March is...
- National Women's History Month
Ashes worn on the forehead symbolize penitence and mark the beginning of the fourty days of fasting and praying associated with Lent.
March 1, 2006: Martenitza - Bulgaria
A celebration of spring characterized by the exchange of red and white yarn creations, or small wool dalls called Pigo and Penda (Martenitzi), which symbolize health. These are worn until the wearer sights a stork or blossoming tree, at which time it is placed under a rock (placing evil to sleep) or hung on a tree (welcoming spring).
March 1, 2006: Chalanda Marz - Switzerland
Children drive away winter with bells and songs.
March 2, 2006: Aia - Baha'i
The end of the Baha'i calendar (pdf file) marks the beginning of a 19-day fast designed to serve as a spiritual and physical cleansing in preparation for the new year.
March 3, 2006: Hinamatsuri - Japan
The doll festival celebrates spring and honors daughters.
March 7-13, 2006: Great Prayer Festival - Tibet
Pilgrims travel from every corner of Tibet to chant, pray and engage in philosophical debate.
March 14, 2006: Butter Lamp Festival - Tibet
A celebration of victory over non-Bhuddist opponents.
March 14, 2006: Purim - Jewish - This holiday celebrates the deliverance of Jews and involves the giving of gifts and food.
March 14, 2006: Holi - Hindu, Sikh - The festival of color celebrates spring and the honor the myth of a woman who saved her nephew from the wrath of a tyrannical king by transferring her immunity to fire to him and giving her life for him. In celebration, bonfires and horns create a festive spirit.
March 15, 2006: Holla Mohalla - Sikh
Guru Gobind Singh is honored for his struggle against tyranny. Martial arts demonstrations are made and mock battles are fought.
March 16, 2006: Gahambar Hamaspathmaedem - Zoroastrian/Fasli
A celebration of the creation of human beings.
March 17, 2006: St. Patrick's Day - Ireland
Honros the anniversary of the death of the patron saint who used a three-leaved shamrock to explain the Christian idea of the Holy Trinity.
March 19, 2006: St. Joseph's Day - Italy
Italian celebration honor the foster father of Jesus which began in western Sicily in the Middle Ages when prayers sent to St. Joseph for an end to a severe drought were answered with rain. In celebration, observers help the needy.
March 20, 2006: Ohigon - Japan
Buddhists meditate on the harmony in the universe.
March 21, 2006: Poutuerangi - Maori, New Zealand
During the Autumn Equinox, crops are unearthed and feasting and celebration ensues.
March 21, 2006: Naw Ruz - Baha'i, Ismaili, Zoroastrian, Iran, Afghanistan
Naw Ruz means "new day." This New Year celebration begins at sundown on March 20 and ends at sundown March 21. A celebration of the creation of fire and the day on which Zarathustra received his revelation.
March 22, 2006: Emancipation Day - Puerto Rico
Observers celebrate Puerto Rican history and culture.
March 25, 2006: Annunciation - Christian
Commemmorates the day Mary, the mother of Jesus, was visited by an angel to inform her she had been chosen as the mother of Christ.
March 25, 2006: Evangelismou - Greek
Commemmorates Annunciation and Independence day. Observers wear traditional clothing. Celebrations include folk dances and orations.
March 26, 2006: Independence Day - Bangladesh
Observers celebrate their independence and culture.
March 26, 2006: Mothering Sunday - United Kingdom
A commemmoration of mothers, occurring on the fourth day of lent, which began in the 1600s.
March 30, 2006: Chetra Navtras - Hindu
Fasting honors the Goddess Maha Devi as Gauri - life, growth and fruition.
March 30, 2006: Nawabarsha - India, Nepal
A celebration of the New Year.
March 30, 2006: Ugadi - Nepal, Mauritius
Ugadi marks the beginning of the new Hindu lunar calendar. Observers awake before dawn, bathe, and decorate their front doors with mango leaves. They also eat bitter Neem leaves and sweet jaggery to signify the bitter and sweet of life.
Thanks to Creative Cultural Communications for sharing their artistic and beautiful Multicultural Calendar, 2006.
You can obtain a copy of this beautiful multicultural calendar, which features colorful original paintings and history on multicultural holidays and events by visiting www.multiculturalcalendar.com or by emailing sales@multiculturalcalendar.com.
Be sure to tell them you heard about it on the Race Relations site at About.com!