The Chines Mid-Autumn Festival, one of three of the most important festivals in China.

Wikipedia

If you want to see a youtube video talking about the festival take a look here

The day that hostility started with Portugal for the independence of Mozambique in 1964. Independence was gained on June 25, 1975. Parades, singing, dancing and of course eating.

Life in Mozambiqu

The day to celebrate the different heritages of South Africa.

On September 23, 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was named after two previous attempts create a country were destroyed by the Ottoman Empire.

September 22 is Hobbit Day, the day that both Bilbo and Frodo were born according to The Lord of the Rings. It is celebrated by fans of the series by having banquets and parties in the fashion of the opening of the Fellowship of the Rings or some may just go barefoot in honor of Hobbits.

Also on the 22nd are the independence day of both Bulgaria and Mali from the Ottoman Empire and France respectively.

Parent’s Day(South Korea) - In the 1930s groups of Christian communities started to celebrate Mother’s Day and this tradition combined with that of the Confucian culture to make it a day celebrated by the whole country. In 1953 this became an official holiday in the country but people talked about including a Father’s Day as well and the decision was to make the day for both mothers and fathers and in 1973 the day was designated as Parent’s Day

VE Day - The date when the unconditional surrender of Nazi government in 1945, marking the end of the biggest and most bloody way in Europe. While not the end of World War II (as the war with Japan continued), this was a huge step in ending that terrible conflict. Celebrations occurred throughout the world and people still mark this day.

Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War - The United Nations declared May 8th as a day to remember those who gave their lives in World War II. Somber ceremonies will occur throughout the world in recognition of this.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day - Marks the day whenHenry Dunant was born who founded the Red Cross and was the first recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace

Defender of the Fatherland Day - Kazakhstan celebrates the 20th anniversary of the establishment of their independent country and the formation of their armed forces. The name of the holiday echoes back to the time when the country was part to the Soviet Union (many of the former countries still celebrate that but on September 23). This is a day to thank all those who have served the country both past and present.

Ref: http://kazworld.info/?p=21334

International No Diet Day - Started by Mary Even Young in 1992 as a response to society's fixation on thinness, ineffectual nature of diets and bullying. She intended the day to bring awareness to people that they should feel good about themselves and not try to live by society's standards. Originally in England it spread around the globe and while it may be used by restaurants and other food marketing companies to suggest indulging in food, it really is for people to feel comfortable with themselves and not be ashamed of how they look.

Hıdırellez - A holiday celebrated in Turkey and Syria, this is the start of the summer season. It commemorates the day when Hızır (Al-Khdir) and İlyas (Elijah) meet on earth. Hizir, symbolizing earth and Ilyas symbolizing water. A time that many will socialize and perform rituals where water and land meet. The celebration starts the night of the 5th and goes through to the 6th of May.

Ref: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/summers-starting-fest-hidirellez-to-be-celebrated.aspx?pageID=238&nID=81978&NewsCatID=341

Cinco de Mayo - The fifth of May is celebrated in the United States but not for the reason most Americans think. This is a Mexican holiday mostly in the state of Puebla, when on May 5th, 1862 the Mexican Army defeated the French Army in a battle that looked to be in favor of the French, this is not Mexican Independence Day which is in September. The battle had little real impact in the conflict between France and Mexico other than boosting the moral of the Mexican soldiers. Today it is seen as an event that Mexico can take pride in, when their much smaller force were able to defeat the much larger, better trained French force but it is not a national holiday. The observance of Cinco de Mayo in the United States goes back to 1860 when the Mexican gold miners in California heard the news of the battle and celebrated. The day continued to be celebrated in California continually since 1863 as a day of pride for those of Mexican ancestry. In the 1950’s and 1960’s the celebration began to go to other parts of the U.S. and then in the 1980’s it spread to all parts of the population as retailers used it as a day to market parties. Today it is a day of celebration of all kinds from bars having drinks specials to schools dedicating the day to learn about Mexican history.

Children's Day (Japan) - Part of the Golden Week, this traditionally was a day to celebrate the sons of the family. Now includes both sons and daughters, the day fell on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month but when Japan switched to the Gregorian calendar in the mid part of the 20th century the day was standardised to May 5th.

The Restoration of Independence of Latvia - Annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, the independent nation of Latvia declared their independence in 1980. It announced it would reinstate the constitution of 1922 and keep laws in force the had been established during the occupation while a new constitution was written. One of the Baltic states that made up the Iron Curtain during the time of the Soviet Union, this helped establish those countries as independent nations with their own cultural histories that they would take back.

