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Fall 2007
Calendar
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September
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September
MCC Open House
September 6, 2007, 1:00-5:00 PM
Multicultural Center- LSU 110
The Multicultural Center hosts its
annual open house for new and returning students. Come see what the
MCC has to offer. Light refreshments will be served.
Diversity Chat: Is Diversity Important?
September 20, 2007, 3:00-4:00PM
Multicultural Center- LSU 110
Does diversity matter to you? Why
or why not? Explore the various aspects of the importance of diversity -
from personal growth to reducing cultural conflict.
Quinceañera
September 27, 2007, 3:00-5:00PM
Multicultural Center- LSU 110
A Sundance
Film Festival Grand Jury Prize-winner, Quinceañera is a small film
with a big heart. The plot unfolds at the leisurely pace of life itself,
yet there's not a wasted moment in the script. The story follows the
travails of young Magdalena (Emily Rios), a teen in the Mexican-American,
but gentrifying, Los Angeles neighborhood of
Echo Park. Come join us in watching this
movie!
September 4: Labor Day (Canada, USA) - Dating back to the 1880s,
this holiday is the result of efforts of the labor union movement. It
commemorates the
economic and social achievements of workers.
September 9: Chong Yang (China) - A holiday dedicated to
the older generation. Chong Yang cake is prepared, and everyone is
encouraged to enjoy nature.
September 11: Day of Remembrance or Patriot Day - The
effects of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon impacted
Americans and most other nations and has caused us to focus on the
devastation terrorism has caused the world.
Meskerem - New Year (Egyptian) - During
the time of Pharaohs 4,000 years ago, the Ethiopian Coptic Church
appearance of Soothis (Dog Star) marked the signal that the Nile River would rise,
flooding the fertile
plains so that planting could begin. The end of the rainy season became
known as the New Year.
September 12
(start/sundown)—September 14 (end/sundown): Rosh Hashana (Jewish) - is the
Jewish New Year and is the beginning of the High Holidays. It is the anniversary
of the completion of creation, about 5760 years ago. At Rosh Hashanah
services, the Shofar (ram's horn) is sounded announcing the New Year and
awakening Jews to remember God's commandments. The 10 days from Rosh
Hashanah to Yom Kippur are called the Days of Awe. This is a time of
reflection, remembrance, prayer, and repentance. Rosh Hashanah extends over the first two
days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, even in Israel where most holidays last
only one day, and occurs 162 days after the first day of Pesach (Passover).
Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15: In 1988, what
previously was known as Hispanic Heritage Week (September 10-16) became
known as Hispanic Heritage Month as declared by President Ronald Reagan.
During this month, several Latin American countries gained their
independence. The word "Hispanic" is a cultural term that
encompasses several different Latin countries. Hispanics come from various
races and include bloodlines of Mayan, Aztec, Spanish, Mexican, and many
others.
September 15: Independence Day (Central
America) - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala,
Honduras and Nicaragua gained independence from Spain
in 1821.
Keiro no hi (Japan) - A national
holiday honoring older citizens.
September 16: Dia de la Independence
(Mexico) - Celebrates
Mexico's independence from Spain
on this day in 1820. It commemorates the 1810 revolution that ended Spanish
dictatorship. The Independence Day festivities in Mexico begin at midnight on the
day of the holiday. At that time, in villages, towns, and cities all over Mexico,
the people gather at the "zocalo" or public square. There are
bands playing and people throw confetti and wave flags. At midnight the
president (or in small towns a local public official) reads the "Grito
de Dolores" of Father Hidalgo,
the organizer and principal leader of the rebellion against the Spaniards.
The people chant the "Grito" after the president. He then rings
the independence bell as fireworks light up the sky and the dancing and
singing continues.
September 17: Aloha Week (Hawaii) - Begun in 1945, Aloha Week
celebrates Hawaiian traditions and costumes. It starts the third week of
September on the island
of Oahu, and each
island celebrates the holiday on a different week until the end of October.
September 19: International Day of Peace was
first observed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982.
September 21: Independence Day (Armenia)
- Gained independence from the Soviet Union
in 1991.
September 21
(start/sundown)—September 22(end/sundown): Yom Kippur (Jewish) - the
Jewish holiday of the Day of Atonement. It falls on the tenth day of the
Hebrew month of Tishri, and is commemorated with a 25-hour fast and
intensive prayer. It is considered the holiest day of the Jewish year.
