March 2012

Dominion employee Christina Rodi defines diversity as the arrangement of all the puzzle pieces. "Diversity is the combination of aspects that inherently make each one of us different. It is not defined by one characteristic — race, religion, age, abilities, disabilities, experiences or life choices; diversity encompasses all of these aspects and makes us unique." Her photo was taken in New Kent County, Va., near the Colonial Downs racetrack. Rodi said her photo depicts the "beauty of diversity."

March 1:

• Martenitsa (Bulgaria) - Bulgarians celebrate spring by exchanging red-and-white yarn designs called martenitsa to symbolize health.
• St. David’s Day (Wales) - He is the patron saint of Wales and died on this day.
• Chalanda Marz (Switzerland) - A very old Engadine tradition, the Engadine schoolchildren drive away winter with bells and songs.

March 3: 

• Hina Matsuri Doll Festival (Japan) - This festival is combined with the Spring Festival. Ceremonial dolls are displayed to honor the daughters in the family.

March 6: 

• Alamo Day (Mexico/USA) - Anniversary of the slaughter of Texans at the Alamo fort in 1836.

March 8:

• Purim (Jewish) - Known as the Feast of Lots, celebrates the deliverance of Jews in Persia from the machinations of Haman. Jews dress in costume and give gifts of food to each other.

March 17:

• St. Patrick’s Day (Ireland, USA) - The anniversary of the death of St. Patrick, who was regarded as a patron saint for spreading Catholicism throughout Ireland. On this day the Irish, as well as descendants, celebrate being Irish.
• Shunbun-no-Hi (Japan, Korea) - During the time of the spring equinox, Buddhists meditate on the harmony in the universe. Also known as Ohigon.
• Norooz (Persia) - Also spelled No Ruz, this day marks the "new year" or "new day" and is a celebration of the spring equinox. It was celebrated by all major cultures in Mesopotamia, and today is deeply rooted in Iran within the traditions of the Zoroastrian belief system.

March 25: 

• Independence Day (Greece) - Commemorating the day in 1821 when Greece gained independence from Turkey.
• Evangelismou (Greece) - The Greeks combined the national Independence Day with the Annunciation and what was earlier believed to be the spring equinox. Greeks wear traditional clothes and celebrate with speeches and folk dancing. 

March 26: 

• Independence Day (Bangladesh) - In 1971, the nation of Bangladesh won a brutal war against the Central Pakastani government thus gaining its independence.
• Kuhio Day (Hawaii) - A state holiday, it celebrates Prince Kuhio’s birthday. He is remembered for actively promoting Hawaiian culture and getting Congress to pass the 1829 Hawaiian Homes Act, providing homesteads for native Hawaiians.