Last year, the USA created a new federal holiday: Juneteenth. Juneteenth is short for June nineteenth (19th), which was the date in 1865 when the last African-American slaves in Texas were informed that they were legally freed by orders of the U.S. government. (Video: What is Juneteenth? – VOA) From the U.S. Department of Defense…
Read MoreHappy Asian-American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This month, the U.S. government, military, and schools celebrate famous people, foods, dances, books, movies, music, and other cultural influences that have come to America from Asia and from the Pacific islands. Because Asia and the Pacific Islands include many countries, there are many different cultures to learn about this…
Read MoreWelcome, new students, to the University of Shimane! For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started, first-year English classes at the University of Shimane will be in person! The vaccine has been available to the public for several months now, so we hope that everyone will stay healthy. There are many, many holidays in…
Read MoreMarch is a busy time for everyone: spring is arriving, and with it, many cultural activities. Read about them below! March 1st: Shrove Tuesday This year, March 1st is Shrove Tuesday, otherwise known as Mardi Gras (USA) or Pancake Day (UK). Shrove Tuesday is a Catholic holiday that marks the last day before Lent. Traditionally,…
Read MoreIn February, there is a wide variety of celebrations and remembrances. Some are fun; some are serious. Some are celebrated internationally, and some are specific to one country. Perhaps the most famous holiday in February is Valentine’s Day (see last year’s post for more information), but this year’s post will talk about other important February…
Read MoreHappy New Year! Every year, the night of December 31st to January 1st is a time for celebration across the globe. Some traditions are common across the English-speaking world: fireworks, staying up past midnight, making toasts with champagne (Cheers!), attending parties, and making new years resolutions. However, there are other regional traditions to learn about!…
Read MoreIn 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…
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