Republic Day, Macedonia

Becoming an official holiday in 1944, the Republic of Macedonia celebrates August first as Republic Day or Ilinden.  The date was selected for two reasons, to recognize the short lived uprising in 1903 agains the Ottoman Empire and the first assembly in 1944 that helped to establish it as an independent nation.

Located just north of Greece the area that is now the Republic of Macedonia has been populated by many different people and ruled by many different people.  The country became a fully independent nation, separating from the Soviet Union in 1991.  Looking to join NATO and becoming a member of the Europien Union.

The celebration of the day include the gathering of people all over the country as well as horses marching from the capital and other events.

Happy Republic Day Macedonia!

Link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_Day_(Republic_of_Macedonia)

Warei Taisai Festival and Uwajuma Ushi-Oni Matsuri, July 22-24

The Warei Taisai Festival and Uwajuma Ushi-Oni Matsuri is held from the 22 to 24 of July in the Ehime Prefecture in Japan.  The highlight of the festival takes place on the last night when groups of young men will carry portable shines to the local temple through the Sukagawa river.  They bring the shines there and perform a dance and then compete for the good luck charm located at the top of poles that have been inserted into the river bank.  Many people come to see the spectacle often arriving hours before to get the best seats.

During the day there is the parade of the Ushi-oni, Ogor headed cows.  Similar to the idea behind the dancing dragons many are familiar seeing from China, these are very large and have very long necks.  When they meet in the street there is a "fight" between them.  It is said that they help to drive away evil sprits but that seems to be a pretty standard thing for animals or effigies to do during festival time.  The Uni are also followed by children playing bamboo flutes.

During the other days there are street vendors and fireworks that are displayed.

Links:

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/attractions/event/traditionalevents/a35_fes_warei.html

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Warei+Taisai

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uwajima_Ushi-oni_Festival

Gion Matsuri, the entire month of July

The largest festival in Japan, Gion Matsuri, lasts the entire month but has some days that are more special than others.  On the 17th of July is the parade were the floats that have been set up around Kyoto travel the streets.  The festival dating back over 1,100 years started as a way to fend off evil spirits during an epidemic.  Years later all religious ceremonies were outlawed but the people of Kyoto petitioned that while the religious ceremony could be ended they needed to continue the parade.

There are 22 floats that have meanings of their own and date back for many years.  Some of the floats have wheels the size of men.  One boy is chosen to represent a deity and is not allowed to touch the ground from the 14th to the end of the parade on the 17th.

During the festival time of Gion Matsuri is another tradition "Folding of the Silk Screens" when residents of the well off historical district will open their homes for people to see their family herlooms and art work. A time for people to see traditional Japanese homes and collections.

Links:

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/attractions/event/traditionalevents/a34_fes_gion.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3942.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gion_Matsuri

O-Bon, July 13-15 2012

O-Bon or Ura-Bon is the time of year ancestors are welcomed back to to the world of the living in some Buddist areas of the world, specifically Japan.  The date actually differs because of the change from the lunar calendar to the Gregoarian calendar so different parts of Japan will actually celebrate at three different possible times.  While well over 500 years old the festival is not always celebrated for the same reason today as it once was.  Originally a time to honor those who have passed by cleaning the ancestral alters and providing offerings for the after life, many now take this as the time to reconect with family.  Though the traditional dance, Bon Odori, is often still done.  As a traditional folk dance it will be different in different parts of the country as well.  But all the dances are to welcome the spirts from the other side to this world.

The festival concludes with Tōrō nagashi or lanterns being floated down the river to honor the dead.  This is something that can also be done to honor those who have passed in general such as after the Tsunami of 2011.

Naadam, July 11-13

Eriyn Gurvan Nadaam, the largest festival in Mongolia.  A time of year that the many people who are Mongolian come together and compete in wrestling, horse racing and archery.

For hundreds of years these competitions have been going on and now they remain a part of the culture and heritage of the people of Mongolia.  For three days men and women compete in both the horse races and archery and men compete in the wreteling.  Along with this is dancing and food to be had.  The people reveal in their culture!

Links:

http://www.csen.org/Mongol.Nadaam/Mongol.text.html

http://naadam.viahistoria.com/

http://www.discovermongolia.mn/tours/Cultural_tours_and_events/naadam.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naadam