JANUARY 2015
- 1
- Mary, Mother of God - Catholic Christian
- Feast of St Basil - Orthodox Christian
- Gantan-sai (New Years) - Shinto
- 5
- Twelfth Night - Christian
- Mahayana New Year ** - Buddhist
- Guru Gobindh Singh birthday - Sikh
- 6
- Epiphany - Christian
- Feast of the Theophany - Orthodox Christian
- Dia de los Reyes - Christian
- Nativity of Christ - Armenian Orthodox Christian
- 7
- Feast of the Nativity - Orthodox
Christian
- 11
- Baptism of the Lord Jesus - Christian
- 13
- 18
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins - Christian
- World Religion Day * - Baha'i (begins sundown on 17 )
- 19
- Timkat - Ethiopian Orthodox Christian
- 24
- Vasant Panchami ** - Hindu
- 25
- Conversion of St. Paul - Christian
DEFINITIONS
FEBRUARY 2015
- 1
- Triodion begins Orthodox Christian
- Four Chaplains Sunday- Interfaith
- 2
- Candlemas - Christian
- Presentation of Christ in the Temple - Anglican Christian
- St Brighid of Kildare - Celtic Christian
- 3
- 4
- Tu BiShvat * - Jewish (begins sundown on 3 )
- 14
- Saint Valentine's Day- Christian
- 15
- Nirvana Day ** - Buddhist - Jain
- Transfiguration Sunday - Christian
- Meatfare Sunday - Orthodox Christian
- 17
- Shrove Tuesday - Christian
- Maha Shivaratri - Hindu
- 18
- Ash Wednesday - Christian
- 19
- World Religion Day - Baha'i
- Chinese New Year - Confucian,
Daoist, Buddhist
- 22
- Cheesefare Sunday - Orthodox Christian
- 23
- Clean Monday - Great Lent begins - Orthodox Christian
- 26 - March 1
- Intercalary Days * - Baha'i (begins sundown on 25)
DEFINITIONS
MARCH 2015
- 1
- Orthodox Sunday - Orthodox Christian
- Saint David of Wales - Christian
- 2 - 20
- Nineteen Day Fast * - Baha'i (begins sundown on 1 )
- 5
- Purim * - Jewish (begins sundown on 4)
- Magha Puja Day ** -Buddhist
- 6
- Holi ** - Hindu
- Hola Mohalla - Sikh
- 18
- L. Ron Hubbard birthday - Scientology
- 17
- St Patrick's Day - Christian
19
- Saint Joseph's Day - Christian
- 20 Equinox
- 21
- Naw Ruz (News Year) * - Baha'i
(begins sundown on 20 )
- Norooz (New Year) - Persian/Zoroastrian
- New Year - Hindu
- 21-28
- 25
- Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Christian
- 28
- Ramanavami ** - Hindu
- Birth of Prophet Zarathushtra ** - Zoroastrian
- 29
DEFINITIONS
APRIL 2015
- 2
- Maundy Thursday - Christian
- 3
- Good Friday - Christian
- Mahavir Jayanti ** - Jain
- 4-11
- Pesach (Passover) * - Jewish
(begins sundown on 3)
- 4
- Therevadin New Year ** - Buddhist
- Hanuman Jayanti ** - Hindu
- Lazarus Saturday - Orthodox Christian
- 5
- Easter - Christian
- Palm Sunday - Orthodox Christian
- 10
- Holy Friday - Orthodox Christian
- 12
- Pascha (Easter) - Orthodox
Christian
- 14
- Baisakhi - New Year - Sikh
- 15
- Lord's Evening Meal - Jehovah's Witness Christian
- 16
- Yom HaShoah * - Jewish (begins sundown on 15)
- 21
- First Day of Ridvan * - Baha'i (begins sundown
on 20)
- 23
- St. George Day - Christian
- 24
- Yom Ha'Atzmaut * - Jewish (begins sundown on
23)
- 29
- Ninth Day of Ridvan * - Baha'i (begins sundown
on 28)
DEFINITIONS
MAY 2015
- 2
- Twelfth Day of Ridvan * - Baha'i (begins sundown on
1)
- 4
- Visakha Puja - Buddha Day ** - Buddhist
- 7
- Lag B'Omer * - Jewish
- National Day of Prayer USA - Interfaith
- 2
- Ascension of Jesus - Orthodox Christian
- 13
- Lailat al Miraj * - Islam (begins sundown on 12)
- 21
- Declaration of the Bab * - Baha'i
(begins sundown on 20)
- 24-25
- Shavuot * - Jewish ( begins sundown on 23)
- 24
- 29
- Ascension of Baha'u'llah * - Baha'i
( begins sundown on 28)
- 31
- Pentecost - Orthodox Christian
- Trinity Sunday - Christian
DEFINITIONS
JUNE 2015
- 1
- Lailat al Bara'ah * - Islam (begins sundown on May
31)
- 4
- Corpus Christi - Catholic Christian
- 7
- All Saints - Orthodox Christian
- 16
- Guru Arjan Dev martyrdom - Sikh
- 18
- Ramadan begins * - Islam (begins
sundown on 17)
- 19
- New Church Day - Swedenborgian Christian
- Sacred Heart of Jesus - Catholic Christian
- 21 Solstice
- 29
- Saints Peter and Paul - Christian
DEFINITIONS
JULY 2015
- 2
- Asalha Puja day ** - Buddhist
- 9
- Martyrdom of the Bab * Baha'i (begins sundown on 8)
- 13
- Ulambana (Obon) ** - Buddhist
- Lailat al Kadr * - Islam (begins sundown on 12)
- 18-21
- Eid al Fitr * - Islam (begins
sundown on 17)
- 23
- Emperor Haile Selassi birthday - Rastafari
- 24
- Pioneer Day - Mormon Christian
- 26
- Tish'a B'av * - Jewish (begins sundown on
25)
DEFINITIONS
AUGUST 2015
- 1
- Fast in honor of Mother of Jesus - Orthodox Christian
