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International Record Store Day image of record player on a turntable. AI generated

International Record Store Day

12/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

A Celebration of International Record Store Day

Vinyl lovers, rejoice! Every year, music fans around the world celebrate International Record Store Day (RSD). It’s a day dedicated to independent record stores, rare vinyl releases, and the joy of discovering music the old-school way. But how did this tradition start? Let’s take a spin through its history.

The Birth of Record Store Day

International Record Store Day (RSD) started in 2007 when a group of record store owners had an idea. Streaming was on the rise, and digital music threatened physical sales. They wanted to remind the world of the magic of vinyl. So, in 2008, the first Record Store Day was held. It featured exclusive vinyl releases, live performances, and packed indie shops. It was a hit! Music fans of all kinds flocked to local stores, eager to grab limited-edition records and experience the thrill of crate-digging.

The event wasn’t just about sales. It was about celebrating music culture, independent artists, and the unique charm of brick-and-mortar record shops. Stores that once faced the threat of closing saw a resurgence of interest. Record collectors, both young and old, came together to share their love of vinyl.

The Growth of a Global Phenomenon

What started in the U.S. quickly spread worldwide. Today, Record Store Day happens in countries across the globe. Every April, artists release special editions, fans queue outside their favourite shops, and live music fills the air. Big names like David Bowie, Taylor Swift, and Prince have all had exclusive RSD releases. But it’s not just about the stars. Independent and underground artists also use RSD as a platform to reach new audiences.

The event has helped drive the vinyl resurgence. Over the past decade, vinyl sales have soared, proving that physical music is far from dead. Collectors appreciate the superior sound quality, the detailed album art, and the joy of flipping through records in a store.

Why Vinyl Still Matters

There’s something special about vinyl. The crackle of the needle, the album artwork, the feeling of holding music in your hands—it’s an experience. Record Store Day keeps that alive. It supports small businesses and keeps music culture thriving. In a world of instant streaming, RSD reminds us to slow down and savour music in a more meaningful way.

Join the Celebration!

Want to be part of the fun? Find a participating store near you. Get there early, hunt for hidden gems, and maybe even catch a live show. Whether you’re a longtime collector or just curious, RSD welcomes everyone.

So, dust off that turntable and get ready to spin. Happy Record Store Day!

Resources

Local Edinburgh Record Stores:

Vinyl Villains: An Edinburgh Staple
Assai Records Edinburgh
Underground Solution
Thorne Records: Just round the corner from our Merchiston Campus!

We have a wide variety of resources in the Library for you to access. We have books, sheet music and digital resources for listening online. Check out LibrarySearch to find out more.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on Music here on the blog with: The Article: World Music Day

 

Image of people in kilts for Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath

Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath

04/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath: Scotland’s Legacy of Freedom

Every year on April 6th, Scots and their descendants celebrate Tartan Day. It honours Scotland’s rich heritage and the lasting impact of its people worldwide. But the date is no accident. April 6th marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, a historic document that shaped the fight for Scottish independence.

The Declaration of Arbroath: A Bold Statement of Freedom

On April 6, 1320, Scottish nobles sent a letter to Pope John XXII. It declared Scotland’s right to exist as an independent nation. The letter, now known as the Declaration of Arbroath, was addressed to the Pope because he had the power to influence King Edward II of England. Scotland had fought for decades to break free from English rule. This document was a plea for recognition and support.

Written in Latin, the declaration made a passionate case for self-rule. It stated that Scotland had always been free and would remain so. The most famous line reads:

“As long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.”

This was a radical statement for the time. Kings ruled by divine right, but here was a document saying a king’s authority depended on the will of the people. If he failed to protect their freedom, they could choose another leader.

The Lasting Impact of the Declaration of Arbroath

The Declaration of Arbroath didn’t immediately win Scotland’s independence. But it strengthened the country’s resolve. Eventually, in 1328, England recognized Scotland’s sovereignty through the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton.

