November 2012

Dominion employee Robert Acosta defines diversity as "the acceptance of unique cultures and values in a homogenous society." The photo was taken during the Mattaponi Indian Annual Pow Wow at the Mattaponi Indian Reservation in King William County, Virginia. "It shows that here in the U.S, a culture can thrive being unique, yet remain a part of the whole," Acosta said.

National Native American Heritage Month - In 1990, President George Bush approved a joint resolution designating November National Native American Heritage Month. During this month the contributions of the continent’s first inhabitants are remembered and celebrated through ceremonies, powwows and special feasts.

November 1:

• All Saints’ Day (Christian) - This day is for honoring saints.
• Dia de los Muertos (Mexico) - Also known as the Day of the Dead, it is celebrated in parts of the United States and Central America. Families build altars in their homes surrounded with flowers, food and burning candles.

November 2: 

• All Souls' Day (Christian) - A day of remembering the dead.

November 3:

• Bunka no hi (Culture Day) (Japan) - It is a national holiday dedicated to the love of freedom and promotion of Japanese culture.

November 5:

• Guy Fawkes Day (UK) - Also known as Bonfire Night. The English and Irish burn bonfires topped by a figure known as "the guy." West Indians from the Bahamas and Barbados celebrate it as well.

November 11:

• Remembrance Day (Canada, UK) - Commemorates the soldiers killed in World War I and II. Many observers wear red poppies as a symbol of this day.
• Veterans' Day (USA, France) - Formerly Armistice Day, it is the anniversary of the end of World War I.

November 13:

• World Kindness Day - The spark for World Kindness Day was lit at the Second Conference of the World Kindness Movement in November 1997 in Japan. Starting as random acts of kindness, the movement now has members in more than 17 countries. They are committed to building a global organization dedicated to inspire and promote kindness.
• Diwali (India) - Hindu Festival of Lights. For Jains it is one of the most important festivals, and marks the beginning of the Jain year. It is also a significant festival for the Sikh faith. Diwali is celebrated for five consecutive days in the Hindu month of Ashwayuja which usually corresponds to the month of October or November. Hindus, Jains and Sikh celebrate Diwali and use the occasion to celebrate life and strengthen relationships. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional diyas. Fireworks may also be associated with the festival in some regions.

November 14: 

• Children’s Day (India) - This day is the birthday of one of India’s greatest leaders, Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru adored children and thus his birthday was marked as a celebration of children. Schools have cultural programs and take the remainder of the day off.

November 15:

• Shichi-go-san (Japan) – The festival for boys and girls of three, boys of five, and girls of seven. Prayers are offered for children’s growth.
• Hijra (Islamic) - Celebrates the emigration of Muhammad and his followers to the city of Medina in 622, and marks the start of the Hijri year of the Islamic calendar.

November 18:

• Independence Day (Morocco) - Gained independence in 1956 from France.
• Vertieres Day (Haiti) - Celebrates the Haitian victory over the French in the Battle of Vertieres in 1803.

November 22:

• Thanksgiving Day (USA) - An annual holiday observed to celebrate being thankful for the things one has. Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated with a large dinner shared among friends and family.

November 23:

• Kinro Kansha no hi (Japan) - Japanese Labor Thanksgiving Day is when people express gratitude to each other for their labors throughout the year.

November 24:

• Ashura (Islam) - The first day of the first month of the Islamic year 1425 CE commemorates the migration in 622 CE of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, where the first Islami community was established. Muharram lasts for 10 days.
• Navidades (Puerto Rico) - Marks the beginning of Christmas season and ends with Three Kings Day, January 6.

November 26:

• Canadian Aboriginal Festival (Canada) - Held at Toronto’s Sky Dome, more than 8,000 people gather to share and learn about North America's aboriginal people during this three-day event.