All - Leep Calendar

The fourth Friday after Easter is Great Prayer Day, Common Prayer Day, or in Dutch, "Store Bededag," a public holiday celebrated in Denmark. On Store Bededag, the Danes walk through Langelinie or Kastellet, listen to a choir, and eat specially-made buns on the holiday's eve. The day begins with the bells ringing, particularly around Christianshavn. There is no work during this day, and fasting is encouraged. This event is a public holiday in Denmark that began in 1686.

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May

Green Up Day (US-VT): May 2

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In 1969 Burlington Free Press reporter Robert Babcock approached then-governor Deane Davis with an idea: set aside one day a year to clean up Vermont's roads. By 1970, it became a reality. A poster contest was added in the 1980s, and by 2000 corporate sponsors began taking part. In 2014 Green Up became a recognized charity in the state, and 2020 saw Green Up's 50th anniversary.

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May

Greenery Day (JP)(1901): May 4

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Greenery Day is a national holiday in Japan originating from the celebration of Emperor Shōwa's birthday on April 29. In 1989 the name of the holiday was changed from "Birthday of the Emperor" to "Greenery Day." The day provides a reason for people to commune with nature and acknowledges the emperor's love for plants. In 2007 Greenery Day was moved to May 4, and April 29 was renamed Shōwa Day.

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May

Guru Amar Das Sahib (S)(1479): May 5

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Guru Amar Das Sahib (May 5, 1479-September 1, 1574), was the third Guru of the Sikhs and an influential spiritual leader in Sikhism. He was born in Basarke, a village near Amritsar in present-day Punjab, India. Guru Amar Das Sahib became the Guru in 1552, succeeding Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Sikh Guru. Guru Amar Das Sahib contributed significantly to developing Sikhism and its institutions. Some of his notable achievements include: Anand Karaj—Guru Amar Das Sahib established the Anand Karaj, the Sikh wedding ceremony, which formalized the institution of marriage within the Sikh faith. This ceremony emphasizes the importance of spiritual and social commitment between the couple and the community. Langar System—Although the Langar system (community kitchen) began with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das Sahib, expanded and institutionalized it. He made it mandatory for all visitors, regardless of social status, caste, or religion, to partake in the Langar meal before meeting him. This practice promoted social equality, unity, and the spirit of selfless service. Organization of Sikh Community—Guru Amar Das Sahib organized the Sikh community into 22 dioceses called Manjis, each led by spiritually and socially committed individuals. This system helped in spreading the teachings of Sikhism, managing community affairs, and ensuring the proper functioning of local congregations. Compositions and Hymns—Guru Amar Das Sahib composed many hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism. His compositions emphasized the importance of meditation, devotion to God, and social responsibility. Elimination of Caste-based Practices—Guru Amar Das Sahib actively discouraged caste-based discrimination and promoted social equality among his followers. He opposed the practice of Sati (a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre) and encouraged widow remarriage. Guru Amar Das Sahib's teachings continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide. His focus on social equality, spiritual devotion, and community service are essential to the Sikh faith and values.

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May

Guru Arjan Dev Ji (S)(1653): May 2

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Guru Arjan Dev Ji (May 2, 1563-June 16, 1606), was the fifth Guru of the Sikhs and a prominent spiritual leader in Sikhism. He was born in Goindwal, Punjab (present-day India), to Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, and Mata Bhani Ji. Guru Arjan Dev Ji became the Guru in 1581, following his father's footsteps. Guru Arjan Dev Ji made significant contributions to the development and growth of Sikhism. Some of his key achievements include: Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)—In Amritsar, Guru Arjan Dev Ji designed and laid the foundation of the Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple. This holy shrine is the most important pilgrimage site for Sikhs and symbolizes unity, humility, and spirituality. Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib)—Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the Adi Granth, the first edition of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the central religious scripture of Sikhism. He included the hymns of the first five Gurus and the works of several Hindu and Muslim saints, emphasizing the universality of spiritual wisdom. Establishment of Sikh centers—He established various Sikh centers, called Manjis and Masands, to help spread the teachings of Sikhism and support the growing community. These centers played a significant role in disseminating spiritual knowledge, promoting social welfare, and managing community affairs. Martyrdom—Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the first Sikh Guru to attain martyrdom. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir arrested, tortured, and executed Ji in 1606, primarily due to his growing influence and refusal to convert to Islam. His martyrdom marked a turning point in Sikh history, leading to the militarization of the Sikh community under the leadership of his successor, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Guru Arjan Dev Ji's life and teachings continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide. His emphasis on humility, service, equality, and devotion to God are central to Sikh values and beliefs.

