EmbRACE Update - Worldwide Festivals 🌍

Each month we will be sharing information on the many celebrated Worldwide Festivals. Developed by our very own EmbRACE Working Group Colleague, Mandy Kaur, have a read of the latest update below which includes May's dates. 😊 

As we see brighter days, our May edition has lots of vibrant and exciting celebrations, so I hope you all enjoy the read!

  

1^st May 2022 – Lei Day– Hawaii’s May day   

 

Lei Day is the celebration of the Hawaiian culture and “Aloha” Spirit. Aloha is the Hawaiian word for love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy, that is commonly used as a simple greeting. Anyone who has been fortunate to have ever been to Hawaii or seen images of the islands knows that they are verdant and abundant playgrounds full of explosive colour. Each of the islands has a flower to represent it with different meanings and the Lei is the festive string of flowers which is often gifted as a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honour or greeting. The day is celebrated with lots of singing and hula dancing!

 

2nd/3rd May 2022 (dependent on Moon sighting)  – Eid al-Fitr - End of Ramadan  

 

After a month-long fasting period, Eid al-Fitr, also known as the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’. Eid-al-Fitr is regarded as a time to celebrate, with Muslims gathering their friends and family to show gratitude toward God following the previous month of reflection. The holiday serves as a great reminder for Muslims to be grateful for what they have, and to share with those who may be less fortunate. Muslims give an obligatory payment to charity (zakat al-Fitr), this is another of the five pillars of Islam. In addition to these payments. You’ll hear Muslims wishing each other ‘Eid Mubarak’, which refers to having a blessed day during Eid. For more information - why not read our dedicated story here.

 

5^th May 2022 – Cinco De Mayo 

 

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage. Today, revellers mark the occasion with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. Some of the largest festivals are held in Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston.

 

10^th May 2022 – Mazu – Goddess of the Sea

The Beigang Pilgrimage of Mazu is considered one of the most important religious festivals in Taiwan and is a celebration of the goddess of the sea, Mazu’s birthday across the region. Because of the cultural significance that Mazu brings, it’s even been recognised by UNESCO World Heritage Event as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Mazu is believed to have lived in the tenth century on Meizhou Island, where she dedicated herself to helping her fellow townspeople and died attempting to rescue the survivors of a shipwreck. Local residents built a temple in her honour and began to venerate her as a goddess. Today processions make way to the temples dedicated to Mazu, whilst the streets light up with fireworks and lanterns. 

 

16^th May 2022 – Vesakha Puja/Wesak – Buddha Day  

Wesak is the biggest Buddhist festival. Theravadins (way of the elders) celebrate the birth, enlightenment and final passing away of Gautama Buddha. Mahayanists have separate days for each of them, and on Bodhi Day celebrate the enlightenment of the Buddha. Houses are decorated with lanterns and garlands, and temples are ringed with little oil lamps.  People often send ‘Wesak cards’ to their friends, and laypeople come together at monasteries at this time.

 

Fun facts about the month of May:

• The name May is the modern-day English adaption of the Latin word Maius, which has origins going back to the time of the ancient Greeks. They named the month of May (or Maius) after the Greek goddess of growth.

• May is the month that the Eurovision song contest is held every year. For those not in the know, Eurovision is an international song contest that has been held every year since 1956. Some of the contest winners over the years have gone on to be incredibly successful groups, with the most notable being ABBA!

• The 4th of May (or rather May the Fourth (may the force be with you)) is commonly known as Star Wars day. Star Wars fans use this as an excuse to rewatch the movies.

• There is a cheese rolling contest to celebrate May Day in the town of Stilton, UK.

 

If you’re celebrating a wonderful festivity this month, why not send in a picture to be featured in next month's story! Please send to Embraceworkinggroup@midcounties.coop