Today@Dal

See below for a sample of dates to observe, reflect, celebrate or promote throughout the university community. The full calendar is available on the website, http://multifaithcalendar.org/cal/dologin.php?id=469

Asian Heritage Month (Canada)
This month acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada. It also provides an opportunity for Canadians across the country to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Asian Canadians to the growth and prosperity of Canada.

Gaelic Awareness Month (Canada)
Throughout the month of May, Nova Scotians will celebrate the contributions of Gaels, their language and culture, and their unique communities. Nova Scotia is the only remaining region in the country where Gaelic language and culture is being passed down from generation to generation within the community. Gaelic heritage is claimed by thousands of Nova Scotians.

Monday, May 1: ABORIGINAL SPIRITUALITY
Flower Moon-May: The fifth moon of Creation is Flower Moon, where all plants display their Spirit sides for all the world to see. (Ojibwe)

Wednesday, May 2: BAHA’I FAITH
12th Day of Riḍván: The 12th Day of Riḍván concludes this important Bahá’í festival. Bahá’ís suspend work on this day. Religious accommodation may be required for this observance/holy day. 

Friday, May 4: ZARATHUSHTI (ZOROASTRIANISM)
Ghambar Maidyozarem ends:  Celebrates the creation of sky and the harvesting of the winter crop.Saturday, May 5: Cinco De Mayo (Mexico)
“The Fifth of May“ (“Cinco De Mayo” in Spanish) is primarily a regional, and not a federal, holiday in Mexico; the date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. It commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This day came to represent a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism.

Wednesday, May 9: Donald Marshall Jr.’s Wrongful Conviction Overturned (1983) (AB)
Donald Marshall, Jr. is a Mi’kmaq man who was wrongly convicted of murder. The case inspired a number of disturbing questions about the fairness of the Canadian justice system, especially given that Marshall was an Aboriginal; as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation put it, “The name Donald Marshall is almost synonymous with ’wrongful conviction’ and the fight for native justice in Canada.”Donald Marshall Jr.’s Wrongful Conviction Overturned (1983) (AB)

Thursday, May 10: CHRISTIANITY
Ascension (W): The anniversary of Jesus’ ascension into heaven and enthronement as universal sovereign. It comes forty days after Easter.

Sunday, May 13: Mother’s Day (Canada, USA)
The celebration of Mother’s Day began in the United States in the early 20th century, now a modern celebration honoring one’s own mother, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March or May.

Wednesday, May 16: ISLAM
Ramaḍān begins, which is the month of fasting (ending with Eid Al Fitr on June 14 at sunset) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of self-examination and religious devotion. An observant would not be expected to refrain from work; however, special consideration for worship may be requested. (Observance begins at sunset of the previous day, but special worship and prayers begin May 16.) (Dates based on lunar observations in North America.)