5 Ways To Celebrate Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Celebrating cultural heritage is important for people across the globe. Knowing the traditions of your ancestors and continuing them in modern times can help to keep you connected to the people and culture you hail from. By celebrating different cultures, people can learn more about the similarities and differences that make everyone unique. One great opportunity for this is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrated in May each year!

In cases like this, celebrating is a month-long event that can bring people closer together while they experience everything it means to be a part of a specific culture. When it comes to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) Month, these celebrations can be done in various ways. But what is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, exactly? And why is it so important? Let’s find out.

What does Asian Pacific heritage mean?
Asian Pacific heritage describes people who live in the United States but are of Asian Pacific background. The broad term is an umbrella that envelopes 50 ethnic groups and over 23 million Americans. Out of these Asian Pacific Americans, many have roots in over 40 other countries.

The official definition of an Asian American Pacific Islander, as touted by the Asian Pacific Institute for Gender-Based Violence, is “all people of Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander ancestry who trace their origins to the countries, states, jurisdictions and/or the diasporic communities of these geographic regions.” As of writing, Asian and Pacific Islander are considered two separate racial categories on the U.S. Census. 

What is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and why is it important to recognize this month?
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an annual celebration dedicated to learning and sharing the culture of Asian American and Pacific Islanders with the rest of the country. It was decided that May was the proper month for it because many historical milestones that affected Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants fall in May.

For example, many of the first Japanese immigrants that came to the United States did so in May of 1843. May was also considered because Chinese laborers who contributed immensely to the transcontinental railroad completed the project in May of 1869.

Considering the vast accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the United States, it’s vital to celebrate this month so that their contributions to making the country what it is today are recognized and appreciated. A lot of American history also overlooks these contributions from Asian American and Pacific Islander groups, which the month of May is designed to change for the better.  

AANHPI Month also provides people of different backgrounds the opportunity to learn more about Asian and Pacific Islander history in the country, as well as what makes each culture under the umbrella special.

What countries are included in Asian Pacific Heritage Month?
Several recognized countries fall into the category of Asian Pacific heritage. The term encompasses the entire continent of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Countries that fall into these two categories include:

 

• Afghanistan
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Brunei
• Cambodia
• China
• Cyprus
• Georgia
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel
• Japan
• Jordan

• Kazakhstan
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Mongolia
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• North Korea
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Palestine
• Philippines
• Qatar
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• Syria
• Taiwan
• Tajikistan
• Thailand 
• Timor-Leste
• Turkey
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Uzbekistan
• Vietnam
• New Guinea
• New Caledonia
• Vanuatu
• Fiji
• Solomon Islands
• Marianas
• Guam
• Wake Island
• Palau
• Marshall Islands
• Kiribati
• Nauru
• Federated States of Micronesia
• New Zealand
• Hawaiian Islands
• Rotuma
• Midway Islands
• Samoa
• American Samoa
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Cook Islands
• French Polynesia
• Easter Island

How is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrated?
Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month can be done in a variety of ways. There are so many cultures to learn about and appreciate during the month of May!

Some of the best ways to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month include:

1. Get to know the cultures
For children and adults alike, one of the best ways to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month is by learning more about Asian American and Pacific Islander peoples and how they changed the face of the country through their many contributions.

One of the best places to start is to differentiate between Asian Americans and other cultures celebrated during May, such as Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. While the month aims to bring awareness to each of those cultural groups, they are very different and deserve recognition on their own. This can only be done through learning about these cultures, their differences and similarities, and how their presence in America has improved the country.

If you want to dive deeper, you can visit museums dedicated to showcasing AANHPI accomplishments and leaders throughout history.

2. Explore new cuisines
If you’re into trying new and exciting foods, learning to cook a dish inspired by AANHPI cultures is a great way to share time with your children or students while celebrating AANHPI in May. There are many possible dishes to choose from and many cultures to appreciate. You could try Hawaiian kalua pork or Vietnamese noodle dishes – jump online and take your pick from all the mouthwatering options!

3. Tap into your creative side
You and your children can explore the different art of AANHPI cultures by setting up a craft day. Get all the supplies you need and connect with the culture by creating similar art pieces while listening to music derived from one or more countries belonging to the AANHPI umbrella. You’ll be surprised at what you can learn about a culture if you fully immerse yourself in their creative pursuits.

4. Try your hand at learning a new language
There are so many different languages you can learn during AANHPI Heritage Month. Most countries will have at least one official language, so why not try to learn the basics? Learning a new language is good for brain development, and it helps you understand the culture better by learning how they connect and communicate with others. 

5. Embrace this year’s theme
The 2023 theme for AANHPI Heritage Month is Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity. A great way to embrace this theme is to get out into your community and talk to people with Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage about their accomplishments and life goals within America. By getting to know the leaders of your community, you’ll be inspired to explore more of the culture all year round.

Celebrating others’ cultures is an essential aspect of human connection. When you appreciate our differences and fundamental similarities, you open your eyes to a whole new world of people and possibilities.

 

Featured image by Robert Collins on Unsplash