Centuries later, the declaration’s words still inspire. Some historians see echoes of it in the American Declaration of Independence. The idea that government exists by the will of the people resonates strongly today.

A History of Tartan

Tartan has a deep history. The Celts wove early versions over 3,000 years ago. By the 16th century, Scots wore it widely. Each region had its own patterns. Families later claimed unique designs.

In 1746, the British banned tartan after the Jacobite uprising. The law aimed to weaken Highland identity. Scots defied the ban in secret. In 1782, the government lifted it. Tartan returned stronger than ever.

By the 19th century, Queen Victoria embraced tartan. It became a symbol of Scottish pride. Today, designers use it worldwide. From kilts to catwalks, tartan remains iconic.

Kinds of Tartan

1. Clan Tartan: Each Scottish clan has its own tartan. Families wear their specific patterns with pride.

2. District Tartan: These represent regions, not families. People from a certain area can wear them.

3. Hunting Tartan: Designed for outdoor wear, these use muted earth tones. They blend into nature.

4. Dress Tartan: Brighter and fancier, often with more white. Traditionally worn for formal events.

5. Mourning Tartan: Darker shades, usually black and grey. Worn to honour lost loved ones.

6. Royal Tartan: Reserved for the British royal family. The Balmoral tartan, for example, is exclusive to them.

7. Corporate Tartan: Businesses and organizations create custom tartans. They use them for branding and uniforms.

The Witches of Scotland Tartan

The Witches of Scotland tartan has recently been released. It honours those accused of witchcraft in Scotland. It features deep purples, blacks, and greys, symbolizing mourning and justice. Designed in 2022, it supports the campaign for a formal apology and pardon. The tartan raises awareness of past injustices and sparks conversations. Many wear it to show solidarity with victims of the witch trials.

Tartan Day: A Modern Celebration

Tartan Day originated in Canada in the 1980s. The idea was to recognize the contributions of Scottish immigrants and to celebrate Scotland around the world.

Parades, Highland games, and cultural events mark the day. People wear kilts and display their family tartans. Pipe bands march through cities, and Scottish heritage groups educate the public about their roots. The day is a reminder of Scotland’s influence around the world.

Why Tartan Day Matters

Tartan Day isn’t just about history. It’s about identity. Millions of people around the world have Scottish ancestry. They take pride in their heritage and in the values of perseverance, independence, and freedom.

Whether you have Scottish roots or simply admire the culture, Tartan Day is a chance to celeb

Resources

Read more on Librarysearch about Tartan and more on Scotland here on our Blog with articles like:

Bridges of Scotland or Scottish Women in Science

By Juliet Kinsey

library infomation

Celebrating the Anniversary of Decimalisation

15/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

Celebrating the Anniversary of Decimalisation

As a student it’s important to manage your money and make sure that your fees and bills are paid promptly, whilst also leaving yourself enough to buy food and, of course, do some socialising. You may rarely carry cash as card payments dominate for most purchases, but some people and businesses still prefer to use cash. In the UK at the beginning of the 1970’s using cash was the norm, but changes were about to be made to the existing currency. 15th February is the anniversary of the date the UK changed its currency, sterling, from the old pounds, shillings and pence to decimal currency (units related by powers of 10). Before this, the currency used was not as straightforward and consisted of a baffling array of coins. Using the decimal system made calculations much easier as you will see…

Background

Pre-decimalisation coinage was introduced by King Henry II of England and was based on the troy system of weighing precious metals. A penny was one pennyweight of silver. A pound sterling weighed 240 pennyweights or a pound of sterling silver. Pounds were divided into twenty shillings, shillings into twelve pennies, pennies into two halfpennies and four farthings.

All these amounts of money had corresponding coins and to make matters more complicated there were even more – 2 sixpences made a shilling, 5 shillings made a crown and there were half crowns, florins and groats. By 1971 many of these coins had been phased out.

