Marshall Islands Labor Day Date: September 3-4, 2010

Labor Day is a public holiday in Marshall Islands.

Rijerbal Day (Worker’s Day) is the Labor Day in Marshall Islands. This day falls under one of the most important Holidays of Marshall Islands. Labor Day is a public holiday held on the first Friday in September.

History of Marshall Islands Labor Day

The three social classes in the Marshalls are the iroij (chief), the alap (owner or elder) and rijerbal (worker or commoner). Every family in the Marshall Islands belongs to one of these classes and therefore has ownership or use of land rights somewhere in the islands. Although a families may be an iroij or alap in one or more islands and they maybe a rijerbal on other islands as well.

The Marshall Islands joined the International Labor Organization in 2007. This means that its labor laws will have to comply with international labor standards. This will no doubt impact labor practices in the islands.

Marshall Islands Labor Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Rijerbal Day honors the workers (Rijerbal) of the Marshall Islands. The Rijerbal is one of the three social classes in the Marshall Islands. The rijerbals are mostly responsible for all daily manual labor in the land.

Vietnam National Day: September 2

Vietnam celebrates National Day as a public holiday.

On 2nd of September, Vietnam celebrates its National Day. This day in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence solemnly in Hanoi at the Ba Dinh Square. He proclaimed the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Vietnamese nation’s colorful history.

Vietnam National Day History

In 1941, Ho Chi Minh formed a communist and nationalist liberation movement called the Viet Minh. He wanted to seek independence for Vietnam from France at the same time to oppose the Japanese occupation as well. After the military defeat of Japan and the dissolution of its Empire of Vietnam in the August of 1945, Viet Minh went to Hanoi and established a provisional government there. Ho Chi Minh declared the independence of Vietnam on September 2. In that same year, the France sent the French Far East Expeditionary Corps to fight the Japanese occupation forces and to restore French rule. The First Indochina War between Viet Minh and the French forces ensued on November 20, 1946 after the Haiphong Incident. The war lasted until July 20, 1954.

During the course of the war, the French and Vietnamese loyalists suffered fewer losses but was eventually dealt a major strategic setback at the Siege of Dien Bien Phu. This allowed Ho Chi Minh to negotiate a ceasefire with an advantageous position at the Geneva conference of 1954. French colonial administration ceased to govern following the dissolution of French Indochina. The forces of former French supporters and communist nationalists were separated south and north, according to the Geneva Accords of 1954. The Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone was established at the 17th parallel. Vietnam was partitioned with Ho Chi Minh’s Democratic Republic of Vietnam in North, and Emperor Bao Dai’s State of Vietnam in the South. This partitioning was not intended by the 1954 Agreements.

Vietnam Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The people and the leaders in Vietnam pay tribute to the national hero Ho Chi Minh on the National Day of Vietnam, and acknowledge his achievements towards the independence of Vietnam. This day is celebrated in all Vietnamese Embassies across the world. This is one of the foremost Vietnamese festivals & events.

Birthday of Krishna Date: September 2, 2010

Hindus celebrate Birthday of Krishna as a religious observance.

The birth of Krishna or Lord Krishna came as a blessing to humankind in their days of suffering. This “avatar” of Lord Vishnu was born to tame and destroy the devils and free human race from the dark days of torture and distress. The Hindus celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna, known as “Janmashtami” on the eighth day (Ashtami tithi) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Shraavana with respect to their calendar.

Birthday of Krishna History

The Birth of Lord Krishna had noble reasons behind it. Mother Earth was tired of observing the agony of her subjects brought about by the barbarous rulers. In order to alleviate them from this suffering she approached Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma appealed to The Almighty Lord Vishnu to offer His help and annul this damage. In response to that, Lord Vishnu promised His birth as a human to eradicate evil from the earth. One such cutthroat emperor of that time was Kansha of Mathura. He was ill famous for the misery he bestowed on the people of his empire. The sufferers needed someone badly, who can exterminate his ferocious activities. That provoked the birth of Lord Vishnu as Lord Krishna in the womb of mother Devaki, the sister of Kansha.