- Lammas - Christian
- 6
- Transfiguration of the Lord - Orthodox Christian
- 13-15
- 15
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Catholic Christian
- Dormition of the Theotokis - Orthdox Christian
- 29
- Raksha Bandhan ** - Hindu
- Beheading of John the Baptist - Christian
DEFINITIONS
SEPTEMBER 2015
- 1
- Ecclesiastical year begins - Orthodox Christian
- 5
- Krishna Janmashtami ** - Hindu
- 8
- Nativity of Mary - Christian
- 14
- Elevation of the Life Giving Cross - Holy Cross Day Christian
- 14-15
- Rosh Hashanah * - Jewish
(begins sundown on 13)
- 17
- Ganesh Chaturthi ** - Hindu
- 18
- Paryushana Parva ** - Jain
- 22
- Waqf al Arafa - Hajj * - Islam (begins sundown on 21)
- 23 Equinox
- Yom Kippur * - Jewish
(begins sundown on 22)
- 23-26
- Eid al Adha - Sacrifice Day * - Islam
(begins sundown on 22)
- 27
- Meskel - Ethiopian Orthodox Christian
- 28-Oct 4
- Sukkot * - Jewish (begins sundown on 27)
- 29
- Michael and All Angels - Christian
DEFINITIONS
OCTOBER 2015
- 4
- Saint Francis Day - Christian
- 5
- Shemini Atzeret * - Jewish (begins sundown on 4th)
- 6
- Simchat Torah * - Jewish (begins sundown on 5th)
- 12
- Thanksgiving - Canada - Interfaith
- 13-21
- 14
- Hijra - New Year * - Islam (begins sundownon 13)
- 20
- Birth of the Báb - Baha'i
(begins sundown on 19)
- Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth - Sikh
- 22
- 23
- Saint George's Day - Christian
- Ashura * - Islam (begins sundown on 22)
- 25
- Reformation Day ** - Protestant Christian
- 28
- Milvian Bridge Day - Christian
- 31
- All Hallows Eve - Christian
- Samhain (Northern hemisphere) Beltane *Southern hemisphere) Wicca/Pagan
begins Sundown Oct 30
DEFINITIONS
NOVEMBER 2015
- 1
- All Saints Day - Christian
- 2
- All Souls Day - Catholic Christian
- 9-13
- 11
- Diwali (Deepavali) ** - Hindu -
Jain - Sikh
- St. Martin's Day - Interfaith
- 12
- Birth of Baha'u'llah - Baha'i (begins sundown
on 11)
- New Year ** Jain
- 15
- Nativity Fast begins through 12/24 - Orthodox Christian
- 22
- Christ the King - Christian
- 24
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom - Sikh
- 25
- Guru Nanak Dev Sahib birthday - Sikh
- 26
- Thanksgiving- Interfaith USA
- Day of the Covenant - Baha'i
- 28
- Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha - Baha'i (begins sundown on
26)
- 29
- Advent begins - Christian
- 30
- Saint Andrew's Day - Christian
DEFINITIONS
DECEMBER 2015
- 6
- Saint Nicholas Day - Christian
- 7-14
- Hanukkah * - Judaism (begins sundown on 6)
- 8
- Immaculate Conception - Catholic Christian
- 12
- Advent Fast begins- Orthodox Christian
- Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Catholic Christian
- 8
- Rohatsu (Bodhi Day) ** - Buddhist
- 16
- Posadas Navidenas through 12/25 - Christian
- 21 Solstice
- 23
- Mawlid an Nabi * - Islam ( begins sundown on 22)
- 25
- 26
- Zarathosht Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra ** - Zoroastrian
- 27
- Feast of the Holy Family - Catholic Christian
- 28
- Holy Innocents - Christian
- 31
DEFINITIONS
Updated March, 2015
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DEFINITIONS
Interfaith Calendar Definition of Terms
A B C
D E F G
H I J
K L M N
O P Q R
S T U V
W X Y Z
- Advent
- Christian time of preparation for observing the birth
of Jesus Christ. Advent begins on the Sunday nearest November 30 and is
the beginning of the Christian worship year. Advent is observed
with the lighting of advent candles, display of wreaths, and special
ceremonies. Advent also anticipates the coming again to earth of Jesus
Christ. The season continues through December 24..
- Al-Hijra
- Islamic remembrance of the migration of Muhammad and
followers to Medina in 622 c.e. and establishment of first Islamic
state. No specific religious rituals are observed. Beginning of Islamic
calendar year.
- All Hallow's Eve
- Christian celebration of mystery combining prayers and
merriment involving children and families. It is a prelude to All
Saint's Day.
- All Saints Day
- Christian day for honoring saints, known and unknown.
In general, saints are persons with reputation for unusual lives of
holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith.
A Holy Day of Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church where saints have
special formal status.
- All Souls Day
- Christian day of prayers of remembrance and
intercession for the dead. Prayers of the faithful are seen as helping
to cleanse the souls for the vision of God in heaven.
- Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Christian celebration of Gabriel announcing to the
Virgin Mary the coming birth of Jesus as the Incarnation of Creator God.
- Asala ( Turning of the Wheel of Teaching)
- Buddhist observance of the day when Gautama Buddha made
his first public proclamation to five ascetics. He taught the middle
way, the noble eight-fold path and the four noble truths.
- Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha
- Baha'i celebration of the rising of the spirit of
Abdu'l-Baha to the heavenly dwelling.
- Ascension of Baha'u'llah
- Baha'i recollection of the death of Baha'u'llah, the
founder. Observed by prayers and readings. Work is suspended.
- Ascension of Jesus
- Christian recognition of the departure of Jesus from
earth after the resurrection. It is perhaps the earliest observed
celebration in Christianity. It is observed with worship including
prayers and music.
- Ash Wednesday
- Christian observance to begin the 40 day season of
Lent. Ashes are marked on worshippers as a sign of penitence.
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Roman Catholic Christian observance commemorating the
belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into
heaven at the end of her earthly life.
- Ashura
- An Islamic optional one day fast recognizing the
Creation, Noah's departure from the ark, and the saving of Moses from
Pharaoh. Prophet Muhammad's Grandson, Hussain, was martyred on
this date in 683/684 AD.
- Ayyam-I-Ha
- Baha'i beginning of a series of special days
(Intercalary Days) that balance out the calendar. It is observed by
hospitality and acts of charity.
B
- Baisakhi (Vaisakhi)
- Hindu start of the New Years. Greetings that wish good
life in coming days are exchanged. In Sikhi the day commemorates the
founding of the Khalsa, a distinctive Sikh brotherhood.
- Baptism of Jesus
- Christian commemoration of the beginning of the public
ministry of Jesus.
- Beheading of John the Baptist
- Christian remembrance of the death of John who is known
for preparing the people so they would recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
- Birth of the Bab
- Baha'i honoring of the founder of the Babi religion,
forerunner to Baha'u'llah and the Baha'i faith.
- Birth of Baha'u'llah
- Baha'i celebration of the birth of their founder and
teacher. Refrain from work.
- Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
- Sikh honoring of the birthday of their founder.
- Blessing of the Animals
- Christian observance of showing respect for the
domestic animals that mean much to people. Observed on various dates -
especially related to St. Francis.
- Bodhi Day
- Buddhist celebration of the time when Prince Gautama
took his place under the Bodhi tree, vowing to remain there until he
attained supreme enlightenment.
- Bon Festival
- Shinto ancestral soul's day. People visit graveyards to
recall the souls of ancestors. Families enjoy special meals.
- Buddha Day
- Buddhists celebrate the birthday of Buddha
C
- Candlemas
- Christian celebration of the presentation of young
Jesus in the temple to the aged Simeon. New beginnings are recognized.
Candles are lighted.
- Chinese New Year
- Begins a fifteen Day Festival for Chinese people of all
religions. Family reunions with thanksgiving and remembrance of departed
relatives take place. Traditionally a religious ceremony honors Heaven
and Earth.
- Christ the King
- Christian celebration of the preeminence of Jesus over
all earthly authorities.
- Christmas
- A season of the Christian year following Advent and
preceding Epiphany.
- Christmas Day
- Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties.
- Christmas Eve
- Christian celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph
in Bethlehem for for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship,
candle lighting, manger scenes and festive meals.
- Christmas Fast
- Orthodox Christian fasting period in preparation for
the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ.
- Circumcision of Jesus
- Christian recognition of its Jewish foundations. The
infant Jesus was brought to the Temple for the ritual act of
circumcision.
- Confucius' birthday
- Chinese moral philosopher, K'ung Fo-tzu, born in 551
b.c.e.
- Conversion/Confession of St Peter
- Christian recognition of the classic words of St Peter
who responded to a question by Jesus and described him as the long
awaited messiah .
- Conversion of St Paul
- Christian observance of the experience of the Paul when
he was confronted by a vision of Jesus while on his way to persecute
Christians and became a leading presenter of Jesus. Observed at worship
services.
- Corpus Christi
- Christian (Roman Catholic) celebration in recognition
of the Eucharist - the Blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of
Christ. The real presence of the body and blood of Jesus is honored.
D
- Dalai Lama birthday
- Buddhist observation with traditional dances, picnics
and singing. Each Dalai Lama is seen as reincarnation of predecessor.
- Dasa Laxana
- Jain observance with focus on the holy texts describing
the ten characteristics to which devotees aspire.
- Dassera
- Hindu celebration of victory and valor. Lord Rama is
remembered as winning a victory over evil.
- Day of Hajj
- Islamic observance of the revelation to Mohammed on Mt
Arafat.
- Day of the Covenant
- Baha'i celebration of the covenant given in the last
will and testament of Baha'u'llah
- Day of the Covenant
- Baha'i celebration of the covenant given in the last
will and testament of Baha'u'llah
- Death of Guru Nanak Dev
- Sikh observance of the passing of the first great Guru
- Declaration of the Bab
- Baha'i recognition of the declaration in 1844 by Ali
Muhammed that he is the anticipated "Coming One" of all
religions. Work is suspended.
- Deep Diwali
- Jain commemoration of the liberationof Mahavira from
the endless cycle of birth and rebirth.
- Deepavali
- Hindu celebration - a five day festival of lights
marking the end of the Hindu year. First day is observed as a holiday by
many Hindu people.
