Embracing Diversity Through Holiday Recognition
NEW YORK (AP) — John Albert is thrilled that his daughter won’t be attending school this Friday, marking a significant cultural shift for their family and many others. For the first time, all public school students in New York City will observe the holiday of Diwali, a festival celebrated in India and among the global Indian diaspora, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness across various communities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
Years of advocacy from individuals within New York’s South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities, like Albert, have culminated in this milestone. They successfully pushed for the inclusion of Diwali in the school calendar alongside other significant holidays such as Rosh Hashanah, the Lunar New Year, Eid al-Fitr, as well as federal holidays like Veterans Day, Christmas, and Memorial Day. “We wanted to weave our culture into the fabric of New York,” Albert stated, highlighting the importance of representation.
As the landscape of holiday observances evolves across the nation, it reflects a mosaic of cultures. This diverse array can serve as a glimpse into the values of different regions—Louisiana celebrates Mardi Gras, Hawaii honors King Kamehameha, California observes Cesar Chavez Day, and Texas joins in the festivities for the Day of the Dead. These unique celebrations showcase the rich tapestry of American culture.
Including various cultural holidays fosters a sense of unity among communities, according to Lauren Strauss, professor of modern Jewish history at American University. By acknowledging holidays like Diwali and Islamic celebrations, we affirm that these cultures and communities are integral to the American identity. “It paints a different picture of what it means to be American and what the American calendar encompasses,” she elaborated.
The Growing Demand for Diverse Holiday Celebrations
As cultural holidays gain recognition, businesses are responding to the shift in consumer demand. Kelly Ricker, chief product officer at American Greetings, noted that celebrating holidays, regardless of their scale, is an essential part of human connection. The company continuously adapts to meet the needs of consumers seeking diverse greeting cards.
Chris Sargiotto, founder of Apartment 2 Cards, embarked on a mission about 15 years ago to diversify holiday offerings. Originally limited to Christmas and Hanukkah, his product line now includes Kwanzaa and Ramadan, with plans to introduce Diwali cards next year. “We’re seeing a strong demand from stores for these types of cards,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of representing various cultural holidays.
The Challenges of Change
Not all holidays come without contention. Columbus Day, which was established in the 20th century due to the efforts of Italian Americans, has sparked significant debate in recent years. Indigenous communities have raised concerns, leading to the rise of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which, while not federally recognized, is celebrated in many states.
Communities may also face challenges in awareness and understanding. In Montville, New Jersey, the police department issued a statement educating the public about Diwali and the potential presence of swastikas, an ancient symbol in some religions, to foster understanding and prevent misconceptions. Chief Andrew Caggiano described this initiative as “a great opportunity to raise awareness about the diverse cultures present within our community,” emphasizing the importance of education and inclusivity.
As the U.S. continues to embrace various cultural holidays, it not only enriches community ties but also cultivates a deeper understanding of the myriad identities that contribute to the nation’s fabric.