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Home , Buddhist holidays, Guru Arjan, Navaratri, Raksha Bandhan, Sun Dance, Theophany

2020-2022 Holy Days and Seasons A Calendar of Religious Holidays

IA Indigenous American This document is offered by the Harvard Divinity School Office of Religious and Spiritual Life as a resource to the HDS community. Bi Bahá’í This calendar is not an exhaustive list either of religious traditions or of the Bd holidays observed in those traditions. If we have not included a religious C tradition or major religious holiday of significance to you, please notify our O Orthodox Christianity P Protestant Christianity office so that it might be included in future editions of this calendar. RC Roman Catholic Christianity While we have made extensive efforts to verify the accuracy of the information included here, some inaccuracies may remain. Please bring to our attention any Hd you notice. The dates of some holidays, particularly those that are calculated according to a lunar calendar and rely on sightings of the New Moon (e.g., Is Islam Islamic holidays), vary according to region; other observances and dates (e.g., Ja Buddhist holidays) vary greatly across cultures and strands of a tradition.

J Judaism Acknowledgments LDS Latter Day Many thanks to the editors of the Bahá’ís of the United States Bahá’í Calendar; the Hebcal Sk Jewish Holidays Calendar; the drikPanchang Hindu, Jain, and Sikh Calendars; the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; the Revised Common Lectionary of the Vanderbilt U Unitarian Universalism Divinity Library; the ING Calendar of Important Islamic Dates; The National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C; The Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints W/P Wicca/Paganism Chronology of Church History; Wicca Living’s Wheel of the Year; the Avesta Zoroastrian Z Zoroastrianism Religious Calendar; and several scholars of , who provided information and advice.

September 2020 26 ends (Hd) 25 Iroquois Green Corn Ceremony (IA) 28 Mawlid an-Nabi (begins at sundown) (Is) Meeting (second day) (IA) Jicarilla Apache (IA) 31 Reformation Day (C-P) 25 Feast of the Christ (C-O) 1 Das Laxana Festival ends (Ja) 31 Samhain (begins at sundown) (W/P) 25 Christmas (C-RC, P) 8 Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos (C-O) 26 Death of Zarathustra (Z) November 2020 31 Ghambar Maidyarem begins (Z) 12 Ghambar Paitishem begins (Z) 1 All Saints' Day (C-RC, P) 16 Ghambar Paitishem ends (Z) 2 All ' Day (C-RC) January 2021 18 (begins at sundown) (J) 14 (Dipavali) (Hd) Hopi Holy Cycle (IA) 20 Rosh Hashanah (ends at sundown) (J) 14 Diwali/Mahavir (Jn) Iroquois Midwinter Ceremony (IA) 20 Mabon (begins at sundown) (W/P) 24 Martyrdom of Tegh Bahadur Ji (Sk) 4 Ghambar Maidyarem ends (Z) 27 (begins at sundown) (J) 24 Day of the Covenant (begins at sundown) (Bi) 6 Theophany (C-O) 26 Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha (begins at sundown) 6 (C-RC, P) October 2020 (Bi) Cherokee Great New Moon Festival (IA) 19 Birthday of Ji (Sk) 29 Advent begins (C-RC, P) 27 Tu B'Shevat (begins at sundown) (J) 2 Sukkot (begins at sundown) (J) 30 's Birthday (Sk) 9 Sukkot (ends at sundown) (J) 30 Sadeh (Z) 9 Shemini Atzeret (begins at sundown) (J) December 2020 February 2021 10 Simchat (begins at sundown) (J) Shalako Kachina Ceremony (IA) Hopi Holy Cycle (IA) 12 Ghambar Ayathrem begins (Z) 8 (Rohatsu) (Bd) Iroquois Midwinter Ceremony (IA) 16 Ghambar Ayathrem ends (Z) 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary (C- 1 Imbolc (begins at sundown) (W/P) 17 Navaratri begins (Hd) RC) 15 Nirvana Day (for some, 2/8) (Bd) 17 Birth of the (begins at 10 (begins at sundown) (J) 16 (Hd) sundown) (Bi) 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (C-RC) 17 Ash Wednesday (C-RC, P) 18 Birth of Baha'u'llah (begins at 18 Hanukkah (ends at sundown) (J) 25 Purim (begins at sundown) (J) sundown) (Bi) 20 Yule (begins at sundown) (W/P) 28 Nineteen Day Fast (begins at sundown) (Bi) 20 Installation of Granth Sahib Ji as Guru (Sk) 24 Native American Church Christmas Prayer 25 Dusserah (Vijaya ) (Hd) Meeting (first day) (IA) March 2021 Eagle Dances (IA) 19 Eid al-Adha ('Id Al Adha) (begins at sundown) 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary (C- (Is) 10 Laylat al-Isra'wa al-Mi'raj (begins at sundown) RC) (Is) 