Cultural Competency and Diversity

New Year's Day

Observation of the New Year, celebrated on January 1 in the Gregorian calendar, is celebrated around the world in many different ways. Here are a few examples of how the new year is celebrated:

In the United States, the start of the new year is often begun with a celebration the night before with partying late into the night and a glass of champagne to celebrate an end to the old and a beginning to the new year.

In China, the new year is celebrated from January 17 to February 19, and call this celebration of feasting and celebrating "Yuan Tan." Lanterns are illuminated and firecrackers ignited to scare off the evil spirits that roam the earth at the new year.

In Scotland, the celebration of the new year starts on December 31, which is called "Hogmanay," and continues to the next day, called "Ne'erday." The Scot tradition of "first footing" says that the first person to cross a home's threshold after midnight will bring luck, good or bad, for the coming year. In parts of Scotland, barrels of tar are ignited and rolled down the streets, symbolizing that the old year is burned up and the new year is allowed to enter.

In Greece, the new year, also known as the Festival of Saint Basil, is celebrated with children leaving their shoes by the fire side to have their shoes filled with gifts.

The Jewish New Year, celebrated in September, is called Rosh Hashanah is a time to remember wrong deeds and promise to do better in the future. Special services are held and children are given new clothes and new year loaves are baked to remember harvest time.

In Iran, the new year, known as "nowruz," is celebrated in March, and recognizes the beginning of spring and the beginning of the new year according to the solar calendar.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated for two weeks by the Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures and takes place in late January and early February. People dress in costume and exchange food and gifts for the celebration.

In Japan, homes are decorated with pine branches and bamboo –- symbols of long life, and everyone gets dressed in their new clothes to celebrat "Oshogatsu."

In Italy, boys and girls receive money on "il capodanno," New Year's Day.

As you can see with these few examples, the celebration for the New Year is many and varied.

Epiphany/Three Kings Day/Feast of Theophany

January 6 is a holiday that goes by a variety of names in the Christian tradition. Falling at the end of the 12 Days of Christmas, Ephiphany variously celebrates the visit of the Magi (three kings) to the infant Jesus in Western Christian tradition, or the baptism of Jesus or Nativity of Christ in Eastern Christian tradition as the Feast of Theophany. As Three Kings Day in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Uraguay and the Philippines, children polish and set out their shoes to be filled with gifts or treats by the Kings. In Louisiana, Epiphany marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season, during which King Cakes are baked.

World Religions Day

World Religions Day was initiated in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States. This holiday is based on a celebration of interfaith understanding and harmony. It emphasizes the common demonators underlying all religions. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of January, or January 20 in 2008.

Martin Luther King Day

Martin Luther King Day, is a national holiday celebrated in the United States on the third Monday of January (January 21 in 2008), close to Dr. King's birthday, January 15. The day celebrates and recognizes the need for all people, no matter their differences, to live in harmony. It is celebrated to recognize that we have come a long way as a nation but still have a long way to go to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream a reality.

On this day in Washington, D.C., free concerts are held in churches, schools, universities, and government affiliated buildings including the Kennedy Center.

Black History Month

Dr. Carter G. Woodson (shown left) founded Negro History Week 1926 to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout Americal History. Negro History Week expanded to Black History Month in 1976. Black History Month is celebrated in February in American in Canada, but in October in England.

There are a number of days in February that are important to Black History:

• February 1, 1960: In Greensboro, North Carolina, college students began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter.
• February 3, 1870: The 15th Amendment to the Constitution was passed, granting blacks the right to vote.
• February 7, 1817: Frederick Douglass, American abolitionist, was born into slavery.
• February 12, 1909: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded by a group of concerned black and white citizens in New York city.
• February 21, 1965: Malcolm X, a militant leader who promoted Black Nationalism, was shot to death by three black Muslims.
• February 23, 1868: W.E.B. DuBois, an important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP was born.
• February 25, 1870: Hiram R. Revels, the first black U.S. Senator, took his oath of office.

Groundhog Day

Pennsylvania made Groundhog Day an official celebration in 1886. The tradition is that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2 and fails to see its shadow due to overcast weather, winter will soon end. However, if the groundhog sees its shadow and returns to its burrow, there will be six more weeks of winter. The most prominent American celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, around a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil. Canada has an albino groundhog named Wiarton Willie, and New York's official groundhog is named Pothole Pete.

Where does the superstition come from? A groundhog or woodchuck hibernates for the winter so seeing one come out of the ground is a natural sign of spring.

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday") is a celebration based on Catholic tradition held the day before Ash Wednesday, which starts the season of Lent. Also known as Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras is celebrated in many cities, notably in various Southern U.S. cities such as Mobile and New Orleans, and in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Venice, Italy. The term Mardi Gras is also often used to refer to the entire Carnival season which starts on January 6 and ends on Shrove Tuesday.

Carnival/Mardi Gras is important an celebration in New Orleans, where it draws thousands of fun-seeking tourists each year for parades and revelry organized by "Krewes." Mardi Gras has been celebrated on a grand scale since French settlers arrived in the early 1700s. Mardi Gras' extravagance offsets the sober weeks of fasting for Lent which starts on Ash Wednesday. In 2008, Mardi Gras falls on February 5.

