Islamic holidays are listed here through May 2007.
it is good to know about religions - different than ours.
dushwari
January 2007
1
Feast of the Solemnity of Mary
(Christianity)
Catholics worldwide recognize the Solemnity of Mary eight days after Christmas. The day commemorates Mary’s role in the mystery of salvation, and falls on the first day of the New Year, reminding Catholics that Christmas marks both the birth of Jesus from the Virgin Mary and the beginning of salvation.
1
The Feast of Saint Basil
(Orthodox Christianity)
Saint Basil’s life is remembered by Orthodox Christians each year on January 1, the same day that he died in the year 379 AD. Saint Basil is best known for his writings on asceticism, monastic rules, and commentaries on Christian scriptures. After living a life of solitude for many years, he was elected in 370 AD to lead the church in Caesarea.
1
Gantan-sai
(Shinto)
Gantan-sai is the Shinto New Year holiday. The faithful visit shrines, often at midnight, praying for renewal of heart, health, and prosperity. During the seven-day holiday, individuals visit the homes of friends and family to express their wishes for the coming year.
3
New Year
(Mahayana Buddhism)
The New Year celebrations in Mahayana Buddhist countries are observed with a variety of ceremonies. The New Year begins on the first full moon in January and lasts for three days. Like many New Year celebrations, it is a time for making a fresh start and cleansing oneself from the prior year’s errors. In Theravadin countries, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Lao, the New Year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April. In Mahayana countries the New Year starts on the first full moon day in January. However, the Buddhist New Year depends on the country of origin or ethnic background of the people. As for example, Chinese, Koreans and Vietnamese celebrate late January or early February according to the lunar calendar, while Tibetans usually celebrate about one month later.
5
Twelfth Night
(Christianity)
The Christian tradition holds that twelve days after the birth of Christ, hence the title Twelfth Night, the three kings arrived in Bethlehem with gifts for the baby Jesus. In Hispanic countries, this day is referred to as Tres Reyes (Three Kings) and is celebrated by exchanging gifts and festive meals. In many countries, cakes are prepared with a trinket hidden inside.
5
Guru Gobindh Singh Day
(Sikhism)
Sikhs celebrate the Gurpurb — anniversaries associated with the lives of the Gurus — of Guru Gobindh Singh’s birthday on January 5. Guru Gobindh Singh lived in the 17th Century and was the tenth and final leader of the Sikhs.
6
Epiphany
(Christianity)
Most Christians mark the end of the Christmas season on January 6, or Epiphany. The term means “to reveal” or “to show.” Like Twelfth Night, Epiphany commemorates the three kings’ visit to Bethlehem, “revealing” Jesus to the world as Lord and King. In contemporary times, the day is observed as a time to focus on the church’s mission to reach out to all people.
6
Feast of the Theophany
(Orthodox Christianity)
The Feast of the Theophany marks the anniversary of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. In addition to reminding Orthodox Christians of their own baptism and salvation, the day also celebrates the Mystery of the Holy Trinity.
7
Baptism of Jesus
(Christianity)
Many Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus on January 7.This day also marks the beginning of “ordinary time” in the liturgical calendar, or the point when the Gospels describe the public life and preaching of Jesus’ ministry.
13
Maghi
(Sikhism)
Sikhs commemorate the martyrdom of the Forty Immortals on the day known as Maghi. The Forty immortals were followers of Guru Gobindh Singh who were all killed while courageously fighting a Mughal army. Sikhs visit their gurdwaras and listen to kirtan (recitation of hymns) on this day. A large gathering of Sikhs takes place at the city of Muktsar, in India, where Gobindh Singh blessed the martyrs and cremated their bodies.
20
New Year begins
(Islam)
The Islamic calendar is reckoned around the date 622 CE: the year that Muhammad and his community sought their safety from persecution in Mecca by migrating (hijra) miles through the desert to Medina. Because most Islamic countries use a lunar calendar, the Hijra or New Year, moves through the year as it appears on the Gregorian calendar.
21
World Religion Day
(Baha’i)
Members of the Baha’i faith observe World Religion Day annually on the third Sunday in January. The aim of the holiday is to create interfaith understanding and harmony by noting the common denominators underlying all religions.