22 Eid al-Adha ('Id Al Adha) (ends at sundown) 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (C-RC) 11 (Hd) (Is) 20 Yule (begins at sundown) (W/P) 15 Great begins (C-O) 24 (LDS) 24 Native American Church Christmas Prayer 15 Sri Jayanti (Hd) 24 Day (Asalha ) (Bd) Meeting (first day) (IA) 16 Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem begins (Z) 31 Lammas/Lughnasa (begins at sundown) (W/P) 25 Native American Church Christmas Prayer Meeting (second day) (IA) 19 Ostara (begins at sundown) (W/P) August 2021 19 Nineteen Day Fast (ends at sundown) (Bi) 25 Feast of the Nativity of Jesus Christ (C-O) Green Corn Ceremony (or ) (IA) 19 Naw Ruz (Noruz) (begins at sundown) (Bi) 25 Christmas (C-RC, P) Hopi Snake Dance (IA) 26 Death of Prophet Zarathustra (Z) 20 Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem ends (Z) Dance (IA) 21 Naw Ruz (Noruz) (Z) 31 Ghambar Maidyarem begins (Z) 8 First of Muharram (Ra's al-Sanat Al Hijrayah) 26 Birthday of Prophet Zarathustra (Khordad Sal) (begins at sundown) (Is) (Z) January 2022 15 Dormition of the Theotokos (C-O) 27 Laylat al-Bara'ah (begins at sundown) (Is) Hopi Holy Cycle (IA) 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (C- 27 (Pesach) (begins at sundown) (J) Iroquois Midwinter Ceremony (IA) RC,P) 28 (Hd) 4 Ghambar Maidyarem ends (Z) 17 Ashurah ('Ashurah) (begins at sundown) (Is) 6 Theophany (C-O) 28 (C-RC, P) 21 (Hd) 31 Hydesville Day (MS) 6 Epiphany (C-RC, P) 29 Janmashtami (Hd) 8 Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Sk) April 2021 16 Tu B'Shevat (begins at sundown) (J) September 2021 30 Sadeh (Z) Eagle Dances (IA) Iroquois Green Corn Ceremony (IA) 1 Holy Thursday (C-RC, P) Jicarilla Apache Ghost Dance (IA) 2 (C-RC, P) February 2022 3 Paryushana Festival begins (Ja) Hopi Holy Cycle (IA) 4 Sunday (C-RC, P) 6 Rosh Hashanah (begins at sundown) (J) 4 Native American Church Easter Prayer Meeting Iroquois Midwinter Ceremony (IA) 8 Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos (C-O) 1 Imbolc (begins at sundown) (W/P) (IA) 8 Rosh Hashanah (ends at sundown) (J) 4 Passover (Pesach) (ends at sundown) (J) 5 Vasant Panchami (Hd) 10 (Hd) 15 Nirvana Day (for some, 2/8) (Bd) 6 Anniversary of the Founding of the Church 10 Paryushana Festival ends (Ja) (LDS) 28 Maha Shivaratri (Hd) 11 Das Laxana Festival begins (Ja) 28 Laylat al-Isra'wa al-Mi'raj (begins at sundown) 7 Yom HaShoah (begins at sundown) (J) 12 Ghambar Paitishem begins (Z) 12 Ramadan (begins at sundown) (Is) (Is) 15 Yom Kippur (begins at sundown) (J) 13 (Baisakhi) (Hd) 16 Ghambar Paitishem ends (Z) 13 Vaisakhi (Sk) March 2022 20 Das Laxana Festival ends (Ja) 19 Ridvan (begins at sundown) (Bi) Eagle Dances (IA) 21 Ramanavami (Hd) 20 Mabon (begins at sundown) (W/P) 1 Nineteen Day Fast (begins at sundown) (Bi) 25 Mahavir Jayanti (Ja) 20 Sukkot (begins at sundown) (J) 2 Ash Wednesday (C-RC, P) 25 Palm Sunday (C-O) 27 Sukkot (ends at sundown) (J) 4 Sri Ramakrishna Jayanti (Hd) 30 Ghambar Maidyozarem begins (Z) 27 Shemini Atzeret (begins at 7 Great Lent begins (C-O) 30 Holy Friday (C-O) sundown) (J) 16 Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem 30 Beltane (begins at sundown) (W/P) 28 Simchat Torah (begins at begins (Z) sundown) (J) 16 Purim (begins at sundown) (J) May 2021 17 Laylat al-Bara'ah (begins at sundown) (Is) Hopi Kachina Dances (IA) October 2021 18 Holi (Hd) 1 Ridvan (ends at sundown) (Bi) Cherokee Great New Moon Festival (IA) 19 Ostara (begins at sundown) (W/P) 2 Easter Sunday (Pascha) (C-O) 6 Navaratri begins (Hd) 20 Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem ends (Z) 4 Ghambar Maidyozarem ends (Z) 12 Ghambar Ayathrem begins (Z) 20 Nineteen Day Fast (ends at sundown) (Bi) 8 Laylat al-Qadr (begins at sundown) (Is) 14 Dusserah (Vijaya Dashami) (Hd) 20 Naw Ruz (Noruz) (begins at sundown) (Bi) 12 Eid al-Fitr ('Id al-Fitr) (begins at sundown) (Is) 15 Navaratri ends (Hd) 21 Naw Ruz (Noruz) (Z) 13 Ascension of Jesus (C-RC, P) 16 Ghambar Ayathrem ends (Z) 26 Birthday of Prophet Zarathustra (Khordad Sal) 15 Eid al-Fitr ('Id al-Fitr) (ends at sundown) (Is) 18 Mawlid an-Nabi (begins at (Z) 16 Shavuot (begins at sundown) (J) sundown) (Is) 31 Hydesville Day (MS) 22 Declaration of the Bab (begins at sundown) (Bi) 20 Installation of Granth Sahib Ji as Guru (Sk) 23 (C-RC, P) 31 Reformation Day (C-P) April 2022 26 Wesak (Buddha Day) (Bd) 