Attempts to change

Proposals to decimalise sterling were first made in Parliament in 1824 and there were many more attempts to legislate for conversion throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The successful transition to decimal currency in South Africa led the UK government to set up the Committee of the Inquiry on Decimal Currency, known as the Halsbury Committee. In 1963 the Halsbury Committee published its findings. Lord Halsbury concluded that due to the pound’s importance as a global reserve currency it should remain the main unit of currency. A series of new decimal coins would be created, and all existing coins would either be replaced or phased out.

Change happens

It was in 1966 that decimalisation was finally debated and then legislated on in May 1969 with the approval of the Decimal Currency Act. On 15th February 1971 the switch over took place. February had been chosen because it was assessed to be the quietest time of the year for banks, shops and transport organisations. Banks were closed for 4 days before the changeover.

Public reaction to the prospect of a new currency was mixed. Many thought they would find it confusing. Others thought that shopkeepers would use the introduction as a way to put prices up. Shops often displayed prices in both currencies. Currency converters were available for the public, but most people didn’t have any difficulties. For a short time, the old and new currencies operated in unison – people could pay in pounds, shillings and pence and receive new decimal money as change. It was originally planned that old money would be phased out of circulation over a period of eighteen months, but as it turned out, the old penny, halfpenny and threepenny coins were officially taken out of circulation as early as August 1971.

Today

Although we still have decimal currency, card payments make up the majority of transactions, but some people still prefer to use cash. They feel it makes budgeting easier as they only spend the cash they have taken out from a bank or ATM. Whichever method of payment you prefer you will no doubt agree that the decimal currency is much easier to calculate.

You can use Library Search find books and articles on finance, banking and student finance.

In My Napier webpages there are articles providing information, guidance and support to a wide range of finance-specific information.

If you would like free advice on help with financial issues you can contact Citizens Advice who may be able to assist. Remember to take along any documents relevant to your query.

Read more on the library blog. Check out our article on: The Dewey Decimal Classification System

By Vivienne Hamilton

New year military tattoo at the castle: Scottish New Year Traditions

Scottish New Year Traditions

31/12/2024 / / 1 Comment

Scottish New Year Traditions

An old Scottish New Year tradition was First Footing – all you had to do was grab a lump of coal and a bottle of whisky and visit your neighbour to “see in” the New Year. This tradition is thought to date back to the Viking times and is quite quaint and sedate, but in modern times some of our New Year traditions have become a little bit crazy…..

Stonehaven Fireballs

This spectacular display takes place in the town of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. Roughly 40 people take part and at the stroke of midnight, the fireballs are lit and are whirled around by those brave enough to take part in the procession along the High Street. The balls are made from wood and fabric soaked in paraffin and then enclosed in wire mesh. The procession takes around half an hour and the balls are hurled into the sea at the end. The origins of the tradition are unclear, but it has now become a popular tourist attraction. If you can’t attend the procession, there has been a webcam allowing remote viewing in the past which will hopefully be running again this year and the link is here. You can check out previous processions online by clicking here.

The Ba’, Kirkwall, Orkney

The game begins at 1pm on New Year’s Day when the Ba’ is thrown up from the Mercat Cross outside St. Magnus Cathedral. Two teams, Uppies and Doonies try to get the Ba’- a leather ball filled with cork handmade by local craftsmen- to their respective home goals. For Uppies it’s at the far end of the main street opposite the catholic church, and for Doonies it’s Kirkwall Harbour. If the Ba’ “gaas doon” then the players are expected to jump into the harbour. It’s a contest of scrums, pushing, shoving, fast sprints and sneaky smuggles. Where your allegiance lies used to depend on where you were born with Uppies being born south of the cathedral and Doonies born north of it. Now with many women being sent to Aberdeen to give birth, most men play on the side their father or grandfather played on. The game mostly takes place on the town’s main streets with businesses and homes boarding up their properties to prevent damage.

