Rotherham Events and Celebrations -  March 2008

Important events and celebrations this month include:

1 Saint David’s Day
A national festival in Wales where St. David (Dewi Sant) is the Patron Saint. People may wear a daffodil or a leek which are symbols of Wales.

2 Mothering Sunday
Traditionally a day when children, mainly daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother and family. Nowadays people give cards, presents and flowers to their mothers or mother figures.

8 International Women’s Day
A day when women’s groups around the world celebrate women’s achievements. The day represents equality, peace justice and development. It is rooted in the centuries old struggle of women seeking to participate equally in society.

16 Palm Sunday
Christian celebration of Jesus entering into Jerusalem. This day begins holy week and is observed by worship, celebration and parades using palm branches.

17 Saint Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland where this day is a national holiday. It is celebrated widely with parades and parties.

20 Milad al-Nabi
Islamic commemoration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), founder of Islam, around 570.

21 Good Friday
Christian commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Christians meditate on Jesus' suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith.

21 Holi
A Hindu festival of colours to mark the coming of spring. Bonfires celebrate the death of Holika, the demon of winter. The festivities include throwing handfuls of coloured powder and spraying people with coloured water, so all become equal in celebration.

21 Iranian New Year
Noruz, or new day, is the start of the new year which begins on the spring equinox. The day is celebrated with music, dance, food, sweets and fresh tea brewing in samovars.

21 Purim
Jewish commemoration of the bravery of Esther, a young woman, who saved the Jewish people living in Persia.

23 Easter Sunday
It is the most important Christian festival and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not all Easter customs are Christian; some, such as the Easter Bunny, are Pagan in origin. Cards, Easter eggs and gifts are exchanged.