31 Samhain (begins at sundown) (W/P) Eagle Dances (IA) 2 Ramadan (begins at sundown) (Is) 27 Ascension of Baha'u'llah (begins at sundown) November 2021 (Bi) 6 Anniversary of the Founding of the Church 1 All Saints' Day (C-RC, P) (LDS) June 2021 2 All Souls' Day (C-RC) 10 Palm Sunday (C-RC, P) Hopi Kachina Dances (IA) 4 Diwali (Dipavali) (Hd) 10 Ramanavami (Hd) 4 Diwali/Mahavir Nirvana (Jn) 10 Ascension of Jesus (C-O) 13 Vaisakhi (Baisakhi) (Hd) 16 Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Sk) 5 Birth of the Bab (begins 13 Vaisakhi (Sk) 20 Pentecost (C-O) at sundown (Bi) 14 Holy Thursday ( C-RC, P) 6 Birth of Baha'u'llah 20 Litha (begins at sundown) (W/P) 14 Mahavir Jayanti (Ja) (begins at sundown) (Bi) 27 Martyrdom of the Prophet and his 15 Good Friday ( C-RC, P) 19 Guru Nanak's Birthday (Sk) 15 Passover (Pesach) (begins at sundown) (J) Brother Hyrum (LDS) 24 Martyrdom of Ji (Sk) 29 Ghambar Maidyoshem begins (Z) 17 Easter Sunday (C-RC, P) 24 Day of the Covenant (begins at sundown) (Bi) 17 Native American Church Easter Prayer Meeting July 2021 26 Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha (begins at sundown) (IA) Green Corn Ceremony (or Stomp Dance) (IA) (Bi) 17 Palm Sunday (C-O) Hopi Snake Dance (IA) 28 Advent begins (C-RC, P) 20 Ridvan (begins at sundown) Mescalero Apache Mountain Dances (IA) 28 Hanukkah (begins at sundown) (J) (Bi) Sun Dance (IA) 22 Holy Friday (C-O) December 2021 23 Passover (Pesach) (ends at 3 Ghambar Maidyoshem ends (Z) Shalako Kachina Ceremony (IA) 8 Martyrdom of the Bab (begins at sundown) (Bi) sundown) (J) 6 Hanukkah (ends at sundown) (J) 24 Easter Sunday (Pascha) (C-O) 17 Tisha B'Av (begins at sundown) (J) 8 Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) (Bd) and declared the Scriptures, the Adi ’Granth, to be the Sikh’s Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Commemorates the day on 27 Yom HaShoah (begins at sundown) (J) Guru from that time on. (Sk) which the Guadalupana (the Virgin of Guadalupe) Birthday of Prophet Zarathustra: The anniversary of the appeared to San Juan Diego and her image appeared on his 28 Laylat al-Qadr (begins at sundown) (Is) birth of the founder of the Zoroastrian . (Z) tilma (apron). The miraculous roses Juan Diego found and 30 Ghambar Maidyozarem begins (Z) Bodhi Day: In the northern tradition, this is the anniversary carried to the Bishop took the form of the image of Mary 30 Beltane (begins at sundown) (W/P) of the Buddha’s Enlightenment, ca. 596 B.C.E. In the exactly as she had appeared to him at the hill of Tepeyac. southern tradition, the Buddha’s Enlightenment is (RC) May 2022 celebrated during Wesak. The dates and names of Buddhist Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary: A feast day Hopi Kachina Dances (IA) celebrations vary significantly among cultures and that celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was born communities. (Bd) without sin. (RC) 2 Ridvan (ends at sundown) (Bi) Cherokee Great New Moon Festival. Oct. Marks the First of Muharram (Ra’s al-Sanat Al Hijriyah): The first day 2 Eid al-Fitr ('Id al-Fitr) beginning of the . (IA) of the first month of the Islamic year. This day (begins at sundown) (Is) Christmas / Feast of the Nativity: Celebrates the commemorates the Hijra (“migration”) of Muhammad and his 4 Ghambar Maidyozarem ends (Z) anniversary of the birth (nativity) of Jesus. Dec. 25 is the followers from ecca to Medina in 622 C.E., where the first 5 Eid al-Fitr ('Id al-Fitr) (ends at sundown) (Is) date of this observance for Roman Catholic, Protestant and Islamic community was established. M many Orthodox Christian churches. In some Orthodox In 2001, the new year was 1421 A.H. (Anno Hegirae-in the 23 Declaration of the Bab churches, Christmas falls on January 7. (C) (begins at sundown) (Bi) year of the Hijra). (Is) Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Celebrates the Ganesh Chaturthi: A celebration of Ganesh’s birthday, one of 26 Ascension of Jesus (C-RC, P) belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was born without sin. (O) the major Hindu . Ganesh, who has the head of an 27 Wesak (Buddha Day) (Bd) Das Laxana Festival (the Paryusana Festival of Jain Digumbar Sect): A 10-day festival that is considered to be a elephant, is the of Success and is invoked at the 28 Ascension of Baha'u'llah beginning of all new undertakings. (Hd) (begins at sundown) (Bi) holy convocation. During these days, Jains impose some restraints on their daily activities by , and Ghambar Ayathrem: Celebrates the creation of plants, the sowing of the winter crop and the return of herds from prayer. The last day of Paryusana is the most solemn pasture. (Z) June 2022 occasion of and the examination of one's own Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem: Celebrates the creation of Hopi Kachina Dances (IA) thoughts and feelings. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness human beings and honors the souls of the deceased. (Z) 2 Ascension of Jesus (C-O) from their relatives and friends for any offense they may Ghambar Maidyarem: Celebrates the creation of animals. 4 Shavuot (begins at sundown) (J) have committed by deed, word or thought. (Ja) Zoroastrians are encouraged to remember their practice of the 5 Pentecost (C-RC, P) Day of the Covenant: Celebrates the anniversary of the equitable sharing of food during this observance. (Z) 12 Pentecost (C-O) appointment of ’Abdu’l-Baha, the son of Baha’u’llah, as the Ghambar Maidyoshem: Celebrates the creation of water, Center of the Covenant. Work is not suspended on this day. 16 Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (Sk) the sowing of the summer crop and the harvesting of grain. (Bi) (Z) 20 Litha (begins at sundown) (W/P) Death of Prophet Zarathustra: The anniversary of the Ghambar Maidyozarem: Celebrates the creation of the sky 27 Martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his death of the founder of the Zoroastrian faith. (Z) and harvesting of the winter crop. (Z) Brother Hyrum (LDS) Declaration of the Bab: Commemorates the day in 1844 Ghambar Paitishem: Celebrates the creation of the 29 Ghambar Maidyoshem begins (Z) on which he announced his identity as the Bab (“Gate”), the and the harvesting of the summer crop. (Z) herald of the . (Bi) Good Friday: Commemorates the Passion of Jesus Christ, Dharma Day: Commemorates the Buddha’s first teaching i.e., his death by crucifixion. Observed as Holy Friday by following his enlightenment. The date and name of this Orthodox Christians on a different date from the one GLOSSARY Buddhist celebration varies significantly among cultures observed by Protestants and Roman Catholics. (C) and communities. (Bd) Green Corn Ceremony (Stomp Dance): A time of renewal Advent: Period of four weeks in which Christians prepare for Diwali (Dipavali): Perhaps the most popular of all Hindu and purification that involves fasting and dances, and for Christmas and meditate on the end of all time. In Western festivals, also known as the Festival of Lights, it is some, participation in sweat lodge . (IA) churches, the first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of dedicated to the in and to , Guru Nanak’s Birthday: Observes the birth of the founder the Christian . (C) the Goddess of Wealth, in the rest of . As with several of the Sikh religion in 1469 C.E. The first of the Ten , All Saints Day: Christian celebration of the lives of all the other festivals, Diwali is associated with one of the stories Guru Nanak was born in 1469 C.E. An accomplished poet, saints, especially those not having a special day; Orthodox about the destruction of evil by in one of his many 974 of his are part of the . (Sk) churches observe the day in mid-summer. (C) manifestations. In Jainism, where the festival is also known Hanukkah: The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is All Souls Day: Catholic Christian observance in memory of as Mahavira Nirvana, Diwali celebrates the attainment of celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of all the faithful who are deceased. In some Latin cultures, this Moksa by Lord Mahavira. A burning lamp symbolizes the the Temple following the ’ victory over occupying day is known as “The Day of the Dead.” (RC) “light of knowledge” that dispels the darkness of delusion forces in 165 B.C.E., which reestablished for a time their Anniversary of the Founding of the Church: Annual and ignorance. (Hd/Ja) religious and political freedom. (J) World General Conference of the Church held on Saturday Dormition of the Theotokos: Commemorates the death of Holi: A joyous spring Hindu festival that is dedicated to and Sunday closest to this date each year. (LDS) Mary, the mother of Jesus. (O) Krishna in some parts of India; in other parts of India, it is Ascension of ’Abdu’l-Baha: Commemorates ’Abdul-Baha’s Dusserah (or Vijaya Dashami): The concluding day of a dedicated to , the God of Pleasure. People throw death. (Bi) 10- day festival honoring various , especially colored water or colored powder in celebration. (Hd) Ascension of Baha’u’llah: Marks the anniversary of the , and Lord , a manifestation of the God Vishnu. Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday): Commemorates death of the founder of the Bahá’í faith. Work is suspended The 10- day festival is known as Navaratri (“nine nights”) the institution of the Lord’s Supper/the by Jesus on this day. (Bi) and (“ of Durga”). Its pervading theme prior to his arrest and execution. “Maundy” is derived from Ascension of Jesus: The celebration of Jesus’ ascension into is the victory of good over evil. Vijaya greetings are sent to the Latin text of John 13:34, in which Jesus gives a heaven and enthronement as universal sovereign. It comes 40 friends and relatives. (Hd) mandatum novum (“new commandment”). The date observed days after Easter. The date observed by Protestants and Eagle Dances: Pueblo peoples (Arizona) perform by Protestants and Roman Catholics differs from the date Roman Catholics is different from the date observed by Eagle dances dramatizing the relationship of their observed by Orthodox Christians. (C) Orthodox Christians. (C) communities with the Sky-World. (IA) Holy Friday: The day that commemorates the Passion of Ash Wednesday: A special day of observed by Easter (or Pascha): Celebrates the from death Jesus Christ, i.e., his death by crucifixion. It is the Orthodox Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians to mark the of Jesus Christ. It is the oldest and most important festival equivalent of Good Friday. (O) beginning of Lent, the 40-day period (excluding Sundays) of in the Christian year and initiates the 50-day period Hopi Holy Cycle: The people of the Hopi pueblos observe prayer, repentance and self-denial preceding Easter. The culminating in Pentecost. Protestant and Roman Catholic this year-long cycle of nine great religious ceremonies which name derives from the practice of marking of the faithful Christians observe Easter on a different date than Orthodox symbolically dramatize the changing of the seasons and the with ashes to signify penitence. (C) Christians. (C) nature of the Hopi sacred universe. (IA) ’Ashurah: For Sunni Muslims, it is a voluntary fast day. Eid al-Adha (Festival of ): One of the two main Hopi Kachina Dances: These dances take place throughout Many important events are believed to have occurred on this Islamic festivals (the other is Eid al-Fitr), this festival falls late spring and early summer in which long lines of Kachina day, such as ’s leaving the Ark and the freedom and on the 10th day of the lunar month of Zul-Hijja and is the Dancers, representing various spirit-powers, perform in the departure of the Children of Israel from Egypt. For Shi’i concluding act of to Mecca. In commemoration open plazas of Hopi pueblos in Arizona. (IA) Muslims, it is a time of mourning commemorating the of ’s faith, sheep, goats and camels are offered to Hopi Snake Dance: A sixteen-day purification ceremony martyrdom of Husain (the grandson of the Prophet God, and the meat is distributed to the poor and needy. Eid which includes the gathering and of snakes. (IA) Muhammad) on the 10th day of the lunar month of al- Adha is observed whether or not one is on pilgrimage. Hydesville Day: On this date in 1848, the discarnate of Muharram. (Is) (Is) Charles B. Rosna communicated via the of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Commemorates Eid al-Fitr (Festival of the Breaking of the Fast): One of Fox sisters heralding the advent of Modern . the assumption of Mary, mother of Jesus, into heaven. (RC) the two main Islamic festivals (the other is Eid al-Adha), (MS) Beltane: The final fertility festival, celebrating the Earth’s this day celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of Imbolc: The first fertility festival, celebrating the approach of fecundity and anticipating the power of the sun and the Earth fasting. It spring and the growth of light in the darkness. (W/P). in summer. (W/P) comes on the first day of the next lunar month, Shawal. (Is) Installation