National and global holidays abound throughout the year, each one colorful, unique, and dedicated to raising support and awareness for meaningful causes and groups. Perhaps most memorable of these global events are Heritage Months.
Regardless of your own ethnicity, everyone can find beauty in different heritages and appreciate what each one has contributed to the world, whether it be art, music, or cultural traditions.
Here are the heritage celebrations by month.
Do you know all of them?
1. February: Black History Month
February is Black History Month. An annual month-long celebration, Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate Black History, which is American history. The culture, wisdom, and arts that Black culture has brought to the United States and to the world is invaluable. It is an important part of American history that offers the opportunity to learn, reflect, and appreciate both the small and the big things in life.
đź’ˇ Did you know?
Black History Month has a different theme each year, which is chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). 2023's theme, Black Resistance, acknowledges the people and organizations that have fought oppression.
Suggested Reading: Why Siblings Can Have Different Ancestry Results
2. March: women's History Month
That's right—we're including Women's History Month in this Heritage Month round-up because women are of all nations, and their contributions to events in history and modern society should never be overlooked.
đź’ˇ Did you know?
In 1978, the Sonoma, California school district organized a Women's Appreciation Week in an effort to rectify the absence of women-focused material in the existing K-12 curriculum. From there, the event caught on and spread throughout the U.S. and abroad subsequent years after that.
Suggested Reading: Y-DNA and Tracing Your Father's Ancestry: A Woman's Guide to Paternal Lineage
3. April: Arab American Heritage Month
Although Arab American Heritage Month only became officially recognized by President Biden in April, 2021, Arab Americans have long contributed to and shaped American society in various areas such as literature, food, music, and culture. The month-long celebration honors the diverse and vibrant aspects of Arab American identity, culture, and experience.
đź’ˇ Did you know?
There have been four significant waves of Arabs immigrating to the U.S. They occurred from the 1880's to 1924, 1925 to 1965, the 1960's until the 1990's, and then from the 1990's until present day. Many of these people are among refugees, laborers, white-collar professionals, students, and those fleeing political unrest.
4. May: Asian American & Pacific islander Heritage Month
May marks the many contributions and achievements of the AAPI community with Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The month-long celebration of the AAPI community aims to highlight the vast diversity of groups that fall under the AAPI umbrella, each with their own culture, customs, identities and experiences.
đź’ˇ Did you know?
The dream of cross-country travel, made possible by the U.S.' transcontinental railroad, would have never been realized without the blood, sweat, and tears of Chinese laborers, who were paid meager sums to work six days a week from 1864 to 1869.
5. May: Jewish American Heritage Month
President Biden once said: "The Jewish American story, and the story of our Nation as a whole, is fueled by faith, resilience, and hope. It is a story defined by a firm belief in possibilities, the resolve to make real the promise of America for all Americans, and a commitment to perfecting our Union."
Suggested Reading: Who Are the Ashkenazi?
đź’ˇ Did you know?
There are 5.3 million US Jews, which is 2.2 percent of the population.
Suggested Reading: Is "Jewish" An Ethnicity?
6. September: Hispanic (Latinx) Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration in the United States that honors the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans from September 15th to October 15th. More specifically, these individual's ancestries can be traced to 20 countries and one territory — which includes Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Spain.
While most of us are familiar with the official and more common umbrella term, "Hispanic," it does not fully represent the diverse races, cultures, and indigenous languages that encompass this large community. That's why you may also see this recognized as Latinx Heritage Month.
đź’ˇ Did you know?
Many of the country's most important cultural institutions, including the National Park Service, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. If you're looking for ways to celebrate, the NPS shares ideas on how you can honor Hispanic Heritage Month in the outdoors.
7. November: Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month. While Native Americans make up about 2.5% of the total population, and their history and contributions are of vital importance to the nation's history, much of it has been forgotten or overlooked.
That's why the annual month-long celebration is so important. It's an opportunity to remember. To honor and celebrate the rich culture, traditions, history, and contributions of American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
Suggested Reading: Top 13 American Ancestry Surprises All Americans Should Know
đź’ˇ Did you know?
Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to learn about indigenous history! Through government archives, ancestral places, museums, and by the people today, Native American history is preserved.
Want More Ancestry Surprises?
Check out some of our articles below:
Suggested Reading: Who Are The Polish People?
Suggested Reading: Top 5 Irish Ancestry Surprises All Irish Should Know
Suggested Reading: Top 6 German Ancestry Surprises All Germans Should Know
Discover Where Your Ancestors Came From
Ancestry DNA can tell you what regions your ancestors came from and which traits are specific to only you. By comparing DNA samples from all over the world, you can zero in on your family’s past, learning where they migrated from, when they moved locations, along with other migration patterns.
You are here today because your ancestors, my ancestors, all our ancestors—conquered unbeatable odds (literally, drought, famine, and the Ice Age could have wiped humans out), so they could pass their genes on to subsequent generations… to us.
For more information concerning DNA testing and how to select the best form of testing for your needs, click HERE.
There is a treasure trove of information waiting to be uncovered.