Rules of The Game

There are no rules, and a game can last for many hours with little movement of the scrum. Only when a team member manages to get the Ba’ to the outer players can a fast break or smuggle (up a player’s jumper) take place. It is then chaotic with those in possession of the Ba’ trying to get as close as possible to their goal whilst throwing the opposition off the trail by using the winding lanes in Kirkwall’s streets.

Once the winning team has reached their goal, the Ba’ is presented to a member of the team-usually someone who has participated for many years. It’s a lot easier to watch than take part in-click here to watch the Ba’ from a previous year.

The Loony Dook, South Queensferry

Held on New Year’s Day, The Loony Dook is a charity event requiring the participants to dip into the freezing cold waters of the Firth of Forth. The name comes from two Scots words, loony (a crazy person) and dook (to bathe or take a dip).

The first Loony Dook took place in 1986 when some friends suggested it would be a good hangover cure. The following year it became a charity event with proceeds going to local charities such as RNLI Queensferry. Over the years the event grew to include a fancy dress parade and became so large it had to become an organized event. Each year thousands of onlookers come to watch participants who are greeted by pipers and offered hot porridge before taking the plunge.

The event has caught on in other Scottish seaside towns along the Firth such as North Berwick, Kirkcaldy and St. Andrews so if you can’t make it to South Queensferry, then you may be able to catch the action at a different venue. If you prefer to stay warm and dry at New Year then click here to view a previous Loony Dook from the comfort of your home!

By Vivienne Hamilton

Find amazing resources on Scotland in LibrarySearch.napier.ac.uk

Read more about Scottish Traditions with this post on Burns Night.

Image of Scottish flag. A History of St Andrew's Day

A History of St Andrew’s Day

30/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

A History of St Andrew’s Day

Today is St. Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s patron saint’s day! Although November 30 isn’t a national holiday, celebrations are held across Scotland with events like ceilidhs and fun runs.

The History of St. Andrew’s Day

St. Andrew was born around 5 AD in Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. He became a fisherman, like his brother, who later became St. Peter. Initially, Andrew followed St. John the Baptist, but he later joined Jesus as one of the twelve apostles. Tradition holds that he travelled widely, preaching in places like Scythia, Thrace, the Black Sea, and along the Dnieper River, reaching as far as Kyiv and Novgorod. His legacy made him a patron saint of Ukraine, Romania, Russia, and Scotland.

A 4th-century account describes Andrew’s crucifixion on an X-shaped cross, or saltire, which he requested, feeling unworthy of a traditional cross. Patras, Greece, claims his crucifixion took place there. St. Jerome noted that Emperor Constantius II moved Andrew’s relics from Patras to Constantinople in 357 AD. Later, the relics went to Amalfi, Italy, in 1208, and his head reached Rome in the 15th century. In 1964, Pope Paul VI returned Andrew’s head to Patras as a goodwill gesture.

In Scotland, the town of St. Andrews, located in Fife, is connected to legends about Andrew. One legend says Andrew came there to build a church that attracted pilgrims from across Britain. Another tale suggests a bishop named St. Rule brought Andrew’s relics from Patras to this town.

St. Andrew as Patron Saint of Scotland

Legends also surround how Andrew became Scotland’s patron saint. A 16th-century text recounts that Oengus II, King of the Picts, vowed to make Andrew the patron saint after seeing him in a vision before a battle against the Angles. Andrew appeared in a vision, and a saltire-shaped cloud in the sky became a sign of victory for Oengus’s outnumbered forces. Following their win, the Picts chose to venerate St. Andrew.

Scotland’s Flag

Scotland’s flag, the Saltire, displays a white cross on a blue background, which may symbolize the clouds against the sky in Oengus’s vision. This design has represented Scotland for centuries. In 1385, the Parliament of Scotland declared that all Scottish and French soldiers should wear the Saltire as a sign when fighting the English. Today, Scotland continues to honour St. Andrew and remembers him every November 30.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Read more Posts by Vivienne such as: The Bridges of Scotland

Photo of trees for National tree Week blog post

National Tree Week

25/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

National Tree Week

National Tree Week begins on November 25 and continues until December 3. It marks the start of the tree-planting season, providing a wonderful opportunity to celebrate trees. If possible, volunteers can join tree-planting activities organized by local groups and conservation organizations. If planting isn’t an option, consider finding some “Tree Time” to connect with nature in other ways.