of Granth Sahib Ji as Guru: This day Birth of the Bab: The anniversary of the birth of the Bab, Epiphany: Signifying the end of the 12 days of Christmas, celebrates Gobind Singh Ji’s passing on guruship to the herald of the new age for Bahá’is. The Shrine of the Bab Epiphany celebrates the visit of the Three Kings to the Scripture, henceforth known as the Guru Granth Sahib. (1708 in Haifa, Israel, is part of the World Center of the Bahá’í infant Jesus as the occasion of the manifestation of the C.E.) (Sk). faith. (Bi) Christ to the gentiles. In Orthodox churches, where it is Iroquois Green Corn Ceremony: A time of renewal Birth of Baha’u’llah: The anniversary of the birth of known as involving fasting, dances, offerings, and readings from the Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Bahá’í faith. Work is Theophany, the day commemorates the of Jesus code of Handsome Lake. (IA) suspended on this day. (Bi) and the manifestation of the . The day is especially Iroquois Midwinter Ceremony: A six-day curative rite in Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji: Birthday of Guru important in Latino/a cultures and in Orthodox churches. which false faces visit houses. Old fires are extinguished and Gobind Singh Ji (1666-1708). The 10th and final Sikh The Armenian Orthodox Church celebrates the nativity and new fires are lit. (IA) master, he created the , the “Brotherhood of the Pure,” theophany together. (C) Jicarilla Apache Ghost Dance: New Mexico. (IA)

Krishna Janmashtami (Sri Krishna Jayanti or Wesak. The dates and names of Buddhist celebrations Simchat Torah (Rejoicing of the Law): Joyous festival in Janmashtami): Celebrates the birthday of Krishna. vary significantly among cultures and communities. which the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the According to the Hindu epics, Krishna was the eighth (Bd) synagogue is completed and its first book begun again. The of the God Vishnu, opposed to the demon Ostara: Vernal Equinox, celebrating the equivalence of celebration typically includes singing, dancing and marching Kansa, who was responsible for the increase of evil in the light and dark and the arrival of Spring. (W/P) with Torah scrolls. (J) world. Worship of Krishna is characteristically expressed in Palm Sunday: Celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, Sri Ramakrishna Jayanti: Celebrates the birthday of Sri dance and song. (Hd) marking the beginning of Holy Week that culminates in Ramakrishna, teacher of . (Hd) Lammas/Lughnasa: The first harvest festival, celebrating Easter or Pascha. In some churches, Palm Sunday is Sukkot (Feast of Booths): An eight-day Jewish festival of the of the Earth and the sun for the harvest and combined with the anticipation of Christ’s death and so booths (or ) and the fall harvest. The name refers the diminishing strength of summer. (W/P) is also known as “Passion Sunday.” Orthodox to the booths (sukkot) used by during desert Laylat al-Bara’ah: (Night of Repentance) On this night, Christians observe this Sunday on a date different from wanderings and constructed in the fields during the harvest God approaches the Earth to call humanity and to grant the date on which Protestant and Roman Catholics season. It is a time of thanksgiving for God’s presence in forgiveness of sins. Observed on the 14th day of the observe it. (C) creation and among the Jewish people. The Eighth Day lunar month of Sha’ban. (Is) Paryusana Festival: Considered the holiest period of (Shemini ’Atzeret) is considered both the end of Sukkot and a Laylat al-Isra’wa al-Mi’raj (Mi’raj al-Nabiy): the year, these eight days are marked for Jains by distinct festival. (J) Commemorates the ascension (al-Mi’raj) of the Prophet to fasting, Sun Dance: Plains Peoples (Arapaho, , Soshone, heaven following his night journey (al-Isra’) from Mecca meditation, prayer and public readings of the life story of Arikara, Crow, , and others) observe the Sun Dance, a to Jerusalem and his return the same night. (Is) Lord Mahavira. Observed especially by the followers of three- to four-day ceremony of penitence and sacrifice. (IA) Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Power or Destiny the Shvetambara sect, Paryusana concludes on Theophany: See Epiphany. (O) commemorates the first of the Qur’an (the Samvatsari, the most solemn occasion of self-scrutiny and Vaisakhi: Occurs on the first day of the solar year. It is Islamic scriptures) to Prophet Muhammad in 610 C.E. (Is) forgiveness. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from primarily an agricultural festival, celebrating the harvest, and Lent: In Orthodox churches, the first day of Lent marks their relatives and friends for any offense they may have is especially important in . It is named after the the beginning of the Great Fast, the final six weeks of a 10- committed by deed, word or thought. (Ja) month . For , it is also the anniversary of the week period leading up to Holy Week and Easter (Pascha). Pascha: See Easter. (C) creation of the Khalsa (the “Brotherhood of the Pure”) in In the churches that follow the Gregorian calendar, Lent is Passover (Pesach): Commemorates the deliverance of the 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh. (Hd/Sk) a six- week observance (40 days excluding Sundays) Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for eight Vasant Panchami (Sri Pancami): One of many festivals to beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating in Holy days with special and symbolic foods at home, honor the advent of spring, this day is celebrated particularly Week. It is a time of repentance and sacrifice in starting with the Seder, a meal that reenacts that in North India, where it is associated with , the preparation for Easter. (C) ancient goddess of learning; however, it also retains connection with Litha: Summer Solstice, celebrating the longest day and deliverance and emphasizes the freedom of the Jews under the goddess Lakshmi. (Hd) the of light as well as the beginning of the sun the guidance of God. The first two and the last two days Wesak: The commemoration of Buddha’s birth, god’s death. (W/P) are holidays. (J) enlightenment and , celebrated on the day of the Mabon: Autumnal Equinox and the second harvest Pentecost (or Whitsunday): The commemoration of the of the sixth lunar month in Southeast ; in festival, celebrating the equivalence of light and dark, the coming of the upon the disciples of Jesus Tibet, Wesak commemorates only the enlightenment and arrival of Autumn and thanksgiving for the Earth’s bounty. following his ascension, Pentecost is considered the parinirvana. The dates of this celebration vary significantly (W/P) “birthday” of the Christian church (Acts 2:1-11). It comes among Buddhist cultures and communities. (Bd) Mahashivaratri: A feast dedicated to the Hindu 50 days after Easter (Pascha, Orthodox Easter). Roman Yaqui Deer Dance: A ceremony that integrates ancient rites . The night before the feast, fasting is observed, texts Catholic and Protestant Christians observe Pentecost on a of the Yaqui people (Arizona) with the Christian Easter are recited, songs sung and stories told in honor of this different date from Orthodox Christians. (C) ceremony. (IA) God whose cosmic dance creates, preserves, destroys and Pioneer Day: Mormon observance of the arrival of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day): recreates the world. (Hd) Brigham Young at the site of Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1847. Memorializes the six million Jews who died as victims of the Mahavir Jayanti: Celebrates the birthday of Lord (LDS) Nazis during World War II and emphasizes respect for Mahavira. Born with the name Vardhamana in ca. 599 Purim (Feast of Lots): Celebrates the rescue of the Jews of human dignity. Its observance is not limited to Jews. (J) B.C.E., he was later given the titles of honor Mahavira ancient Persia from a plot to destroy them as related in the Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement): The conclusion of the 10 (“Great Hero”) and Jina (“Conqueror” or “Victor”), a title Book of Esther, which is read at this time. Purim is a Days of Awe, Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn of applied also to the other Tirthankaras. (Ja) joyous holiday, celebrated by wearing of costumes, giving all days in the Jewish year. It is characterized by repentance, Mahavir Nirvana: Popularly known as Diwali or to friends, giving to the poor and socializing. fasting and forgiveness. (J) Dipavali, this “Festival of Lamps” celebrates the Preceded by the Fast of Esther, Purim is a day of feasting. Yule: Winter Solstice, celebrating the longest night and the