Holiday Teaching and Discussion Guide

Resources for Teaching Diverse and Culturally-Responsive Perspectives

Fox Valley Literacy aims to be a place where diverse members of our community can meet to learn and grow together.  This is only possible if we create authentic relationships where each person’s voice and values are honored.  Too often, holiday celebrations are exclusionary, reproduce harmful stereotypes, and solidify separation rather than create connection.

This page aims to provide resources for learning and discussion written by and/or centering the perspectives of people from within the cultures that celebrate key holidays each month.

 This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all holidays celebrated around the world; rather it focuses on holidays that are important to our students’ and tutors’ communities.  Come back each month for updates and ideas for rich and thoughtful discussion.

We’re all learning together!  This is a living document.  If there are holidays or perspectives missing or mis-represented, or if you’d like to share a resource or make a suggestion, please email Paola at paola@foxalleylit.org.

Suggestions to Tutors:

  • Before you read:  Reflect – What do you know about this holiday?  Where do your ideas about this holiday come from?  Whose perspectives are central in the stories you’ve been told about this holiday?  Whose perspectives are excluded, minimized, or overlooked?  
  • As you read: Notice your reactions.  How do you feel as you read?  What surprises you?  What inspires you?  What challenges you?  Where can you greet discomfort with curiosity?
  • After reading:  What is most important to the author?  What did you learn?  What questions remain?  How can you introduce the topic to your student in a way that will respect diverse perspectives, resonate with their lived experience, and help you both to empathize more with others?  What discussion questions could you prepare that will enable you and your student to learn from and with each other? 

January

All month: Poverty in America Awareness Month

Poverty Awareness Month is dedicated to calling attention to the growth of poverty in America.  The official poverty rate nationally in 2020 was 11.4%, up from 10.5% in 2019. This is the first increase in poverty after five consecutive annual declines.  25% of working families in Wisconsin are currently living under 200% of the poverty line.  Additionally, a 2018 study found that 24% of Outagamie County households were struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, child care, food, transportation, and internet access.    

  • Heartland Alliance presents an overview of Poverty Awareness Month and describes how poverty intersects with key wellbeing factors, such as education, opportunity, health, and more: click here
  • The Census Bureau provides up-to-date national poverty statistics: click here
  • United Way Wisconsin’s ALICE report discusses the 34% of residents who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – People who work hard and earn above the federal poverty level, but do not earn enough to afford a basic household budget: click here 

If you are struggling and need help, you can contact United Way 211 for free, confidential services 24/7.

January 1st: New Year

  • Civilizations around the world have been celebrating the start of each new year for at least four millennia. History.com provides a short history of several ancient and modern new year’s traditions. 
  • The Oneida Nation celebrates Tshatekˀshélha for five days after the new year moon in January.  Learn about the ways the Oneida come together to give thanks, show respect, and renew responsibilities for the coming year on the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin website.
  • PBS provides a history of the Times Square Ball Drop, which began as a way to celebrate the New Year while avoiding the hazard of fireworks in New York City.
  • Light, special food and drink, ways to reflect and renew.  Almanac.com offers an index of New Year celebration themes and traditions around the world.

January 6th: Three Kings Day

Three Kings is a Christian religious day also known as Epiphany, Little Christmas, Theophany, Baptism of Jesus, Denha, and Dia de Los Reyes.  Three Kings Day began in the 4th century as a day to celebrate Jesus’ baptism and pay homage to the Three Wise Men.  Today, it is celebrated with diverse festivities all over the world, especially in Latin America and Europe. 

Read BELatina’s article for accounts of what the holiday means for the Latinx community in the U.S

The Huff Post and National Today describe the history, significance, and diversity of Three Kings Day traditions around the world.

Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz, who grew up in Guatemala, writes about sharing El Día De Reyes with her kids

January 16th: Martin Luther King Jr Day

Reverend Martin Luther King Jr was born on January 15th. An annual federal holiday celebrates his life and his work as a civil rights leader. This holiday is celebrated as a day of service, an opportunity for individuals to work together to transform unjust systems and build an empowered community. 

  • A common practice for celebrating MLK Jr Day is to listen to one of his speeches. Five of his speeches are available here
  • The King Center has a lot of resources and information for taking action.