After her marriage, Devaki and her husband Kansha imprisoned Vasudev when he received a prophecy from the sky that Devaki’s eighth child will be his nemesis. The very heartless Kansha in order to save his life killed every infant Devaki gave birth to. After Kansha murdered their sixth child, Devaki and Vasudev got a message from Lord Vishnu himself that he will be born as their eighth child but after his birth Vasudev needs to transfer him to Nanda’s place at Gokul and in exchange bring back the newborn daughter of Yashoda to Mathura. He also ensured Vasudev that on his way to Gokul, he would not be facing any hindrance whatsoever. After the birth of Vasudev and Devaki’s eighth child in prison, Vasudev obeyed Vishnu’s orders and miraculously went to Gokul and brought back Nanda’s daughter. Gokul was overjoyed the next morning when they saw Yashoda’s son. Krishna was thus fostered by Yashoda and Nanda in Gokul and he slayed Kansha in his youth and freed his parents from prison. After that, he abolished many brutal rulers to save humankind. Thus, history proves how eventful the birth of Krishna is, and his service to humankind is worth celebrating.

Birthday of Krishna Traditions and Activities

Janmashtami is celebrated all over India. According to Hindu traditions, just before the birthday of Krishna, i.e., on the seventh day, a fast should be performed followed by staying up the whole night somewhat awaiting the birth of Krishna. At midnight, the deity of Krishna is being bathed and worshipped.

The fast is completed with the ritual known as “Aarati”. Janmashtami is a colorful festival. Women draw small feet all across their floors to symbolize the movement of infant Krishna all over their place. In Maharashtra, they celebrate this birthday by playing the popular game in which men form a tower to reach and break a clay pot filled with yogurt (Dahi Handi) suspended from a wire at a considerable height. It boosts up the fun factor in the heart of everyone associated with the festival to welcome Krishna on his birth.

Krishna’s birthday celebration is intertwined with the love and affection the Hindu’s feel towards this savior , and every year they celebrate this day to express their gratitude towards him, emphasizing the euphoria that His birth bought about to their lives.

Krishna Janmastami Date: September 1, 2010

Nepal celebrates Krishna Janmastami as a public holiday.

Krishna Janmastami is celebrated all over the world. It signifies the birth of Lord Krishna for the exploitation of evil on this earth. Every nation has its own style of respecting any social event. Nepal also celebrates Krishna Jansmastami with great pomp and splendor every year. This festival is reciprocated by beautiful public processions. There is dancing and singing all dedicated to the Krishna ‘avatar’.

Nepal Krishna Janmastami History

Krishna is the eight ‘avatar’ of lord Vishnu. He was born to destroy the incarnation of all evil – the Kansa. Kansa had a sister, Devki, who he married to Vasudev. And it was so believed that the eight sons born to them, one would be the reason of his death. So, he took Vasudev and Devki into custody and destroyed each of their children after their birth. Then the day came when Devki gave birth to her eight children.

That night, Vasudev, concerned about the baby’s safety, went out of the prison and took his son across the waters of Yamuna to reach Gokul. It was raining heavily outside and the waters of Yamuna were also high. However, Vasudev moved forward, there was a snake in the shape of an umbrella above Krishna’s head, which was protecting the God from the rain.

The waters of Yamuna soon dried to help him cross the river. Then finally he placed his child in the home of his friend Nand Dev and exchanged his girl baby. The next morning when Kansa was about to kill the girl she flew high in the sky taking the form of a Devi and announced ‘The one that will kill you has already taken birth. You will not be spared any more.’ This very day is now celebrated as Krishna Janmastami.

Nepal Krishna Janmastami Traditions and Activities

It is also known as Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami. This day is remembered as his birthday and also his divine deeds. How he turned as a savior to those, who were harassed in the name of religion. He has always freed people from difficulties and will never be forgotten by people. The famous Patan Durbar Square is the main temple in Nepal where Krishna Janmastami is celebrated with added vigor. Devotees gather in large numbers to see the Krishna idol decked up.

