Chaplaincy Services Holy Days, Celebrations and Observances of July 2020

Holy Days with no fixed date Apache Sunrise Ceremony The Apache Sunrise Ceremony or na’ii’ees is an arduous communal four-day ceremony that Apache girls of the past and present experience soon after their first menstruation. Through numerous sacred ceremonies, dances, songs and enactments, the girls become imbued with the physical and spiritual power of White Painted Woman, and embrace their role as women of the Apache nation. For most of the four days and nights, to songs and prayers, they dance, as well as run toward the four directions. During this time, they also participate in and conduct sacred rituals, receiving and giving both gifts and blessings, and experiencing their own capacity to heal. In the early 1900s, when the U.S. government banned Native American spiritual practices and rituals, conducting the Sunrise Ceremony was an illegal act; as a result, its practice diminished, and those ceremonies that did occur were conducted secretly. Not until 1978, when the American Indian Religious Freedom Act was passed, was the Sunrise Ceremony openly re-established on most reservations. But even today, because of the expense and time involved - which also includes four days of preparation and four days of teaching and recovery - some girls celebrate for one or two days, rather than have four day ceremonies. The families of girls entering puberty in a particular year may also sponsor joint Sunrise ceremonies, in which two or more newly menstruating girls celebrate the rites of Changing Women together. The first woman, White PaintedW oman (also known as Esdzanadehe, and Changing Woman) survives the great Flood in an abalone shell, then wanders the land as the waters recede. Atop a mountain, she is impregnated by the sun, and gives birth of a son, Killer of Enemies. Soon afterwards, she is impregnated by the Rain, and gives birth to Son of Water. However, the world the People live in is not safe until White Painted Woman’s sons kill the Owl Man Giant who has been terrorizing the tribe. When they return from their victory, bringing the meat they have hunted, White Painted Woman expresses a cry of triumph and delight, which later will be echoed by the godmother at the Sunrise Ceremony. She then is guided by spirits to establish a puberty rite to be given for all daughters born to her people, and to instruct the women of the tribe in the ritual, and the rites of womanhood.

ChildrensNational.org/ChaplaincyServices When she becomes old, White Painted Woman walks east toward the sun until she meets her younger self, merges with it, and becomes young again. Thus repeatedly, she is born again and again, from generation to generation. The Sunrise Ceremony serves many purposes - personally, spiritually and communally - and is often one of the most memorable and significant experiences of Apache females today, just as it was for Apache women in the past. Read more: http://www.webwinds.com/yupanqui/apachesunrise.htm

Niman Katsina Ceremony Niman takes place shortly after Summer Solstice as we move from Katsina season to Non-Katsina season. Also called “The Going Home of the Katsina,” Niman is a ceremony to say goodbye to the winter and spring Katsinam. During this beautiful last ceremony of the Katsina season, Katsinam bring the first harvest of the season to the villagers as well as presents for the children. Niman is a time for Hopi families to reunite with family members who live away from the villages and who are returning to take part in the ceremonies. This 16-day festival includes feasting and a ceremonial performance by masked dancers representing the Katsinam who are now leaving the village to return to the spirit world in the San Francisco Peaks for the rest of the year. Dancers carry musical instruments, the first green cornstalks of the harvest and sacred meal, which is sprinkled on the Katsinam as a thank you for the summer harvest to come. Priests carry a water bowl and a ceremonial pipe. Smoke from the pipe symbolizes clouds, and water from the bowl is flung with a feather, symbolizing the rain that will nourish the crops. During this final Katsina ceremony, women who have been married during the year are presented to the people of the Pueblo and given their robes by their husbands. There are over 400 Katsinam in Hopi culture, representing the many different elements of the natural world. Katsina dolls are given to Hopi children to teach them about the specific deities and the lessons they teach during their visits to the village.

