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Office of Institutional Safety & Equity (OISE)
December 2021
During the holiday season our hearts are full with a spirit of service. The Diversity Awareness Newsletter and Calendar will resume in January with our plans for a PAFA-wide MLK Day of Service and the launch of OISE's Social Justice Initiative.

On behalf of the entire Office of Institutional Safety and Equity (OISE) team we would like to wish you and your family a safe and joyous holiday season and a very Happy New year!

-- Dr. Ronke Oke
The Office of Institutional Safety & Equity
Happy Holidays from OISE!
"Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the ancient Jews’ reclamation of their temple in Jerusalem after occupation by the Syrian-Greek empire. The Jewish Maccabees reentered the temple and found only a tiny bit of oil—barely enough to burn their lamps for one day. Instead, the oil burned for eight days—a Chanukah miracle."
What is Bodhi Day?
The day Siddhartha reached enlightenment, became Buddha, and began teaching others how to meditate is recognized as Bodhi Day. It is celebrated on different days depending on the country in which the celebrations are taking place. Some Buddhists celebrate it in December while others will celebrate on 24th January in 2018. Bodhi Day is celebrated in a calm, quiet and peaceful manner. Many Buddhists will spend the day meditating and praying with a focus on the Four Noble Truths.
Did you know that the fig tree is also known as the Bodhi tree?
The Bodhi tree grows near the banks of the Falgu River in Gaya, India. 
At home, Buddhists might decorate a bodhi tree with lights and statues of Buddha may be displayed around the house. Candles, representing enlightenment, will be lit for 30 days. Some might eat a traditional meal of rice and milk as this was the first meal the Buddha ate after he reached enlightenment under the tree.

Famous celebrity Buddhists include Tina Turner, Kate Hudson, Keanu Reeves, Orlando Bloom, and Tiger Woods.
Christmas
The name 'Christmas' comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service (which is sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) is where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life. The 'Christ-Mass' service was the only one that was allowed to take place after sunset (and before sunrise the next day), so people had it at Midnight! So we get the name Christ-Mass, shortened to Christmas. [Source: whyChristmas.com]
Christmas Foods
From chestnuts roasting on an open fire to holiday fruitcakes and egg nog, we highlight another Christmas food tradition turned holiday competition -- Gingerbread houses.

A holiday tradition at Peddler’s Village since
1984, the Gingerbread Competition and display at PEDDLERS VILLAGE is a feast for the eyes with 130 creative and whimsical entries in eight categories. The Gingerbread entries will be on exhibit during shopping hours from November 19 through January 8, 2022 | Admission is free
14 COVID Friendly Ways to Celebrate Christmas This Year

The holidays may look a bit different again in 2021. Here's how to celebrate Christmas with family, while keeping your loved ones safe.

Read more
www.tasteofhome.com
Kwanzaa
"During the week of Kwanzaa, families and communities come together to share a feast, to honor the ancestors, affirm the bonds between them, and to celebrate African and African American culture. Each day they light a candle to highlight the principle of that day and to breathe meaning into the principles with various activities, such as reciting the sayings or writings of great black thinkers and writers, reciting original poetry, African drumming, and sharing a meal of African diaspora-inspired foods. The table is decorated with the essential symbols of Kwanzaa, such as the Kinara (Candle Holder), Mkeka (Mat), Muhindi (corn to represent the children), Mazao (fruit to represent the harvest), and Zawadi (gifts). One might also see the colors of the Pan-African flag, red (the struggle), black (the people), and green (the future), represented throughout the space and in the clothing worn by participants. These colors were first proclaimed to be the colors for all people of the African diaspora by Marcus Garvey." [Source: NMAAHC]
7 Principles of Kwanzaa
The Brodsky Center
July 8, 2021 - April 3, 2022
Walter & Leonore Anneberg Gallery

"With the goal of capturing American artists’ influential and prolific output in the graphic arts PAFA’s acquisitions of contemporary prints have intensified over the past several years. This exhibition presents a selection of works on paper from these recent additions to the permanent collection."