April is...
- Multicultural Communications Month
Assyrians place green grass at the entrance to their homes as a means of welcoming fertility and prosperity in the new year.
April 5, 2006: Ch'ing Ming - China, Taiwan
On this national holiday, Chinese and Taiwanese "sweep family graves," ask for blessings for departed spirits, and glorify their ancestors' names with inscriptions.
April 6, 2006: Chakri Day - Thailand
On this national holiday, King Rama I - founder of the Chakri Dynasty and Bangkok as the capital of Thailand - is honored. On this day, people from all walks of life take part in a wreath-laying ceremony and celebrate the great kings who dedicated the better part of their lives to the improvement of life for their subjects.
April 9, 2006: Palm Sunday - Christian
Christians celebrate the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was cheered by crowds throwing palm branches in his path. This day is filled with worship.
April 10, 2006: Eid-Maulad-un-Nabi - Islam
Muslims celebrate the birth of Prophet Mohammad. Although the way in which this day is celebrated varies in different countries, it usually involves 9 days of celebration with colorful festivities and food.
April 13, 2006: Pesach/Passover - Jewish
On this day, Jewish people commemorate the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. It begins with "Seder" - a ritual meal - and is celebrated for eight days with prayer and symbolic foods.
April 13, 2006: Holy Thursday - Christian
On this day, Christians commemorate the Last Supper, which took place prior to Jesus' arrest and nailing to the cross.
April 14, 2006: Good Friday - Christian - Christians remember the death of Jesus. Some Christians fast, others reenact a procession - the path to the cross.
April 14, 2006: Baisakhi/Vishu - Hindu, Sikh - Indians celebrate the first day of the solar year with feasting, dancing and worship.
April 14, 2006: Songkran - Buddhist
During this three-day New Year celebration, Buddhists cleanse their homes and monks visit statues of Buddha.
April 16, 2006: Easter - Christian
Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.
April 17, 2006: Easter Monday - Christian
In some countries, this day - which marks the meeting of Jesus' followers with an agnel who assured them that Jesus had been resurrected - is observed as a holiday.
April 18, 2006: Sechselauten - Switzerland
When church bells ring six times, an image representing winter is burned. Spring is then welcomed.
April 21, 2006: Ridvan - Baha'i
Ridvan means "paradise." This day marks the beginning of a 12-day festival commemorating the 12 days Baha'u'llah spent in the Garden of Ridvan in the last days of his exile in Baghdad. Baha'is do not work on the first, ninth and twelfth day of Ridvan.
April 21, 2006: Kartini Day - Indonesia
On this day, Indonesia's first women's emancipationist is celebrated. The day involves parades, lectures and social activities for women who wear traditional dress. Family members assume responsibility for household chores and women visit the grave of Kartini.
April 24, 2006: Martyrs' Day - Armenia
This day commemorates the tragic death of over 1.5 million Armenians who were massacred in 1916.
April 25, 2006: Yom ha-Shoah - Jewish
Holocaust Memorial Day - a day of remembrance.
April 26, 2006: Administrative Professionals Day - Canada, USA
Secretaries, Administrative and support staff are honored for their work on this day.
April 27, 2006: Daughters/Sons to Work Day - Canada, USA
On this day, parents introduce their children to the world of work by bringing them into their places of employment. Many employers sponsor special events and activities for the children of employees.
April 28, 2006: Arbor Day - USA
Across the country, individuals plant trees as a means of conserving American forests.
April 28-30, 2006: Gathering of Nations Pow Wow - Native American
Over 600 tribes and nations participate in a three-day event where over 4,000 participants exchange traditions and celebrate shared cultures.
April 29, 2006: Midori no hi - Japan
Japanese celebrate the beauty of nature on this day - Greenery Day.
April 30, 2006: Gahambar Maidyozarem - Zoroastrianism - Fasli
On this day, followers celebrate the creation of the sky.
April 30, 2006: Koninginnedag - Netherlands
On this day, the birthday of former Queen Juliana and National Dutch Day are celebrated.
Thanks to Creative Cultural Communications for sharing their artistic and beautiful Multicultural Calendar, 2006.
You can obtain a copy of this beautiful multicultural calendar, which features colorful original paintings and history on multicultural holidays and events by visiting www.multiculturalcalendar.com or by emailing sales@multiculturalcalendar.com.
Be sure to tell them you heard about it on the Race Relations site at About.com!