Holy Days with fixed date July 5 Buddhist Asalha Puja Day, also called Day, is a very important holy day for the Buddhists. The history of Asalha Puja Day began more than 2,500 years ago before Buddha had begun his time as a great teacher. Since the Buddhist Lent begins in the 8th lunar month, it was the time that holy men spent the next three months in what was called a “rain retreat” since it was also the monsoon season. They would not travel unless totally necessary and stayed in a permanent dwelling together. It is also a time frame when it’s possible to be ordained as a monk. Plus, Buddha’s son Rahula’s birth and Buddha’s decision to relinquish all this royal and worldly pleasures to go on his quest to spiritual enlightenment both occurred during the month of Asalha. On the original date, Buddha gave his first sermon tofi ve disciples while at Deer Park in Benares, as well as being the first date for the worship of theT riple Gems, which consisted of Buddha, his lessons and his disciples. This sermon is sometimes known as the sermon that set the Wheel of Dharma into motion. The wheel consists of : life means suffering or dukka, the origin of suffering is attachment or tanha, the cessation of suffering is attainable and the way to that cessation is through the eightfold path. Asalha Puja Day is also known as the day Buddha chose his first disciple, Kondanna; who is also the first Buddhist monk ordained by Buddha. He would be the first of many men to join in becoming a Buddhist monk over the next several centuries up until today. Some of the traditions that modern Buddhist monks practice on Asalha Puja Day include reciting the , giving sermons and leading meditations, chanting in and leading a candle procession around their temple three times. Plus, the congregation will give offerings to the monks. Buddha’s first sermon contained the essence of all of his future lessons. A very common event is when the monks chant the discourse, which is called the Dharma Cakka Sutta or the Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Truth. It is tradition for Buddhists to worship Buddha by giving offerings to the monks and practicing Dharma on the Asalha Puja holy day. Therefore, this religious celebration is one of the most beloved and holy days of the year for those of the Buddhist faith.

July 9 The Martyrdom of the Bab Baha’i On July 9, Baha’i’s around the world commemorate the date in 1850 that the Bab - one of two main figures in the founding of their Faith - was executed by a firing squad in Iran, then called Persia. The Bab, whose name means “gate” in Arabic, had declared in 1844 that He was a messenger of God sent to prepare the way for the long-awaited promised one of all religions who would come to establish an age of universal peace. In 1863 Baha’u’llah announced publicly that He was that promised one. The Bab attracted tens of thousands of followers, and the unease and commotion created by His message led the authorities to put him to death on a charge of heresy. He and a disciple who begged to share His martyrdom were executed by a firing squad of 750 soldiers in a public square in Tabriz. The remains of the Bab are now entombed in Haifa, Israel, in a beautiful shrine on Mount Carmel. How the Bab was brought to Haifa to His final resting place is in itself a special chapter in Baha’i history. Indeed, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the son of Baha’u’llah who was the head of the Baha’i Faith from 1892 to 1921, considered providing a fitting burial for the Bab to be one of the key duties and accomplishments of his ministry. Transferring the sacred remains of the Bab to Haifa and laying them in their permanent resting place was one of the chief accomplishments of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, according to his own testimony. The remains of the Bab had been rescued by His followers from a ditch near the execution site and were carefully hidden in Iran for nearly half a century. In 1899, at the behest of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the remains were transported - under great threat from civil and religious authorities and others - by way of Isfahan, Kirmanshah, Baghdad and Damascus, to Beirut and then by sea to Acre north of Haifa where ‘Abdu’l-Baha lived. ‘Abdu’l-Baha hid the remains for another decade before presiding over an emotional ceremony on Mount Carmel where he himself placed the sacred trust at a specially prepared site that had been designated by Baha’u’llah for the final resting place of the Bab. Much later, an exquisite shrine with a golden dome was built over the tomb. This building has become one of the best known landmarks of northern Israel and is a place of pilgrimage for Baha’is from all over the world. Photo: news.bahai.org