25
Conversion of Paul
(Christianity)
Christians commemorate the Conversion of Paul of Tarsus annually on January 25. Prior to Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, he was known as Saul, a great persecutor of Christians. Traditional scripture passages include Acts 9:1-22 and Acts 22:3-16.
Ashura
29
Ashura
(Islam)
Taking place on the tenth day of Muharram, Ashura marks the anniversary of the death of Imam Husain, the grandson of Muhammad. Additionally, tradition has it that a number of other important events occurred on this date, including Noah’s ark coming to rest, the Prophet Abraham being born, and the Kaaba being built. For Shi’ites, this is the most sanctified day of the month, and celebrating it includes fasting and “passion plays” of his martyrdom. Because of this, the day is not “celebrated” in the way that holy days normally are. Some mourners beat their chests, lamenting and grieving over Husain’s death, and replicas of his tomb are profusely decorated.
February 2007
2
Candlemas
(Christianity)
Under Mosaic law, after giving birth to Jesus, Mary was obligated to go to the temple with an offering and have the priest pray for her, so that she would be ritually cleansed. This event thus marked the first solemn “presentation of Jesus” in the temple. Since the 4th century, when Jesus’ birth was set at December 25, this “presentation day” and “feast of the purification of Mary” was set on February 2. In Catholic tradition, beeswax candles were blessed on this day and then distributed to the clergy and the laity, after which there was a procession. Such processions with candles take place even today, with the priest leading the procedure stopping occasionally to chant “the light of Christ,” which is then intoned by the people.
4
Four Chaplains Sunday
(Interfaith)
In January and February of 1943, the U.S.A.T. Dorchester was transporting troops to European battlefields with over 900 soldiers aboard when the ship was hit by a torpedo off the coast of Greenland. The 230 soldiers who survived the icy the icy ocean waters recounted how the ship’s four chaplains—a Catholic priest, two Protestant ministers, and a Jewish rabbi—helped the men into their life jackets and onto the lifeboats. When life jackets ran out, the four, who had been friends since chaplains school, took off their own jackets and gave them to individuals who still needed them. From accounts, they were last seen with their arms linked and praying aloud as the Dorchester sank, killing over 600 other soldiers. They are remembered today with a number of interfaith services.
8
Nirvana Day
(Buddhism)
This day commemorates the day of the Buddha’s death, when he reached Nirvana. Nirvana is reached at that point when we are put an end to all of our wanting, and thus to all the suffering that craving brings about in us. The Buddha was 80 when he reached his Nirvana. Buddhists who observe Nirvana day often do so by examining their lives, in order to make those changes needed to help them achieve the perfect peace that Nirvana is supposed to bring. Observances sometimes take place in monasteries, where people read the Paranibbana Sutta, one of the Buddhist texts that describes the Buddha’s final days.
14
St. Valentine’s Day
(Christianity)
This is celebrated in the West through the exchange of cards and gifts between romantic friends and spouses. The day commemorates the death of Saint Valentine, who, according to tradition, was martyred ca. 270 A.D. Legend holds that Valentine sent a note to a young girl with whom he had fallen in love, signing the note “From your Valentine.” Pope Gelasius assigned February 14th Saint Valentine’s Day ca. 498 A.D.
16
Maha Shivaratri
(Hinduism)
Unlike most Hindu festivals, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night. From sundown to sunrise the following day, Hindus fast and pray to Lord Shiva. There are ceremonies throughout the night; the celebration concludes with a large festive meal.
18
Chinese New Year
(Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism)
This is a 15-day celebration with each day having special significance. For example, on the first day, many people abstain from meat and the day is recognized as the time to welcome the gods of heaven and earth. Sons-in-law pay respect to their spouses’ parents on the third and fourth days. On the fifth day, people remain in the home to welcome the god of wealth, while during the sixth through the tenth days, relatives and friends are visited. The fifteenth and final day ends with the Lantern Festival, held at night. Traditionally, trays of oranges, tangerines, and candy, as well as vases of flowers are displayed.
18
Cheesefare Sunday
(Orthodox Christian)
Cheesefare Sunday might also be called the ‘Sunday of Our Expulsion from Paradise’. On this day, Orthodox Christians commemorate the expulsion from Paradise of Adam and Eve. If Adam and Eve had not been expelled from Paradise there would be no Lent.