January 23rd: Lunar New Year

The Chinese New Year is called the Lunar New Year, and it’s also called the Spring Festival because it celebrates the impending arrival of the spring season. It is the most important Chinese holiday, and is also celebrated in some other East Asian countries. The Chinese government provides a week of holiday vacation so that people can gather with their families and friends to celebrate. Many Chinese people will return home to celebrate this important holiday. Traditional celebrations include fireworks, dancing, and large feasts. Each new year is designated by an animal in the Chinese zodiac. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. 

January 27th: Holocaust Remembrance Day

The United Nations has established January 27th each year as the day to honor the 6 million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust, and millions of other victims of Nazism. 

The UN General Assembly adopted resolution 60/7 to declare 27 January as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 1 November, 2005. The day marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The Resolution 60/7, not only honours the victims of the Holocaust but also rejects any kind of Holocaust denial. The resolution also encourages the UN member states to actively preserve sites that the Nazis used during the “Final Solution” like killing centres, concentration camps, and prisons. Final Solution refers to the systematic mass murder of Jews of Europe. 

February

All month: Black History Month

  • Okalani Dawkins is a passionate student excited to create a better world through her passion for Civil Rights. In her TEDtalk, she highlights the importance of African Americans in America’s history. She also gives examples of how educators around the country help us know and celebrate the many contributions made by African Americans throughout history
  • Many anti-literacy laws were created before and after the American Civil War in slave states as a way to prevent enslaved people who could read and write from forging the documents required to escape to a free state. African Americans did not remain silent during the years of slavery and anti-literacy. They didn’t give up their identities as distinct individuals or as African Americans.  Rather, they spoke their minds, passions, and emotions through songs, stories, and the written word. Read this article to learn more about how literacy became a powerful weapon in the fight to end slavery
  • In this recording of an event hosted by the Appleton Public Library, Dr. Renee Gralewicz discusses the history of government-designed racial wealth disparities, reparations and what other communities like Evanston, IL and countries like Germany are doing to make amends, as well as what is happening right here in Wisconsin. Click here

February 6th: Tu B'shevat

  • Tu B’shevat celebrates the time when trees begin to bloom in Israel, and it has developed into an ecological holiday that reminds Jews of their connection to and stewardship of the environment. Tu B’shevant literally means “the 15th day of Shevat”, and due to the lunar calendar, this holiday is sometimes in January and sometimes in February.

Chabad, the accepted authority for Orthodox Jewish practise, provides a lot of resources and information about this holiday

  • Tori Avey, a Jewish food blogger, provides a simple summary of this holiday and links to some really delicious recipes. Click here

 

February 17th: Mardi Gras begins

Mardi Gras is a holiday celebrated in many countries around the world—mainly those with large Roman Catholic populations—on the day before the religious season of Lent begins. Learn about Mardi Grass’ history, meaning, and traditions. Click here

February 21st: International Mother Language Day

  • How was International Mother Language Day established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at their General Conference on November 17, 1999? Read this article about the powerful history of the Bengali Language Movement that happened on February 21, 1952. This brief article dives into the significance of fighting for linguistic and cultural rights between West and East Pakistan before Bangladesh became an independent country on December 16, 1971. This article signifies the strength of the Bengalis who were discriminated and oppressed and were not even allowed to have their own language, Bengal, taught in schools and in the media.
  • What can you do to observe or participate in International Mother Language Day? Check out this article to learn what you can do. The importance of people’s mother language is fundamental. Our mother language is part of our identity and our culture, and we must find ways to keep our languages so that they are not endangered or lost. 
  • Here is another site to learn more about what UNESCO does to promote linguistic diversity.

March

All month: Disability Awareness Month

On February 26, 1987 Disability Awareness Month was proclaimed, calling for all people to help persons with disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives, and to remove barriers in doing so.  

In recognition of this month, each year StoryCorps dedicate a collection of stories of these individuals, and their loved ones who offer their support and admiration. Watch the videos 

 

All month: Women History Month

Durig this month, we want to highlight women’s contributions to education, share women’s literacy rates, and showcase important women from history who have influenced our present and future, especially in the area of education.

