The Diversity Calendar, Month view for 11 2008

11/1: American Indian Heritage Month begins - U.S. Lunar Holiday

Since 1900, many have sought to recognize the great influence American Indians have had on the history, cultural development, and continuing growth of the U.S. Various dates and weeks were acknowledged until 1976, when Congress authorized a week in October as Native American Awareness Week. Finally, in 1990, the month of November was chosen because it is traditionally a time when many American Indians gather for fall harvest festivals, world-renewal ceremonies, and powwows.

11/1: Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) - Mexico
A celebration that blends Christian and Aztec traditions. Departed souls are remembered with a spirit of friendliness and good humor instead of mourning.

11/1: Revolution Day - Algeria
Commemorates the beginning of the revolution against the French in 1954, which led to independence in 1962.

11/2: Daylight Saving Time ends - U.S.
Daylight saving time this year began on March 8 and ends on this day. Many use the popular rule "spring forward, fall back" to remember which way to adjust their clocks.

11/2: Dzyady (Remembrance Day) - Belarus
An age-old Belarussian tradition originating out of Pagan times and later adopted into Christianity. A special plate and glass is set at dinner in remembrance of deceased relatives.

11/3: Independence Day - Panama
One of two independence day celebrations this month. This one honors independence from Colombia in 1903.

11/10: Ataturk Remembrance Day - Turkey
A day to celebrate the life of Kemal Ataturk (1881-1938), soldier, statesman, and creator of Turkey from the core of the Ottoman Empire.

11/12: Birth of Baha\'u\'llah - Baha'i
Marks the birth of the prophet-founder of the Baha'i faith, who was born Mirza Husayn Ali in 1817 in Nur, Persia. "The Bab," the prophet-herald of the faith, declared in 1844 that a messenger of God would soon appear, and in 1863, Baha'u'llah declared himself to be that messenger. Begins at sundown the previous day.

11/13: Guru Nanak\'s Birthday - Sikh
Commemorates the 1469 birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the religion. Elements of both Hinduism and Islam influenced the doctrinal base of Sikhism as laid down by Guru Nanak and developed the continuous line of nine spiritual leaders who followed him. During the "Age of the Gurus" (1469-1708), the religious movement acquired an identity of its own.

11/14: Children\'s Day - India
Honors all children and commemorates the 1889 birth of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first premier of India.

11/15: Haile Selassie\'s Coronation Day - Rastafarian
The most important day of the year for Rastafarians. In 1930, Haile Selassie was crowned emperor of Ethiopia. Jamaican followers of Marcus Garvey, one of the leaders of the Black Nationalist Movement, believed Selassie to be the fulfillment of Garvey's proclaimed vision, when he said in 1927, "Look to Africa where a black king shall be crowned, for the day of deliverance is here."

11/15: Proclamation of the Republic Day - Brazil
Commemorates the 1889 proclamation that deposed Emperor Dom Pedro II and instituted a republic.

11/15: Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three Festival) - Japan
An ancient celebration that marks the special ages of seven, five, and three.

11/17: National Revival Day - Azerbaijan
A national holiday to commemorate the 1988 meeting in Baku organized by the students of the republic to protest Moscow's policies toward the country.

11/18: Fete de l�Independence (Independence Day) - Morocco
Commemorates independence from France in 1956, after a protracted struggle.

11/19: Discovery Day - Haiti, Puerto Rico
Celebrates the day Christopher Columbus found Puerto Rico on his second voyage in 1493.

11/20: Revolution Day - Mexico
Commemorates the revolution of 1910, when the common people revolted against poverty and the dictatorship of Profirio Diaz. The revolution, led by Francisco Indalecio Madero, culminated in the constitution of 1917.

11/20: Transgender Day of Remembrance - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender
A day to memorialize those killed as a result of anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.

11/22: National Adoption Day - U.S.
A day to raise awareness of children in foster care waiting to find permanent families. In courtrooms across the U.S., judges, attorneys, and child advocates help to finalize adoptions. Events celebrate all families that adopt.

11/26: Day of the Covenant - Baha'i
Commemorates the covenant that Baha'u'llah, the founder of the faith, made with his followers. Begins at sundown the previous day.

11/27: Thanksgiving Day - U.S.
Honors the first harvest of the Plymouth Colony in 1621 and originated with three days of prayer and feasting. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln designated the fourth Thursday in November as a day of national thanksgiving.

11/28: Independence Day - Albania
Marks both the 1912 declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire and the country's liberation from the Nazis in 1945.

11/30: Advent - Christian
The four Sundays of Advent are a preparation for Christmas. This first Sunday is the beginning of the liturgical year.

11/30: Bonifacio Day (National Heroes\' Day) - Philippines
Commemorates the birth in 1863 of Andres Bonifacio, leader of the 1896 revolt against Spain.

Schedule Consideration
Consider these dates when scheduling classes, work, deadlines, meetings, and events while keeping consistent with good business practices. Keep in mind that other dates may also involve scheduling considerations depending on individual or regional practice.

U.S. Federal Holiday
All U.S. federal offices, including the U.S. Postal Service, as well as many businesses, are closed.

Dietary Consideration
Some of these holidays may be fasting days and others may involve dietary restrictions. Take this into consideration when planning lunch meetings and parties. If a dietary restriction is involved, notify coordinators or the cafeteria of dietary options.

Multiple Days
These holidays are observed on more than one day, ranging from two-day to month-long celebrations.

American Indian Heritage Month
Since 1900, many have sought to recognize the great influence American Indians have had on the history, cultural development, and continuing growth of the U.S. Various dates and weeks were acknowledged until 1976, when Congress authorized a week in October as Native American Awareness Week. More...

These are the children. Imagine, as a child, being able to attend school in the belly of a giant turtle! At the Mashantucket Pequot Child Development Center in Connecticut, a tribal elder�s dream to build a classroom in the form of a turtle has become a reality. Today, a diverse group of children learn about the rich culture and history of the Pequot tribe through storytelling from elders and art and native dance�and they do much of it in and around the symbolic turtle. To find out more about the Mashantucket Pequot Child Development Center, visit www.diversitycalendar.com.

11/1: All Saints\' Day - Christian
A festival of all known and unknown Christian saints.

11/2: All Souls' Day - Christian (Catholic)
A day to remember the dead.

11/3: Bunka-no-Hi (Culture Day) - Japan
A holiday to promote the love of freedom, peace, and cultural development.

11/4: General Election Day - U.S.
Many local, state, and national elections are held on this date.

11/6: Constitution Day - Dominican Republic
Marks approval of the constitution in 1966.

11/9: Independence Day - Cambodia
Observes independence from French rule in 1953.

11/9: Remembrance Sunday - U.K.
A day to commemorate the dead of both World Wars.

11/11: Independence Day - Poland
Commemorates the restoration of independence in 1918.

11/11: Remembrance Day - Canada
A day to commemorate the dead of both World Wars.

11/11: Veterans' Day - U.S.
Formerly known as Armistice Day, honors those who served in all the country's wars.

11/23: Kinro Kansha-no-Hi (Labor Thanksgiving Day) - Japan
A holiday to honor working people and productivity.

11/22: Independence Day - Lebanon
Commemorates the declaration of independence from France on this day in 1943.

11/28: Independence Day - Panama
Honors independence from Spain in 1821.

11/30: St. Andrew's Day - Scotland
Commemorates the life of the patron saint of Scotland.