18
Transfiguration Sunday
(Christian)
Celebrated the last Sunday before the beginning of Lent, Transfiguration Sunday the day that Jesus was “transfigured” on the mountain. His appearance became dazzling, and he was joined by both Moses and Elijah. The disciples who were with him saw him in this dazzling glory, and they heard a voice from heaven that said “This is my beloved Son…Listen to him.”
19
Clean Monday
(Orthodox Christian)
For Orthodox Christians, Lent begins on Clean Monday, the seventh Monday before Easter, using the Eastern Church’s date for Easter. Lent recalls Jesus’ forty-day withdrawal into the wilderness.
20
Shrove Tuesday
(Christian)
In Old English, the word “shrove” referred to the act of listening intently to someone and giving advice. Shrove Tuesday (referred to as Mardi Gras in French) is the last day before the beginning of Lent; Christians are supposed to examine their consciences, confess their sins, and receive advice on mending their ways during the time of purification that Lent represents. The French term, which means Fat Tuesday, is said to come from the custom French homemakers had of using up all the fats they had around for cooking, since the food during Lent’s time of “fast and abstinence” would entail leaner cuisine. Thus, the fat would be baked into food “rich” meals on this last day before Lent. Often, what was cooked ended up being a pancake of sorts; thus the custom still observed in some parts of the western world of eating pancakes, or of having pancake races on the day before Lent. In many places it is a time for a final “celebration” before the 40 days of purification that precede Easter.
21
Ash Wednesday
(Christian)
In the Western Church, Lent commences with Ash Wednesday. Many Christians attend church, where, during the liturgy, their foreheads are marked with ashes in the form of the cross, as the priest says "Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return. The ashes used are made from burning remains of palms blessed on Palm Sunday of the previous year. The ashes symbolize that the person belongs to Jesus Christ, and are a reminder of human mortality. (In Orthodox Christianity, Lent begins the seventh Monday before Easter; see March 6)
25
Sunday of Orthodoxy
(Orthodox Christian)
The Feast of the Sunday of Orthodoxy was instituted in 843 AD on the occasion of the Restoration of Icons, at the end of the Iconoclast controversy. In its most basic form, then, the Sunday of Orthodoxy is the Feast of the Restoration of Icons. Now, the Feast’s meaning as the Restoration of Icons was extended in two directions: backwards in time to a defense of the Orthodox doctrine of the two natures, the human and the divine, of Christ; and forwards to a defense, in the context of the Hesychast controversy of the Fourteenth Century, of the Orthodox doctrine of divinization (theosis).
26 - March 1
Intercalary Days
(Baha’i)
The Intercalary Days, or “Days of Ha,” occur between the eighteenth and nineteenth months of the Baha’i Calendar (February 26 to March 1 inclusive), and end one day before the Baha’i fast begins. There are four Intercalary Days in ordinary and five in leap years. These are days of preparation for the Fast; days of hospitality, charity, ministering to the poor and sick, the giving of presents, and so on.
March 2007
1
St. David of Wales Day
(Christianity)
David is the patron saint of Wales who lived during the sixth century. He is often depicted with a dove on his shoulder and standing on a hill. Many Welsh wear a leek on their clothing on this day, recalling St. David’s command during a battle with the Saxons that leeks be worn to distinguish the enemy. Pope Callistus II canonized Saint David in 1120.
3
Magha Puja Day
(Buddhism)
Magha Puja Day commemorates the day that the Buddha preached to a group of 1250 monks who gathered together in the Bamboo Grove; it was the event when he announced the entirety of Buddhist principles. The gathering (on the first full moon day of the third month after the Buddha was enlightened) was considered magical, because all these monks convened without any prior notice that the event would take place. The word “puja” means devotion; “Magha” is the name of the third month in the calendar. The Buddha’s message included the three basic principles of Buddhist doctrine: never do evil, always to good, and purify the mind through regular meditation.
4-5
Purim
(Judaism)
During the minor festival of Purim, the entire Book of Esther is read aloud in synagogues. The name of the festival derives from the Hebrew word pur, which means “lots” (see Esther 3:7; 9:23-32). Traditionally, adults and children wear costumes reminiscent of the characters in Esther. Families exchange food and gifts and special donations are made for the poor.
