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October 2009
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Black History Month |
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3 October |
Sukkot (Jewish) |
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Saturday |
This day commemorates the time the Jews spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land. Sukkot is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles. Sukkot means huts and some build huts and live in these during this time.
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11 October |
Simchat Torah - Rejoicing of the law (Jewish) |
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Sunday
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It celebrates the ending and beginning of the torah, the law given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai on Shavuot.
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17 October |
Divali / Diwali - Festival of light (Hindu/Jain/Sikh) |
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Saturday
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This takes place over 5 days and celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. During this time people spring clean homes, decorate buildings with candles, lights and oil lamps, and exchange gifts.
Hindu's celebrate Lord Rama's victory over the demon, King Rava and they also Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Sikhs celebrate the sixth guru’s, Guru Hargobind Singh, release from prison in 1619.
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20 October |
Birth of the Bab (Baha'i) |
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Tuesday |
This is a major holy day celebration. |
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26 October |
Chung Yeung - Festival of ascending heights or Family Remembrance Day (Chinese) |
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Monday |
This occurs each year on the 9th month of the lunar calendar. This day pays tribute to ancestors. It is traditional to ascent a hill, getting closer to god to offer prayers for loved ones.
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31 October |
Halloween (Christian) |
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Saturday
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This day marks the beginning in the church of a period known as Hallowtide 'All Saints tide' when Christian remember people who have died.
All-Hallows Eve, or Halloween, has Celtic origins being originally the feast of Sanhain/Samhain the last night of the Celtic year, when spirits were thought to be active. Fires were lit in the belief that light had power over darkness, hence pumpkin lanterns to frighten away witches and ghosts. When the Romans invaded Britain they included elements of their harvest celebrations in which they honoured the goddess of the fruits of trees, Pomona, which is why apples are also used.
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31 October |
Samhain (Pagan) |
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Saturday |
This is the most important date in the calendar, as it is the beginning of the year (although some Pagans use Imbolc). During this day loved ones are remembered and spirits are invited to join the living for feasts. It is also celebrated by non pagan who call this Halloween.
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Further information
Natalie Hill
Equality and Diversity Officer
Telephone: 01743 260 200
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