  • Our World in Data is a scientific online publication that focuses on large global problems such as poverty, disease, hunger, climate change, war, existential risks, and inequality. Check their interactive world map that displays country-specific adult female literacy rates as of 2021.  
  • Meet 10 women who have changed — and continue to change — one of the most important disciplines in our country.These women helped bring education to historically disenfranchised groups by attaining powerful positions and pushing forward, often against resistance.  
  • Currently, less than 10% of American history curriculum focuses on women. And, of that 10%, 60% highlights American women as the helpmate and domestic partner. What would happen if we included more and more diverse stories of American women in American history–and young girls begin to see themselves in the curriculum they study? Watch a TedTalk from an expert in American women’s history and politics, Dr. Emily Krichbaum talking about this topic! 

March 6th : Purim

Purim is a joyful celebration of survival. It celebrates the story of Queen Esther saving the Jews in Persia from extermination, and the characters in this story have come to symbolize the many historical struggles that Jews have faced against antisemitism and oppression.  

Purim is a very loud celebration! When the story of Queen Esther is read at the synagogue, everyone makes noise to drown out the villain’s name whenever he is mentioned. People also dress up, and it’s customary give each other gifts. 

March 8th: International Women's Day

Every March 8th, the world recognizes International Women’s Day. It’s a day to celebrate the accomplishments of women in areas like culture, politics, the economy, and society at large. Why does this day still matter? Here are 10 reasons!

  • Investing in girls is one of the smartest things we can do to promote a healthier, more prosperous world. More importantly, it’s the right thing to do. Every girl has the right to be in charge of her future. Dr. Kakenya Ntaiya is the founder and president of Kakenya’s Dream, an international nonprofit organization leveraging education to empower girls, end harmful traditional practices, and transform communities in rural Kenya. Watch this video to see how Kakenya is empowering girls in her community.

March 21st: International Day for the Elimiantion of Racial Discrimination

The United Nations proclaimed March 21st as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 1966. Want to learn why? Watch this short video to learn about the history of how International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination came to be. Learn about what happened in Sharpeville, South Africa on March 21st of 1960 where 69 people were shot and killed for peacefully protesting the apartheid laws.  

What are apartheid laws? What does South Africa look like today? This video shows how very much the history of colonialism and apartheid are entangled in the present today. Watch this video to see the impact of how apartheid laws and segregation affects housing, job opportunities, and the quality of life depending on the color of your skin.  

April

National Volunteer Month

National Volunteer Month lies in the month of April every year! This month-long event is celebrated in both Canada and the USA. Although we appreciate those who volunteer for our community all year long, April is an important time to celebrate and recognize them! Volunteer Week specifically happens on April 16th through April 22th in 2023.  

  • Learn about the history of National Voluneer Month. National Volunteer Month is an extension to an already-established holiday-week, National Volunteer Week that was first held in 1943 in Canada. The week was dedicated to paying tribute to the unwavering contributions of women during World War II who would collect supplies and help the wounded soldiers. 
  • Volunteerism is one of the most important and beneficial actions that we can take as human beings.  Our ability to provide our time and expertise can make an immense difference in the world around us and within the communities in that we reside. Learn about 40 volunteer statistics that will blow your mind!  

Arab American Heritage Month

  • What do you know about the Arab American community? Did you know that Apple Founder, Steve Jobs, was Arab American? Yes, he was. His biological father was Abdulfattah Jandali who was from Syria. Steve was later adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs. Watch this video from “Now This News” to get a better understanding and perspective from different Arab Americans talking about their heritage in celebrating Arab American Heritage Month.   
  • The Folsom-Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) put together an amazing short video in 2021 from Arab American high school students for Arab American Heritage Month to talk about interesting facts about the countries they are from.  
  • Here is a short article regarding the history of Arab Americans. It’s important to learn about the richness and diversity of where the Arab community comes from and for how long they been living in the United States.  

April 5th – 13th: Passover

Passover is a festival of freedom celebrated by Jews every year to commemorate the anniversary of their Exodus from Egyptian slavery. On the first two nights, a ritual feast called a Seder is held, with 15 ritual steps to tell the story of the miraculous escape from Egypt. Passover celebrates not just the escape from slavery, but also the birth of the national identity of the Jewish people. 