14
Holi
(Hinduism)
This two-day holiday was originally a time to celebrate plentiful harvests and the fertility of the earth, but over time, and with links to Hindu mythology, it has changed into a festival that some liken to Carnival in countries like Spain and Portugal. The legend is that the king’s son, Prahlada, was a worshipper of the Hindu god Vishnu. The king was displeased with his son’s devotion, and tried to kill him on a number of occasions. The son always escaped. The king ultimately convinced his sister, whose name was Holika, to sit in a huge bonfire with the boy, so that he could not escape. Prahlada was not burned at all, but Holika was toast. Today, people scour their towns for material that can be burned, and huge bonfires are lit in public places to commemorate the event. On the second day, people tend to throw colored powder, and/or water, at one another, and activities are often rowdy. In contrast to most other Hindu holidays, where there is a public celebration and private devotion inside the home, Holi is almost exclusively a public festival. Some towns celebrate with dances and song, and clouds of pink, blue, and green powder fill the air.
17
St. Patrick’s Day
(Christianity)
Saint Patrick is the patron saint and apostle of Ireland, who lived during the fourth century. While not the first to bring Christianity to Ireland, he is credited with spreading the Christian faith and abolishing pagan religions. The traditional belief that he expelled snakes from Ireland probably is a symbolic reference to his success in ending pagan practices. For many Christians, St. Patrick’s Day is a time for spiritual renewal and for offering prayers for missionaries. The shamrock associated with this day commemorates Patrick’s use of the three leaves to explain the mystery of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity.
20-31
Mawlid al-nabi
(Islam)
The words mawlid al-nabi means “the birth of the Prophet,” and this day commemorated the birth of the prophet Muhammad, who received revelations directly from God through the angel Gabriel early in the 7th century. Muhammad’s birthday was first observed around the thirteenth century, and was preceded by a month of celebration. The actual day of Muhammad’s birthday included a sermon, recitation of litanies, honoring of religious dignitaries, gift giving, and a feast. Although the conservative Wahhabi government in Saudi Arabia does not approve of such celebrations, Mawlid al-nabi is celebrated in a number of places throughout the world; celebrations usually include a sermon and prayers, followed by a feast. Gifts are often given, also.
21
Ostara
(Wicca)
Ostara falls on the first day of spring and is the Wiccan festival of fertility and growth. The name is derived from the Teutonic goddess Eostre, whose symbols are the rabbit and the egg. The festival marks the balance between darkness and light, and the day is a celebration of renewal and rebirth of nature.
21
Norooz
(Zoroastrianism)
Norooz, or “New Day,” falls annually on the vernal equinox. The celebration begins on the eve of the last Wednesday, known as “Red Wednesday” of the outgoing year and continues through the 13th day of the New Year. Beginning with Red Wednesday, Zoroastrians clean their homes in anticipation of the arrival of the souls of departed family. The New Year festivals are tied to Persian culture, as well as to the Zoroastrian religion. The New Year’s Eve meal includes seven foods, all with symbolic meaning: sprouts, pudding, apple, fruit of the Lotus tree, garlic, sumac berries, and vinegar. Zoroastrians celebrate the birthday of Zarthushtra on the 6th day of the festivities.
21
Nau-Roz
(Baha’i)
Baha’is fast daily from sunrise to sunset from March 2 to March 21. New Year’s Day, which falls on the vernal equinox, usually March 21, and is a feast day for Baha’is.
25
Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary
(Christianity)
In ancient times it was believed that God’s incarnation must have coincided with the creation of the world (which naturally was springtime), and so the feast of “God becoming man” was set to take place just as spring was beginning. This incarnation took place when the angel Gabriel announced to the virgin Mary that she was going to bear a child, Jesus. (Thus, his birth at Christmas, nine months later.) The feast is celebrated in the Christian church with prayers and attendance at church services.
26
Khordad Sal
(Zoroastrianism)
This is the anniversary of the birth of the prophet Zarathustra (also called Zoroaster), celebrated the sixth day of the Parsi month Farvardin, with prayers offered in temples. Many ancient events in Iranian history are said to have happened on this day. It is celebrated by families coming together, but also presents an opportunity for Zoroastrians to review the way they are living their lives and think about how they can improve. New clothing is often seen on children, flowers and delicious food are seen in homes.