- Diwali
- Hindu Festival of Lights symbolizing the human urge to
move toward the light. Gift exchanges, fireworks and festive meals. Jain
celebration of Lord Mahavira's day of final liberation.
- Dharma Day
- Buddha's first discourse following his enlightenment.
- Dormition (falling asleep) of the Theotokos
- Orthodox Christian commemoration of the death and
burial of the Virgin Mary.
- Dussehra
- Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over
evil. Goddess Durga and Lord Rama prevail over the demons. Prayers
for blessings and favor are offered.
E
- Easter
- The most holy of Christian sacred days. The day
commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from his death by
crucifixion. Observances include worship services beginning at sunrise,
special music, feasting, and parades.
- Eid ul-Adha
- Islamic Feast of Sacrifice. The most important feast of
Islam. It concludes the Hajj and is a three-day festival recalling
Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.
- Eid ul Fitr ('Id al-Fitr)
- Islamic event marking the close of Ramadan. It is a
festival of thanksgiving to Allah for enjoying the month of Ramadan. It
involves wearing finest clothing, saying prayers, and fostering
understanding with other religions.
- Epiphany
- Christian commemoration of the manifestations of the
divine nature of Jesus Christ. The homage of the magi to the infant
Jesus is honored by some. For others the Baptism of Jesus is the
remembered event. A season of the Christian year from the close of
Christmas to the beginning of Lent.
- Exaltation of the Life-giving Cross
- Orthodox Christian celebration of the finding by St
Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, of the Cross upon which Christ
was crucified.
F
- Falling Asleep (Dormition) of the Theotokos
- Orthodox Christian observance of the death, burial,
resurrection and transfer to heaven of the Virgin Mary.
- Fasali
- The Zoroastrian seasonal calendar - "fasal"
means "season". These dates remain unchanged from year to
year.
- Fast in honor of the Holy Mother of Lord Jesus
- Orthodox Christian 14 day fasting period in preparation
for the celebration of the Great Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin
Mary..
- Feast of the Holy Apostles
- Christian - The martyrdom of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
recognized.
- Feast of St Basil
- Orthodox Christian commemoration of St Basil t he
Great, who wrote a Eucharist Liturgy which bears his name.
- Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe
- Catholic Christian honoring of a legendary appearance
of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531 c.e.
- Feast of Mithra
- Zoroastrian festival with focus on Mithra as the angel
of light. From ancient times in Iran it has been a time of gratitude for
life and light.
- Feast of the Theophany
- Orthodox Christian Feast to recall the revelation of
the Holy Trinity in the baptism of the Lord.
- Feast of the Visitation
- Christian remembrance of Mary and cousin Elizabeth to
whom the news of Jesus' coming was given.
- First Parkash
- The Sikh scripture, Adi Granth, is installed in the
Golden Temple.
- First Nations Day
- Canadian First Nations (Indian, Metis and Inuit) most
sacred day on the summer solstice. Communities hold feasts and invite
guests.
- Founding of the Church
- Mormon Christian commemoration of the appearance of the
angel Moroni in 1830 to Joseph Smith. The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter day saints began at this timed.
- Four Chaplains Day
- Commemoration of the event in World War II when four
Chaplains of Jewish and Christian traditions (Catholic and Protestant)
gave their life jackets to others as a troop ship sank in the Atlantic
Ocean.
G
- Ganesa Chaturthi
- A Hindu festival honoring the god of prosperity,
prudence and success. Images of Ganesa are worshipped.
- Ganga Dussehra
- Hindu honoring of the sacred river Ganga which flows
from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal.
- Gantan-sai
- Shinto New Year festival observed with prayers for
inner renewal, prosperity and health.
- Ghambar Maidyozarem
- Zoroastrian celebration of the creation of the sky and
the harvest of winter crops.
- Gion Matsuri
- Shinto honoring of the sun god with parades, music and
story telling.
- Gita Jayanti
- Hindu celebration of birthday of Srimad Bhagavad Gita
and the revelation of the Gospel of Dharma to the world.
- Good Friday
- Christian remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus and
related events.
- Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom
- Sikh time of remembering those who have suffered for
the faith. Observed by reading the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Guru Gobind Singh's Birthday
- Sikh honoring of the birth of the founder of the Khalsa
who lived from 1469 -1539 c.e.
- Guru Granth Sahib Installation
- Sikh remembrance of the eternal installation of the
holy books, Granth Sahib.
- Guru Nanak's Day
- Sikh honoring of the birth of the first Sikh teacher
who lived from 1469 -1539 c.e. Sacred readings, prayers, hymns, meals
together.
- Guru Purnima
- Hindu celebration of the ancient Gurus, in particular
Sage Ved Vyas. A Guru is seen as a remover of darkness, a teacher. The
date is the full moon of the month Asadha.
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom
- Sikh time of remembering the execution of Teg Bahadur
by the Moghul Emperor in India.
H
- Haile Selassi I birthday
- Rastafari celebration honoring the founder.
- Hana Matsuri
- Japanese Buddhist flower festival invoking a plentiful
harvest.
- Hanukkah
- Jewish Festival of Lights. It commemorates the
Maccabean recapture and rededication of the Jerusalem Temple in 165-164
b.c.e. Special readings and praise songs focus on liberty and freedom.
The eight candle Menorah is lighted
- Hajj
- Islamic pilgrimage rites at Mecca on 7-12th days of
month of Dhu al-Hajja. Concludes with Eid ul Adha when those not
traveling to Mecca take part.
