May 1st marks the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the United States (US). It celebrates the achievements and contributions of the AAPI community. The broad term includes 50 ethnic groups. They speak over 100 languages and have roots in more than 40 countries. They include those connected to China, India, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Korea....
Read news articleOn April 10, 2023, close to 30,000 guests, selected via an online lottery, attended the White House Easter Egg Roll. The fun event was divided into nine, two-hour-long sessions to accommodate the large number of guests. It included various exciting activities as well as appearances by popular costumed characters and celebrities....
Read news articleOn April 9, 2023, Christians around the world will observe Easter. The holiday is the oldest and most significant of all Christian festivals. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many adults mark the event by attending special church services. For kids in the US, Easter means egg hunts, parades, and the Easter Bunny. But not everyone celebrates the holiday the same way. Here are a few fun customs you may be tempted to adopt....
Read news articleRamadan is the ninth and most sacred month in the Islamic lunar calendar. During this month, Jibril (the archangel Gabriel in the Judeo-Christian faith) revealed the first verses of the Quran — Islam's holy text — to Prophet Muhammad. The holy month's start is based on the appearance of the young crescent Moon. This year, Ramadan will begin at sundown on March 22nd or 23rd, depending on when the Moon is seen....
Read news articleWhat better way to welcome spring than by covering your friends with colored powder? That is the essence of the popular Indian festival of Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors. The date of the fun holiday is determined by the Hindu calendar. In 2023, Holi will fall on March 8....
Read news articleOn February 14, 2023, millions of people worldwide will celebrate Valentine's Day. In the United States, the romantic holiday is marked by giving candy, flowers, and gifts to loved ones. However, other countries celebrate the holiday differently. Some don't even observe it on February 14! Here are some interesting Valentine's Day customs from around the world....
Read news articleEarly this morning, thousands of people gathered at Gobbler's Knob, Pennsylvania, to witness Punxsutawney Phil make his annual weather prediction. Those hoping to get relief from this year's bitterly cold winter were disappointed....
Read news articleOn January 22, 2023, over 1.6 billion people of Asian descent worldwide will celebrate the first day of the Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year. In China, the festivities last for two weeks and include many fun customs and traditions. Millions of city dwellers head home to spend the important festival with friends and family. The spring travel rush, or Chunyun, results in the world’s largest seasonal human migration....
Read news articleThis Friday is the 13th! For non-believers, it is just the start of a well-deserved weekend. However, the millions of people who suffer from "paraskevidekatriaphobia" consider Friday the 13th the unluckiest day of the year. No one knows how the day got its fearsome reputation. But experts have some theories....
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