27
Ramanavani
(Hinduism)
This day celebrates the birth of the Hindu god Rama, who is best known about through the great Hindu epic titled the Ramayana. In some parts of India, there is a nine-day festival leading up the Ramanavami. Devout Hindu devotees of Rama commemorate the day with ablutions in the morning, and then by chanting mantas from the Vedas. Offerings of flowers and fruit are made to the god. A fast is kept during the day, and followed by breaking it with a celebration that night.
April 2007
1
Palm Sunday
(Christian)
The last Sunday before Easter is referred to as Palm Sunday, the day that inaugurates Holy Week. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. Many contemporary Christians decorate their churches with palm branches, in remembrance of worshippers placing palm braches along his route.
2
Hanuman Jayanti
(Hinduism)
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman, the monkey god widely venerated throughout India. It is celebrated during the month of Chaitra. Hanuman was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, and is worshipped for his unflinching devotion to the God. From the early morning, devotees flock Hanuman temples to worship the monkey god. The devotees will visit temples and apply tilak of sindhoor to their foreheads from the Hanumans body as this is considered to be good luck. According to the legend Sita was applying sindhoor to her head, Hanumans Ji questioned why and replied that this would ensure a long life for her husband. Hanuman then smeared his entire body with sindhoor, in an effort to ensure Rama’s immortality.
3 (to 10)
Pesach
(Judaism)
Pesach is the Hebrew word for Passover; it commemorates the liberation from slavery of the Israelites in Egypt around 2000 before the common era. It is frequently celebrated with the seder meal, where families and friends gather together to celebrate. The first and last days of the celebration are often considered days when most kinds of work should not be done.
5
Maundy Thursday
(Christian)
The Thursday of Holy Week that commemorates Jesus Last Supper with the disciples. The word Maundy derives from the Latin mandatum or commandment, referring to Jesus’ command to his disciples to love one another (see John 13). Many churches offer an evening liturgy that includes Holy Communion. In some churches, the ranking official washes the feet of 12 people, recalling Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.
6
Good Friday
(Christian)
This is the most solemn day in the Christian year, as it recalls Jesus suffering and death (Jesus’ Passion) on the cross. The day always falls on the Friday of Holy Week. The title of “Good” Friday refers to the salvation offered to humanity as a result of Jesus’ sacrificial death; others believe the etymology is from “God’s Friday.” Worship services often last three hours, mimicking the traditional time that Jesus suffered on the cross.
7
Holy Saturday
(Christian)
Holy Saturday is the day before Easter in the Christian calendar. In Roman Catholic churches, the altar is stripped completely bare in memory of the loss of Christ. It has always been a day of severity in Christianity. At midnight the forty days of Lent come to a close with the midnight mass that celebrates Easter.
8
Easter
(Christian)
This is the day in the Christian calendar that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the death he suffered on the cross three days earlier. It is considered the highest celebration in the Christian church, and is usually celebrated by attendance at important religious ceremonies, with songs of praise and rejoicing. In many churches, it opens with the blessing of fire at midnight; the fire is symbolic of the light of Christ. Children often get new clothing for Easter; the eggs of Easter symbolize the new life that Christians feel they were given by the death and resurrection of Jesus.
14
Baisakhi Day
(Sikhism)
Baisakhi (which means “springtime” is the harvest festival for Sikhs, but it is best known in that it commemorates the foundation of the Khalsa, the Sikh order. After a period of intense persecution of religions, and the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh leader, his follower called people together for what he promised to be a special celebration of Baisakhi. He asked for one brave man to enter his tent. A short time later he came back out with his sword dripping with blood. He asked for a second volunteer, and the same thing happened. After the fifth, he came out with all five volunteers, to an astonished crowd, and praised these brave men. Thus was the foundation of what was called the Panth Khalsa, which means the “Order of the Pure Ones.” It is celebrated in India with dances, song, fancy clothing, and traditional jewelry.
