Fast Five Friday: Purim, Holi, and St. Patrick's Day

America has long played host to a variety of diverse immigrant groups, each bringing their own unique culture and celebrations with them. March 16th -22nd happens to host three such cultural celebrations: the Jewish festival of Purim, the Hindu celebration of Holi, and the Catholic observance of St. Patrick’s Day. YOUR Alexandria campus is highlighting these holidays and linking you to the information you need to learn more about these notable days and the immigrant groups that brought these celebrations to the American mixing pot.

Click here to access World Religions Online

World Religions Online is an excellent resource to research the rites, beliefs, notables, and observances of global religions.

E 184 S69 L36 1997

Use this resource to learn more about the history, culture, and beliefs of one of the fastest growing segments of the American population. Explore the culture contributions made by these Americans of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepalese, and Afghan origin.

E 184 I6 I684 1997

Though you might not be able to tell from the American embrace of St. Patrick’s festivities and the current romanticism of Irish culture, Irish Americans were not initially widely welcome in the United States.  Learn more about this immigrant group’s struggle for acceptance and identity through this anthology.

E 184 J5 H566 1997

Jewish Americans have a long, complex, and important place in the history of the United States. Use this text to learn more about Jewish contributions to the social, artistic and political life of the U.S. by learning more about notable Jewish American leaders, the hostility and misunderstanding they faced, and how well established communities of Jews were able to assimilate into their surroundings while maintaining their unique religious and cultural practices.

Click here to access Gale US History in Context

US History in Context

This database can be used to search for information on how and why immigrant groups came to the United States, how they fared in American society, and how well their social and cultural practices were integrated into the culture as a whole.