Chinese New Year

Valentine's Day

Presidents' Day

According to the Federal Government, this holiday, observed on the third Monday in February (February 18 in 2008), is officially the observance of George Washington's birthday, but many Americans believe that it now honors both President Washington (whose birthday is February 22) and President Abraham Lincoln (whose birthday is February 12). The celebration of Washington's birthday originated in the late 18th century while George Washington was still President, and was officialized in 1885 under President Chester Arthur. In 1968, Congress moved the official observance to the third Monday in February which is between Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays. Though the holiday did not start out as so, "Presidents' Day" is now accepted as the proper name for Washington's birthday observance.

Fun Facts for February

Did You Know...

• February is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month, Bird Feeding Month, and Potato Lovers Month. The United Nations, by the way, has declared 2008 to be International Year of the Potato.
• The word "February" comes from the Latin word "februa," meaning cleansing or purification, reflecting rituals undertaken before the arrival of Spring. In Shakespeare's day, the month was called Feverell, and by Isaac Newton's time, it was known as Februeer.
• By the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico gave New Mexico and California to the United States on February 2, 1848.
• Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne on February 6, 1952.
• The Friday after Ash Wednesday (February 8 in 2008) is known as "Kissing Friday." Until the 1940s, English schoolboys were allowed to kiss girls on this day without fear of punishment.
• According to the Greeting Card Association, 25 percent of all seasonal cards sent each year are Valentines.
• 2008 is a Leap Year. A 29th day is added to February every fourth year in order to bring the solar year of 264 and a quarter days into line with the calendar year of 265 days. Tradition says that women may propose marriage to men on Leap Day and must be accepted.

Women's History Month

The first Women's Rights Convention was held in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, and is considered the beginning of the Women's Right Movement. The first Women's History Week was celebrated in 1978 and was ultimately expanded to National Women's History Month in 1987. Nationwide, this month is filled with activities celebrating women's significant contributions to advancements in arts, technology, human rights issues, and education. The March 2008 National Women's History Month theme is "Women's Art: Women's Vision."

Do You Know?

1. Who was the first woman to run for President of the United States?
2. Who was the first black woman elected to Congress?
3. Who was denied admission to 29 medical schools before becoming the first licensed woman doctor in the U.S.?
4. Which woman was invited to teach nuclear physics at Princeton University even though no female students were allowed to study there?
5. What leading suffragist was arrested and convicted of attempting to vote in the 1872 election?

Answers: 1. Victoria Woodhull, 2. Shirley Chisholm, 3. Elizabeth Blackwell, 4. Chien-Shiung Wu, 5. Susan B. Anthony.

• National Women's History Project
• National Organization of Women

St. Patrick's Day: March 17

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was a missionary in the 5th Century AD who is credited with converting Ireland to Christianity. The custom of wearing green symbolizes Ireland's lush landscapes. The shamrock, a small three-leaf clover, is a symbol of the Christian doctrine of trinity to the Irish people.

American Diabetes Alert Month

Do you know anyone who has diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects the body's ability to produce or respond properly to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows blood glucose (sugar) to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. Nearly 21 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes. It is the fifth deadliest disease in the U.S. and, while there are treatments and medications, there is no cure.

Do you have any of these risk factors?

1. Family history of diabetes
2. Obesity
3. Physical inactivity
4. Older age
5. Poor eating habits
6. Race/ethnicity

Tips to managing diabetes:

1. Educate yourself
2. Maintain a healthy diet
3. Exercise regularly
4. Monitor blood glucose regularly
5. Get regular check-ups with your health care provider
6. Follow medication schedules precisely as prescribed

For more information about diabetes, visit:

• American Diabetes Association
• Everyday Health

Good Friday and Easter

Good Friday and Easter are Christian holidays that celebrate the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, respectively. Easter falls at a point between late March and late April each year for Western Christian religions, or early April to early May for Eastern Christian religions, as determined by the cycle of the moon. In 2008, Western Christian religions celebrate Good Friday and Easter on March 21 and March 23, respectively, and Eastern Christian religions celebrate them on April 25 and April 27, repectively. In Western Christianity, Easter marks the end of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday. In Eastern Christianity, Easter is known as Pascha, and is regarded as the most important festival of the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches.

Some symbols associated with Easter today reflect pre-Christian traditions related to Spring and fertility. In America, children hunt Easter eggs traditionally delivered by the Easter bunny. Peeps and jellie beans are Easter traditions for those with a sweet tooth.

Fun Facts for March

Did You Know...

Earth Day is celebrated nationwide as a day to recognize the environmental gains we have made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress. Attention is given to examining what effects industry has on the environment: burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas; chemical by-products leaking into ground water from factories; mass deforestation; and the release of harmful chemicals by everyday items like refrigerators and vehicles. Nationwide, states are participating in activities that emphasize how each person can play a role in decreasing air pollution, promoting land conservation, and improving water quality. To learn more about Earth Day, you can visit the U.S. Government Earth Day Portal or the Environmental Protection Agency's site. To learn more about what Pathways is doing to be environmentally conscious, please visit the Green Pathways page.

Arbor Day, which encourages tree planting, is celebrated on April 25.

Do You Know?

1. How many people celebrated the first Earth Day in 1970?
2. The number of premature deaths/year caused by acid rain in the United States and Canada?
3. What are some everyday activities that cause acid rain?
4. If you emptied all the swimming pools in the United States, which city could you cover to a depth of seven feet?
5. How many times could you fill the New Orleans Superdome if you collected all the hazardous waste created in the United States in one year and dumped it there.