April 9th: Easter

Easter is one of the principal holidays, or feasts, of Christianity.  It marks the Resurrection of Jesus three days after his death by crucifixion. It falls on a Sunday and is also the beginning of the Easter season for a liturgical year.  Easter – New World Encyclopedia

 Easter is a moveable feast.  It does not fall on the same fixed date each year because Easter is determined by a lunisolar calendar.  The holiday always is after March 21, the “ecclesiastical” date of the March equinox. Learn more: Easter – World History Encyclopedia

Easter celebrations vary within Western Christianity and Eastern Christianity.  There are also secular celebrations of the holiday. Here are just a few examples: 10 Different Ways Easter Is Celebrated Around The World – WorldAtlas 

April 14th: Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi has origins as a springtime festival in the Punjab region, but since 1699 has taken on a great deal of religious significance for Sikhs. On Vaisakhi in that year, Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa and established much of what is at the core of the Sikh faith today. Vaisakhi is fundamentally about celebration, remembrance, community, and progress. Celebrating Vaisakhi, the story behind the sikh festival

What is Vaisakhi, or Baisakhi and how is it celebrated? Vaisakhi is an annual spring festival (April 13 or 14) celebrating Sikhism being born as a collective faith. Sikhs may visit places of worship called Gudwaras that are decorated for the occasion. 

April 21st: Eid al-Fitr (Begins begins March 22nd)

Ramadan is a month of fasting and reflection that begins the evening of March 22nd 2023 and is concluded the evening of April 21st with Eid al-Fitr, the three-day festival of breaking the fast. This is one of the most sacred times for Muslims.  

May

May 5th: Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, where Mexico defeated France. Learn more here.

A brief history of Cinco de Mayo video, from the Battle of Puebla to growing celebrations in USA 

 

 

May 8th: Mother's Day

  • Mother’s Day is a national holiday celebrated on different dates throughout the year in different countries. In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. While many other countries celebrate Mother’s Day based on religion or seasons of the year, Mother’s day became a federal holiday in 1914 (in the United States) through a political movement by Anna Jarvis. Prior to this, it was formerly known as Mothering Sunday, in which Christians were encouraged to visit their “Mother Church”. 
  • Following the American Holiday, other countries like Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Ecuador, most of Europe, Grenada, Honduras, , Iceland, India, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zimbabwe (and many others)… celebrate Mother’s day on the same day. 
  • While there are many other dates, collectively Mother’s Day is a day honoring all women and their important role within their families. Initially, it was celebrated religiously and profoundly in the 16th century before becoming a national holiday. Read the two articles below which includes countries and their specific Mother’s Day celebration.  

Mothering Day and Mothers Day Around The World | by Every Mother Counts | Every Mother Counts 

Why is Mother’s Day on a different date in every country? |  

Mother’s Day In France traditions + Dates for 200+ countries around (annieandre.com) 

May 14th: Hmong Lao Veterans Day in WI and Hmong American Day in MN

  • What is Hmong Lao Veterans Day? Read this article to learn why Governor Tony Evers established May 14th as Hmong Lao Veterans Day. It is a meaningful day for the Hmong and Lao community that our veterans are recognized for fighting in the Secret War led by the United States’ CIA since they are not recognized American soldiers during Veterans Day in November. This article talks about the struggle that Hmong veterans still to this day lobby for US Veterans benefits.     
  • Did you know that the city of Appleton was the first city in Wisconsin to proclaim Hmong American Day on May 14th back in 2015 according to the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region? Here is a short article discussing the celebration of Hmong American Day last year here in Appleton at Jones Park through music and dance entertainment.  
  • Watch a short video that shows the richness of the Hmong culture through dance and traditional Hmong clothing from the Hmong American Day celebration at Jones Park last year in Appleton and having the support of the mayor of Appleton, Jake Woodford speak.  

May 21st: World Day for Cultural Diversity

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, also known as Diversity Day, is celebrated on May 21 every year. It is a day set aside to appreciate the cultural diversities between different countries, states, and people in the World.  Learn more here.

Learning about other cultures helps us understand different perspectives within the world in which we live. It helps dispel negative stereotypes and personal biases about different groups. Read and learn about the importance of this day and how you can celebrate it and help support local diversity.

