.

Independence Day (Jordan) - On this day in 1946, Jordan gained its independence from Britain.

May 27:

Children’s Day (Nigeria) - All students are dismissed from school on this day to stay at home and play.

May 28:

Dragon Boat Festival (China) - Honors the patriot poet Chu Yuan who drowned himself in the Milo River south of China in protest of the political injustice in 277 B.C.

May 29:

Shavu'ot (Jewish) - Also known as the Festival of Weeks, Shavu'ot is the second of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Passover and Sukkot). Shavu'ot commemorates the time when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple. This is known as Hag ha-Bikkurim (the Festival of the First Fruits). Shavu'ot also celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, also known as Hag Matan Torateinu (the Festival of the Giving of Our Torah).

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