Category: March 25

• INTERNATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE VICTIMS OF SLAVERY AND THE TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE – March 25

  INTERNATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE VICTIMS OF SLAVERY AND THE TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE

  Each year on March 25th, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is set aside to honor and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of slavery. The day also raises awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice.

  Between the 16th and 19th centuries, up to 17 million slaves were transported against their will from Africa to the Americas. Up to 2.4 million slaves died during the voyage. Millions more died soon after their arrival in the New World. Most of the people who were enslaved and transported came from Central and West Africa.

  The first people to engage in the transatlantic slave trade were the Portuguese. In 1526, the Portuguese made the first slave voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to Brazil. Other Europeans followed suit. The British, French, Dutch, and the Danes became major slave-trading nations.

  Despite the fact they were human beings, shipowners treated slaves like cargo. They shipped the slaves as quickly and cheaply as possible. Upon their arrival in the Americas, agents sold the slaves to work on plantations, as well as mines, rice fields, and as domestic servants.

  In 1807, Britain passed the first legislation banning the slave trade. By 1815, the British pressured the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Portugal to do the same. Five years later in 1820, the United States made slave trading punishable by the death penalty.

  The selling, transporting, and owning of slaves is considered one of the worst violations of human rights the world has ever experienced. The United States officially abolished slavery in the United States in 1865. However, racial segregation and prejudice against African Americans continue to this day.

  HOW TO OBSERVE

  To commemorate this day, many universities and human rights organizations host exhibits, lectures, and discussions. Study the transatlantic slave trade and the implications it had on Africa and the entire world. You can also watch the movie Amazing Grace. The film is based on the true story of House of Commons member William Wilberforce, whose life ambition was to end the slave trade in Britain.

  HISTORY

  On December 17, 2007, the UN General Assembly designated March 25th as the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The commemorates the day in 1807 when the House of Commons and the House of Lords passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. On March 25th, 2015, the UN unveiled a permanent memorial called the Ark of Return. The memorial was erected at the UN Headquarters in New York City to remember those who suffered and died during the slave trade.

   

  March 24, 2020

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  Michele

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  International, March, March 25

• INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH DETAINED AND MISSING STAFF MEMBERS – March 25

  INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH DETAINED AND MISSING STAFF MEMBERS

  Every year on March 25th, the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members commemorates the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett. He was kidnapped by armed gunman in 1985. Collett, a former British journalist, was kidnapped at gunpoint while working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Collett’s body wasn’t found until 2009.

  More recently, in 2018, 16 UN staff members were kidnapped or abducted. All of them were released. In 2019, 21 UN staff members were arrested or in detention. Five of them were held without any formal charges. Kidnap victims are held on average for 12 days. However, Vincent Cochetel, a worker with a UN refugee agency was held captive for 317 days in 1998.

  These attacks on humanitarian workers often take place in unstable environments. Political motivation is believed to be the primary reason for such kidnappings.

  The United Nations was founded in 1945. Currently, nearly 100,000 UN staff members are active in different countries. Of those staff members, 3,500 brave men and women have lost their lives while working with the organization. The 1990s were especially difficult. During this decade, more lives were lost than in the previous four decades combined. The UN began to realize that the more active they became, the more their staff would become targeted.

  HOW TO OBSERVE 

  On this day, many people remember the sacrifices and fates of detained and missing international workers. It’s also a day to honor the peacekeepers who work in dangerous regions around the world. To participate, learn more about Alec Collett. Say a prayer that all of those who are missing or detained will be found or released.

  HISTORY

  Since 1985, the UN has marked the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett. In 1993, the UN established the Convention on the Safety of the United Nations and Associated Personnel. The UN General Assembly adopted this Convention in 1994. At that time, the UN also declared March 25th as International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members.

   

  March 24, 2020

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  Michele

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  International, March, March 25

• WAFFLE DAY (Sweden) – March 25

  WAFFLE DAY (Sweden)

  Every year on March 25th, Scandinavians celebrate their love of waffles. Waffle Day is especially popular in Sweden, but Scandinavians in Norway and Denmark also celebrate the day.

  #WaffleDay

  Christians in Sweden observe the Feast of Annunciation on March 25th. On this day, the angel Gabriel is believed to have told the Virgin Mary she was to be the mother of Jesus Christ. (This date is exactly nine months before Christmas Day). The Feast of Annunciation is also known as “Our Lady’s Day.”

  In Swedish, the word for Our Lady’s Day is Vårfrudagen. When said quickly, the word Vårfrudagen sounds like våffeldagen, which is the Swedish word for waffle. For this reason, Swedes are known for eating waffles on the Feast of Annunciation.

  Today, more people in Sweden eat waffles on this day, instead of celebrating the Virgin Mary.

  You probably already know what a waffle is. In case you don’t, it’s made with the same ingredients as pancakes. The difference between the two is that waffles are cooked between two plates or a waffle iron. One difference between Swedish waffles is that they are flatter than traditional Belgian waffles. This is because Swedish waffles are made without yeast.

  Most waffles are either square, round, or rectangular-shaped. Traditional waffles in Scandinavia, however, are four heart-shaped waffles stuck together. No matter what shape they are made, waffles always contain a pattern of squares, which are great for soaking up butter, syrup, and other toppings.

  HOW TO OBSERVE WAFFLE DAY

  Just because this day is especially popular amongst Scandinavians, doesn’t mean you can’t join in on the celebration. Because, after all, who doesn’t love waffles? While Scandinavians usually top their waffles with jam and lightly whipped cream, there are many other creative ways to eat them.

  Try some of these yummy toppings:

  • Peanut butter, sliced bananas, and chocolate sauce
  • Marshmallow fluff, graham cracker crumbles, and chocolate sauce
  • Crushed pineapple, sweetened shredded coconut, and macadamia nuts
  • Cream cheese, lox, and capers
  • Canadian bacon, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce
  • Bacon, lettuce, and tomato
  • Applesauce, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts

  Another fun way to celebrate the day is to host a waffle party and let your guest choose their own toppings! You could also attempt to make your own Swedish waffles. Take a photo of your waffle creation and share it on social media with #WaffleDay.

  WAFFLE DAY HISTORY

  Christians in Sweden have most likely been celebrating the Feast of Annunciation since the 12th century. This was when Catholic missionaries Christianized the country. Swedes have been eating waffles since at least the early 1600s. Our team is still researching the exact date Swedes combined the two observances.

  March 24, 2020

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  Michele

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  International, March, March 25