- Hanuman Jayanti
- Hindu celebration of Hanuman who was an embodiment of
Lord Rama. Devotion and selfless work are encouraged.
- Hijra
- The calendar system used in Islam
- Holi
- Hindu spring festival dedicated to the god of pleasure.
It is observed in a colorful and boisterous manner. People shower each
other with colored water and smear red and green powder on each other.
- Hola Mohalla
- A Sikh day when mock battles are fought and martial
arts are displayed.
- Holy Cross Day
- A Christian Day of recognition for the Cross on which
Jesus was crucified as a central symbol of the Christian religion.
- Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, Joseph
- Catholic Christian celebration of the love between the
family of Jesus.
- Holy Innocents Day
- Christian day of solemn memory of male children killed
by King Herod in the attempt to destroy Jesus.
- Holy Pascha
- Orthodox Christian feast day of the resurrection of
Lord Jesus Christ.
- Holy Thursday
- Christian observance of the final meal that Jesus
observed with his disciples. It is usually observed with the Sacrament
of Holy Communion or a special Mass celebrating the institution of the
Eucharist.
- Holy Saturday
- Christian observance of the Saturday before Easter - a
time meditation on the mystery of Jesus Christ.
- Holy Week
- Christians observe the week before Easter with solemn
ceremonies based on events in Jesus' life, especially on Holy Thursday
and Good Friday.
I
- Id al-Adha (Eid al Adha)
- Islamic day to remember Abraham and the almost
sacrifice of Isaac.. Meat is given to the poor.
- Id al-Fitr (Eid al Fitr)
- A 3 day Islamic fast marking the close of Ramadan. It
is a festival of thanksgiving to Allah for enjoying the month of
Ramadan. It involves wearing finest clothing, saying prayers, and
fostering understanding with other religions.
- Immaculate Conception
- Catholic Christian day of celebrating the belief that
Mary, mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life.
A day of obligation and required church attendance.
- Immaculate Heart of Mary
- Catholic Christian honoring of Mary, mother of Jesus.
- Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth
- Sikh scriptures are chose as perpetual guru.
- Intercalary Days
- Baha'i insertion of days into the calendar in order to
maintain their solar calendar.
J
- Jashan-e Sadeh (Sadeh)
- Zoroastrian mid winter celebration in which a bonfire
is often used to express defiance of the cold of winter.
- Janmashtami
- Hindu celebration of the birthday of Krishna. Nightlong
prayers are held in the Temples. A two day observance.
- Jummatul Wida
- Islamic last Friday of Ramadan observance.
K
- Kathina
- Buddhist monks end a three month rain retreat and
are given new robes. Friends and family join to celebrate harmony.
- Khordad Sal
- Zoroastrian remembrance of the birth of Prophet
Zarathushtra.
- Krishna Jayanti (Sri Krishna Janmashtami)
- Hindu commemoration of the birth of Krishna - the 8th
incarnation of god Vishnu who took the form of Krishna to destroy the
evil king Kansa.
- Kwanzaa
- An African American and Pan-African holiday celebrating
family, community and culture, Kwanzaa is a secular observance. Seven
life virtues are presented. The dates are always December 26 - January
1.
L
- Lag B'Omer
- Jewish observation of the counting of the day - the
link - between Pesach and Shavout.
- Lailat al-Miraj & Israa'
- Islamic observance of Mohammed's night journey from
Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven.
- Lailat al Bara'ah (Shab-Barat)
- Islamic Night of Forgiveness. A night of prayer to
Allah for forgiveness of the dead. Preparation for Ramadan through
intense prayer.
- Lailat ul-Qadr
- Islamic Night of Destiny. First revelation of Qur'an to
Prophet Mohammed. Observed during the last ten days of Ramadan.
Prayers to Allah for a good destiny
- Lammas
- Christian first fruits celebration observed by placing
bread baked from first harvest on the altar. From the Celtic Christian
tradition.
- Las Posadas
- Mexican Christian festival re-enacting Joseph's search
for room at the Inn for Mary and the birth of Jesus.
- Lazarus Saturday
- Orthodox Christian celebration of the resurrection of
Lazarus by Jesus, celebrated on the eve of Palm Sunday; revealing that
Jesus in "the resurrection and life" of all mankind..
- Lent
- A Christian time of reflection and preparation for Holy
Week and Easter. A forty day time of intense devotion, it is observed by
fasting, frequent worship and acts of charity. The season begins on Ash
Wednesday.
- (The) Lord's Evening Meal
- Jehovah's Witness (Christian) primary annual
celebration taking place in the evening.
- Los Posadas
- Christian Traditional Latino celebration re-enacting
the search by Joseph for a room at an inn for Mary to give birth to
Jesus.
M
- Magha Puja Day
- Buddhist celebration of the presentation of teachings
by Lord Buddha to and assembly of holy men.
- Maghi
- Sikh commemoration of a battle in which forty Sikhs
died for Guru Gobindh Singh Ji.
- Mahavir Jayanti
- Jain festival honoring Lord Mahavira on the founder's
birthday. Shrines are visited.
- Maha Shivaratri
- A Hindu festival in honor of Lord Shiva and his
marriage to Goddess Parvati. Ceremonies involving prayers and hymns take
place mostly at night. Special foods are not used.
- Maidgoshahem
- Zoroastrian joyous mid summer feast relating to the
creation of the waters. Rituals, prayers and sharing food.
- Maidyarem Gahambar
- Zoroastrian winter feast involving rituals, prayers and
sharing of food.