The priests celebrate Krishna’s birth after midnight and give Krishna idol the religious bath. After this, He is decked up with many ornaments and beautiful dress. The temple is decorated very beautifully with lights and flowers. The devotees keep vigil throughout the night of his glorious birth. They sit chanting the names of Lord Krishna and enjoy the bath ceremony. Then they move in queue to offer their offerings to the priest seated in front of the idol. They give flowers, coins, and food and wait for a glimpse of the wonderfully adorned Krishna idol.

Thus, the lovers of Krishna get a chance to show their love through Krishna Janmastami. They also keep fasts throughout the day to please the lord. At night, they perform the rituals and celebrate the festival. They move out of the temple only when the offering (prasada) is distributed amongst them.

Slovak National Uprising Date: August 29, 2010

Slovak National Uprising is a public holiday in Slovakia.

Slovak National Uprising (SNP) was an armed rebellion that broke out in Slovakia in late August 1944 and continued until October 1944 during World War II. The uprising was launched on August 29, 1944 in an attempt to overthrow the pro-Nazi government of Jozef Tiso. Since then, August 29 has been celebrated every year in Slovakia to mark the anniversary of the uprising.

History of Slovak National Uprising in Slovakia

One of the chief aims of the Slovak National Uprising was to oust the puppet Slovak government and to establish the state of Czechoslovakia. Although the uprising didn’t get clear political support, the supporters of this movement represented each religion, age, class, and gender as well as the anti-Nazi political faction of the nation. The preparations for the potential revolt were initiated in 1943 when Edward Benes made contactswith dissenting sections of the Slovakian army. During December 1943, the Slovak National Party was formed under the leadership of Edward Benes.

In March 1944, preparations for the rebellion began under the charge of Lieutenant Colonel Ján Golian. Slovak soldiers deserted and joined partisan groups or the Soviet Red Army. The Slovak Jews, who escaped from the German death camps of Auschwitz, spoke about the horrors in the camps. This eventually gathered the support of the Jews to the movement. On August 28, 1944, German troops invaded Slovakia to suppress the country’s partisan forces. Finally, the uprising began on August 29, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Ján Golian.

The Germans expected to crush the rebellion in a few days. However, the rebel Slovak army and partisan groups proved to be much hardier than anticipated. On August 30, the rebels entered Banská Bystrica and made it their headquarters. Vigorous clashes ensued between the German and the insurgent Slovak army. Many Slovak soldiers were captured and sent to camps in Germany, while some of the defeated soldiers escaped to join the Soviet-controlled partisans.

By September, the rebels had gained control of large areas of eastern and central Slovakia. However, the momentum was lost due to dissenting opinion between the Slovak insurrectional army and the Soviet-controlled partisan. In October, a major German counter-offensive began when 35,000 German troops entered the country via Hungary. The Soviet Union lost interest in the Czech and Slovak lands and became focused on Hungary, Austria, and Poland. By the end of October, German forces had reclaimed most of the territories and surrounded the insurgent forces. On October 27, the rebellion headquarters was crushed. This signaled the end of the uprising. Even after the uprising was crushed, the insurgents continued guerilla warfare until the Soviet army seized Slovakia in 1945.

Slovakia’s Slovak National Uprising Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Slovak National Uprising is commemorated every year to maintain the SNP heritage for future generations. It is a national holiday in Slovakia. On this day, wreaths are placed on the memorial to the Slovak National Uprising in Bratislava, commemorating the anniversary of the outbreak of anti-fascist uprising. The anniversary is also celebrated in the historic town of Banska Bystrica.

Georgia Mariamoba: August 28, 2010

Mariamoba is a public holiday in Georgia.

Mariamoba on August 28 is one of the greatest holidays in Georgia. Mariamoba or The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated as a religious holiday in Georgia. This day is celebrated to commemorate the assumption of the Blessed Virgin into heaven. The day is celebrated all over Georgia with church ceremonies and feasts.