Chichen Itza Festival (Mexico) - On
Autumn Equinox Day, thousands gather at the Mayan Temple of Kukulkan to see
the interplay of sun and shadow as they form the impression of a
long-tailed serpent leading downward to the stone head of the serpent
Kukulkan.
September 22: National Native American Day (USA).
Although not an official government holiday, most American Indian
organizations and tribes do observe this holiday.
Oktoberfest (Germany) - In 1810, King Joseph Maximillian
of Bavaria
first decided to celebrate his marriage with Princess Theresa of Saxonie in
royal style. Originally it was meant to be just a simple horse race event,
but the Bavarian character quickly took over and it became a happy
gathering of cheerful beer drinkers. Oktoberfest now attracts approximately
7 million visitors each year.
September
22 - Oct 1: Religious Freedom Week
September 23: *Shubun no hi (Japan) - On Autumn
Equinox Day, the Japanese honor family ancestry, visiting ancestral graves
and having family reunions.
September 24: Heritage Day (South Africa) - Celebrates the cultural
diversity in South
Africa and serves as a time for various
heritages to bond together.
September 26
(start/sundown)—October 4 (end/sundown): Sukkot (Jewish) - A
Biblical pilgrimage festival. In Israel (and among Reform Jews), Sukkot or
the Feast of Booths is a 7-day harvest festival, a joyous time of
thanksgiving, with the first day celebrated as a full festival with special
prayer services and holiday meals. Outside the land of Israel,
the first two days are celebrated as full festivals. Many Jews build little "huts"
(or "sukkahs") in their backyards and eat meals there to
commemorate the huts Jews built in the wilderness during their 40-year
journey after leaving Egypt
(also harvesters lived in huts)
September 28: Harvest Moon Festival (China, Taiwan,
Vietnam)
- The festival is celebrated with family reunions, moon gazing and eating
of moon cakes. In Vietnam,
it is called "Trung Thu."
September 30: San Geronimo Day (Aboriginal)
- Named after St. Jerome, an Apache fighter,
this day is celebrated by the Native Americans and Hispanics in the Pueblo.
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October
Iron Chef
October 4, 2007, 6:00PM
Loker Student Union
Campus Dining and the Multicultural
Center bring you all of the fun and excitement of the popular television
show, "Iron Chef," where culinary artists are given a secret
ingredient and must battle it out to see who’s the best.
Is there room for gay issues
in Multiculturalism?
October 11, 2007, 3:00-4:00 PM
Multicultural Center- LSU 110
Campus
Dining and the Multicultural Center bring you all of the fun and excitement
of the popular television show, "Iron Chef," where culinary
artists are given a secret ingredient and must battle it out to see
who’s the best.
Salsa Night
October 18, 2007, 4:00-7:00PM
Multicultural Center- LSU 110
Slip on
your dance shoes and join dance instructor, Jose Gonzalez for a fun and
educational workshop about salsa dancing.
Spoken Word Night
October 25, 2007, 5:00-7:00PM
Multicultural Center- LSU 110
It’s
Ladies Night!! But men are welcome too. Come hear positive poetry about
women from women. Our featuring artist includes Korlah Collins, Shay Fresh,
and Carina Kallier. There will also be an Open Mic session. Sign up in the
MCC.
German-American Heritage Month
National Italian-American Heritage Month
Polish-American Heritage Month
October 1: Independence Day (Nigeria) - Gained independence from the United Kingdom
in 1960.
October 2: Gandhi’s Birthday (India) - celebrated as a national holiday in
India.
Gandhi was an Indian nationalist who adopted non-violence in fighting for
his country's independence.
October 3: Day of German Unity (Germany) - Commemorates the day in 1990 when
East and West Germany
were reunited following the Cold War.
October 7: Confucius’ Birthday (China, Taiwan) - The birthday of
Confucius is celebrated with a dawn ceremony at temples around the world.
His birthday, in 551 BC, is celebrated as Teacher's Day in Taiwan.
October 8: National Indigenous People's Day.
In 1992, drums from across the USA and time zones coordinated
ceremonies and observances at 12 p.m. to celebrate and honor 500 years of
resistance and the survival of North American Indigenous people. From that
day to the present Native Americans observe October 12 as Indigenous
People's Day, not Columbus Day.
October 9: Han’gul Day (Korea)
- Commemorates the creation of the Korean alphabet of 29 phonetic symbols
called han’gul by King Sejong of the Yi dynasty between 1443 and 1446.
Laylat al-Qadr (Islamic) - The
anniversary of the night in which the Qur'an was first communicated in its
entirety to Muhammad. Popularly, it has been referred to as Night of Power.