May 25th: Africa Day

Africa Day was first held on May 25, 1963 when 32 African countries formed the Organization of African Unity (OAU).  Since then, the OAU has evolved into the African Union (AU) and there are 55 countries. Africa Day – Wikipedia 

The day celebrates African unity and what progress Africa has made as a continent. It’s also a day to recognize goals and opportunities. 

May 30th: Memorial Day

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May. It began as Decoration Day during the Civil War, when citizens honored the graves of those who had been killed in battle by decorating them with flowers. After World War I, it was renamed Memorial Day, to honor those who died in all U.S. wars. Memorial Day | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica 

The official Memorial Day website has more information about the history of Memorial Day, and the symbolism in how it is observed. Memorial Day: Complete History, Meaning, Facts & Traditions (usmemorialday.org) 

June

Caribbean American Heritage Month

Did you know that Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father and the first Secretary of Treasury of the US, was from the Caribbean? He’s the face on our $10 bill, and paved the path of our financial system.  Read this short article that goes over a short history of Caribbean American Heritage Month. This article showcases the rich diversity of the Caribbean through food, music and culture.  

  • This article dives deeper into the history of Caribbean American Heritage Month. It highlights historic figures and produces an easy timeline chart to follow along with. The article also goes over the population of Caribbeans living in America today, and their contributions to our country. 

LGBTQ Pride Month

  • The Stonewall uprising, a response to police brutality at the Stonewall Inn, on June 28th 1969, was a turning point in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Protests and marches commemorating this anniversary grew over time into parades and celebrations throughout the entire month of June. Learn more about the history: LGBTQ Pride Month 2019, explained – Vox 
  • While Pride Month celebrates LGBTQ+ identity, and celebrates triumphs such as the legalization of same sex marriage, it is also a reminder that the struggle continues to secure these rights for all members of the community. Recent controversy over rainbow marketing campaigns during Pride Month highlights the need for real action, and here’s a helpful guide for companies and organizations who want to participate meaningfully: Pride Brand Guide – help your brand celebrate Pride month 
  • 1969 Stonewall Riots Archives – The Outwords Archive shares a collection of interviews with LGBTQ+ elders reflecting on their struggle for civil rights. 

June 19th: Father's Day

Fathers were honored since the Midlle Ages on St. Joseph’s Day. In the United States, the first Father’s Day occurred in Washington State on June 19, 1910 as a local tradition.  However, the event did not become a national holiday until 1972.  Since then, the third Sunday of June is designated as Father’s Day. Learn more about the history of this holiday! 

Ways to celebrate Father’s Day still vary from a religious holiday to a commercialized event. Father’s Day | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica 

June 19th: Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a celebration of the day, June 19th, 1865, when then Union Army arrived in Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation (passed over two years prior) that declared an end to slavery in states that were rebelling during the Civil War.  Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the meaning of the ongoing struggle for freedom and to celebrate the joy, perseverance, and connection of African Americans across space and time.  To learn more about the history of Juneteenth and to hear several perspectives on the meaning of the day, see this article from the National Museum of African American History and Culture and this articl from PBS.

June 20th: World Refugee Day

World refugee day is recognized annually on June 20th, since it was first recognized in 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. It was originally known as African Refugee Day until December 2000 when it became an internationally designated day. The intention of the day is to honor and raise awareness of the refugee experience through advocacy, education, and holding up of the challenges and resilience of those who have been forced to leave their country for safety.

World Refugee Day | UNHCR USWorld Refugee Day | UNHCR US (history of day and ‘why?’)

World Refugee Day | United Nations Learn about different classifications of people who are displaced.

June 28th – June 29th: Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, the ‘Festival of Sacrifice,’ is a 4-day celebration of the prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God.  It is a time of pilgrimage, feasting, visiting family, and sharing abundance with those in need. 

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  • Like all celebrations, the meaning of Eid al-Adha is as diverse as the people who celebrate.  Read this article to hear personal anecdotes from Muslims across the world: From Canada to Syria, Muslims Tell Us What Eid al-Adha Means to Them 

July

July 4th: Independence Day

For some Americans, Independence Day is a day for fireworks, barbeques, and family time.  For others, it is a reminder of the importance of democracy in our history and society.  For many, it is not a simple day of celebration, but a reminder of the contradictions in the United States’ past and present.  Read this article to hear varied perspectives on the day and for ideas to deepen discussions.

