Around The World
June & July 2008 Around the World
June 8 Sunday
Dragon Boat Festival
This traditional Chinese festival commemorates the poet Qu Yuan, who lived in the ancient state of Chu in the Warring States Period. On this day, eat zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaf) and head to the water to race long, narrow dragon boats.
June 14 Saturday
World Blood Donor Day
Created to honor and thank the unsung heroes who save lives by donating their blood, this day also serves as a reminder to make responsible choices, maintain a healthy lifestyle and give blood regularly.
June 15 Sunday
Father’s Day (US)
Father’s Day is celebrated on a variety of dates over the world to pay tribute to fathers. But this day is as good as any to honor grandfathers, sons, brothers, uncles, close friends and additional male role models that play positive roles in your life.
Around the World
May 8 Thu
World Red Cross Day
Born of a desire to encourage a world without suffering and discrimination, Red Cross Day (also Red Crescent Day) was created in 1922 and is celebrated on the birthday of Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross.
May 11 Sun
Mother’s Day (US)
Though origins and dates differ, Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries. In the United States, it is the most popular day of the year to dine out – for good reason! Moms deserve a break from cooking, so treat her to a nice meal on this day.
April 2008 Around the World
April 7 Mon
No Housework Day
Forget vacuuming, the dishes, or that mess piling up in the corner. Just put up your feet, relax, and take the day off! Or, if someone else usually does the housework, give him or her a rest by doing the chores yourself.
April 15 Tue
Leonardo Da Vinci’s Birthday
He may be one of the world’s most famous artists, but did you know Da Vinci also invented scissors and the high heel? Celebrate the life of this 15th century artist, scientist and inventor by spending a few minutes thinking, brainstorming or getting creative!
April 18 Fri
International Juggler’s Day
Whether you are experienced, a novice, or just want to give juggling a try, this holiday is the one for you! Try it with balls, clubs or random household objects – just stay away from the glass coffee table.
March 2008 Around the World
Mar 12 Wed
International Women’s Day
Established in Copenhagen in 1910, International Women’s Day strives to promote “liberty, equality, and fraternity” for women. It is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men.
Mar 17 Mon
St. Patrick’s Day
Celebrated throughout the world in honor of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is a day when people don emerald clothes and march in the street bearing shamrocks and singing Irish ditties.
Mar 20 Thu
Big Bird’s Birthday
Who needs an excuse for a piece of birdseed cake? Sesame Street’s favorite feathered friend celebrates his birthday today. He may be only six years old, but he is 8 feet, 2 inches tall!
January & February 2008 Around the World
Jan 14 Mon
Dress Up Your Pet Day
Kids love to play dress-up, and now your pooch or puss can get in on the act. Some pets like it, some don’t, but whatever the case, this is a fun event for kids and a great way to pamper your pet with a glam new ensemble. Good luck dressing the goldfish!
Jan 23 Wed
Handwriting Day
The purpose of this day is to remind us the importance of penmanship, and the grave danger of its extinction due to the tap-tap-tap of keys under the haunting light of a computer screen. On this day, pooh-pooh the keyboard and spend some time with the pen!
December 2007 around the world
Dec 4-12
Hanukkah
Celebrated over eight days, this Jewish festival commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Families come together to feast on special foods like latke (potato cakes) and light candles on a menorah with each passing night.
Dec 11
Tue
International Mountain Day
Celebrate the importance of mountains and the vital resources they offer! International Mountain Day was established in 2003 by the UN General Assembly as an opportunity to learn about, understand, and make positive changes to the world’s mountains and highlands.
October 2007 around the world
16
Oct
Tue
World Food Day
Started
in 1981 by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, World Food Day
is celebrated by over 150 countries around the world in an effort to
raise awareness about world hunger. This year's theme is "the
Right to Food."
24
Oct
Wed
United Nations Day
UN
Day commemorates the birth of the United Nations by celebrating world
harmony and diversity. Many international schools in Beijing will
host festivities with students showcasing national costumes and the
culture of their region.
