Holidays provide a great way to introduce students to the culture and history of a country. “Observe” a world holiday in your classroom by asking students to research the holiday’s origins or learn more about a particular aspect of the country.
Holiday Focus: Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday
Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, but her birthday is officially celebrated in June. In the United Kingdom, the Queen’s Birthday is on the second Saturday in June (so it is not a day off from work). In British Commonwealth countries it is marked on different dates, including the first Monday in June (New Zealand, Papua New Guinea), second Friday in June (Solomon Islands), and the second Monday in June (Australia). Official events vary by country, but for many people, the day is simply enjoyed as time off from work and school.
World Holidays Featured This Month
Namibia – YouthDay/The Day of the African Child – June 16
Marks the 1976 slayings of children in Soweto, South Africa.
Instigated by Nelson Mandela and the ANC on their election to power in 1994, in remembrance of those that died in the Soweto riots in 1976.
United States, UK and Canada – Father’s Day – June 21
Day set apart in many countries for honouring fathers, observed on the third Sunday in June in the USA, UK, and Canada. The idea for a father’s day originated with Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, USA, in 1909 (after hearing a sermon on Mother’s Day), and through her efforts the first Father’s Day was celebrated there in 1910.
Scandinavia – Midsummer Eve – June 22
After a long, dark winter, people in Scandinavia celebrate the coming of summer and of light, usually around June 22.
Luxembourg – Grand Duke’s Birthday – June 23
This celebration of the monarchy is also called National Day.
Serbia – Vidovdan – June 28
A religious holiday that also commemorates the Battle of Kosovo.
Malta – Imnarja – June 29
A harvest feast dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul.
French Polynesia – Autonomie Interne (Autonomy Day) – June 29
Celebrates Tahitian self-rule. A cultural parade on this day kicks off the Tiurai (meaning “July”) festivities, which last from June until August and include athletic competitions, dancing, pageantry, and other cultural events.
Suggested Resources:
- Lands and Cultures (Federated Search grades 6-12)
- Social Studies (Federated Search grades K-5)
- Lands and People
- CultureGrams Kids
- Gale Virtual Reference Library
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