4th of July can be an opportunity to learn about the histories of colonization and independence in our students’ countries and to explore the different ways people celebrate independence across cultures. For discussion ideas, see 7 Awesome Independence Celebrations Around the World.

July 27th: Tisha B'av

A day of collective mourning and fasting, Tisha B’av is considered the “saddest day” of the Jewish calendar, commemorating a number of tragedies, particularly the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Tisha B’Av 101 | My Jewish Learning 

Learn more about the history of this day, and traditional practices in Jewish communities and synagogues: The 9th of Av – Tisha B’Av – Chabad.org 

September

September 8th: International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day is observed on September 8th every year to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and highlight the challenges faced by those who cannot read or write. It is a day to celebrate the power of literacy and its ability to transform lives.

This year’s International Literacy Day will be celebrated worldwide under the theme, ‘Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies’.  Learn more here

Show the world that you believe in the transformative power of learning. Join  #ImALifelongLearner campaign from UNESCO, tell everyone why you are a lifelong learner and inspire others! Contribute to the campaign in any of the UN languages (عربي, 中国, English, Français, Русский, or Español).

September 15th: National Hispanic Heritage Month begins

During Hispanic Heritage Month , various events and activities are organized to promote awareness and appreciation of Hispanic culture, history, and achievements. 

Learn about National Hispanic Heritage Month

Why and how do we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month?

September 15th – 17th: Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah celebrates the Jewish New Year. In 2023 we will be celebrating the start of Year 5784 in the Jewish calendar. “Shanah tovah” is the common greeting for most celebrations, but it literally means “good year”. Rosh Hashanah is a time for Jews to pray, gather, feast, and listen to the shofar. Rosh Hashanah 2023 | My Jewish Learning 

Rosh Hashana is one of the most important celebrations of the Jewish calendar. Learn more about the rituals and practices. Rosh Hashanah 2023 – The Jewish New Year – Chabad.org 

September 24th: Yom Kippur

Also known as the “Day of Atonement”, Yom Kippur is a solemn day of prayer and fasting. Many Jews will take time off work if possible to observe this holiday. It’s a day for introspection and abstaining from regular activities.  What Is Yom Kippur? – The Day of Atonement – Chabad.org 

Learn more about the connection between Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah, which together form the annual fall holiday season for Jews. The High Holidays – Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – Yamim Nora’im (Days of Awe) or High Holy Days – Chabad.org 

September 29th: Mid-Autumn Festival

Also known as the Moon Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been celebrated in Asia for thousands of years. In China, this festival is the second-most important celebration after the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with a 3-day public holiday, and it is a time to gather with friends and family, and enjoy food and lanterns. 11 Mid-Autumn Festival Facts You Should Know, 2nd Important Festival (travelchinaguide.com) 

Mooncakes are central to the Mid-Autumn Festival. These pastries represent the moon at its fullest and brightest. Their sweet filling can be traditional or exotic. What are mooncakes? Behind the Mid-Autumn Festival treat (today.com) 

Lanterns are also central to the Mid-Autumn Festival. Festivities begin after sunset in order to see the moon, so lanterns create the bright and lively atmosphere for celebrating together outdoors. The lanterns are also rich with symbolism. Mid-Autumn Festival Lanterns: 4 Symbolic Meanings (chinahighlights.com) 

September 20th – October 6th: Sukkot

Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is a harvest festival celebrated by building a Sukkah and eating festive meals outdoors. While this holiday does not commemorate an historic event, it does commemorate the temporary shelters that Jewish ancestors built during their exodus from Egypt through the Sinai Desert. What Is Sukkot? – A Guide to The Jewish Holiday of Sukkot, The Feast of Tabernacles, and the Meanings Behind it – Chabad.org 

Learn more about the fun traditions and creative adaptations for celebrating Sukkot around the world. Even if one can’t actually build a Sukkah, there are still ways to observe the holiday.  Sukkot Archives | My Jewish Learning 

October

Polish American Heritage Month

Polish people began arriving in the United States in the 1600s.  The Polish American community in the mid-west was established by political exiles fleeing persecution in the 1800s, again during WWII, and finally in the 1980s and 1990s.   