- Makar Sakranti
- A Hindu celebration marking turning of the sun toward
the north. Observed by flying kites, feeding the poor and offering
libations to the dead.
- Martyrdom of the Bab
- Baha'i - Ali Mohammed was executed in 1850 by Persian
political and religious powers. Observed by abstaining from commerce and
work.
- Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev
- Sikh time of remembering those who have suffered for
the faith. Observed by reading the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Martyrdom of John the Baptist
- Christian observance to remember the beheading of John
who challenged the moral life of King Herod.
- Mary, Mother of God
- Catholic Christian - a celebration of the mother of
Jesus.
- Mawlid el-Nabi
- Islamic commemoration of the birthday of Prophet
Muhammad, founder of Islam, in about 570 c.e. Not universally observed.
The prophet's teachings are read and religious meetings are held.
- Maunajiyaras
- Jain day of fasting, silence, and meditation on the
five holy teachers.
- Maundy Thursday
- Christian observance of the first Lord's Supper during
Holy Week.
- Meatfare (Judgement) Sunday
- Orthodox Christian observance, two weeks before the
start of the Great Lent, preparing the faithful for the celebration of
the resurrection of Christ. This is the last day for eating of meat
before the Great Lent.
- Milvian Bridge Day
- Christian day of solemn reflection on the relationship
of the spiritual community and the powers of civil government. On Oct
28, 312 c.e., Emperor Constantine prevailed in a battle and proceeded to
make Christianity the legal religion of the Roman Empire. For
further information go to Milvian
Bridge event.
- Most Precious Blood of Jesus
- Catholic Christian veneration of the Blood of Jesus and
its life-giving power.
- Muharram
- The first day of the first month of the Muslim year.
N
- Nativity of Mary, the Mother of God
- Christian celebration of birth of the Virgin Mary.
- Nativity of St John the Baptist
- Christian celebration of the role of John in baptizing
Jesus. Continues a pre Christian Midsummer's Day celebration. Special
interest for Hispanic tradition.
- Navaratri Dusserha
- Hindu Festival of the divine mother honoring Durga,
wife of Shiva, and seeking her blessings. Also observed as a celebration
recalling the days of Lord Krishna.
- Nav Ruz
- Zoroastrian New Years observance
- Naw Ruz
- Baha'i observance of the vernal equinox symbolizing
spiritual growth and renewal.
- New Church Day
- Swedenborgian Christian (Church of the New Jerusalem)
annual commemoration of the vision document, "The True Christian
Religion", by Emanuel Swedenborg in 1770.
- New Year (Islam)
- The Islamic cycle of months begins. Formulas determine
holy days based on lunar events.
- Nichiren Daishonin Memorial
- Buddhist memory of Nichiren Daishonin and the Dai-Gohonzon,
the true object of worship, for all humanity.
- Nineteen Day Fast
- Baha'i Fast to be observed by adult Baha'is in good
health - sunrise to sundown - no food or drink.
- Ninth Day of Ridvan
- Baha'i celebration of the arrival of Baha'u'llah at a
sacred garden.
- Nirvana Day
- Buddhist - a regional observance of the death of the
Buddha.
- Noche Buena
- Christian Latino Christmas Eve family celebration.
- Norooz (The New Day)
- Nuzulul Qur'an (Laylat al-Qadr)
- Islamic Night of Power during final days of Ramadan. A
night spent in worship to mark the first revelation of the Qur'an.
O
- Obon Festival
- Japanese Buddhist festival to honor deceased ancestors.
Involves lighting of bonfires, traditional meals, paper lanterns, folk
dances.
- Oh-harai-taisai
- Shinto Grand Purification Ceremony. Observed twice
yearly to obtain purification from offenses committed during each half
of the year.
- Orthodox Sunday
- Orthodox Christian first sunday of Lent. Restoration of
icons to the church is celebrated.
P
- Paitishahem Gahambar
- Zoroastrian festival commemorating the creation of the
earth and the harvesting of summer crops.
- Palm Sunday
- Christian celebration of the entry of Jesus into
Jerusalem. The day begins Holy Week. It is observed by worship
celebrations and parades using palm branches.
- Parinirvana
- Buddhist observance of the entry of Buddha into the
final nirvana - a state of complete detachment.
- Paryushana Parva
- Jain 8 day festival signifying human emergence into a
new world of spiritual and moral refinement. Marked by recitations from
Jain sacred writing and family exchange of cards and letters.
Celebration of the natural qualities of the soul.
- Pavarana Day
- A Buddhist festival marking the end of the Rains
Retreat, primarily observed by monks in monasteries.
- Passover
- Jewish 8-day celebration of the deliverance of the Jews
from slavery in Egypt. The story of the Exodus is recounted, and the
ongoing struggle of all peoples for freedom from internal and external
tyranny is celebrated. A special meal is a central feature.
- Pentecost
- Christian observation of the day when the God the Holy
Spirit came to the disciples in the forms of tongues of fire and rushing
wind. It is a traditional day for baptism and confirmation of new
Christians.
- Pioneer Day
- Mormon observation of arrival of first settlers at
Great Salt Lake, USA, on July 24, 1847.
- Posadas Perpetual (Navideñas)
- Hispanic Christian feast of The Lodgings commemorating
the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in preparation for the birth
of Jesus.
- Precious Blood of Jesus
- Christian (Roman Catholic) veneration of the life
giving power of the blood of Jesus.
- Presentation of Jesus
- Christian remembrance of the infant Jesus being brought
to the temple in Jerusalem. His Godly presence was recognized. Celebrate
at worship services.
- Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Catholic Christian honoring of Mary who was brought to
the temple at age 3 for education. .
- Purim
- Jewish celebration of the deliverance of the Jewish
minority in Persia from genocide. Charity to the poor, sharing food with
friends, and vigorous merrymaking mark the observance.
Q
R
- Raksha Bandhan
- Hindu festival honoring the loving ties between
brothers and sister in a family.
- Ramadan
-
9th month on Islamic calendar, devoted to the
commemoration of Muhammad's reception of the divine revelation
recorded in the Qur'an. The event begins when authorities in Saudi
Arabia sight the new moon of the 9th month. It is the holiest period
of the Islamic Year. There is strict fasting from sunrise to sunset.
- Rama Krishna Jayanti (Sri Krishna Jayanati)
- Hindu celebration of the birthday of Sri Krishna, an
incarnation of Lord Krishna. Sweets, fruits and milk products are
available in abundance.
- Ramanavmi
- Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Rama, hero of
the religious epic poem, The Ramayana. The day involves telling of
stories and going to the temple.
- Reformation Day
- Protestant Christian anniversary of their tradition and
its emphasis on the place of the Bible and religious freedom. On October
31, 1517 c.e. Martin Luther posted a belief statement on Wittenberg
Church door.
- Ridvan
- Baha'i commemoration of the twelve day period in 1863
when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work
is to be suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.
- Rogation Sunday
- Christian occasion to ask God to bless the land for
growing crops and to also ask forgiveness of sins.
- Rohatsu
- Buddhist celebration of the enlightenment of Buddha.
- Rosh Hashanah
- Jewish New Year. A time of introspection, abstinence,
prayer and penitence. The story of Abraham is read, the ram's horn is
sounded, and special foods are prepared and shared.
S
- Sacred Heart
- Christian (Roman Catholic) occasion to pay homage to
Christ's all encompassing love for humanity. Solemn worship is observed.
- Sadeh (Jashan-e Sadeh)
- Zoroastrian mid winter celebration in which a bonfire
is often used to express defiance of the cold of winter.
- Saint Andrew's Day
- Christian observance of the coming of Christianity to
the area now know as Scotland. The martyrdom of St Andrew is remembered
as the season of Advent is about to begin.
- Saint Benedict Day
- Catholic Christian recognition of the father of the The
Benedictine Order. It was the first Order of the Western Church Monastic
tradition and lived by the Benedictine Rule.
- Saint Blaze Day
- Christian, primarily Catholic and Orthodox, honored of
a 4th century saint by blessing the throats of believers.
- Saint Brighid of Kildare
- Christian recognition of Brighid who displayed unusual
compassion. She was brought up as a Druid and became Christian.
- Saint Columba of Iona
- Christian recognition of Columba who began the famous
community of Iona off the coast of Scotland in 563.
- Saint David of Wales
- Celtic Christian saint known for his wisdom and
missionary work.
- Saint Francis Day
- Christian recognition of service to people and
appreciation of the natural world, as practiced by St Francis and the
Franciscan Monastic Order which he founded.
- Saint George Day
- Christian remembrance of a person who, in the 4th
century, was a martyr and became an ideal of martial valor and
selflessness. Legend of killing a dragon is connected with this patron
saint of England.
- Saint James Day
- Christian recognition of the martyrdom of the Apostle
James the Great in 44 c.e
- Saint John the Baptist
- Christian remembrance of the birth of St. John the
Baptist who announced the coming of Jesus.
- Saint John the Evangelist
- Christian remembrance of the birth of St. John the
Evangelist of the early church.
- Saint Joseph's Day
- Christian remembrance of Joseph, husband of Mary the
mother of Jesus.
- Saint Luke's Day
- Christian remembrance of Luke, disciple of Jesus.
-
- Saint Matthew Day
- Christian remembrance Matthew - apostle, evangelist and
martyr of the first century.
- Saint Michael and All Angels
- Christian celebration of angels as companions who help
fight off the power of evil and who are present at the hour of death.
- Saint Nicolas Day
- Christian celebration of the birth of Saint Nicolas,
patron saint of children and role model for gift giving. Many churches
named for this saint who is also the Dutch version of Santa Claus.
- Saint Patrick's Day
- Christian celebration of Patrick who brought
Christianity to Ireland in early days of the faith.
- Saint Peter Day
- Catholic Christian honoring of the disciple chosen by
Jesus to give leadership to the church.
- Saint Philip the Apostle & St James the Less
- Catholic Christian remembrance of two disciples of
Jesus.
- Saint Stephen's Day
- Christian remembrance of St Stephen, the first
Christian martyr.
- Saint Thomas Day
- Christian remembrance of the Apostle of Jesus who
traveled east toward India and is now the Patron Saint of India and
Pakistan.
- Saint Valentine's Day
- Christian celebration of the love of God presented in
Jesus and in the lives of Christian believers. St Valentine was a 3rd
century martyr. This day is widely observed in the USA as a secular
celebration of love.
- Setsubun-sai
- Shinto celebration of the change of seasons with the
coming of spring with shouts of "Devils out, Good Fortune in".
Bean throwing protects against demons.
- Shavuot
- Jewish celebration of Moses' descent from Mt Sinai with
the ten commandments. Plants and flowers are used in decorations.
- Shemini Azteret
- Jewish completion of the annual cycle of reading of the
Torah.
- Shivarat (Mahasivaratri)
- Hindu worship of Shiva with flowers.