World Health Day marks the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) organized by the United Nations in 1948. Though most people associate it with global disease crisis, the priorities of the WHO are to promote a state of physical, mental and social well-being. To support this mission the WHO adopted a set of International Health Regulations (IHR) in 1969. The IHR were originally designed to monitor and prevent transmission of cholera, plague, and yellow fever. Following the outbreak of additional diseases the IHR were updated in 2005 to require states to notify the WHO of all events that may constitute a public health crisis. In total, 193 countries participate in the World Health Organization. The 2008 theme for World Health Day focuses on the need to protect health from the adverse effects of climate change.

To learn more about the WHO, check out its A to Z Directory. Or you can take a fun look at nasty diseases prevented.

Professional counselors provide many levels of support helping people face various challenges in life. They go through extensive education and training and they work in schools, universities, hospitals, mental health agencies, businesses, community centers, correctional institutions and religious institutions. Says Dr. William King, "If someone is questioning if they should go into counseling that is probably the best indicator that they should."

There are 600,000 counselors in the US today. Visit the American Counseling Association website to learn more about counselors and the difference they make. Celebrate by letting the counselors in your life know how much you appreciate them.

National Cherry Blossom Parade and the Japanese-American Society's Sakura Mutsuri Japanese Street Festival: April 12, 2008.
This Japanese-American celebration began in 1960. Today approximately 3,750 cherry trees are on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. Most of the trees are Yoshino Cherry, but Kwanzan Cherry, Taksimensis, and Akebono Cherry are represented among others. Here are the details of the gift that led to the time-honored National Cherry Blossom festival, parade and events that last this year from March 29 to April 13. In 1912, the people of Japan sent 3,020 cherry trees to the United States as a gift of friendship. First Lady Helen Taft and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted the first two cherry trees on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin. These two original trees are still standing today near the John Paul Jones statue at the south end of 17th Street. Workmen planted the remainder of the trees around the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park. To learn more about the history of the cherry blossoms, visit the National Parks Services website.

Filmfest DC: April 24 to May 4.

Fun Facts for April

Did You Know...

• April Fools' Day has been suggested by theorist to be a relic of once common festivals held at the Vernal Equinox.
• April comes from the Latin word Aperio, "to open." Many plants begin to open in April.
• April is Occupational Therapy Month, celebrating the contributions made by the Occupational Therapy profession.
• The first United States Mint opened on April 2, 1792.
• Reformer Dorothea Dix, was born in Hampden, Maine, on April 4, 1802. Her devotion to the mentally ill led to widespread reforms in the U.S. and abroad. She left home at 10, was teaching school by 14, and founded a Boston home for girls while still in her teens. She was one of the first Americans to argue that people with mental illness should not be treated as criminals, and she established the first hospitals dedicated to humane treatment of individuals with mental illness.
• Despite T.S. Eliot's opinion that "April is the cruelest month," April is National Poetry Month. April 17 is "Poem in Your Pocket Day," when Americans are invited to carry a favorite poem in their pocket.
• The Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus from slavery in Egypt, Passover or Pesach, begins at sunset on April 19, 2008, with a Passover Seder.
• According to tradition, Rome was founded on April 21, 753 B.C.
• On April 25, 1901, the United States began to issue license plates to vehicle owners.
• George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789.

Mental Health Month is an annual observance sponsored by Mental Health America (formerly the National Mental Health Association) and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (NCCBH). It is designed to increase awareness about mental health and mental illness and it has been observed for more than 50 years. Each May Mental Health Month has improved the health and lives of millions of Americans. This year, we want even more people to know that caring for their minds, as well as their bodies, is good for overall health and key to their success at home, at work and at school. Let’s send our message louder than ever — everywhere we live, work, learn and play.

You can access detailed information about May 2008 Mental Health Month at the Mental Health America website, and access materiels on: Staying Well When You Have a Mental Illness, Managing Life’s Challenges, Signs of Depression Checklist, Supporting Family and Friends Who Have a Mental Illness, Helping Children Grow Up Healthy-Mind and Body, and much more.

Do You Know?

1. For how many years has Mental Health Month been observed?
2. Do you know who sponsors the Mental Health Month?
3. What is the green awareness ribbon for?

For additional policy related resources check out the NCCBH's policy links.

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

Celebrated each May, this cultural recognition month was originally introduced as a U. S. Congressional bill in 1977 by Norman Mineta, Daniel Inouye and others in 1977. In October, 1978, President Carter signed a Resolution proclaiming May as National Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. Our Asian/Pacific American cultural history is rich and diverse. Asian/Pacific Americans have filled many important roles in society, including U. S. Senators, Representatives, Cabinet Members, State Governors, sports stars, artists and scientists. More information is available at websites including infoplease, Asian Nation and IMdiversity.com.

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, is not Mexican Independence day, however, it is an important day in the history of Mexico. Cinco de Mayo honors the victory of the Mexican army over the French at the Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo’s history has its roots in French occupation of Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is also a date to celebrate the rich culture of the Mexican and Chicano communities.

This is a good opportunity to learn more about the culture and the tradition of Mexican and Hispanic communities at large.

Local celebration ideas in the Washington D.C. area can be found through the Maru Montero Dance Company and Stuck on Salsa.

To learn more about Cinco de Mayo, you can visit MexOnline.com or the U.S. Department of State's website.

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is an annual observance in the World; it is day for celebrating motherhood and thanking mothers. In the United States, it is held on the second Sunday in May. This year Mother’s Day will be celebrated on May 11, 2008. Mothers often receive gifts on this day. Tradition calls for the wearing of roses or carnations on Mother's Day — a red one if one's mother is alive, white if she has died, and pink if one is not certain.