Read more about Polish American history here: Celebrating Chicago’s Polish Immigrant History for Polish American Heritage Month | Chicago Public Library (chipublib.org) 

Global Diversity Awareness Month

What does Global Diversity Awareness month mean? Read this short article to learn the importance of celebrating diversity in the world. It highlights some significant events that impacted the meaning of embracing people’s cultural differences. This article discusses ways everyone is better because of diversity. Global diversity matters because it’s important to learn and accept that diversity is what makes each person so unique based on their experiences and cultural backgrounds. Take a look and see what you can do to celebrate this month! 

This article covers ways you can celebrate and embrace Global Diversity Awareness month in your workplace. Global Diversity Awareness month celebrates cultural diversity. It is meant to eradicate homogenization and monoculturalism. Read this article to learn how you can celebrate this month in your work environment and ways you can keep yourself informed about diversity and inclusion. Learn how having a diverse group individuals in your workplace can make you a better human being at work.  

October 6th: German American Heritage Day

German-American is one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States, but who is considered German and what that ancestry means has changed over time.  Early immigrants now considered German came from various sovereign places that all spoke a German dialect. Today, at least 25% of Outagamie County residents claim German ancestry.   

 

October 6th - 8th: Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

On this holiday, Jews celebrate the gift of their holy book, the Torah, and the role it plays in Jewish religious life. Festivities include reading the Torah, dancing with the Torah, and eating festive meals. Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah 101 | My Jewish Learning 

October 9th: Indigenous People’s Day

There are an estimated 476 million indigenous peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world’s population, but account for 15 per cent of the poorest. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures.

Learn about the history of Indigenous People’s Day, how to celebrate it, and why it matters. 

October 31st: Halloween

After the Scottish and Irish immigration to the United States, Halloween became a major holiday in America. The familiar tradition of the present day dates to the 1950’s; and the Americanized Halloween has traveled to other countries. Learn more about the history!

November

October 31st: Halloween

November 1st-2nd: Dia de los Muertos

While Halloween and Day of the Dead share common roots and fall close together on the calendar, they are different holidays. For example, Halloween is seen as a night of terror and mischief, while Day of the Dead festivities consist of color and joy.  Journalist and daughter of Mexican immigrants, Diddiery Santana, discusses the histories and themes of these similar, but distinct holidays.

It’s Not Either/Or. It’s Both. Halloween and Día de los Muertos. 

What is Día de los Muertos? An expert explains the holiday celebrating loved ones who have died

November 4th: Diwali

Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is celebrated by more than a billion people all over the world.  Parent and educator, Gauri Manglik, reflects on the multicultural importance of Diwali, what it meant to her son for Diwali to be celebrated in his classroom, and ways for you to acknowledge Diwali with your students.

Diwali in the Classroom: A Parent’s Perspective

November 11th: Veterans Day

Immigrants have served in the United States Armed Forces since the founding of our country, fighting in every major conflict in American history. Hundreds of thousands of immigrants pledged to defend the United States with their lives in the Civil War, both World Wars, and conflicts like those in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq.  Read these articles for ways to recognize immigrant service members in your veterans’ day discussions and commemorations.

5 Things to Know About Immigrants in the Military 

Immigrants in US military throughout history

Hmong soldiers aren’t officially recognized as U.S. veterans, but they were staunch allies of the U.S. and paid a heavy price during and after the war. Once U.S. forces withdrew from Vietnam, the victors persecuted Hmong soldiers and their families for helping the U.S.  “It doesn’t really get any more American than the Hmong story,” Riechers said. “We’re immigrants. We fought for the country. We fought for freedom.”  Learn about the history of Hmong Veterans and refugees and hear from Hmong community members living in the Fox Cities and Green Bay.

Living in Wisconsin: ‘Hmong people are truly American, if not more American than most Americans’

November 24th: Thanksgiving

For many Native People, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of how a gift of generosity was rewarded with theft, extermination, and forced assimilation and as a reminder of 500 years of betrayal.  Writer and educator, Terra Trevor, shares what Thanksgiving means to the diverse members of her family and community and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the complex, painful history and meaning of the holiday.

