Events of the Month

2003-JULY

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Events during 2003-JULY:

• JUL-1: Canada Day recalls the beginning of the Dominion of Canada in 1867 CE.
• JUL-1: Some Native American plains tribes begin Sun Dance rituals on this day. The celebration includes the decoration of a a sacred crow totem.
• JUL-1: The 28^th anniversary of the day in 1975 when the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora entered into force. On that date, endangered species first became internationally protected.
• JUL-4: Independence Day in the U.S. marks the birth of the United States in 1776  CE.
• JUL-9: The Martyrdom of the Bab is observed by members of the Baha'i Faith. It was the date in 1850 CE when the Bab was executed for his religious beliefs at the age of 31. Members of the Baha'i faith abstain from work and commerce on this day.
• JUL-11: Roman Catholics celebrate St. Benedict Day in honor of the father of the Western Church's monastic tradition. He founded the Benedictine Order.
• JUL-11: This is recognized by the UN as World Population Day. Themes for the day include: "Efforts to slow down population growth, to reduce poverty, to achieve economic progress, to improve environmental protection, and to reduce unsustainable consumption and production patterns are mutually reinforcing." ₁
• JUL-6: This is celebrated in Australia as Aborigine's Day, also known as National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration (NAIDOC).  A main purpose of this day is to promote increased understanding of Aboriginal cultures in Australia.
• JUL-13 : International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) observe the start of the first lunar month of Caturmasya. Believers fast from green leafy vegetables for one month.
• JUL-13: Khao Pansa marks the beginning of the Buddhist lent. It is the preferred day for Buddhist men in some countries to be ordained as monks. It is celebrated annually in the full moon of the eight lunar month, typically in July.
• JUL-13: This is the first day of a three day celebration: O-bon -- a Japanese Shinto celebration in honor of their ancestors. They light lanterns, hold circular folk dances, and welcome their departed spirits.
• JUL-15: On this day, in 1099 CE, Christians on the first crusade captured Jerusalem, burning 6,000 Jews alive in their synagogue and slaughtering 30,000 Muslims who took refuge in their mosque. Some Christians formed a reconciliation walk in 1999; they retraced the steps of the first crusade, arriving in Jerusalem on this day, and apologizing for the tragedy.
• JUL-19: Buddhists celebrate Asala: the day when the Buddha made his first spiritual proclamation to five ascetics.
• JUL-24: This is Pioneer Day the anniversary of the date when the first members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints entered Salt Lake Valley after a long westerly trek to escape religious persecution and attempted genocide at the hands of other Christians.
• JUL-31: Lammas (aka Lunasa) is the first of the three harvest festivals celebrated by Wiccans and many other Neopagans. The holiday actually falls on AUG-1, but many Wiccans follow the ancient Celtic practice of starting each new day at noon. 
• JUL-30: Followers of Shinto observe Oh-harai-taisai, the Grand Purification Ceremony. This is an ancient ceremony whereby the believer can obtain purification from sins and offenses committed during the first half of the lunar year.

Reference:

1. Excerpt from Paragraph 3.14 of the Programme of Action adopted at the International Conference on Population and Development (Cairo 1994). See: http://www.unfpa.org/modules/wp01/

Copyright © 2003 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Essay prepared on 2003-JUN-1
Latest update: 2003-JUN-1
Compiled by B.A. Robinson

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