Remembrance of the Dead (The Netherlands) - Originally a day set aside to remember those Dutch people who died during World War II, the day now remembers all those from The Netherlands who have died since in conflicts since then. Two minutes of silence are observed throughout the country at 8:00PM, even public transportation is stopped for this. There are ceremonies throughout the country as well, with members of the Royal family and high ranking government officials in attendance.

Star Wars Day - With the raise of nerd culture and the near universal appeal of Star Wars it seems inevitable that there would be occasion to celebrate Star Wars. And owing to the fact that May 4 sounds very similar to May the Force it is not surprising that people would take the opportunity to celebrate many people's favorite movie. While not an official holiday anywhere many people will find ways to celebrate, posting stories online that relate to the movies and their lives or just how they have been influenced.

Constitution Memorial Day(Japan) - Part fo the the Golden Week festival in Japan. This is the day that in 1947 the current constitution came into effect. It is a day to reflect on democracy and the government of Japan.

Constitution Day(Poland) - The Polish constitution was ratified in 1791 and has been called the first of it’s kind in Europe. The King of the time, who is considered to have written it even though many people had influence on it, said it took the best parts of the American and British documents while leaving out the worst parts. Only in force for 18 months, it nonetheless has inspired the peoples of Poland to continue to look for an independent nation. It has been the inspiration for years after as and used this day as a day to stage demonstrations against which ever outside group held power at the time. The day did not become an official holiday till the fall of communism in 1990. Even outside of Poland the day is celebrated, such as the parade in Chicago that is held on the same day.

Indonesia National Education Day - Started in 1908 by the founder of the present educational system in Indonesia where his philosophy “we can help others learn by coaching and mentoring”

Teacher’s Day Bhutan and Iran - For Bhutan this is the birth anniversary of the King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who instituted modern education system in Bhutan. In Iran this originally marked the day when Abulhassan Khan'ali, a teacher who was martyred in front of the National Parliament in 1961. It has since changed to representing the day that Dr.Morteza Motahhari was martyred.

Kentucky Derby - While this may seem to be just another horse race it is a time when people will come together and have a huge party, over 100,000 people attending. The culture of the race brings people together of all walks of life from people tailgating to the upper crust where the best suits and dresses. The race has been run every year since 1875.

May Day - Around the world May 1st has come to represent one of two different things or a combination of them. Through out much of Europe, prior to the Christian dominance this was a time of year to celebrate the summer. Often a fertility festival there are still rights that are observed today. In parts of England there is the Map Pole which will have people dance around it and the crowning of the May Queen. This was a time of year when most of the planting would be done and a good time to give the workers a day off to celebrate. This time off was one of the reasons to also make May 1st a workers holiday. Looked at around the world as a Labor Day, when those who are workers are celebrated and recognized.

Law Day(United States) - Established by President Eisenhower to counter Labor Day, as May first is know throughout much of the rest of the world. It is intended to remind people that we must use the rule of law and not the rule of force to govern society. Today, if it is recognized, is used by law and bar associations to educate about law.

Lei Day - Celebrated in Hawaii and started in 1927 by the Honolulu Star with the phrase “May Day is Lei Day”. All the major islands celebrate the day in some capacity. The Lei is a garland normally made of flower and local fauna. While it is used in sacred ceremonies it is also used to show affection is social settings. This can be during arriving or departing, retirement, graduations, birthdays, between lovers or anything of the sort. The Lei should not be thrown away casually or cast off, as this is the same as casting off the person’s affection that gave the Lei. Preferably it should be given back to where it came from and if that can not be done hung in a tree to be given back to nature. Also the traditional way of giving a Lei to someone would be with a slight bow and the hands raised toward the person to receive it. It is not considered polite to raise your hands above another person’s head.

Children’s Day (Mexico) - Classes set aside this day for the children often suspending lessons for games and other activities. The children will also bring food to share with classmates. Parks and other facilities will have special activities for them and parents will often give them presents. The day started in 1925.

Reunification Day or Black April (Vietnam) - Depending on your perspective this is either a day to celebrate or mourn. The fall of Saigon happened on April 30, 1975 and marked the end of the war in Vietnam. This lead to the country being restored to one nation. For those who supported South Vietnam this is a day that many people feel they were exhaled or suffered for their support for supporting the south. For those in favor of the north this is a day they celebrate for joining the country as one. As the north were the victors there are many festival surrounding this day in the country.

Shōwa Day - The start of what is now known as Golden Week in Japan, Shōwa was formally celebrated as the emperor’s birthday in Japan. Emperor Hirohito reigned for 63 years, during which World War II occurred. The day was a celebration of the emperor in the past but now is looked at as a day to reflect on his time as ruler of the country. Golden Week is one of the longest counties times off people get in Japan and much traveling is done then. Many companies will shut down altogether during this time.