With Thanksgiving: A Native American View

December

HMong New Year

  • The Hmong New Year is one of the only holiday celebrations when Hmong people gather and dress in traditional Hmong clothes to celebrate with their families and friends with food, games, and dance. Hmong music and entertainment is played throughout the day, and a common activity to do is “pov pob” which is a ball tossing activity for courtship and meeting new people. 
  • This holiday is celebrated in Laos, Thailand, China, Vietnam, and throughout the United States.  Historically in Laos and Thailand, the Hmong New Year happens at the end of a harvest season and can last up to two weeks. The Hmong come together from different regions/cities and celebrate a good harvest season, and hope for a better season for the new year. 
  • For traditional households, religious rituals are performed to honor their ancestors such as burning traditional Hmong paper money and performing a dinner ritual so that their ancestors are well-fed and wealthy in the afterlife. Traditional, shaman-practicing families perform a “hu plig” ritual which calls and guides lost spirits of families back home and sends away misfortunes and wishes for a new year of good health and wealth for families.

Read these articles from Madison 365 and the Hmong Times to learn more about the Hmong New Year and how people celebrate in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Large crowd celebrates Madisons HMong new year celebration

A Tribute To The Minnesota Hmong-American New Year At The St. Paul RiverCentre

 

Dec 8 in Japan; rotating with Lunar calendar in China

Bodhi Day commemorates the day that Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha, attained enlightenment after sitting in continuous meditation for 49 days. It is celebrated in Japan, China, and Vietnam in December or early January and is a reminder of the wisdom that is naturally available to us, the wisdom of cultivating our minds and of recognizing our relation to the whole.

Learn more by about the holiday’s history, meaning, and celebrations from Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara, Ph.D.in, Bodhi Day: Celebrating the Buddha’s Enlightenment. Click here

December 10th: International Human Rights

UNESCO asserts, “Literacy is a fundamental human right and the foundation for lifelong learning. It is fully essential to social and human development in its ability to transform lives. For individual, families, and societies alike, it is an instrument of empowerment to improve one’s health, ones’ income, and one’s relationship with the world.”

Watch this video about the staggering magnitude of our global illiteracy problem and the potential international focus on increasing literacy. John Trischitti is a Texas Library Association’s 2014 Librarian of the Year, a former member of the Texas Bluebonnet Award Selection Committee. Click here

Explore the World Inequality Database on Education from over 170 countries.

 

December 18th-26th: Hanukkah

Hanukkah is the most well-known Jewish holiday outside of Jewish communities, and is one of the most recent additions to the Jewish holiday calendar. It is also known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem after the Jews of Judea liberated it from Syrian Greek occupiers in 164 BCE.  Like Passover, Hanukkah also celebrates liberation from oppression.

Read more about the history of Hannukkah and Passover and ways that communities celebrate from:

My Jewish Learning, an organization dedicated to empowering Jewish discovery for anyone interested in learning more

Chabad-Lubavitch, an organization dedicated to the welfare of the Jewish people worldwide

December 25th: Christmas

Christmas is celebrated around the world in many different ways in many different cultures. To some it’s a very religious holiday; to others it’s secular. It has been the center of many controversies over its long and complicated history. In 1870, it was made a Federal holiday in the USA. 

Learn about the multi-faceted history of Christmas and the many ways people celebrate from Voice and Vision, a program that aims to inspire, educate, offer hope and in some instances challenge attitudes and beliefs promoted in our society. Click here

December 26th: Kwanzaa begins

Kwanzaa, which is observed from December 26 through January 1, is a seven-day celebration of African roots, observed by people of all faith backgrounds, since it’s not tied to any religion. “Kwanzaa offers a new dialogue on Black culture, about our positive contributions to the world, and not just the negative stigma of race,” says Dr. Adam Clark, an associate professor of theology at Xavier University.


Read about how the seven principles that anchor this African American and Pan African holiday aim to inspire Black people to be united, self-determined, accountable for their communities, financially invested in Black-owned businesses, purposeful with their lives, creative, and full of faith.

The Principles and Meaning of Kwanzaa 

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, from the National Museum of African American History and Culture