Muslims believe the incident occurred during the month of Ramadan but they
differ as to the exact date. Sunnis often consider it to be either the
21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th of the month; whilst Shias consider it to be
either the 19th, 21st or 23rd of the month.
October 10: Thanksgiving Day (Canada)
- Early Canadian settlers gave thanks for good harvests by decorating their
churches with fruits and vegetables and celebrated dinner with venison and
waterfowl.
Columbus Day (USA) - Honors the explorer
Christopher Columbus who first landed in the western world in 1492.
October 11: National Coming Out Day (USA).
On October 11, 1987, half a million people marched on Washington for gay and lesbian equality.
This was the second such demonstration in our nation's capitol and the
first display of the NAMES Project Quilt, remembering those who have died
from AIDS. The momentum continued four months after this march as more than
100 gay, lesbian, and transgender activists from around the country
gathered in Manassas, Virginia, about 25 miles outside of Washington, D.C.
Recognizing that the GLBT community often reacted defensively to anti-gay
actions, they came up with the idea of a national day to celebrate coming
out and chose the anniversary of that march on Washington to mark it.
October 12: Noss Senhora de Aparecida (Brazil)
- In 1717, a group of Brazilian fishermen pulled up a wooden statue of the
Virgin Mary, followed by an abundant catch after a fruitless fishing day.
They enshrined the statue, and in 1929, the Brazilian nation declared Nossa
Senhor Aparecida the Patroness of Brazil. At least 500,000 pilgrims flock
to this sanctuary annually.
Hispanic Day (Spain) - A national holiday to commemorate
Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas. Día de la Raza is
also a holiday in many Latin American countries.
Navratri (India) - Navratri means
"nine nights" starting on the new moon and ending on Dussehra. It
is dedicated to the goddess Durga who had nine incarnations and has the
power of good to destroy demons.
October 13: Eid ul-Fitr (Islamic) - Often
abbreviated as simply Eid, this is an Islamic holiday that marks the end of
Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is a time of rejoicing. Houses are
decorated and Muslims buy gifts for relatives.
October 15: National Heroes Day (Jamaica)
– Honors Jamaican heroes.
October 19: Chung Yeung Festival (China, Taiwan,
Hong Kong) - Families visit the graves of
their ancestors.
October 20: Durga Puja (India) - Celebrates the divine
creative force of the universe and honors the 10-armed goddess Durga, wife
of Shiva, and the destroyer of demons.
Birth of the Bab (the Gate of God, Bahai), the forerunner
of Baha'u'llah. School and work are suspended.
October 21: Diwali (India)
- Hindu Festival of Lights. For Jains it is one of the most important
festivals, and marks the beginning of the Jain year. It is also a
significant festival for the Sikh faith. Diwali is celebrated for five
consecutive days in the Hindu month of Ashwayuja which usually corresponds
to the month of October or November. Hindus, Jains and Sikh celebrate
Diwali and use the occasion to celebrate life and strengthen relationships.
Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional diyas.
Fireworks may also be associated with the festival in some regions.
October 22: Abu Simbel Festival (Egypt)
- Built by Ramses II, his temple is angled so that the inner sanctum lights
up twice a year: once on the anniversary of his rise to the throne and once
on his birthday. The other date for this event is Feb. 22.
October 23: Chulanlongkorn Day (Thailand)
- Commemorates the birth of Rama V, a progressive ruler who ruled from 1868
to 1910.
Departure of the Swallows (USA) - Visitors from all parts of the world
gather in great numbers to witness the "miracle" of the departure
of the swallows from the ruins of the old stone church
of San Juan Capistrano in Southern California.
October 28: National Day "Ochi" (Greece) - Marks the anniversary of when
Prime Minster Metaxas, said "no" (or "ochi" in Greek)
to the invasion of Albania
by the Italians, thereby entering themselves into World War II.
October 31: Halloween (USA, Canada)
- This western world tradition marked by children in costumes going
door-to-door for candy, originated in Ireland. Halloween is the eve
of All Saints' Day and was a celebration of all saints and martyrs. Over
time the holiday has strayed from its religious background and become a
cultural event.
October-November: Iroquois Harvest Ceremony
(Aboriginal) - This is a daylong ceremony to give thanks to the earth
spirits for providing now and in the future.
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November
Día
De Los Muertos
November 1, 2007, 5:00-7:00PM
Loker Student Union- Palm Courtyard
Also known as the Day of the Dead, Dia De Los
Muertos is celebrated in parts of the United States and Central America .