July 9 The Three Weeks Jewish Three Weeks, Hebrew Bein Hametzarim (“Between the Straits”) in Judaism, a period of mourning running from the 17th day of Tammuz, the fourth month of the Jewish religious year, to the 9th day of Av (Tisha be-Av), the fifth month (variously, about June to August). The observance commemorates the days between the first breaching of the walls of Jerusalem in 586 BC by Babylonian troops under Nebuchadrezzar to the subsequent destruction of the First Temple of Jerusalem. Marriages and haircuts are forbidden during the Three Weeks. The nine days of Av are observed with special intensity: meat and wine are forbidden except on the Sabbath, the blessing of the New Moon is omitted, and prophecies of doom from Jeremiah and Isaiah are read in the synagogue on the three Sabbaths that fall within this period. The period ends with a 24-hour fast.

July 24 Latter Day Saints Pioneer Day is a state holiday in Utah in the United States. It is celebrated on July 24 each year to commemorate the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into Utah’s Salt Lake Valley in 1847. This day celebrates the bravery of the original settlers and their strength of character and physical endurance. Determined to settle in an isolated region, the pioneers made their way across the plains and over the Rocky Mountains to Utah. They lost many of their party to disease during the winter months. By the time that they reached Utah, the desolate valley was a welcome sight. Potatoes and turnips were soon planted, and a dam was built. With solemn ceremonies, the settlers consecrated the two-square-mile city, and sent back word that the “promised land” was found. By the end of 1847, nearly 2000 Mormons settled in the Salt Lake Valley. The first Pioneer Day was celebrated in 1849 with a parade, band music and speeches. In modern times July 24 is celebrated annually as Pioneer Day, a state holiday, in Utah. Pioneer Day activities include fireworks, parades, picnics, rodeos and other festivities throughout the state. Some people say that this day is celebrated in Utah with more zeal and pride than major holidays such as . Children take part in essay contests and projects about pioneers, while families enjoy the day with concerts and festivals. For the parades, some people may wear costumes that resemble clothes worn during the 19th century when Salt Lake Valley was founded.

July 28 Hajj Islam Hajj, also spelled Hadjdj or hadj, in Islam, the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which every adult Muslim must make at least once in his or her lifetime. The hajj is the fifth of the fundamental Muslim practices and institutions known as the Five Pillars of Islam. The pilgrimage rite begins on the 7th day of Dhū al-Hijjah (the last month of the Islamic year) and ends on the 12th day.