International Dance Day - The day declared by the International Dance Council as a day to promote dance around the world. An NGO recognized by UNESCO, it hopes to spread the love of dance around the world. This year the message is about joining forces with other art forms.

National Day of Mourning (Canada) - Established to remember those who have died or been injured on the job in Canada, it is observed by the national flag being flown at half staff during the day at government buildings and a moment of silence observed at 11:00. The official started in 1984 when the Canadian Union of Public Employees announced it and in 1985 the Canadian Labour Congress declared it to be an annual event. The government made it an officially sponsored day in 1990. Since then over 80 countries have followed suite and the United Nations has declared it a UN official recognized day. The reasons for the day are both remembering those who have died and been injured as well as renew peoples awareness of possible dangers on the job.

Freedom Day South Africa - Celebrates and is a reminder of the first post-apartheid election which were held in 1994.

Koningsdag or King’s Day in The Netherlands - The day of the King’s birthday people celebrate by having a free market, where people will sell second hand items and often dying their hair orange. It is the one day of the year that you do not need a permit to sell things on the street. Many festivals and concerts also happen on this day, with everyone joining in the celebration. The king will also take this time to honor people for their services to The Netherlands. Orange is a very popular color owing to the fact the ruling family is the House of Orange-Nassau.

Union Day Tanzania - The day that in 1964 Tamganyika and the People’s Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba joined together to for the country of Tanzania. Located on the southeastern shore of Africa it has a population of around 47 million people.

Red Hat Day - A society initially intended for women over the age of 50, but now includes women of all ages, it started because Sue Ellen Cooper gave a friend a red bowler hat and a poem by Jenny Joseph which starts off with the lines

“When I am an old women I shall wear purple

With a red hat that does not go and doesn’t suit me”

Today it is a group that gets together and enjoys activities that can be of almost any kind. With over 40,000 chapters around the world there the options are almost endless, but all have the intention of comradery for the women. One of the more popular events is that of tea parties. April 25th is the birthday of the Red Hat Society.

Faroe Flag Day - This is the day that back in 1940 when the British occupied the Faroe Islands that the current flag was formally adopted. A small self governing country in the Danish realm. Located about halfway between Norway and Iceland and having a population of around 50,000 people the name translates to something along the lines of “Islands of Sheep”.

Republic Day in Gambia - The day Gambia became a republic in the Commonwealth, a nation in north east Africa of around 2 million people. The Gambia became an independent nation in 1965.

Democracy Day Nepal - In 2006, the King of Nepal announced on television that the House of Representatives would be reformed. This marked a shift from a non democratic nation to one governed by voting. Nepal, a small country of around 27 million people is in south asia between India and China.

Concord Day - The day that in 1995 a Peace Concord was signed in Niger (a country in central Africa) that marked the beginning of the end of the internal conflict that had started in 1990. Now celebrated with cross cultural events to instill love and understanding for the youth of Niger.

World Book Day - A day to promote reading, publishing and copyright around the world.  Sponsored by UNESCO and first celebrated in 1995.

International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day - Started in 2007 as a reaction to a statement by author Howard V. Hendrix who felt that stories being published on the internet for free, specifically sci-fi and fantasy were causing the venerated art of being an author to fall into disrepute. Far too much garbage going out. Jo Walton called for the publications of professional level writing to be put out on the web during this time.

St. George’s Day - The Saint day for England even though St. George is from a region in Spain, it has seen some resurgence in recent years. Mentioned as early as the 600s, St George has been said to have been with the English at the Battle of Agincourt and the highest Order of Knighthood in England is the the Order of the Garter which under St. George’s banner. Not only that but it is also included in the Union Jack, what many people think is the English flag but is actually the flag of Great Britain. That is the white, red and blue flag and it incorporates the banners of St Patrick (of Ireland), St Andrew (of Scotland) and of course St. George. Back in the 15th century the feast day was almost as big an event as Christmas, though of course Christmas was a completely different thing than we see today. The day did start to less in attention through the years though seems to be coming back. It is a day to celebrate things English. And to tie it back to the start it is also the reason England does not have Book Day on the 23 of April but instead has theirs on the first Thursday in March.

Grounation Day - Rastafari movement. Second most holy day for the Rastafarians, it is the day that Haile Selassie (Emperor of Ethiopia) visited Jamaica. Considered the incarnation of God to those of the Rastafarian faith.

Kartini Day - The day that Kartini of Indonesia was born. She went on to help win the emancipation and equal rights of women in the country.

Flag Day for America Samoa.

Day of Silence - A day to show support for the LGBT community against harassment and bullying in school. Students will refrain from speaking today to draw attention to this. Started in 1996 at the University of Virginia, people from all of the United States now participate.

 www.dayofsilence.org

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