May 2012

Dominion employee Sandra Christman defines diversity as "an appreciation and inclusion of our differences, resulting in synergy." She took the photo in her backyard in Wisconsin. "Gardening is one of my hobbies, and I find that by combining a variety of flowers and plants, the presentation outcome is more appealing." "Each flower/plant is beautiful in its own right," Christman said, "but the beauty and impact is even greater when grouped with other flowers/plants."

Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month - Designated in 1992 as a month-long celebration of the contributions Asians and Pacific Islanders have made to the United States. "Asian Pacific" categorizes people of more than 24 ethnic groups from countries such as China, Cambodia, Philippines, Korea, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. There are more than 12 different languages spoken among Asian/Pacific Islanders.

Hopi Kachina Dances - During late spring and early summer, long lines of aboriginal Kachina Dancers, representing many spirit-powers, perform dances in Hopi pueblos. Dates of observance vary according to community.

May 1: 

• Vappu Day (Finland) - Finland’s National Holiday, celebrates spring and begins on April 30th.
• Santa Cruzan Day (Philippines) - Filipinos consider this the first day of spring. It commemorates the corresponding day in the 4th century A.D. when St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine of Rome, found the holy cross on which Jesus was crucified. 

May 2:

• Dos de Mayo (Spain) - Commemorates a rebellion by the people of Madrid in 1808 against the occupation of the city by French troops, provoking a brutal repression by the French Imperial forces and triggering the Peninsular War.

May 3: 

• Fiesta de las Cruces (Peru) - This religious event, which originated in 1928, occurs in Peru's capital, Lima, the first Sunday in May each year on San Cristobal Hill.

May 4:

• Midori no hi (Japan) - Also known as Greenery Day, to appreciate nature.
• Wesak (Buddhism) - The most important Buddhist festival, Wesak celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddah as one event. 

May 5:

• Cinco de Mayo (Mexico/USA) - This holiday marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the "Batalla de Puebla" in 1862. It represents Mexican unity and patriotism. It is much more widely celebrated by Mexican-Americans than Mexicans.
• Kodomo no hi (Japan) - Boys Day honors young boys. Kites in the shape of brightly colored carps are flown, carps being a symbol of longevity and strength.
• Children’s Day (Korea) - Represents a day of celebration for children, both young and old. Amusement parks, zoos and national parks become crowded with families enjoying the holiday in the spring weather.

May 8:

• Parents Day (Korea) - On this day children are to show respect and love for their parents.

May 10:

• Golden Spike Day (Asian-American) - Commemorates the day in 1869 when the final spike was driven into the Transcontinental Railroad. Ten thousand Chinese immigrants were brought in as laborers for the railroad. Their contribution was finally recognized in 1999.

May 13:

• Our Lady of Fatima (Portugal) - On May 13, 1917, in Portugal, three shepherd children saw and conversed with the Virgin Mary in a vision. This event ocurred on the 13th day of the month for six months in a row.
• Mother’s Day (USA) - A time-honored tradition of pampering mothers and paying homage to them by giving gifts or making special considerations for them.
• Joan of Arc Day (France) - St. Joan of Arc is the patroness of soldiers and of France. A peasant girl who believing that she was acting under divine guidance, she led the French army in a momentous victory at Orleans. She was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431, at the age of 19.

May 21:

• Sheep Festival (Cameroon) - Celebrates the descent of the sheep herds from the mountains.

May 25:

• African Freedom (Liberation) Day (Africa, USA) - Has been a day of celebration of the many achievements and victories of African people worldwide and a rededication to their current struggle for freedom, justice and unity. It is marked by parades and rallies in Africa and the United States.
• Independence Day (Jordan) - On this day in 1946, Jordan gained its independence from Britain.

May 27:

• Children’s Day (Nigeria) - All students are dismissed from school on this day to stay at home and play.

May 28:

• Memorial Day (USA) - A day of remembrance for those who have died in service to their country.