This month, the IDEAs council chose to discuss Filipino American Heritage Month and Navratri.
Filipino American Heritage Month (FAHM) is celebrated every October to commemorate the first Filipinos arriving in the Unites States in October 1587. Congress first officially recognized FAHM in 2009.
The United States formally acquired the Philippines from Spain in 1898 through the Treaty of Paris, which was signed on December 10, 1898, after Spain was defeated in the Spanish American war. The United States formally recognized the independence of the Republic of the Philippines on July 4, 1946.
Filipino Americans are the second-largest Asian American group in the nation. Filipino Americans have made significant contributions to the growth and success of the United States including, the arts and culture of the United States and provide invaluable contributions in the health field, service industry, hospitality, technology, education, government and construction. Roughly 250,000 Filipino men and women served in the armed forces during WWII.
Filipino American farmworkers led the Delano Grape Strikes of 1965, which helped shape labor unions and advocate for better working conditions and pay. Many Filipino Americans fought against racial violence, anti-miscegenation laws, labor inequalities and housing discrimination during the civil rights movement.
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Navratri is a 10-day annual Hindu festival honoring the divine feminine. For many people it is a time of religious reflection and fasting, while for others it is a time for dancing and feasting.
As part of the fasting customs, some people observe a strict vegetarian diet and abstain from alcohol and certain spices. Dances performed include garba, especially in Gujarat. Typically, the festival’s nine nights are dedicated to different aspects of the divine feminine principle, or shakti. While the pattern varies somewhat by region, generally the first third of the festival focuses on aspects of the goddess Durga, the second third on the goddess Lakshmi, and the final third on the goddess Sarasvati.
Offerings are often made to the goddesses and their various aspects, and rituals are performed in their honor. One popular ritual is Kanya Puja, which takes place on the eighth or ninth day. In this ritual nine young girls are dressed as the nine goddess aspects celebrated during Navratri and are worshipped with ritual foot washing and given offerings such as food and clothing.
Upcoming IDEAs Council Topics:
November – Diabetes Awareness Month and World Freedom Day
December – Universal Human Rights Month and International Volunteer Day