Trees play essential roles in ecosystems around the world. They offer food, shelter, and habitats to many species while stabilizing eroding riverbanks. More importantly, as climate change remains a major issue, trees help mitigate it by capturing carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas, in their tissues and releasing oxygen.

Background

After the last Ice Age ended about 9,000 years ago, Scotland’s native trees and shrubs began to populate the landscape. Ancient oaks, Scots pines, and Caledonian pines once covered the region, but various events have reduced tree numbers over the centuries.

More than 4,000 years ago, cooler and wetter climates limited tree growth on higher ground. At the same time, woodlands were cleared for farming, a trend that has continued for centuries to make space for housing and infrastructure. In the early 20th century, World War I led to further deforestation, though the Forestry Commission, founded in 1919, aimed to restore Britain’s woods. While large pine plantations were created, conservation efforts now focus on diverse species to provide better habitats for wildlife.

In recent years, severe winter storms like Storm Arwen in 2021 caused significant tree loss in Scotland. Disease has also taken a toll, including Dutch Elm disease, which has destroyed many elms across the country.

The Future

Following devolution, the Scottish government assumed responsibility for forestry and established Scottish Forestry, focusing on native woodlands and conservation. Across Scotland, volunteers, conservation groups, and private estates are planting trees to increase biodiversity. For example, Project Laxford on the Reay Forest Estate in Sutherland aims to boost salmon numbers in the River Laxford by re-establishing trees along riverbanks. This project plans to plant one million trees to improve biodiversity and habitat health in the area.

Famous Trees

The Glen Affric Elm – The Last Ent of Affric: Known as “The Last Ent” after Tolkien’s tree creatures, this lone elm stands in Glen Affric, surviving Dutch Elm disease likely due to its remote location. Thought to be the last remnant of an ancient forest, it won Scotland’s Tree of the Year in 2019.

The Fortingall Yew: Estimated to be 5,000 years old, this yew tree in Fortingall churchyard is one of the oldest in the world. Once used in funerals, the tree is closely linked with life and resurrection, as its branches can re-root to grow anew. Over time, it has suffered damage from rituals, fires, and cuttings. In 2015, part of the tree even changed, sprouting red berries and showing signs of stress.

These trees reveal the complex ways humans impact nature, underscoring the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

Find out more

You can find books and articles about trees and conservation using Library Search.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Image Source: Photo by Arnaud Mesureur on Unsplash

AI generated image of fireworks and Parliament for post Bonfire Night and The Gunpowder Plot

Bonfire Night and The Gunpowder Plot

05/11/2024 / / 1 Comment

Bonfire Night and The Gunpowder Plot

In 2018, UK consumers spent £316 million on Bonfire Night, also known as Fireworks Night or Guy Fawkes Night, according to market research company Mintel. Most of that money went up in smoke, spent on fireworks and bonfires. Fireworks displays remained the most popular way to celebrate, with 38% of the population attending an event.

The Gunpowder Plot

Bonfire Night traces back to a 17th-century religious and political plot. In 1605, English Catholics, led by Robert Catesby, planned to blow up King James and his government during Parliament’s State Opening on November 6. They aimed to install a Catholic head of state to end Catholic persecution, following years of religious strife with the Roman Church.

Guy Fawkes

Guy Fawkes, a minor conspirator, gained fame due to his role in guarding the explosives. After an anonymous tip-off, authorities searched the Palace of Westminster’s cellars and found him with 36 barrels of gunpowder. This discovery led to today’s ceremonial “search” of Parliament before each State Opening, carried out by the Yeoman of the Guard, who are rewarded with port.