In the United States, Mother's Day started nearly 150 years ago, when Anna Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker, organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers. She called it "Mother's Work Day."

Fifteen years later, Julia Ward Howe, a Boston poet, pacifist, suffragist, and author of the lyrics to the Battle Hymn of the Republic, organized a day encouraging mothers to rally for peace, since she believed they bore the loss of human life more harshly than anyone else.

In 1905 when Anna Jarvis died, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that young Anna remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother's day. There are many days for men, but none for mothers."

Anna began to lobby prominent businessmen like John Wannamaker, and politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to support her campaign to create a special day to honor mothers. At one of the first services organized to celebrate Anna's mother in 1908, at her church in West Virginia, Anna handed out her mother's favorite flower, the white carnation. Five years later, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on Mother's Day. In 1914 Anna's hard work paid off when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday.

For more information about Mother’s Day, you can visit About: Women's History, Wikipedia or the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Fun Facts for May

Did You Know...

• The name "May" comes from the name of the the goddess Maia, honored by the ancient Greeks as the goddess of spring and growth, and by the Romans as the earth goddess.
• The first day of May, often called May Day, has been celebrated in various cultures as a holiday. In pre-Christian Europe, the Celts held Beltane rites on May 1, and Germanic cultures celebrated Walpurgis Night. In parts of Britain, this day is known as Garland Day. May Day is also celebrated by modern-day labor and socialist movements as International Worker's Day or Labor Day (outside the United States).
• The most famous horse race in the United States, the Kentucky Derby, takes place on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
• May 6 is International No Diet Day.
• NASCAR does not race on Mother's Day.
• In America, Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May. If you follow traditional fashion etiquette, this is when you can start wearing white dress shoes for the summer.
• One superstition related to the month of May is that cats born during May will not be good rodent catchers.
• May is National Asparagus Month as well as National Strawberry Month. Both asparagus and strawberries are low in calories and high in fiber and Vitamin C.

National Men's Health Week

Men's Health Week is celebrated each year during the week up to and including Father's Day. It is a celebration that is intended to increase the awareness of preventable health problems among men and boys, and encourage early detection and treatment.

This annual celebration provides a wonderful opportunity for health providers, legislators, and loved ones to support and promote the variety of activities that have been organized throughout the country. It is also an opportunity to encourage men and boys everywhere to pay attention to their physical and mental health, and pursue healthy lifestyles.

Related links include:

• Men's Health Week
• Centers for Desease Control and Prevention

Hard facts about men's health in the United States:

• 29 million men have high blood pressure.
• 50 million men have high cholesterol.
• 8 million men have diabetes.

National Cancer Survivor's Day

National Cancer Survivor's Day is recognized on the first Sunday in June each year in hundreds of communities throughout the world. It is a symbolic event to demonstrate that life after a cancer diagnosis is possible.

There are many different types of cancers and recognizing the signs of the disease can sometimes be difficult. Some general signs and symptoms of cancer are: fever, sores that do not heal, fatigue, skin changes, a recent change in wart or mole, unusual bleeding or discharge, thickening or lump in breast or other parts of the body, nagging cough or hoarseness, or changes in bowel habits or function that cannot be easily explained. It is important to note that even when one or more of these signs or symptoms are present, only a medical evaluation and testing can accurately and conclusively diagnose the type, severity, and potential treatment of the cancer.

While there is no known cure for cancer at this time, the following have been identified as risk factors for developing certain types of cancer: tobacco and alcohol use, excessive exposure to sunlight, certain chemicals, family history, some viruses or bacteria, and being overweight. Advances in science continue to bring hope for a cure to the millions who are living with cancer.

Related Links:

• National Cancer Survivor's Day Foundation.
• Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah.
• National Cancer Institute.

Fun Facts for June

Did You Know...

Fireworks Awareness

Watching fireworks is popular and fun. But fireworks are explosives and burn at high temperatures, so they need careful handling and storage. Fireworks cause hundreds of accidents every year. One area which still gives cause for concern, are the number of injuries to children. A lot of these injuries are caused by children fooling around with fireworks and could easily be avoided.

Injuries are often caused by people not handling fireworks properly. Many do not follow instructions or light more than one firework at a time. It is important to remember when using sparklers to keep a bucket of water nearby and never throw discarded fireworks onto a bonfire. Always wear gloves and avoid nylon clothing as this material can melt onto your skin.

Firework Safety Code:

• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box.
• Follow the instructions on each firework.
• Light at arm's length, using a taper.
• Stand well back.
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
• Never give sparklers to a child under five.
• Keep pets indoors.

For more information on fireworks safety, see:

• Fireworks Safety in the United Kingdom
.
• Fireworks Safety Tips for Illinois
.

UV Safety Month

Did you know…?

• Long term exposure to the sun can lead to potentially blinding conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
• Reflected sunlight -- light that bounces off water or even snow, for example - can be the most dangerous type of UV (ultraviolet) light because it is intensified.
• Your eyes can also receive a sun burn known as photokeratitis, which can cause pain, redness and tearing.
• UV light sources other than the sun, such as welding lamps or tanning booths can also harm your eyes.

To ensure your eyes are protected, wear sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat. When selecting sunglasses, make sure they block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. But don't be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens or the price tag.

People of all ages are at risk for damage to their eyes from UV rays, including children. Remember to protect your children's' eyes also with sunglasses and a hat.

