Black History Month: An important observance
The history of the African diaspora in a number of countries is celebrated during Black History Month.
In the US and Canada, it has been observed during February since 1976. In the UK, it is observed during October. It is also known as African-American History Month.
Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week so that African American history would be considered more significant within American history. According to historian John Hope Franklin, Woodson expressed hope that Negro History Week would outlive its usefulness.
The observance is meant to promote awareness of African American history. It is widely observed through local activities, at museums, at libraries and with television documentaries.
Continue reading "Black History Month: An important observance" »
Valentine’s Day: Share your love stories
Valentine's Day is 14 days away and millions of couples around the world prepare for the most romantic day in the year.
People also recall how it was celebrated generations ago. They may remember incredible and moving love stories of their own or of their ancestors.
We have all heard the love stories of our grandparents, great-grandparents or other ancestors. These may include a love that was separated or difficult due to distance, historical events, family disagreements or other reasons.
Even though times were much harder, somehow those impossible loves won out, the couple married and their love story lasted until contemporary times.
When I was younger, it was quite an opportunity to listen to some cringe-worthy love stories from my parents. The experience was more of a learning opportunity (as in a whistle-stop tour of how not to let a lady know about your affections).
Continue reading "Valentine’s Day: Share your love stories" »
Happy Australia Day!
Today, January 26, is Australia Day. On this day, Australians commemorate the arrival of the First Fleet, 11 ships that sailed from Great Britain - to establish the first European colony in Australia - into Sydney Cove in 1788.
This national holiday falls in the middle of the Southern Hemisphere summer, and Australians usually celebrate with friends and family in typical Aussie style, at a barbecue or at the beach.
Another popular way to celebrate is at one of the many events arranged by Federal, State and Local Governments across the country. ln 2011, more than half of Australia’s 21 million people attended them.
Looking for activities? The Australia Day Council has its own website listing all official events scheduled for today.
In addition to the fun and festivities, Australia Day also features the “Australian of the Year Awards” which recognizes leading citizens who are role models for the country. This year’s winner is Academy Award winning actor Geoffrey Rush for his contribution to the arts. You can view a list of the past winners here.
It’s a wonderful day to celebrate all the diverse cultures and landscapes that makes up Australia, to reflect on what we’ve achieved as a nation and to contemplate what the future will hold.
Happy Australia Day!
Chinese New Year: A family day
The most populous country in the world - along with its global diaspora - is celebrating its most important caendar day: The Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year (known in China as "The Spring Festival") marks the end of the winter season and welcomes the first solar term of the Chinese lunisolar calendar year, Lìchūn. This new year is the year of the dragon.
In the traditional Chinese calendar, the festival begins on the first day of Lìchūn and ends on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival, when traditional Chinese lanterns decorate the streets and children visit temples while carrying paper lanterns.
Chinese New Year’s Eve is a day for the family. Similar to the Western culinary spectacle of Christmas Day (or Thanksgiving), Chinese New Year’s Eve (Chúxī) brings the family together for the annual reunion dinner. Continue reading "Chinese New Year: A family day" »
Happy holidays competition: See the winners!
The rules were simple: Send us a short video incorporating the MyHeritage logo and letting us know where you are.
For more on the contest announcement, see the blog post here. Congratulations to our four winners for your great videos.
We received videos showing lots of happy MyHeritage multigenerational families - and even a family pet! The team thanks to everyone that participating, for their time and creativity. We enjoyed viewing your entries and hope you had fun making the videos.
View the other three winning entries below.
Continue reading "Happy holidays competition: See the winners!" »
New Year: Traditions around the world
In most cultures, the New Year is traditionally the time for hope. We look forward to a New Year which will be prosperous, that we will enjoy health, peace and other positive attributes.
And, of course, there are countries where the New Year is not celebrated on January 1, but in spring or fall.
Regardless of where or when, let’s look at some customs surrounding the New Year.
Auld Lang Syne – written by Scottish poet Robert Burns - is the New Year’s Eve song In English-speaking countries. Read the history of the song here.
Continue reading "New Year: Traditions around the world" »
Resolutions: Yes or No?
It’s almost New Year's Eve 2012. Do you know where your resolutions are?
Will it help us - as family historians and genealogists - if we make these lists?
The answer is yes, according to a Wake Forest University study, in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,by Assistant Professor E.J. Masicampo, who found that committing to a plan to accomplish a goal makes it more likely to be achieved, and allows you to think about other things.
Continue reading "Resolutions: Yes or No?" »
Photos: Awkward family festivities
When families gather for the holidays, there are certain inevitabilities - the board games, over-indulgence and, for many, watching distinguished family members snoozing away in the middle of the day.
And then there are the photos.
Getting the whole family into the same frame is often a source of hilarity. Occasionally, we manage to get that special photo but, more often than not, it's a compromise.
Below are some great awkward festive family photos from - you guessed it - awkwardfamilyphotos.com.
Continue reading "Photos: Awkward family festivities" »
Warmth, Joy: Our family holiday traditions
Holiday scenes are engraved, from early childhood, in our memories and in our hearts. Each of us, regardless of what holiday we celebrate, carries these indelible memories.
Continue reading "Warmth, Joy: Our family holiday traditions" »
MyHeritage Happy Holidays Competition!
Join in the fun by entering our Happy Holidays Video Competition and win one of four HD video cameras!
Participating is easy. Simply create a video of yourself or of you and your family wishing "Happy Christmas (or Holidays) from London (insert location)” in the style of your home town! The video should show the MyHeritage logo at some point during the video, even if it’s just on paper. Download the logo here to print.
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