15
Yom Hashoah
(Judaism)
There are various beliefs about what is and is not appropriate on this day - and many of them are conflicting. In general, Yom Hashoah has been observed with candlelighting, speakers, poems, prayers, and singing. Often, six candles are lighted to represent the six million. Holocaust survivors speak about their experiences or share in the readings. Some ceremonies have people read from the Book of Names for certain lengths of time in an effort to remember those that died and to give an understanding of the huge number of victims. Sometimes these ceremonies are held in a cemetery or near a Holocaust memorial.
21
Ridvan
(Baha’i)
In Arabic, the word ridvan means “good pleasure,” and it also refers to Paradise. It refers specifically to the name of a beautiful garden in Baghdad where the Bahai founder, Baha’u’llah was living. Ridvan commemorates Baha’u’llah’s public announcement that he had been called to be a prophet. The full festival lasts twelve days; Bahais tend to take holidays on the first, ninth, and last days of Ridvan.
May 2007
1
Beltane
(Wicca)
Beltane is the last of three spring festivals celebrated halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. In ancient times, the festival marked the arrival of summer and continues to be recognized as the beginning of the “Light Part” of the year.
2
Buddha Day
(Buddhism)
Visakha Puja celebrates the day the Buddha was born, and the day he reached his enlightenment some thirty-five years later, and the day of his death, some forty-five years after that. Buddhists believe that all three of these events took place on the day in May when the moon is full. It is an extremely important day in the Buddhist tradition, Buddhists tend to observe the day by being generous, because of their gratitude for what the Buddha did, and perhaps also by listening to speeches about the Buddha. In contrast to many other celebrations, on this day Buddhists tend to dress much more simply than they might otherwise, and they cut down on the amount and kind of food they might eat. Offering flowers, and burning candles and incense to the Buddha is also common.
6
Lag B’Omer
(Judaism)
Lag B’Omer is the 33rd day between the second day of Passover and the holiday of Shavuot. There is altogether a span of 49 days between the two holidays; a time that is traditionally a period of mourning the death of Rabbi Akiba’s 24,000 students over 2,000 years ago. By contrast, however, Lag B’Omer is a break in the mourning period and is therefore a time for celebration. It is the occasion of the end of the plague that killed Rabbi Akiba’s students, as well as the day of passing for Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who made it clear that he wanted his death to be celebrated, rather than mourned.
6
Yom HaSho’ah
(Judaism)
Yom HaSho’ah commemorates the lives of the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust. It is observed annually on the 27th of Nissan, the anniversary day for the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. In most Jewish communities, synagogue services are held and many educational programs are conducted.
17
Ascension of Christ
(Christianity)
Falling forty days of Easter, this date marks the conclusion of Jesus’ time on earth. Acts 1:9-11 states that the disciples witnessed Jesus’ ascension into heaven from the Mount of Olives. The day is celebrated with prayer and special church services.
23
Declaration of the Bab
(Baha’i)
The Baha’i Faith is considered to have begun on May 23, 1844, which was the day that the individual known as “The Bab” declared his mission.. The world’s 5 million Baha’is have basic principles that include belief in the oneness of the human race, the unity of religions, equality of the sexes, and universal peace. Baha’is are followers of Baha’u’llah, who was born in Persia in 1817. But—not unlike the role that John the Baptist played in announcing the coming of Jesus—Baha’u’llah’s coming was preceded and announced by Siyyid Ali Muhammad, who referred to himself as the Bab (meaning “the Gate”). The Bab told people that another messenger would be coming after him, and that the power of the revelation of the coming one would far exceed any message previously sent down by God.
23 - 24
Shavuot
(Judaism)
Also known as the “Feast of Weeks” Shavuot falls seven weeks after Pesach (Passover). The holiday commemorates both the early summer grain harvest (associated with ancient pilgrimage to Jerusalem) and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Readings from the Hebrew Bible include the Book of Ruth and the Psalms of Praise. It is customary to eat dairy foods during Shavuot.
26
Corpus Christi
(Catholicism)
Corpus Christi is the Latin for “body of Christ,” and is a Christian feast day to celebrate the Eucharist. The Church is indebted to the 13th century Belgian saint Juliana for the day. Juliana was tremendously devoted to the Blessed Sacrament—the body and blood of Christ offered during liturgical services. She had a vision telling her of the need for a special feast day in recognition of the sacrament, and succeeded in getting Church support for it. The feast day tends to be observed by attendance at church services and special prayers during such services.