The plot began in a pub, the Duck and Drake. Fawkes, a mercenary, was hired to ignite the gunpowder. The conspirators rented a cellar beneath the House of Lords and filled it with explosives, delaying their plan twice. Eventually, authorities discovered the plot, and Catesby was killed resisting arrest. Others were tortured, tried, and sentenced to be hung, drawn, and quartered. Fawkes escaped the full punishment by breaking his neck on his way to the scaffold.

Following news of the plot’s failure, Londoners celebrated spontaneously, lighting bonfires. A later Act of Parliament mandated annual commemorations with church services of thanksgiving, though it was repealed in 1859.

This ‘search’ continues today before every State Opening of Parliament, albeit ceremonially, with the searchers, the Yeoman of the Guard, rewarded with a glass of port.  

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picture of carved pumpkins for post A History of Halloween

A History of Halloween

31/10/2024 / / 0 Comments

A History of Halloween

Are you sitting comfortably? If so, let me begin with a fascinating history of Halloween.

People trace the origins of Halloween back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated around 2,000 years ago. This festival marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. During this time, the Celts believed that the boundary between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. To ward off ghosts and malevolent spirits thought to roam the earth, they lit bonfires and wore costumes. Moreover, the festival provided an opportunity to honour ancestors and seek their guidance for the coming year.

As Christianity spread, followers gradually incorporated Samhain into their traditions. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day, a day to honour saints and martyrs. This day was soon followed by All Souls’ Day on November 2, dedicated to praying for the souls of the deceased. Consequently, the Christian influence on Halloween led to the practice of trick-or-treating, which originated from the medieval practice of “souling.” In this practice, poor people went door-to-door on All Souls’ Day, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food.

Despite the Christian influence, many people continued to practise the pagan traditions and beliefs associated with Samhain, especially in Ireland and Scotland. Notably, Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween to the United States in the 19th century. Today, many countries around the world celebrate Halloween, embracing various customs and traditions that reflect its diverse origins. Ultimately, the holiday has become a time for dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, and indulging in sweet treats.

Halloween Traditions

The Halloween holiday, as people celebrate it in the West today, features unique traditions that have developed over time. Celebrations often include bobbing for apples, trick-or-treating, making Jack-o’-Lanterns, wearing spooky costumes, and telling scary stories.

While some of these traditions originate from ancient practices, others have adapted and evolved over time. For example, people trace the tradition of bobbing for apples back to a Roman festival honouring Pomona, the goddess of agriculture and abundance. Similarly, the practice of carving pumpkins into Jack-o’-Lanterns evolved from the original custom of carving turnips and other root vegetables. Personally, I would advise against trying to carve a turnip, as it proves nearly impossible and takes forever!

Halloween Celebrations Around the World

Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that takes place on November 1st and 2nd. This vibrant festival allows families to remember and celebrate their loved ones who have passed away. Many believe that on these days, the souls of the departed return to the world of the living to be with their families. The holiday features colourful parades, elaborate costumes, and offerings of food and drink for the deceased. While people often compare Dia de los Muertos to Halloween, it undeniably holds its own unique traditions and cultural significance.

Guy Fawkes Night

Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night or Fireworks Night, is a British holiday that takes place on November 5th. You can read all about it in our article here. This holiday commemorates the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his associates to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. People celebrate with bonfires, fireworks displays, and the burning of effigies of Guy Fawkes. While it is not directly related to Halloween, this holiday shares some similarities in its focus on fire and celebration.

World Festivals

Additionally, many countries around the world host Halloween-like festivals. Each of these festivals features unique traditions and cultural significance. In Romania, for example, people celebrate the Day of Dracula instead of Halloween. This event includes costume parties and reenactments of scenes from Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In Hong Kong, the Hungry Ghost Festival takes place in August and September, where families offer food and drink to appease the spirits of the dead. While these festivals may share some similarities with Halloween, they stand as distinct celebrations that reflect the unique cultural traditions of their respective countries.