- Shogatsu (Gantan-sai)
- Shinto New Year's Day celebration.
- Shree Krishan Jayanti (Janmastami)
- Hindu celebration of the physical courage and mental
brilliance of Krishna, great savior and founder of dharma, the
religious and moral law of Hinduism.
- Shrove Tuesday
- Christian carnival day on the eve of Ash Wednesday
which begins Lent, a time of fasting and devotions. Pancakes are often
served. It is also known as Fat Tuesday in some places.
- Shubun-sai
- Shinto vernal equinox observance.
- Simchat Torah
- Jewish day to celebrate the reading of the Law.
Synagogue services involve readings, processions and blessing of the
children.
- Slichot
- Jewish worship service to begin making repentance for
wrongs done the past year.
- Spring Ohigon
- Buddhist time of meditation on the teachings of Buddha
at the equinox.
- Sri Ramakrishna Jayanti
- Hindu celebration of the life of Sri Ramakrishna whose
life was a constant contemplation of God. He exemplified the best in
seers of India.
- Sukkot
- Jewish Feast of Tabernacles which celebrates the
harvest and the protection of the people of Israel as they wandered in
the wilderness dwelling in tents. Temporary dwelling places have leaves
for a roof so the sky can be seen. In temperate climates, night is spent
in the Succoth.
T
- Tammuz, Seventeenth of
- Jewish traditional day of fasting to mourn over
Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. Not universally observed.
- Thanksgiving
- Interfaith celebration of the created earth. Celebrated
in the USA.
- Theophany (Feast of...)
- Orthodox Christian celebration of the Baptism of Jesus,
at which time the Trinity was revealed to the world.
- Tiragan
- Zoroastrian celebration in honor of Tishtat - the Dog
Star. Recognizes dogs as helpers of humanity. May involve splashing
people with water.
- Tishah B'av
- A Jewish day of fasting in remembrance of the
destruction of the Temple in 586 b.c.e. and 70 c.e.
- Tohji-Taisai
- Shinto Grand Ceremony of the Winter Solstice.
- Transfiguration of Jesus
- Christian commemoration of the experience on Mt Tabor
when Jesus' physical appearance became brilliant as his connection with
traditional Jewish holy figures became evident to the disciples.
- Trinity Sunday or Day
- Christians honor the belief in one God with a threefold
nature.
- Triodion
- Orthodox Christian time period leading up to Lent. The
liturgy involves hymns, odes and scriptures.
- Tu B'Av
- Jewish celebration of romance between couples.
- Tu B'shevat
- Jewish celebration of the coming of spring by
preparation of foods native to Israel. It is also known as "New
Year for Trees" - a method for determining the age of trees for
tithing purposes.
- Tulsedas Jayanti
- Hindu remembrance of the poet Tulsedas as one who
brought spiritual uplift to the masses of people.
- Twelfth Night
- Christian observance of the close of Christmastide.
U
- Ugadi (ugAdhi)
- Hindu New Years Day for Telugu people and those of
Andhra Pradesh. It is said that Lord Braham began the creation on this
day. It is one of at least eight New Year observances in regions on
India.
- Ullambana
- Buddhist celebration of the ritual of saving the
deceased from torments after death.
V
- Vaisakhi (Baisakhi)
- Hindu solar new year. For Sikhs the day remembers Guru
Gobind Singh and the founding of the militant fraternity of Sikhs named
Kahlsa. The day is observed by temple worship, feasting and dancing.
- Vasant Panchami
- Hindu celebration dedicated to Saraswati, goddess of
learning.
- Visakha Puja
- Buddhist marking of the birth, enlightenment and death
(attainment of Nirvana) of Lord Buddha.
- Vivekananda Jayanti
- Hindu celebration of the birthday of Swami Vivekenanda
who was dedicated to bridging the gap between east and west.
W
- Waqf al Arafa
- Islamic observance day during Hajj when pilgrims pray
for forgiveness and mercy.
- Watch Night
- Christian occasion to thank God for bringing people
safely through another year. Developed by the African American community
in the USA at the time of Emancipation (1863).
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
- Christian observance with prayer for the restoration of
unity between the churches of the faith.
- Wesak
- Holiest of Buddhist holy days. It celebrates Buddha's
birth, enlightenment and death. It is a public holiday in some
countries.
- Whitsunday
- Alternate name for Pentecost, the Christian celebration
of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the community of the faithful. White
robes are used in worship.
- Winter Lent
- Orthodox Christian season of preparation for the
Nativity of Christ.
- World Communion Sunday
- Protestant Christian observation of the unity of
Christians in celebration of the last supper of Jesus with the
disciples.
- World Religion Day
- Baha'i sponsored day dedicated to the unity and oneness
of all world religions.
Y
- Yom Hashoah
- Jewish Holocaust Day. The day has been established to
remember the six million Jews killed by the Nazis in 1933-45. It is
observed by many non-Jews as well.
- Yom Kippur
- Jewish Day of Atonement. This holiest day of the Jewish
year is observed with strict fasting and ceremonial repentance.
- Yule
- A Christian celebration of the light dawning in Jesus.
Also a Norse pagan celebration of the winter-born king, symbolized by
the rebirth of the sun. A present day Wicca event.
Z
- Zarathosht Diso
- Zoroastrian anniversary of the death of Prophet
Zarathushtra.
Many sources are used for these definitions. They include
books, web sites, individuals, and journal articles. Check other on line, print,
or personal sources when in doubt. Regional and sectarian use of terms differ
considerably.