27
Pentecost
(Christian)
On Pentecost, Christians celebrate the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles of Jesus. The word itself comes from the Greek word for “fiftieth,” since the feast day takes place the 50th day after Easter. In the early days of the Christian church no courts of law were held during the week of Pentecost, and manual labor was forbidden; those practices gradually diminished. In Italy, it has been customary to drop rose leaves from the ceilings of churches, to signify the descent of the spirit. The French tended to sound trumpets, signifying the sound of the “mighty wind” that is said to have accompanied the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the apostles. Pentecost is usually celebrated with a special church service and or special prayers.
29
Ascension of Baha’u’llah
(Baha’i)
Baha’is believe in the oneness of the human race, the unity of religions, equality of the sexes, and universal peace; they abstain from alcohol, gambling, and gossip. Baha’is are followers of Baha’u’llah, who was born in Persia in 1817. This day, which commemorates Baha’u’llah’s death and ascension to heaven, is one of nine “holy” days in the year. Baha’is do not work on their holy days, which for many is considered a sacrifice. Celebrations on such days are generally quiet observances. Baha’u’llah’s ascension may be celebrated by a picnic, or a gathering at which prayers are said, or songs are sung from Baha’ullah’s writings.
31
Feast of the Visitation
(Catholicism)
This feast day commemorates the visit that the Virgin Mary made to her cousin, Elizabeth, who was the mother of John the Baptist. The belief is that when Mary, now two-months pregnant with Jesus, arrived at her cousin’s house, John the Baptist “leapt in his mother’s womb” in recognition of the coming Messiah. In this instant, John is said to have been cleansed from original sin. The day is celebrated with special church services.
June 2007
3
All Saints Day
(Orthodox Christianity)
In the Christian church, days were specified to commemorate important martyrs and saints. But after certain persecution periods, the number to be remembered was so great that a special day could not be named for each. The feast of All Saints Sunday commemorates all the saints of the church who have remained anonymous. It falls the Sunday after Pentecost. Orthodox Christians pray to the saints for help of various kinds.
15
Sacred Heart of Jesus
(Catholicism)
This feast day commemorates Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s (1647-1690) visions of Jesus and his instruction to her that she serve as the instrument for spreading devotion to his sacred heart. The feast celebrates Jesus’ gift of the Eucharist and urges believers to pray for the sins of the world.
16
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib
(Sikhism)
Guru Arjan Dev Sahib is known in part for the work he did collecting the writings of the first four Sikh gurus and a number of other holy Muslim and Hindu writers. What he compiled was the Sikh holy book, known as Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Arjan Dev Sahib was cruelly martyred, thus making him the first of a number of Sikhs who later lost their lives for their religion. One of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib’s accomplishments was getting Sikhs to contribute ten percent of their income in order to take care of less fortunate community members.
16
Ganga Dussehra
(Hinduism)
The Ganga is the largest river in India and is sacred to Hindus. Its water is a symbol of purity, as it is believed that the river washes away the sins of mankind. Hindus often take water from the river and keep it in containers in their homes. Many devotees bathe in the Ganga, or meditate on the banks during this festival.
24
Nativity of John the Baptist
(Christianity)
John was a Jewish preacher who called upon people to repent, amend their lives and renew their relationship with God. He was a strong believer that the coming of the Kingdom of God was imminent. John baptized Jesus in the River Jordan, which is said to mark the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. When Jesus arrived to be baptized by John, John told his followers “this is the man I spoke of,” and that his mission was to proclaim the coming of Christ. John lost his life after he was arrested and beheaded by King Herod Antipas, because he criticized the king for divorcing his wife and taking a new wife.
29
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
(Christianity)
The date of this feast for two of the apostles of Jesus was established as early as the year 258. According to Christian legend, after the death of Jesus, the two saints went to Rome. The date was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the date that their remains were moved to the catacombs near where the Roman church San Sebastiano fuori le mura stands today. At a still later date, Peter’s remains were moved to the Vatican Basilica, and Paul’s to the church on Via Ostiensis. The feast day is celebrated with liturgy and prayers.