8/8/2019 Diversity Dates for December

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Diversity dates for December 

1st World AIDS day - http://www.worldaidsday.org/ Over 90,000 people are living with HIV in the UK and new infections continueevery year. This day is dedicated to commemorate those who have passed on

and to raise awareness about AIDS and the global spread of the HIV virus.

Hanukkah begins  – JewishHanukkah is an eight-night celebration. The Hanukkah celebration includeslighting the candles of the Hanukiyah (in English-speaking countries this is oftencalled a Menorah, which is the Hebrew word for a candelabra) on each day of theholiday, playing with the dreidel, eating latkes and exchanging Hanukkah gelt.

2nd The United Nations International Day for the Abolition of Slavery This day encourages people to take a united stance to abolish all forms of

slavery in modern society.

3rd International Day of Persons with DisabilitiesThis day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilizesupport for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It alsoseeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the inclusion of personswith disabilities in every aspect of life. November 22nd  – December 22nd is alsothe first ever UK disability history month.

6th Saint Nicholas Day  – Christian 

This day is designated by the Catholic Church in its Calendar of Saints to honourthe man named Nicholas who was Bishop of Myra, which is now a part of Turkey,and noted for his saintly life.

7th Al Hijira Muharram – Islam Muslim New Year. Marks the migration of the Prophet Mohammad and hisfollowers from Mecca to Medina.

8th Bodhi Day (Rohatsu)  – BuddhismThe Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that Siddhartha Gautaumaattained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya, India and became

known as Buddha (or enlightened one).

9th Hanukkah ends – Jewish

10th International Human Rights DayHuman rights defenders acting against discrimination, often at great personal riskto both themselves and their families, are being recognized and acclaimed onthis day.

12th Feast day - Our Lady of Guadalupe  – Catholic ChristianThe day the Virgin Mary appeared to an Indian convert named Juan Diego in

1531. She left a marvellous portrait of herself on the mantle of Juan Diego. Thismiraculous image has proved to be ageless, and is kept in the shrine built in herhonour, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Guadalupe day is one of

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Mexico's strongest traditions and is recognized as a national holiday. It iscelebrated both by Catholics and by non-Catholics. More than purely a religiousfestival, it has also come to symbolize the unity of Mexico as a country.

16th Ashura  – Armenian ChristianThe day of Ashura is marked by Muslims as a whole, but for Shia Muslims it is amajor religious festival which commemorates the martyrdom at Karbala of

Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad.

18th International Migrants DayEach year the UN invites governments, organizations, and individuals to observeInternational Migrants Day by distributing information on the human rights andmigrants’ fundamental freedoms. 

21st Winter SolsticeYule - Wicca Northern HemisphereLitha - Wicca Southern HemisphereYule - ChristianThis marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer inthe Southern Hemisphere. Yule is primarily the celebration of the rebirth of theSun. Longest night of the year. 

25th Christmas – ChristianCelebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers, exchanging ofgifts, and family parties. 

26th Feast of the Holy Family  – Catholic ChristianThe main purpose of the Feast is to present the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary and

Joseph) as the model for all Christian families, and for domestic life in general. 

Zarathosht Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra) – ZoroastrianIt is traditionally believed that The Great Prophet Zarathushtra left earth for HisHeavenly Abode on this day. 

28th Holy Innocents  – ChristianCommemoration to honour the slaughter of male infants in Bethlehem duringKing Herod’s attempt to kill the infant Jesus. 

31st Watch Night  – Christian

Religious celebration of the ending of one year and the beginning of the next.

Hogmanay (Scotland) / New Year's EveThe last day of the year, when children traditionally went from house to houseasking for presents. It also refers a small cake given to children on New Year'sday. More recently it has become a party in most cities around the world. A timefor new and renewed resolutions. 

 © 2010 Gary Lloyd