More information is available at:

• Fitcourse UV Safety page
.
• familydoctor.com UV Safety page
.

Fun Facts for July

Did You Know...

• July is National Hot Dog Month. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates that over seven billion hot dogs will be eaten between Memorial Day and Labor Day. (25.9 million will be eaten in major league ballparks; more hot dogs will be eaten at New York's Yankee Stadium, 1.8 million this year, than any other in the country!) The Fourth of July is the biggest hot dog holiday of the year; during this weekend alone, 155 million will be eaten. Every year, Americans eat an average of 60 hot dogs each. More than two billion hot dogs will be consumed during National Hot Dog Month in July! The term "hot dog" is credited to sports cartoonist Tad A. Dorgan. While sketching a cartoon of a hot dachshund sausage bun (he wasn't sure of the spelling for "dachshund," so he called them "hot dogs" around 1906.)
• July 6 is the birthday of the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, the Buddhist spiritual and political leader of Tibet.
• July is also National Baked Bean Month. But unlike the former, baked beans' origins are American, Native American, actually. According to the National Restaurant Association, the Narragansett, Penobscot, and Iroquois Indians created the first baked bean recipes. In fact, that important ingredient, maple syrup, was discovered by the Iroquois. The Pilgrims learned how to make baked beans from the Indians, but substituted molasses and pork fat for the maple syrup and bear fat. During colonial days, Boston became renowned for baked beans, thus the designation of "Beantown." (The city had an overabundance of molasses, so.....!) Today, there's NO company in Boston that makes baked beans, and only a few places in the city still serve them.
• According to the Gregorian calendar, July is the seventh month. On the Roman calendar, it was the fifth month and was called "Quintilis," meaning "fifth." Julius Ceasar gave the month 31 days in 46 B.C. The Roman Senate named it "Julius" in honor of Ceasar.
• July is usually the hottest month of the year in the Northern Hemishpere, but a winter month in the Southern Hemisphere, where the July climate is mostly mild with the exception of Antartica and parts of South America.
• Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955. The live television coverage somehow missed certain aspects of Disneyland on opening day, such as the still-soft asphalt of Main Street U.S.A. laid only the night before, the lack of drinking fountains due to a plumber's strike, and the near capsizing of the overladed Mark Twain paddle boat.

August 1 to 7: National "Simplify Your Life" Week

For those who feel stressed, burned out, or just plain tired: This week is for you! This week is designed for individuals to de-clutter, relax, waste time, break routines, and cut back. For some this means making no plans, no agendas, and getting unorganized, for others it means just the opposite. But overall, have fun! Here are a few suggestions on how to simplify your life:

1. Find something that you enjoy doing,...and do it!
2. Learn to say NO to the unimportant things that bog you down.
3. Laugh everyday, even at the simple things.
4. Be silent. Who says you always have to talk? Enjoy the calm.
5. Eat only what your body needs. It will thank you for it.
6. Sing, Dance, and Play.
7. Turn off the TV. Television can be a bit overwhelming sometimes!
8. Carpool. Gas is too expensive anyway. If you have smelly carpoolers, roll down your window, it will save your air conditioning.
9. Spend time with the people you care about and the ones who care about you.
10. Get some sleep.

For more ideas, visit Online Organizing and zenhabits.

August is National Back to School Month!

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National Senior Citizens Day: August 21

National Senior Citizens Day honors our elderly population. On this day, we are encouraged to recognize and show appreciation for the value and contribution of elderly people to home, family and society.

In his Presidential Proclamation (August 19, 1988), President Ronald Reagan said "For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older."

On National Senior Citizens Day, we should:

• Spend some time with senior citizens.
• Show our appreciation for senior citizens.
• Do volunteer work in support of the elderly.

If you are a senior citizen, enjoy your day any way you desire. After all, this is your day! Make sure to take advantage of senior citizens specials and discounts.

National Immunization Awareness Month

National Immunization Awareness Month was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a way for individuals and organizations to plan health screenings, media events, and other immunization efforts, and to promote and increase public awareness about the health benefits of being immunized. This is the time of year that parents enroll their children in school, and college students are registering and enrolling in classes, and hospitals and other healthcare professionals are gearing up for cold and flu season.

To learn more, visit:

CDC (Includes child and adult immunizations schedules.) WAMU community calendar. Medicinenet.com.

Fun Facts for August

Did You Know...

• August is Romance Awareness Month. Like Valentine's Day, it serves as an important reminder to celebrate your love relationship. And although it's common sense, it's still not common practice. Here are some tips on how to "heat" things up in your relationship.
• August 15 is National Relaxation Day. This is the day to do absolutely nothing. Lay in bed, go to the movies, get a massage, or whatever your nothing is! This day reminds us to slow down and enjoy life. Spend your day avoiding stressful activities.
• August 16 is the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, celebrating the bond of affection between brothers and sisters.
• August is National Catfish Month and what better way to celebrate the healthy benefits and great taste of genuine U.S.Farm-raised Catfish than a summer cookout with good friends and family? Click here for catfish recipes. Also, for more about choosing seafood with an eye to health and sustainability concerns, visit Seafood Watch, run by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
• August is National Peach Month. It's that time of the year to celebrate the peach. Go ahead and dice and slice this celebrated fruit or just cut it in half and enjoy. Below are links to recipes using peaches: Peach "Bobbler" Peach Smoothies Ham and Peaches Crepes with Sliced Peaches and Ricotta
• August was named to honor Ceasar Augustus, who established the Pax Romana.

