No matter what time of year, there’s always something to celebrate, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or anniversary. If you’re looking for a peek into a new culture, you can do so through their celebrations and holidays. Here are some holidays and dates that you may not have heard of.
Religious Holidays
Asarah B’Tevet
Asarah B’Tevet is a significant holiday in the Jewish calendar. It falls on the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tevet. According to study.com, on this day, Jewish communities commemorate the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BCE, which eventually led to the destruction of the First Temple.
It is a time for reflection, fasting, and prayer, as well as an opportunity to remember and honor the historical events that shaped Jewish history.
Commemorative Dates
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Observed on December 7th, this is a significant day in American history. Only one student I interviewed had ever heard of this day, and said “I don’t know what it’s about.” It commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, which led to the United States’ entry into World War II and is a day to honor the lives lost and to remember the bravery of those who served.
Rosa Parks Day
Rosa Parks day, observed on February 4th, is a special day that honors the legacy of Rosa Parks, a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her courageous act became a symbol of resistance against racial segregation, and so Rosa Parks Day is an opportunity to celebrate her bravery and the ongoing fight for equality.
Native American Heritage Day
Native American Heritage Day is celebrated on the fourth Friday of November, and multiple students I interviewed were aware of the month to commemorate this culture but not the specific day. Thea Kaste (10) said, “I think it’s really important and there’s a lot of culture around here that we don’t really hear a lot about.”
It’s a time to recognize the contributions, traditions, and resilience of Native Americans throughout history, and provides an opportunity to learn about their diverse cultures, languages, art, and traditions.
Being aware of cultures outside of our own can increase empathy and awareness, and knowing these dates can help us better celebrate or observe important dates and moments in history.
