Cultural Corner is a feature that showcases cultural celebrations for a given month.
Happy May! Let us celebrate Asian American and Pacific Isander Heritage, Jewish American Heritage, and more. We hope you enjoy your month!
May holidays and observances:
May 1st - May 31st
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated every May to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. When it first started in 1978, it was a week-long celebration, becoming a full month in 1992. May was chosen as the month to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage because May 7, 1843, marks the first arrival of Japanese immigrants in the U.S. and May 10, 1869 is when Chinese workers helped complete the transcontinental railroad.
Here are a few fun facts:
Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial group in the United States
The term "Asian American" was first used in 1968
Hawaii has the highest percentage of Asian Americans in the United States
Filipino Americans were the first recorded Asian settlers in the United States arriving in 1587
The oldest Chinatown in the U.S. is in San Francisco, dating back to 1848
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May 1st - May 31st
Mental Health Awareness Month happens every May to shine a light on mental health. It started in 1949 and has since helped break boundaries and promote resources for those struggling.
Here are some facts about Mental Health:
1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness each year
Only 44% of adults with mental health conditions receive treatment
Therapy, meditation, and exercise can help improve mental health
Mental health conditions are treatable, and most people can lead fulfilling lives with the right support
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May 1st - May 31st
Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the impact that Jewish Americans have had on the U.S.. Throughout history, they have made important contributions in areas like science, politics, arts, and civil rights. This month is a chance to learn more about Jewish culture, traditions, history, and recognizing how Jewish Americans continue to shape the future.
Many Jewish Americans have left a lasting mark on the country. Albert Einstein, for example, heightened our understanding of physics. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, as a Supreme Court Justice, fought for equality and justice. In entertainment, people like Steven Spielberg, a famous filmmaker, and Barbra Streisand, a singer and actress, have shaped American culture. These are just a few of the countless Jewish Americans whose achievements continue to inspire generations.
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May 4th
Star Wars Day happens every year on May 4th, and it’s a fun way for fans to celebrate one of the most famous sci-fi franchises. The date comes from the phrase “May the Force be with you,” which sounds like “May the Fourth.” People all over the world watch movies and dress up as their favorite characters. Whether you're a Jedi, Sith, or just a casual fan, it's a great time to appreciate the universe created by George Lucas.
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May 5th
Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5th, is a day that honors the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Although it’s not Mexico’s Independence Day, which is on September 16th, it is an important moment in history that symbolizes resistance and perseverance. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is widely recognized as a day to celebrate Mexican culture with parades, music, dancing, and traditional foods. Many cities host festivals featuring mariachi bands and folkloric performances, and people gather with friends and family to enjoy the lively atmosphere. It's a time to appreciate Mexican heritage and the lasting impact it has on American society.
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May 11th
Mother’s Day is a day within May that celebrates mothers all around the world. In the United States, it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Here are some fun facts about Mother’s Day:
It became an official holiday in 1914
People make 122 million phone calls to their moms that day
Red carnations mean your mom is living, white ones mean she has passed
The woman who started Mother’s Day (Anna Jarvis) later hated how commercialized it became
Over 100 countries celebrate it
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