In America, the month of December is very busy! Many cultural traditions have a holiday in December, but here are a few common ones: Chanukah/Hanukkah (Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה ハヌッカ) From MIT, “Three Cultural Holidays in December“: Hanukkah is the Jewish eight-day “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting. The Hebrew word Chanukah or Hanukkah…
Read MoreHappy National Native American Heritage Month! (Celebrated in the USA) Recently, American society has gained more interest in learning about the multiculturalism present within U.S. borders. These are the stories of a few Native residents: Celebrating American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. Native Americans include the indigenous peoples of Alaska, Canada, the continental USA,…
Read MoreWelcome to October! The start of fall semester is here… and so is the month of Halloween! Around the world, but especially in Europe and the Americas, the end of October to the beginning of November is associated with death, ghosts, spirits, and scary night creatures. In old Celtic European religions, people celebrated October 31st…
Read MoreSummer vacation is an exciting time for children and adults alike. Many people travel to other places, play outside, and engage in water sports (swimming, surfing, sailing, etc.) Like in Japan, there is a long summer vacation in Anglophone countries, but it may be at different times. In other countries, summer vacation is at different…
Read MoreIn the USA, the first event in the month of July is celebrating independence from Britain. The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776, so the 4th of July is a U.S. national holiday. The 4th of July is an exciting day for many young Americans because it is the second time in…
Read MoreIn America, June is a very busy month. Many people have school graduations in May or June, and June is the beginning of the summer “baby season“. But June is most famous for LGBT Pride Month, weddings, Juneteenth, and Father’s Day. LGBT Pride LGBT Pride Month is June because of the Stonewall riots of June…
Read MoreThe month of May is a busy time. In America, the month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. In many countries, the first of May is called May Day, and it is a national day for all workers. The USA does not celebrate May Day because much of its population…
Read MoreApril 1st is the beginning of a new experience for many people in Japan – a new school, a new job, or maybe a new city. April is a beautiful month to start a new school year – the weather is good, the cherry trees are blooming, and the birds are singing. The world feels…
Read MoreSpring has arrived in Shimane, and we are excited to see the sakura everywhere! The LLSR is decorated for the occasion: 2. Many cultures have a holiday or festival to celebrate the arrival of spring and the “rebirth” of nature. In Japan, there are hanami festivals. Similarly, there is a Jewish holiday called Tu BiShvat,…
Read MoreFebruary 14th is Valentine’s Day, so this month, the LLSR was decorated in pink and red hearts! How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? In America, it is a day for couples to show their love through “grand gestures” – big gifts or exciting actions. For example, women often receive large bouquets of flowers, boxes of…
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