Ramadan

Ramadan is an Islamic religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This date coincides with the month that the Qur'an was initially revealed. Ramadan is considered the most blessed and spiritually beneficial month of the Islamic year. During Ramadan, Muslims adhere to an intense observance of prayer, fasting, acts of charity and self-accountability and are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. They are also expected to refrain from anger, envy, greed, lust, sarcastic retorts and gossiping in their daily lives.

The Islamic holiday Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan. Eid ul-Fitr means the Festival of Breaking the Fast. Eid ul-Fitr celebrations generally include dressing up, attending communal prayers in the early morning, donating food to the poor, feasting, and visiting and connecting with family.

For more information, check out:

• SunniPath: The Online Islamic Academy
• Islam for Today

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah refers to the Jewish New Year and is literally translated as "head of the year." Rosh Hashanah extends over the first two days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. Since days in the Hebrew calendar begin at sundown, the beginning of Rosh Hashanah is at sundown. Because the second day of Rosh Hashanah is not mentioned in the Torah, some followers of Judaism observe only one day. Generally, Orthodox and Conservative Judaism observes both days. Rosh Hashanah occurs 163 days after the first day of Passover (Pesach), so it can occur as early as September 5 as it did in 1899 and will again in 2013, or as late as October 5 as it did in 1967.

This holiday is characterized by the blowing of the shofar, a trumpet made from a ram's horn. The sound of the shofar is intended to awaken the listener and alert them to the coming of judgement because, at this time, followers of Judaism are being judged by God for the upcoming year. A traditional greeting at this time of year is "Shana Tova," Hebrew for "A Good Year." Rosh Hashanah meals are generally symbolic of the birth of the new year. Apples and honey may be served to symbolize a "sweet new year" and challah bread is typically served to symbolize the cycle of the year.

For more information, check out:

• Chabad-Lubavitch
• The High Holidays at Aish.com

Fun Facts for September

Did You Know...

• National Dog Week, the last week of the month, recognizes the influence of "man's best friend."
• Banned Books Week (starting September 29): the most challenged book of 2006 was Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell's "And Tango Makes Three," a story about two male penguins parenting an abandoned egg.
• September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

OCTOBER 2007

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a two-week festival held each year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany during late September and early October. It is one of the most famous events in the city and the world's largest fair, with some six million people attending every year. Many cities around the world also have their own Oktoberfest, generally modeled after Munich's event.

Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW): October 7 to 13

Established in 1990 by Congress, the first week of October is designated as "Mental Illness Awareness Week" (MIAW) in recognition of efforts by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to raise mental illness awareness. "Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day" (BDAD) is held each year on the Thursday of MIAW to encourage further understanding and promote early intervention and treatment for this mental illness.

MIAW and BDAD are NAMI's premiere public awareness and public education campaigns that link the organization nationally to the organization's over 1,100 local affiliates across the country.

Over the past 16 years, MIAW has become a tradition in NAMI. It presents an opportunity for all three levels of NAMI (national, state and local) to work together in communities across the country in meeting the NAMI mission through a variety of outreach, education, and advocacy efforts.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, however, at NBCAM, breast cancer awareness and education is a year-round mission. The first NBCAM program took place in October 1985 as a week-long event to fill the information void in public communication about breast cancer.

Nearly 2.3 million women in the USA have or have had breast tumors, making them the largest group of cancer survivors.

Other places to visit to learn about breast cancer include:

• Susan G. Koman for the Cure
• Internet Based Moms Supports Breast Cancer Awareness
• The Breast Site
• MedicineNet.com

Columbus Day

Columbus Day is a holiday celebrated in many countries in the Americas commemorating the date of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the "New World" on October 12, 1492. Similar holidays, celebrated as Discovery Day in the Bahamas, Día de las Culturas (Day of the Cultures) in Costa Rica, Hispanic Day in Spain, and Día de la Raza (Day of the People) in many countries in Latin America, commemorate the same event.

Chinese Moon Festival

The Chinese Moon Festival observed in China during the month of October is also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is frequently an occasion for family reunions when many enjoy "moon cakes." The Moon Festival holds the romantic notion that loved ones from afar can share the moon together.

Fun Facts for October

Did You Know...

• Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on October 14, 1964.
• Boss's Day is always on October 16.
• The New York Stock Exchange crashed on October 29, 1929, which came to be known as "Black Tuesday," starting the Great Depression.
• October is National Popcorn Popping Month as well as National Apple Month. You can celebrate both by making Cinnamon Apple Popcorn.
• The origins of Halloween date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark days of winter. It is one of the most important days of the year for those who pratice Wicca, an earth-based religion.
• Pumpkins, which are closely associated with Autumn and Halloween, are native to Central and North America.

NOVEMBER 2007

International Education Week

International Education Week is November 12 to 16. It is intended to promote and celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.

American Indian Heritage Month

November is American Indian Heritage Month. With origins dating back to 1915, American Indian Heritage Month gives recognition to significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States. This month-long recognition celebrates the ideas that have become ingrained in the American spirit: the knowledge that humans can thrive and prosper without destroying the natural environment; the understanding that people from very different backgrounds, cultures, religions, and traditions can come together to build a great country; and the awareness that diversity can be a source of strength rather than division.

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The Birth of Baha'u'llah

The Birth of Baha'u'llah is celebrated on November 12. Baha'u'llah was the founder of the Baha'i Faith, the youngest of the world's monotheistic religions founded in Iran in 1844. This worldwide community is composed of virtually every racial, ethnic, and religious background.

