Earth Day turned 51 years old this year. On April 22, 1970, its humble beginnings occurred when Gaylord Nelson conducted the first environmental awareness protest against industry-caused air pollution. 20 million Americans participated in the protest, spreading the importance of climate awareness in our world.
Earth Day is a day of connection and education, and Jarvisen believes a healthy relationship with the world facilitates a stronger bond with its people. Earth Day may have had its start in North America, but cultures around the world help spread environmental awareness through their traditions. This blog shows you how other cultures have spent their Earth Day in the past and the present.
EARTH EXPO - JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
Johannesburg’s first official event began in 2016, known as the Earth Expo, or the Sustainable Lifestyle Event. The 2016 Earth Expo ran four days, educating visitors about implementing a ‘Going Green’ lifestyle, how to shop while keeping the environment in mind, and how to support local environmental-awareness communities. The Expo consisted of five categories over the four-day event: food and nutrition, interior design, fashion, technology, and building.
There is no mention of an Earth Expo 2021, but Sustainability Week is its closest cousin. Sustainability Week discusses similar environmental-awareness topics and runs from September 21 through the 23rd. You can read more about the 2021 virtual live event here.
EARTH DAY UNITED - COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Photo by Stephen Niemeier from Pexels
Denmark is one of three eco-conscious countries in the world, thanks to its advanced wind technology and biking culture. In 2017, Copenhagen saw its first Earth Day event through “Earth Day United.” A Greenlandic shaman named Angajoq Nattortalissuaq organized the event through Facebook, a free-of-charge experience for anyone interested in environmental health protection. Earth Day United consisted of drum-playing, where participants could bring drums and play at fifteen-minute intervals. Together with Angajoq, people formed a circle to direct the positive energy and their playing to all four corners of the world.
EARTH FEST ONLINE - NEW YORK, USA
Photo by Charlotte May from Pexels
The Earth Day 1970 protest took place in New York, and as a result, New York has more than one way to celebrate environmental awareness. From nature walks to picnics to presentations from keynote speakers, New York keeps the Earth Day spirit alive during the third week of April.
In the wake of 2021, the American Museum of Natural History spearheaded Earth Fest Online. The virtual event includes five scheduled exhibitions, ranging from live puppet performances, informational sessions on climate change and its impact, conservation tactics, and even an Earth Day dance party! All ages are welcome to learn how they can help stop climate change and how to Go Green.
DHAMMA EARTH DAY - THAILAND
Buddhist culture believes Earth Day should maintain a personal relationship between yourself and the world. In Thailand, Earth Day is also referred to as Dhamma Earth Day. Dhamma Earth Day encourages Buddhist monks and others that a “clean world” equals a “clean mind.” By having a positive relationship with the world, you will develop a positive relationship with yourself. Dhamma Earth Day takes place at the Buddhist temple Wat Phra Dhamma and leads visitors in a meditation session from morning through the afternoon. The session also teaches visitors three of Buddha’s Teachings: Dana, Sila, and Bhavana. The day ends with visitors and monks circling the temple.
Earth Day reminds us that a healthy world forms healthy bonds between people. When we connect to the world, we connect to its people, too. Order a Jarvisen Translator today to start connecting with the people you love and the people you meet. Act now, and you can get $50 off your first purchase: https://www.jarvisen.com/products/jarvisen-translator.
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