July-August Sun Dance Ritual (Aboriginal) – For many tribes of the Plains Indians the Sun Dance was a major communal religious ceremony. Generally held in early summer, the four-day dance ceremony involves sacrifice and supplication to insure harmony between all living beings. Iroquois tribes celebrate in late Spring, Cree, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Sioux and other Plains Peoples in the Summer.
July-August Green Corn Ceremony (Aboriginal) – This is performed by some Oklahoma tribes as a time of renewal. The ceremony involves participation in sweatlodge ceremonies, dances, offerings and fasting.
July 1 – Canada Day (Canada) – On July 1 1867, the British North America Act created the Canadian federal government. The BNA proclaimed “one Dominion under the name of Canada”, hence the original title of the holiday, “Dominion Day”. The day was officially renamed “Canada Day” by an act of Parliament on October 27, 1982.
July 1 – SAR Establishment Day (Hong Kong) – Hong Kong was a British colony ruled by a British Governor until it was reunited with China as a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China on July 1, 1997.
July 4 – Independence Day (USA) – In 1776, the 13 Colonies signed the Declaration of Independence proclaiming their separation from England and formed the United States of America. It is celebrated with picnics, fireworks, parades and outdoor activities.
July 5 – Mardi Gras (UK) – The London Gay and Lesbian community takes to the streets with celebration of costumes, floats and music. The Mardi Gras Festival is then usually held in the afternoon in one of London’s bigger public venues with dance tents, stalls, a funfair, bars and many other attractions.
Source: www.multiculturalcalendars.com
Part of a posting series on multicultural events for 2009.
Filed under: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