Mexicans regard this annual holiday as a happy occasion that reunites them
with the souls of loved ones. Families decorate tombs in the graveyard and
home altars with toys, favorite foods, flowers, bread figures, incense
burners, and elaborately fashioned candlesticks. MCC will offer students
and campus organizations an opportunity to build their own altar honoring
their loved ones.
Diversity Chat:
Why do they all hang out together?
November 7, 2007, 3:00-4:00PM
Multicultural Center- LSU 110
Is it cultural
empowerment or self segregation? What are the benefits and negative
implications for people to socialize with their own??
Diwali- Indian
Festival of Lights
November 8, 2007, 5:00-7:00PM
Multicultural Center- LSU 110
Diwali is celebrated for five
consecutive days in the Hindu month of Ashwayuja which usually corresponds
to the month of October or November. Hindus, Jains and Sikh celebrate
Diwali and use the occasion to celebrate life and strengthen relationships.
The event will include authentic Indian food, a henna artist and
entertainment.
Native American
Heritage Festival
November 15, 2007, 10:00
am-2:00PM
North Lawn
This annual festival celebrates
Native American culture in honor of Native American Heritage Month.
Fernando Diez-
Latin Percussionist
November
29, 2007, 3:00-5:00PM
Multicultural Center- LSU 110
Join
MCC for an evening of hot Latin rhythms and beats with percussionist
Fernando Diez.
National Native American Heritage Month - In 1990, President
George Bush approved a joint resolution designating November National
Native American Heritage Month. During this month the contributions of the
continent’s first inhabitants are remembered and celebrated through
ceremonies, powwows and special feasts.
November 1: All Saints’ Day
(Christian) - This day is for honoring saints.
Dia de los Muertos (Mexico) - Also known as the Day of the Dead,
it is celebrated in parts of the United
States and Central America. Mexicans regard this annual holiday as a
happy occasion that reunites them with the souls of loved ones. This
two-day celebration honors the souls of dead children on November 1 and
honors the souls of older relatives and friends on November 2. Families decorate tombs in the graveyard
and home altars with toys, favorite foods, flowers, bread figures, incense
burners, and elaborately fashioned candlesticks. On the morning of the
second day people gather in graveyards and serenade the spirits with brass
bands and mariachi music. The dead are never forgotten because once a year
they are honored during this annual.
November 2: All
Souls' Day (Christian) - A day of remembering the dead.
Dia de Finades (Portugal) - This holiday is
celebrated by people visiting the deceased. They bring hearts and crowns
made of flowers to the graves.
November 3: Bunka no hi (Culture Day)
(Japan)
- It is a national holiday dedicated to the love of freedom and promotion
of Japanese culture.
November 5: Guy Fawkes Day (UK)
- Also known as Bonfire Night. The English and Irish burn bonfires topped
by a figure known as "the guy." West Indians from the Bahamas and Barbados celebrate it as well.
November 9: Diwali (Hindu, Sikh) - It means "row of lights" and is the
Hindu New Year.
November 11: Remembrance Day (Canada, UK) - Commemorates the soldiers
killed in World War I and II. Many observers wear red poppies as a symbol
of this day.
Veterans' Day (USA, France) - Formerly
Armistice Day, it is the anniversary of the end of World War I.
November 12: Birth of Baha'u'llah, the
Prophet founder of the Bahai faith. School and work are suspended.
November 14: Children’s Day (India) - This day is the birthday of one of India’s
greatest leaders, Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru adored children and thus his
birthday was marked as a celebration of children. Schools have cultural
programs and take the remainder of the day off.
November 15: Shichi-go-san (Japan) - Prayers are offered
for children’s growth.
November 16: Louis Riel Day (Canadian Aboriginal)
- Louis Riel was a famous Metis leader who in 1885 led a rebellion and lost
against the Canadian authorities. Today his name is a symbol for Native
independence.
November 17: World Kindness Day - The spark
for World Kindness Day was lit at the Second Conference of the World
Kindness Movement in November 1997 in Japan. Starting as random acts
of kindness, the movement now has members in more than 17 countries. They
are committed to building a global organization dedicated to inspire and
promote kindness.
November 18: Independence Day (Morocco)
- Gained independence in 1956 from France.
Vertieres Day (Haiti) - Celebrates the Haitian
victory over the French in the Battle of Vertieres in 1803.
November 22: Thanksgiving Day (USA)
- An annual holiday observed to celebrate being thankful for the things one
has. Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated with a large dinner shared
among friends and family. The first
Thanksgiving was celebrated by people of the Wampanog Tribe | 