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May

Haitian Heritage Month: May

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May is Haitian Heritage Month, a time to remember the unity reached by the Black and Mulatto officers at their historic congress on May 15-18, 1803, to fight together against slavery in the French colony of St. Domingue, and for its independence, which they proclaimed on January 1, 1804. Additional May anniversaries include: a) The blue and red Haitian flag's creation on May 18, 1803. b) Haitian General Toussaint Louverture's birth on May 20, 1743. c) it is the birth month of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus Key events during the month include: Labor and Agriculture Day (May 1) Teachers' Day (May 17) University Day (May 18) Mother's Day (Last Sunday of May) This month is a great chance to discover the rich diversity of Haitian culture, its people, and its history.

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May

Hajj (M)(SA): May 25-30

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Dhu al-Hijjah is the 12th and last month in the Islamic Calendar, the final of four sacred months, and the month of Hajj. Performing Hajj occurs between the 8th to 12/13th of the month and is one of Islam's five pillars or fundamental acts that define the faith. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that devout Muslims endeavor to do at least once in their lifetime. When performed during the first 8-12/13 days of the Islamic month of Duh al-Hijjah, it is called Hajj, and when practiced at other times of the year, it is called Umrah. The following is a general description of Hajj al-Tamatt'u, the most common pilgrimage. Each year during Hajj, millions of people from around the world descend on the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca to perform the rituals of Hajj. One of the first places visited is the black box, the Kaaba. Muslims walk around counterclockwise seven times, three separate times during the pilgrimage. The word for this encircling is "tawaf." The Kaaba marks where Muslims believe Adam and Eve built the first house of worship, and Abram (hereafter referred to as Abraham (Ibrahim)) rebuilt it thousands of years later. In the Muslim faith, they refer to this as "the first house of the only true God." It is the Kaaba that Muslims face when they pray. Muslims believe it was here that God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael.* The Kaaba is believed to be the same size as Abraham's original temple. Performing Hajj is a 5-6 day process and represents one of Islam's five pillars. FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM Charity Testimony of faith Praying five times a day Fasting during the month of Ramadan Performing Hajj All acts of devotion during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are highly rewarded and blessed. Fasting on the 9th day is known as al Nisai and Abu Dawud. Fasting on this day removes one's sins for the next two years. How is Hajj performed? Day 1) Commences on the 8th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah Step 1) Muslims change from everyday wear to ceremonial clothing called "ihram" upon arriving. Often in the airports around Saudi Arabia, you will see pilgrims flying in traditional clothing before arrival. Step 2: Dressed in their ihram, pilgrims perform "tawaf," circling the Kaaba seven times (3 times running, four times walking) counterclockwise. Step 3) After performing the first tawaf, pilgrims walk between the two hills of Safa and Marwa several times to the town of Mina, where they spend the night. The hills are where Hagar ran back and forth seven times, looking for water for Ishmael, and God took pity and created a spring for her. Pilgrims replicate the running back and forth through this ritual called "masa." The spring Muslims believe God created for Hagar is called Zamzam. Mina, where the day's journey ends, is the location of the three pillars (Jamrat al-Aqaba, Jamrat al-Wusta & Jamrat al-Sughra), representing the three times the devil tempted Abraham. Day 2: Performed on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah Step 1) This day is about walking from Mina to Arafat, approximately 6 miles; it is called the "waqf," or day of vigil. Pilgrims stand from noon until sunset in Arafat as part of Hajj, and Arafat is where the prophet Mohammed delivered his last sermon in 632 AD. Step 2) Leaving Arafat after nightfall, pilgrims walk to Muzdalifa, about 4 miles, and collect 49 stones along the way. They spend the night in Muzdalifa under the stars, and most pilgrims will fast on this day. Day 3: Eid al-Adha, the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah Step 1) Pilgrims walk from Muzdalifa to Mina and throw stones at the devil represented by the largest of the three pillars (Jamrat al-Aqaba). Day three is a day of celebration. Step 2) Pilgrims continue walking to Mecca from Mina to perform the second tawaf, walking seven times around the Kaaba. Step 3) Then they walk again between the hills of Safa and Marwa, returning to Mina. Step 4) Animals are sacrificed. The meat is cooked and distributed to commemorate Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to God and God's acceptance of a sheep instead. A vast feast follows, with large portions going to the poor. Unlike sacrifices in other faiths, in Islam, the gift of an animal's life is not done to please God. It is performed to remember Abraham's obedience and for charity. One sheep or goat equals one person, and a camel or cow's sacrifice equals seven people. Only those who can afford to make a sacrifice will do so, often paying for those without funds. Days 4-6: the 11th - 13th days of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah On each day of this final period (2 or 3 days), pilgrims return to the three pillars representing the devil and stone them in a specific order. This uses up the remaining stones of the 49 collected on the second day. On the final day of Hajj, pilgrims change clothes, replacing the "iharm" with their standard attire to perform their third and final tawaf around the Kaaba. Upon completing Hajj, Muslims may now refer to themselves as 'alhaji' (male) or 'alhaja' (female). Like confirmation in Christianity or Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Judaism, this is a title of accomplishment in the Islamic faith. _________ *NOTE: The son referenced in this story is an area where Islam, Judaism, and Christianity differ in scripture. Christians and Jews believe it was Isaac, the son of Abraham's first wife, Sara. Muslims believe it was Ishmael, the son of Sara's handmaid Hagar, Abraham's second wife. PLEASE NOTE: Islamic holidays are determined in Mecca by the position of the moon and can occur a day earlier or later than posted.

