Ocfo Diversity Month Scavenger Hunt

Explanation
Canada is a country that uses French as an official language. It is one of the two official languages in Canada, along with English. French is mainly spoken in the province of Quebec, but it is also recognized and used in other provinces and territories across the country. The use of French in Canada is a result of the historical presence of French settlers and the Quebec Act of 1774, which protected the rights of French-speaking Canadians.

Explanation
In most Asian cultures, the color red represents prosperity. This is because red is associated with luck, wealth, and happiness. It is commonly used in celebrations and festivals, such as Chinese New Year, as a symbol of good fortune. Red is also believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and success in various aspects of life, including business and relationships. Therefore, red is considered the color of prosperity in Asian cultures.

Explanation
Indian culture paints the bride's hands and feet with Henna prior to the wedding. Henna, also known as Mehndi, is a traditional form of body art that is commonly practiced in India. It is believed to bring good luck and blessings to the bride, and is an integral part of Indian wedding ceremonies. The intricate designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet using a paste made from Henna leaves, which leaves a temporary stain that gradually fades over time. This cultural practice is deeply rooted in Indian traditions and is considered a symbol of beauty and auspiciousness.

Explanation
Samba is the national music of Brazil. It originated in the early 20th century in the Afro-Brazilian communities of Rio de Janeiro. Samba is characterized by its lively and rhythmic beats, often accompanied by dance. It is deeply rooted in Brazilian culture and is played during festivals, carnivals, and other celebrations. Samba has also gained international popularity and is recognized as a symbol of Brazilian identity.

Explanation
Pho is the national dish of Vietnam. It is a traditional Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (usually beef or chicken). Pho is a popular street food in Vietnam and is known for its aromatic flavors and comforting qualities. It is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal throughout the day. Pho has gained international popularity and is considered one of Vietnam's most iconic dishes.

Explanation
Carnaval is a holiday celebrated 40 days before Easter Sunday in Venezuela. This celebration is deeply rooted in the country's culture and traditions. Venezuelans engage in vibrant parades, music, dancing, and colorful costumes during Carnaval. The festivities often include street parties and the crowning of a Carnaval queen. It is a time for people to come together, enjoy themselves, and embrace their cultural heritage.

Explanation
In traditional Japanese marital culture, married women commonly painted their teeth black and shaved their eyebrows. These practices were considered indicators of a woman's married status. Painting the teeth black, known as "ohaguro," was a beauty practice that symbolized maturity and marital status. Shaving the eyebrows was done to create a more youthful appearance, as it was believed that married women should have a more refined and elegant look. These customs were prevalent in Japan's history but are not widely followed in modern times.

Explanation
The couple in the picture is wearing traditional wedding attire from Nigeria.

Explanation
Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage. In 2004, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples the right to marry. This landmark decision made Massachusetts the first state in the United States to legally recognize same-sex marriage. The ruling paved the way for other states to follow suit and eventually led to the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015.

Explanation
The U.S. Census Bureau officially recognizes six racial categories. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the diverse population in the United States. By recognizing these categories, the Census Bureau ensures that data collected accurately represents the different racial backgrounds and identities of individuals living in the country. This information is important for various purposes, including policy-making, resource allocation, and monitoring of racial disparities.