June 16 – Martydrom of Guru Arjan Dev (Sikh) – He was the fifth Guru (1563-1606) and the first Sikh martyr executed by the Mughal emperor Jehangir. He built the Golden Temple in Amristar with doors facing all four directiosn to emphaize that the Sikh way was open to all, regardless of caste.
June 16 – Matariki (Aboriginal/Maori, New Zealand) – When the star cluster Matariki (Pleiades) appears in the dawn sky, Maori New Year starts. The time for festivity begins with the new moon after the first appearance of Matariki. The bright star Puanga (rigel) emerges at about the same time and for some it is this appearance rather Matariki that has significance and is celebrated.
June 19 – Juneteenth (USA) – June 19, 1865, also know as National Feedom Day, is considered the official end of slavery in the U.S. Slaves in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas were not told about their freedom until this day, even through other Southern states had known since April, 1863. Today, the holiday is observed in African-American communties throughout the country with rallies, concerts and fairs.
June 20 – Mid-Summer’s Eve Festival (Finland, Germany, Ireland-N, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, UK) – The festival is celebrated during the weekend closest to the Summer Solstice. According to old Eurpoean tradition it is a time for fairies and magic and a night of foretelling the future to discover who your true love might be. It is celebrated in various ways with the English, Swedes and Scandinavians. Lativians call it S. John’s Day whereas the Spanish call it San Juan Day.
June 21 – National Aboriginal Day (Aboriginal/Native Canadian) in 1996, the former Governor General of Canada, Romeo LeBlanc, proclaimed June 21 to be known as National Aboriginal Day. This is an event growing in importance in Canada when the outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis are being recognized.
June 21 – Litha (Wicca) – Litha falls on the summer solstice. The latin word solstice means the “sun stood still”. Wiccans celebrate the Sun at the height of its power provinding good harvests.
June 21 – Fathers’ Day (Canada, UK, USA). This day honours all fathers in the world. Louise Dodd of Spokane, Washington, began the tradition in 1909.
June 21 – Inti Raymi (Peru) – Init Raymi is celebrated in Cusco, the second biggest festival in Latin America, and celebrates the winter solstice Incan Festival where the God of the Sun, Wiracocha, is honoured.
Source: www.multiculturalcalendars.com
Part of a posting series on multicultural events for 2009.
Filed under: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