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May

Hamburger Day, Ntl.: May 28

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National Hamburger Day celebrates the world's favorite sandwich. The Library of Congress states the first hamburger sold in America was in 1900 by Louis Lassen, a Danish immigrant, and restaurateur in New Haven, Connecticut. White Castle hamburger chain states the hamburger is the invention of Otto Kuase of Hamburg, Germany. Who created the ground meat sandwich may never be known. The US government gives Lassen official credit because the first sale can be proved. What is known is that in 1904 at the St. Louis World's Fair, the humble hamburger sandwich caught the attention of the New York Tribune, gaining it instant celebrity in American culture. Later, Roy Kroc would make hamburgers the definition of fast food affordable to the masses. During both World Wars, due to Germany being the enemy, restaurants referred to the beef patties as Salisbury steak, a hamburger patty without the buns drenched in gravy. Whatever you want to call it, enjoy your burger this month in style.

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May

Hamburger Month, Ntl.: May

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May

Harvey Milk Day (1930): May 22

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Harvey Milk was an American politician and gay rights activist and the first openly gay elected official in the United States. Born on May 22, 1930, in Woodmere, New York, Milk spent much of his early life in New York City before moving to San Francisco, California, in the early 1970s. In San Francisco, Milk opened a camera shop on Castro Street, which became a hub for the local gay community, earning him the nickname "Mayor of Castro Street." Over time he became involved in local politics. After several unsuccessful attempts, Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, making history as one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. As a supervisor, Milk was a strong advocate for gay rights and worked on legislation to protect the rights of this community. He was instrumental in passing a landmark anti-discrimination ordinance that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment, and public services. Harvey Milk's political career ended when he was assassinated on November 27, 1978, by former supervisor Dan White. The assassination also claimed the life of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone. The trial of Dan White and the subsequent verdict, which resulted in a relatively lenient sentence, led to the "White Night Riots," a series of protests and civil unrest in San Francisco. Harvey Milk's life and legacy have impacted the gay community and the fight for equal rights. His activism and political career paved the way for greater visibility and acceptance of people currently referred to as LGBTQ+ individuals. In 2009, Milk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. His life has been the subject of several books, documentaries, and a biographical film, "Milk" (2008), starring Sean Penn as Harvey Milk. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger made Harvey Milk Day an official California state public holiday in 2009.

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May

Heal the Children Month: May

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Heal the Children Month is a national fundraising and awareness drive by the non-profit Healing the Children. The organization provides critical medical care to children worldwide with the goal of ensuring every child has access to quality medical care, regardless of ability to pay, insurance status, or physical location.

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May

Healthy and Safe Swimming Week: May 18-24

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National Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, formally known as Recreational Water Illness & Injury Prevention Week, occurs during the week prior to Memorial Day in the United States. National Healthy and Safe Swimming Week helps swimmers, pool operators, and aquatic and beach staff update their knowledge and skills to prevent drowning and increase overall safety. It first ran in 2005.

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May

Healthy Vision Month (US): May

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May is Healthy Vision Month. Studies show there is a gender gap in eye disease. Women are more likely than men to suffer from sight-threatening conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma. In support of Healthy Vision Month in May, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds women to prioritize vision. Women comprise 65 percent of AMD cases, 61 percent of glaucoma and cataract cases, and 66 percent of blind patients. Why the inequity? There are a few theories. On average, women live longer; many eye problems are age-related. Some eye conditions, such as dry eye, are more common in women, young and old. Social and economic factors affect women's access to eye care, especially in developing countries. Whatever the cause, there are a few unique vision problems women need to watch out for more than men. Dry eye occurs at double the rate in postmenopausal women. Women are generally more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men, many of which affect vision, such as lupus and Sjögren's syndrome. Pregnancy can cause vision changes due to hormone fluctuations. The good news is most vision loss is preventable. The Academy offers five simple steps to take control of your eye health today: 1. Get a comprehensive medical eye exam at age 40. Early signs of disease or changes in vision may begin at this age. An exam by an ophthalmologist is an opportunity to carefully examine the eye for diseases and conditions that may have no symptoms in the early stages. More than 5,500 dedicated volunteer ophthalmologists provide eye exams and care, often at no out-of-pocket cost to eligible patients. Learn if you qualify at eyecareamerica.org. 2. Know your family history. Certain eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration, you have a 50 percent chance of developing this condition. A family history of glaucoma increases your risk by four to nine times. Talk to family members about their eye conditions. It can help you and your ophthalmologist evaluate your risk. 3. Eat healthy foods. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eye-healthy food choices include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, and cold water fish. 4. Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Smoking raises the risk of cardiovascular illnesses, which can indirectly influence your eye health. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also worsens dry eye. 5. Wear sunglasses. Exposure to ultraviolet UV light raises the risk of eye diseases, including cataracts, fleshy growths on the eye, and cancer. Always wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection and a hat while enjoying time outdoors. "Eye exams aren't only about checking a person's visual acuity or sharpness, but also determining the overall health of their eyes," said Rebecca J. Taylor, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "We encourage women as well as men to get regular eye care. By making vision a priority today, we can help protect our sight as we age."

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May

Hearing and Speech Month, Better: May

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Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM), sponsored by the American Speech Hearing Association (ASHA), raises awareness about communication disorders and the role of ASHA members in providing life-altering treatment. The website for BHSM includes tools for promoting this event, including media, education, and outreach.

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May

Heart Week (AU): May 4-10

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Heart Week in Australia focuses on the health profession and the Australian public. It seeks to promote conversations centered on heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease.

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