The hajj is incumbent on all Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the pilgrimage, but only if their absence will not place hardships on their family. A person may perform the hajj by proxy, appointing a relative or friend going on the pilgrimage to “stand in” for him or her. The pattern of pilgrimage rites was established by the Prophet Muhammad, but variations have arisen in it, and the stringent formal itinerary is not strictly adhered to by the mass of pilgrims, who frequently visit the various Meccan sites out of their proper order. When the pilgrim is about 6 miles (10 km) from Mecca, he or she enters the state of holiness and purity known as ihram and dons the ihram garments; for men they consist of two white seamless sheets that are wrapped around the body, while women may wear sewn clothes. The pilgrims cut neither their hair nor their nails until the pilgrimage rite is over. They enter Mecca and walk seven times around the sacred shrine called the Ka’bah, in the Great Mosque, kiss or touch the Black Stone (al-hajar al-Aswad) in the Ka’bah, pray twice in the direction of the Maqām Ibrāhīm and the Ka’bah, and run seven times between the minor prominences of Mount safā and Mount Marwah. On the 7th day of Dhū al-Hijjah the pilgrims are reminded of their duties. At the second stage of the ritual, which takes place between the 8th and the 12th days of the month, the pilgrim visits the holy places outside Mecca—Jabal al-Rahmah, Muzdalifah, and Minā—and sacrifices an animal in commemoration of Abraham’s sacrifice. Male pilgrims’ heads are then usually shaved, and female pilgrims remove a lock of hair. After throwing seven stones at each of the three pillars at Minā on three successive days (the pillars exemplify various devils), the pilgrim returns to Mecca to perform the farewell tawāf, or circling, of the Ka’bah before leaving the city. About two million persons perform the hajj each year, and the rite serves as a unifying force in Islam by bringing followers of diverse background together in religious celebration. Once a believer has made the pilgrimage, he or she may add the title hājjī or hājjiyyah, respectively, to his or her name. The pilgrimage, if performed properly, is believed to wipe out previous sins for the sincere believer. This year, because of Covid-19, the Hajj has been canceled for anyone outside of Saudi. July 29 Waqf al arafa Islam The Day of Arafat falls on the second day of pilgrimage rituals. At dawn on this day, nearly 2 million Muslim pilgrims will make their way from the town of Mina to a nearby hillside and plain called Mount Arafat and the Plain of Arafat, which is located about 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) from Mecca, the final destination for the pilgrimage. During the afternoon, from about noon until sunset, Muslim pilgrims stand in earnest supplication and devotion, praying for God’s abundant forgiveness, and listening to Islamic scholars speak on issues of religious and moral importance. Tears are shed readily as those who gather make repentance and seek God’s mercy, recite words of prayer and remembrance and gather together as equals before their Lord. The day closes upon the recitation of the evening prayer of Al-Maghrib. For many Muslims, the Day of Arafat proves to be the most memorable part of the hajj pilgrimage, and one that stays with them forever. Muslims around the world who are not participating in the pilgrimage often spend this day in fasting and devotion. Both government offices and private businesses in Islamic nations are generally closed on the Day of Arafat to allow employees to observe it. The Day of Arafat is, therefore, one of the most important holidays in the entire Islamic year. It is said to offer expiation for all sins of the prior year, as well as all sins for the upcoming year.

July 30 Tisha B’av Jewish Tisha be-Av, English Ninth of Av, in Judaism, traditional day of mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples. According to the Talmud, other disastrous events such as the following occurred on Av 9: the decree that the Jews would wander 40 years in the wilderness; the fall of Bethar in AD 135, ending the second Jewish revolt against Rome; and the establishment in 136 of a pagan temple in Jerusalem, which Jews were no longer permitted to enter. The expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 is also traditionally believed to have occurred on that date. From sunset to sunset, a 24-hour fast is observed, except by Reform Jews. The liturgy of the day, performed by candlelight in a gloomy atmosphere, includes the reading of the Lamentations of Jeremiah and the recital of dirges (qinot); certain passages from the Old Testament are also read. Many Jews visit the cemetery on this day. If Tisha be-Av falls on the Sabbath (“Black Sabbath”), the observance is postponed one day. Tisha be-Av marks the end of a period of mourning called the Three Weeks. July 30/31 Eid al-adha Islam Eid al-Adha is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow Allah’s (God’s) command to sacrifice his son. Muslims around the world observe this event. At Eid al-Adha, many Muslims make a special effort to pray and listen to a sermon at a mosque. They also wear new clothes, visit family members and friends and may symbolically sacrifice an animal in an act known as qurbani. This represents the animal that Ibrahim sacrificed in the place of his son.

Resources for this newsletter: webwinds.com, kachinahouse.com, worldreligionnews.com, news.bahai.org, timeanddate.com, learnreligions.com, britannica.com. All pictures are from the subscription service - Shutterstock, unless otherwise identified.

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Chaplaincy Staff: Catholic Mass is held Thursday at noon Rev. Kathleen Ennis-Durstine, room 4201, x 3321 and Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Main Rev. Eliezer Oliveira, habla Espanol, room 4115, x 5050 Chapel, third floor Main, room 3201. Rev. Matthew Schlageter, room 4115, x 6736 Rev. Lavender Kelley, room 4115, x 4638 Jummah Prayer is held Friday at 12:15 Rev. Bryan Baker, room 4115, x 2626 p.m. in the Main Chapel, third floor Main, room 3201