Want to learn more about spooky history? Why not check out our resources on Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk

By Juliet Kinsey

Image: Photo by David Menidrey on Unsplash

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Image of people with arms linked together looking away for blog post International Day of Friendship

International Day of Friendship

30/07/2024 / / 0 Comments

International Day of Friendship

July 30th

What’s it about?

International Day of Friendship reminds us of the importance of friends and the role they play in our lives. On a larger scale, it encourages us to acknowledge and foster friendships based on mutual understanding. Growing between individuals and communities, transcending race, ethnicity, religion, and nationality.

The day serves as an opportunity for people to reach out to their friends as well as make new ones. It asks us to engage in acts of kindness, promoting initiatives that contribute to social cohesion and understanding. It encourages people to bridge gaps, build connections, and promote a sense of empathy and compassion towards one another.

Its acceptance was a natural progression from the 1997 UN General Assembly’s agreement. Looking to embrace the Culture of Peace, and to work towards rejecting violence and preventing conflict, by promoting values and behaviours which encompassed this ethos.

The UN believes friendship can play a crucial role in promoting peace, harmony, and solidarity among people, leading to a more tolerant and inclusive society, and so it was decided in 2011 that July the 30th should be International Day of Friendship. An idea that was first suggested by Dr Ramon Artemio Bracho in Paraguay, in 1958.

Edinburgh Napier University’s International Friendship Club

At Edinburgh Napier University, through the Friendship Club, our students get the opportunity to meet and interact with other students studying at the University from all over the world. Hosted by the Visa and International Support team, the International Friendship Club carries out events throughout the academic year.

Sitcoms and Friendships

And of course, there have been sitcoms about friendships, following the trials and tribulations they face in life, work, and relationships.  Going on to “become a pop culture staple for their relatability and hilarious dynamics”. Some of the popular friendship-based sitcoms have been:

Friends

The Big Bang Theory

That 70’s show

Seinfield

New Girl

The Young Ones

How is the day celebrated?

The day is celebrated in various ways with events and activities taking place, including community gatherings, workshops, and awareness campaigns, all aimed at promoting friendship and cultural exchange.

How will you be celebrating friendship day?

Tell us your thought in the comments

By Mo Almas

Read more on our blog from Mo:

National paranormal day

Global Beatles Day

Image Source: Photo by Duy Pham on Unsplash

Pride Flags

🏳️‍🌈LGBT+ History Month 🏳️‍🌈

05/02/2024 / / 1 Comment

Celebrating LGBT+ History Month

February is the month we celebrate LGBT+ History here in the UK. It is a month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and non-binary history, including the history of LGBT+ rights and related civil rights movements. In the United Kingdom, we celebrate it in February to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28.

What we are doing

Here at the Library, we think it is incredibly important to support and promote equality and diversity. Furthermore, we are working hard to create more inclusive collections and to support our LGBT+ users and staff. For example, we are currently creating a permanent LGBT+ virtual bookshelf here on our blog, and we are training our staff to be inclusive in their actions and the language they use.

Resources

If you are an LGBT+ student you can join Edinburgh Napier’s LGBT+ Society.   You can also find out more about the student LGBT+ community on the Queer Napier site. Staff can join the University’s thriving LGBT+ Network or you can visit our web pages to learn more about becoming an ally.

In addition, The Library has a wealth of books and articles on the subject. From the history of LGBT+ rights to current Legal information to keep you informed. Use LibrarySearch to find what you are looking for, or contact us for help with any of your research needs. 

Here are some items available through the Library to get you started: 

Same-sex, different politics: success and failure in the struggles over gay rights

Lgbt Activism and the Making of Europe A Rainbow Europe  

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people (LGBT) and the criminal justice system

Equality

Pride Parades and LGBT Movements: Political Participation in an International Comparative Perspective

Similarly, want to know more about Pride Month?  Check out our article here.

Photo source: Photo by Jas Min on Unsplash

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