Diwali is celebrated by over one billion Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains (and their friends!) in South Asia and among the South Asian Diaspora; it is an official holiday in: Fiji, Guyana, India, Mauritius, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Suriname, Sri Lanka, and Trinidad and Tobago!  Popularly and affectionately known as the ‘festival of lights,’ at Diwali it is customary to light diyas--small lamps--before the darkness of night approaches. Brass or other beautiful lamps will be lit inside the home and placed in each room. The outside of the home is lit aglow with humble clay lamps numbering in the dozens if not hundreds to form beautiful and often elaborate patterns.

/Photos from our second #emptyROM tour on October 28th, 2015

You may have seen lots of ladybird beetles flying about recently. Unlike our native species which are adapted to Canadian winters, the Asian Multicoloured Ladybird Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) has to find a place to hibernate over the winter, usually indoors. With the warm weather we have had this week; they have been scouting out the best south facing walls of buildings (like here at the ROM). We were out collecting a few for a gallery exhibit on invasive species.

Behind every great team of volunteers is a Volunteer Manager who ensures that their team reaches their full potential. In honour of International Volunteer Managers Day this November 5^th, the ROM turns the spotlight on some of the staff who activate our many fun and exciting volunteer programs.

Meet Ann Macpherson, Assistant Coordinator, Hands-on Galleries. Ann has been managing volunteers for approximately 11 years now. She currently works with more than 200 volunteers within the Hands-On Galleries.