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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is celebrated in North America in celebration of the first harvest. The first official Thanksgiving Proclamation made in America was issued by the Continental Congress in 1777. President Franklin D. Roosevelt set the date for Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November in 1939.

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7-5-3 Festival

7-5-3 Festival (Shichi-go-san) is a Japanese holiday that occurs on November 15. Seven and three-year old girls and five-year old boys (Shichi-go-san is Japanese for the numbers 7, 5 and 3) are dressed up in their best kimono - although these days suits are more common for the boys - and brought to the shrine to pray for their future. Originally, this ritual was based on the fact that Japanese believe certain ages to be prone to bad luck. Children were not considered fully formed until age seven.

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Diwali

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is a major Indian festival that is very significant in Hinduism. Known as the "Festival of Lights," it symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for humankind. The lights also represent the time when Rama came back from the forest, and all his village lit lamps to welcome him back home. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional earthen lamps (see picture). Diwali is a colloquial name used in North India, while the festival is formally called Deepavali in South India.

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Fun Facts for November

Did You Know...

• November is Peanut Butter Lovers Month, America Recycles Month, and Drum Month, just to name a few!
• The first week in November is National Fig Week.

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DECEMBER 2007

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World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1st. The World Health Organization established World AIDS Day in 1988. The concept of a World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention. Since then, it has been taken up by governments, international organizations and charities around the world to raise awareness and focus attention on the global AIDS epidemic.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS or UNAIDS' mission is to lead, strengthen and support an expanded response to HIV and AIDS that includes preventing transmission of HIV, providing care and support to those already living with the virus, reducing the vulnerability of individuals and communities to HIV and alleviating the impact of the epidemic.

Facts on HIV / AIDS:

In 2007, the estimated number of persons living with HIV worldwide was 33.2 million and there were 2.1 million AIDS deaths.

• More than 1 million people in the United States living with HIV. One-fourth of them do not know that they are HIV-infected.
• In the United States, many more men are infected with HIV/AIDS than women.
• People of color are disproportionately affected by the disease. In 2005, African Americans, who make up approximately 13 percent of the U.S. population, accounted for almost half of the estimated number of HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed. AIDS is now the leading cause of death for African American women ages 25 to 34.

What is HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, and it is hitting Americans hard. More than 40,000 Americans are infected with HIV each year. HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system-the body's defence against diseases. A person infected with HIV may not have symptoms to start with, but eventually without effective treatment the immune system will become very weak and they will no longer be able to fight off illnesses. When someone is described as HIV positive, they have the HIV virus in their body. A person is considered to have developed AIDS when the immune system is so weak it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope.

What can I do to help prevent the spread of HIV / AIDS?

• Know Your Status. Get Tested for HIV.

  If you do not know if you are infected with HIV, you could be spreading it to others. If you are HIV-positive, you must take steps to prevent passing your HIV infection to another person.

  If you find out that you have HIV, it does not mean that you are going to get sick and die. While there is no cure for HIV, new drugs are available that can help you stay healthy and decrease the amount of HIV virus in your body.

• What Is the HIV Test?

  The HIV test detects whether or not you have been exposed to the HIV virus. There are several different kinds of tests: blood tests, urine tests, and an oral (mouth) test. Only a very small amount of blood is needed for the blood tests. HIV tests can take a few days to 2 weeks for results, or with rapid HIV tests you can get results in about 20 minutes.

• Where Can I Get Tested?

  Free and confidential or anonymous HIV tests are available. To find an HIV testing site near you, visit www.hivtest.org. Or, call: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) TTY: 1-888-232-6348 In English, en Español, open 24 hours a day, confidential.

• What Else Can I Do?

  You have the power to help stop the spread of HIV.

  Be safe. The best way to prevent HIV is to abstain from having sex. If you do have sex, use a new latex condom every time. Do not share needles or syringes.

  Talk about it. Talk about sex and HIV with your partners. Find out when they were last tested for HIV and what their status was. Be clear that you will be having safer sex…or none at all.

  Talk to your doctor. If you are sexually active, you should get tested for HIV at least once. Do not assume your doctor will ask you to be tested for HIV.

  Spread the word. Thousands of Americans are getting HIV each year. Set an example by getting tested and spreading the word that others should do the same.

To learn more about the World AIDS Day, you can visit these websites: World Vision, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, World AIDS Day in the UK, the Wikipedia World AIDS Day entry, and UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS).

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Chanukah

Chanukah (alternatively spelled Hanukkah or Hanukah), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the Second Century BC. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, and may occur from late November to late December on the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah is the most widely celebrated American Jewish holiday.

The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum, the Hanukiah, or Hanukkah Menorah, one on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. An extra light called a shamash, (Hebrew: "guard" or "servant") is also lit each night, and is given a distinct location, usually higher or lower than the others. The purpose of the extra light is to adhere to the prohibition, specified in the Talmud (Tracate Shabbat 21b-23a), against using the Hanukkah lights for anything other than publicizing and meditating on the Hanukkah story.

Some principles of Hanukkah:

• Living with imperfection.
• Pluralism in a diverse world.
• Acculturation vs. assimilation.

Origins of the Holiday

Hanukkah, from the Hebrew word for "dedication" or "consecration," marks the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the forces of Antiochus IV and commemorates the "miracle of the container of oil." According to the Talmud, at the re-dedication following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.