Mariamoba History

The Blessed Virgin Mary, often shortened to Blessed Mary or Virgin Mary, is a traditional title used by most Christians to refer to Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. The Christian traditions give special honor and devotion to the Virgin Mary. According to traditional beliefs of the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodoxy and some Protestant churches, Heaven assumed her physically after the end of her earthly life. Although Mary’s assumption to heaven has recently been defined as a dogma taught by the Catholic Church, accounts of her assumption to heaven circulated since 4th century. The chapter 12 of the Book of Revelation is interpreted to refer to this event. The story also appears in several Syric manuscripts and several other 5th and 6th century works.

Mary, whom Christians also refer to as Virgin Mary or Blessed Mary, was the mother of Jesus Christ. According to Christian belief, she conceived her son miraculously by the agency of a Holy Spirit. She lived a sinless life. Because of that and because she was the mother of Jesus Christ, she became known as ‘God-Bearer’ or ‘Mother of God’. Thus, at the end of her earthly life, she was believed to be bodily assumed to Heaven. According to some doctrines, her Assumption to heaven is believed to occur after her death. The Assumption is important to many Catholic and Orthodox Christians as Mary’s heavenly birthday. It is regarded as a symbol of the promise made by Jesus Christ to all Christians that they too will be received into paradise. The Assumption is celebrated as a major festival. Though it is commonly celebrated on August 15, in Georgia, it is celebrated on August 28.

Mariamoba Celebration

Mariamoba is a public holiday in Georgia. On this day, thousands of Georgians flock to the church, to light candles. It is the time of the year, when all Georgians visit their friends and family. Church ceremonies and feasts are arranged. According to a Georgian ritual, a lamb is taken to the church. It is then taken around the church three times and then the animal is slaughtered outside the churchyard. Then its meat is boiled, shared, and eaten with friends and family. The day is celebrated with banquets, song and dance performances. As some of Georgia’s greatest churches are perched on top of mountains, on this day, thousands of Georgians are seen climbing their way to the church, carrying arrangements for small family picnics. It is one day when Georgians, all over the country, come together to celebrate their ethnic religious identity.

Liberia Flag Day: August 24, 2010

Flag Day is a public holiday in Liberia.

A flag is not only the marker of a country, but its color and designs allow one to know about the past history and future of the country. Liberians come together on August 24 every year to celebrate Flag Day. It is a national holiday declared in Liberia to observe the making and the symbolic meaning of the Liberian national flag.

History of Flag Day in Liberia

On October 24, 1915, the president of the Republic of Liberia signed into law an act passed into law by the National Legislature, which announced that August 24 would be made a public holiday, offering the people of Liberia a chance to realize the national flag as a symbol of pride, fidelity, and dignity.

The flag offered for use was a bit altered from the previous flag. The number of stripes was decreased to 11, and a single white star was added. Some people go so far as to call the flag the Lone Star.

The blue field in the flag represents the continent of Africa while the white star on the blue field represents the freedom finally given to the slaves of the country. The 11 stripes signify the eleven signatories that brought Liberia independence and the framework of the constitution. The six red stripes show valor and the five white stripes represent purity.

Liberia’s Flag Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Flag Day is a national holiday for Liberians. On this day, the Liberians come together to remember their country’s history and the flag that it represents. Parades are customary with children taking to the street carrying miniature flags in their hands.

King & People’s Revolution Day Date: August 20, 2010

Morocco celebrates King & People’s Revolution Day as a public holiday.

There are many public holidays, which are celebrated in Morocco all throughout the year. During public holidays the offices, schools, and other working places remain closed and the population enjoys these holidays by celebrating the special occasions. August 20 is the day celebrated by the Moroccan in remembrance of King Mohammad V’s return to Morocco after a period of exile in Madagascar. His return to Morocco marks a great revolution. The wide spread negotiation resulted in the Morocco’s Independence. Thus, August 20 came to be popularly known as the King & People’s Revolution day, marking a historical landmark for the residents of Morocco.