attainment of Moksa by Lord Mahavira. A burning lamp (J) blessings of darkness as well as the of the sun god. symbolizes the “light of knowledge,” which dispels the Ramadan: The Holy Month of Ramadan is the month of (W/P) darkness of delusion and ignorance. (Ja) fasting during which Muslims who are physically able do Martyrdom of the Bab: Anniversary of the martyrdom of not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset in the Bab, the forerunner of Baha’u’llah, in 1850. Work is honor of the first to the Prophet Muhammad. suspended on this day. (Bi) The evening meal is celebrated with family. (Is) Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606): The Raksha Bandhan (Thread for Protection): Also fifth Guru, he built the of to abbreviated to Rakhi, it is the Hindu festival that celebrates emphasize that the Sikh way was open to all, regardless of brotherhood and . It is celebrated on the full moon in caste; the temple was constructed with doors facing all four the month of Sravana in the lunar calendar. (Hd) directions. The first Sikh , Arjan is also remembered Ramanavami: Celebrates the birthday of Rama, the for his contributions to and compilation of the Sikh seventh incarnation of the God Vishnu. The , one Scriptures. (Sk) of the Hindu epics that tells the story of Rama, is read Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: This day during the previous eight days. (Hd) commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Reformation Day: Commemorates the beginning of the Protestant Reformation of Christianity with Martin (1621-1675), the ninth of the Ten . He is th remembered not only for his defense of the Sikh faith, but Luther’s challenge to the Roman church in the 16 century also of Hinduism and of religious liberty. (Sk) C.E. (P) Martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and His Ridvan (pronounced “Riz-wan”): Commemorates the 12 Brother Hyrum: The Prophet Joseph Smith and his days that Baha’u’llah spent in the Garden of Ridvan in the last days of his exile in Baghdad, during which time he brother Hyrum were assassinated in 1844 while proclaimed himself as the one announced by the Bab. incarcerated in Carthage, Ill. (LDS) Work is suspended for the first, ninth and 12th days. (Bí) Maundy Thursday: See Holy Thursday. (C) Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year and the anniversary Mawlid al-Nabi: The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. of the creation of the world, Rosh Hashanah is the first of the (Is) Ten Days of Awe (also known as the Ten Days of Mescalero Apache Mountain Spirit Dances: New Repentance) that conclude on Yom Kippur. It marks Mexico. Also called the Crown Dance. (IA) the beginning of the holiest time of the year for Jews. Navaratri: A nine-night (nav-rat) celebration of nine (J) auspicious forms of / (feminine divine Samhain: The New Year and the final harvest festival, power/the Goddess). (Hd) celebrating the last gifts of the Earth before winter and Naw Ruz: The seventh greatest festival, “New Day” is the the return of the spirits of the dead. (W/P) first day of the Zoroastrian/Persian and Bahá’í New Year. Samvatsari: Culminates Paryusana Festival and is It falls on the spring equinox and symbolizes the renewal dedicated to introspection, confession and penance, of the world after the winter. For Zoroastrians, Naw Ruz especially for the ascetic community of the Shvetambara also celebrates the creation of fire that is symbolic of Asha sect. (Ja) or righteousness. It is also the day on which Zarathustra Shalako Kachina Ceremony: Held at Zuni pueblo (New received his revelation. (Bí) Mexico). Celebrates the end of the old and the beginning Nineteen Day Fast: A designated 19-day period of fasting of the New Year, and blesses the houses of the Pueblo each year immediately before the Bahá’í New Year. The erected during the year. (IA) fasting is seen as a period of spiritual preparation and Shavuot (Feast of Weeks): Shavuot marks the conclusion regeneration for the new year ahead. (Bí) of the seven weeks following Passover. It is a celebration of Nirvana Day: In the northern tradition, it commemorates the harvest of first fruits and commemorates the giving of the parinirvana of the Buddha. In cultures of Southeast the Torah and Commandments at . (J) Asia, the Buddha’s parinirvana is remembered during