May 25 – Memorial Day (USA) – A day of remembrance for those who have died in service to their country. The 3rd U.S. Infantry place small American flags at about 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery.
May 26 -National Sorry Day (Australia) – Also known as Journey of Healing Day commemorates the history of forcible removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and the painful repercussions of that action. In 1998 over half a million Austrialian people responded, signing Sorry Books and taking part in ceremonies on Sorry Day.
May 28 – Ascension (Christian – Coptic and Eastern Orthodox) – This day commemorates the ascension of Jesus into Heaven.
May 29 – Shavuot (thru May 30) (Jewish) – Called the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost which means 50 and therefore celebrated on the 50th day at the end of Passover. Shavuot celebrates the time when the Ten Commandmentst were given to Moses on Mount Sinai.
May 29 – Ascension of Haha’u'llah (Bahai’i) – The propfhet and founder of the Baha’i faith passed away near Haifa, Israel. The event is observed at the actual time of his passing at 3 am.
May 31 – Pentecost (Christian) – The holy Spirit was felt amongst the 12 apostles after Jesus’ death. New members of the church are baptized on this day. It is called White Sunday because white clothes are worn for baptisim.
Source: www.multiculturalcalendars.com
Part of a posting series on multicultural events for 2009.
Filed under: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