For more information, you may want to visit the following sites: MyJewishLearning.com, Wikipedia, Judaism 101, and the Jewish Outreach Institute.

For events around the D.C. area, please visit About.com: Hannukah Events in the Washington, D.C. Area.

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Eid Al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, (the Festival of Sacrifice) is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide as a commemoration of Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael for Allah. It is one of two Eid festivals that Muslims celebrate each year. Like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon. It is also called the bigger Eid because it lasts a day longer than Eid ul-Fitr.

Eid al-Adha is four days long and starts on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja of the lunar Islamic calendar. This is the day after the pilgrims in Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. It happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan.

Traditions and practices

Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayer (Salatu'l-`id) in any mosque. Muslims who can afford to do so sacrifice their best domestic animals (usually sheep, but also camels, cows, and goats) as a symbol of Ibrahim's (Abraham's) sacrifice. The sacrificed animals, called "udhiya," also known as "qurbani," have to meet certain age and quality standards or else the animal is considered an unacceptable sacrifice. Generally, these must be at least four years old, and weigh 26 stone. At the time of sacrifice, Allah's name is recited along with the offering statement and a supplication as Muhammad said. According to the Quran a large portion of the meat has to be given towards the poor and hungry people so they can all join in the feast which is held on Eid-ul-Adha. The remainder is cooked for the family celebration meal in which relatives and friends are invited to share. The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during Eid ul-Adha by the concerted effort to see that no impoverished Muslim is left without sacrificial food during these days. Eid ul-Adha is a concrete affirmation of what the Muslim community ethic means in practice. People in modern times are expected to visit their relations, starting with their parents, then their families and friends.

For more information about Eid, please visit Wikipedia, About.com: Islam, Religion Facts, bbb.co.uk, or The Minnesota Daily.

If you'd like a taste of Eid, you may want to look at these popular Indian recipes for Eid al-Adha.

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Christmas

Christmas is an annual holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. The date of the celebration is traditional, and is not considered to be his actual date of birth. Christmas festivities often combine the commemoration of Jesus' birth with various secular customs, many of which have been influenced by earlier winter festivals.

In most places around the world, Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25. Christmas Eve is the preceding day, December 24. In the United Kingdom and many countries of the Commonwealth, Boxing Day is the following day, December 26. In Catholic countries, Saint Stephen's Day or the Feast of St. Stephen is December 26. The Armenian Apostolic Church observes Christmas on January 6. Eastern Orthodox Churches that still use the Julian Calendar celebrate Christmas on the Julian version of December 25, which is January 7 on the more widely used Gregorian calendar, because the two calendars are now 13 days apart.

The word "Christmas" originated as a contraction of "Christ's mass." It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038. In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the Greek letter X (chi), is the first letter of Christ. Since the mid-sixteenth century X, or the similar Roman letter X, was used as an abbreviation for Christ. Hence, "Xmas" is often used as an abbreviation for Christmas.

After the conversion of Anglo-Saxon Britain in the very early 7th century, Christmas was referred to as geol, the name of the pre-Christian solstice festival from which the current English word "Yule" is derived.

The prominence of Christmas Day increased gradually after Charlemagne was crowned on Christmas Day in 800. Around the 12th century, the remnants of the former Saturnalian traditions of the Romans were transferred to the Twelve Days of Christmas (December 26 to January 6). Christmas during the Middle Ages was a public festival, incorporating ivy, holly, and other evergreens, as well as gift-giving.

Modern traditions have come to include the display of Nativity scenes, holly and Christmas trees, the exchange of gifts and cards, and the arrival of Father Christmas or Santa Claus on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Popular Christmas themes include the promotion of goodwill and peace.

Want to learn more? Look at Christmas events in the Washington D.C. area, or at the origins of a variety of Christmas symbols.

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Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa (or Kwaanza) is a week-long Pan-African festival celebrated primarily in the United States, honoring African American heritage. It is observed from December 26 to January 1 each year.

Kwanzaa consists of seven days of celebration, featuring activities such as candle-lighting and pouring of libations, and culminating in a feast and gift giving. It was created by Ron Karenga, and first celebrated from December 26, 1966, to January 1, 1967. Karenga calls Kwanzaa the African American branch of "first fruits" celebrations of classical African cultures.

In 1966 Karenga created Kwanzaa while living in California. There, he was the leader of the black nationalist US Organization and he claims that his goal was to give an alternative holiday to Christmas. At the time he created Kwanzaa, he changed his last name from Everett to the Gikuyu "Karenga," shaved his head, and began wearing traditional African clothing.

The name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," meaning "first fruits." The choice of Swahili, an East African language, reflects its status as a symbol of Pan-Africanism, especially in the 1960s, though most African-Americans have West African ancestry. Kwanzaa is a celebration that has its roots in the civil rights era of the 1960s, and was established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with what Karenga characterized as their African cultural and historical heritage by uniting in meditation and study around principles that have their putative origins in what Karenga asserts are "African traditions" and "common humanist principles."

Principles of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa celebrates what its founder called "The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa", or Nguzo Saba (originally Nguzu Saba -- "The Seven Principles of Blackness"), which Karenga said "is a communitarian African philosophy" consisting of Karenga's distillation of what he deemed "the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world." These seven principles comprise Kawaida, a Swahili term for tradition and reason that Karenga used to refer to his synthesized system of belief. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the following principles, which are explained by Karenga as follows:

• Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together.
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics). To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together