History of King & People’s Revolution Day

This day, makes one remember about the great struggle that the Alaouite Throne and the Moroccan people had undergone for their freedom. French authorities exiled the Late King Mohammed V and the Royal Family. The reason the French Authorities gave for exiling the king was that the king refused to stop the action of the national movement and he also denied signing the pact that asked for French domination over Morocco.

The Moroccan people revolted against these actions of the French Colonizers in order to save their homeland. They all stood united with the king and supported him wholeheartedly. This was quite surprising for the French colonizers. August 20 caused the start for the end of colonialism in Morocco. This struggle for independence continued for a long time and they demanded the return of their exiled king.

Althoough they got the liberation, the King was still not happy there were many problems relating to economic and social development. A lot of struggle was occuring to overcome all of these problems. Thus, the struggle continued to save the economy and social development of the country. The King inspired the people and led to the progress, security and development of the country. Although he does not exist anymore, he is still remembered for his great contribution to the liberation of Morocco. He was the one who led the stepping-stone for the liberation of Morocco. This brought about the revolution and thus this day came to be known as the King & People’s Revolution day.

King & People’s Revolution Day Customs and Activities

Morocco celebrates The King & People’s Revolution day with great joy and enthusiasm. This was the day that they got freedom from colonization and it was due to the effort of the King Mohammed V. It was the day when the king returned from his exile and all the people were full of happiness and joy when they got their king back.

There are many events, which take place in this celebration. Music can be heard playing all around. The music has an influence on the tradition and culture of Arab, Amazigh, African, and Andalusian tribes. It makes use of a number of traditional instruments such as flute, shawn, etc. Foods made in the Morocco are very spicy and delicious. Dancing, feasting and fasting are all a part of the Morocco festival and celebrations. All the people come together on this day to show their honor and respect to the King.

Hungary Constitution Day Date: August 20, 2010

Hungary celebrates Constitution Day as a public holiday.

A day when the constitution of a country is made it’s a public holiday in the country. This day is known as a Constitution Day. It is celebrated to show the honor and respects to the constitution of the country. Hungary celebrates this day on August 20 every year. August 20 is also known as St. Stephen Day in Hungary.

Hungary Constitution Day History

It was Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen, that laid the state’s foundation by transforming the wanderer and Hungarians (pagan Magyar) into Christianity. Until the 10th century’s end, it was seen that seven of the tribes from Hungary manier times attacked & robbed the European Nations. After being defeated, the Hungarians finally came up with a decision to not raid anymore. They ultimately decided to settle down and came up with the strong state.

King Stephen used his powers to set the various churches and asked the Catholic priest to bring Christianity ahead. Thus, it was all due to the efforts of the St .Stephen that Hungary became a strong state. It was on August 20, that the first king of the Hungary was canonized. Thus, this day remains as the national day and remained until 1945. As the communist revolted against this celebration since it was based on religion. It was in 1990 again that the Hungarian parliament made the constitution and declared this day as a national day once again.

Hungary Constitution Day Customs and Activities

The day, August 20, begins with state ceremonies, which launches the program for the day. It is a day when the foundation of this country took place. This function is usually held in the Kossuth Square, which is located in front of the Hungary Parliament and Heroes’ Square. There is not only a state program but many others are held in the morning and the evening for the family to have a nice time throughout the day. The first event that takes place is the Hungarian flag hoisting on Kossuth Square. Leading marching bands perform on that day. There is a scope of even learning the techniques of making tents and bows as Hungarian use to make. An archery show is also organized; dances are performed in front of the Hungary Parliament. Foods, which are made on this day, are awesome. They include ox and poultry are roasted on the open fire. Many confectioneries make different cakes from different recipes and the best one is cut to celebrate the occasion. Many other festivals and events, such as Red Bull Air Race, the Bread Festival, the Wheel Festival, water & air parade, which took place above Danube. And many more commence on this day. Fireworks are the most attractive feature on this day. There are many unique dance shows, which are performed by the dancers when the fireworks take place. The choreography of the dance is based on showing the foundation of the Hungary. The performance ends with the coronation of the first king of Hungary, St Stephen.