The Diversity Calendar, Month view for 11 2011

11/1: American Indian Heritage Month - US
Since 1900, many have sought to recognize the great influence American Indians have had on the history, cultural development, and continuing growth of the US. 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.

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: Dzyady (Remembrance Day) - Belarus
An age-old 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.

11/6: Daylight Saving Time ends - US
Daylight saving time this year began on March 13 and ends on this day. Many use the popular rule "spring forward, fall back" to remember which way to adjust their clocks.

11/6: Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) - Islamic
Commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael in obedience to God's word (God interceded by replacing a ram for the child). The celebration occurs at the end of the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. Begins at sundown the previous day.

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

11/10: 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.

11/11: Independence Day - Poland
Commemorates the restoration of independence in 1918 after having been partitioned under the rule of Prussia, Austria, and Russia for more than 120 years.

11/11: Veterans' Day - US
Formerly known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I on this day in 1918. Now, the day honors those who served in all the country's wars.

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.

11/14: 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
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 to honor and bless girls aged 7, boys aged 5, and all 3-year-olds.

11/16: International Day of Tolerance - UN
A day to advance human welfare, freedom, and progress everywhere, as well as to encourage tolerance, respect, dialogue, and cooperation among different cultures.

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 to the New World in 1493.

11/19: National Adoption Day - US
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.

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

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

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

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

11/24: Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Badadur Ji - Sikh
Marks the death in 1675 of the ninth guru of the Sikhs.

11/24: Thanksgiving Day - US
Honors the first harvest of the Plymouth Colony in 1621 and originated with three days of prayer and feasting. Today, Thanksgiving is a time for family reunions centered around the preparation of an elaborate meal featuring turkey and many other dishes.

11/25: National Day - Bosnia & Herzegovina
Marks the 1943 declaration of statehood within the federation of Yugoslavia.

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

11/27: Hijra (New Year) - Islamic
The first day of the first month (Muharram) of the Islamic year. Begins at sundown the previous day.

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: Bonifacio Day (National Heroes' Day) - Philippines
Commemorates the birth in 1863 of Andrés Bonifacio, leader of the 1896 revolt against Spain.

11/30: St. Andrew's Day - Scotland
The feast day of the apostle and martyr Andrew, patron saint of Scotland, who died around 60 CE.

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 US. Various dates and weeks were acknowledged until 1976, when Congress authorized a week in October as Native American Awareness Week. More...

Making science essential
Dr. Eric Jolly is steward of a scientific treasure in his role as president of the Science Museum of Minnesota. His passion, though, is to engage the next generation. He believes that science, like reading, is an essential literacy. While Dr. Jolly uses his position to ensure that science education is equitably distributed, his artistic talent is also put to use. In a short demonstration of Cherokee-style basket weaving, he can teach an eight-year-old 120 basic science concepts.

11/1: All Saints' Day - Christian (Catholic)
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 day to promote freedom, peace, and culture.

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

11/8: General Election Day - US
Many local, state, and national elections are held on this date.

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

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

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