July 2009 - June 2010
CALENDAR of CULTURAL and RELIGIOUS
HOLIDAYS, OBSERVANCES
and FESTIVALS
INTRODUCTION
UMDNJ’s commitment to diversity includes the recognition of various cultural and religious holidays and observances celebrated in the United States. This calendar represents a sampling of cultural and religious holidays and festivals, commonly known observances and several federally appointed holidays and designations of various months such as African American History Month in February, and Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in June. It should be used as a resource for developing school or unit calendars, planning University events and making religious accommodations. Our goal is to illustrate the richness and diversity of multicultural heritage throughout the United States.
July | August | September | October | November | December
January | February | March | April | May | June
JULY
3
Independence Day (observed)
4
Independence Day
This day marks the signing of one of the most important American historical documents, the Declaration of Independence, which officially proclaimed the United States a nation.
AUGUST
5
Raksha Bandhan – Hindu
Festival honoring loving ties between brothers and sisters in a family
14
Krishna Janmashtami – Hindu
Commemoration of the birth of Krishna – the eighth incarnation of god Vishna who took the form of Krishna to destroy the evil Kansa.
August 22nd – September 20th
Ramadan: (the Month of Fasting) – Islam
Ramadan is the holiest month of the year and commemorates the revelation of the Qur'an, (the holy book of scriptures), to the prophet Muhammad. During each day of the month, no water or food may be taken from sunrise to sunset by Muslims who have reached puberty. It is a time of spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds, charity and spending time with loved ones.
26
Women’s Equality Day
A law passed by Congress in 1974 sets this day aside to acknowledge certification in 1920 of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution prohibiting discrimination in voting based on gender.
SEPTEMBER
Minority Health Month
Congress established National Minority Health Month to raise public awareness about health disparities faced by racial and ethnic minority groups, and to eliminate health disparities among these groups by Year 2010.
7
Labor Day (observed)
Labor Day was first recognized in the United States in New York City in September of 1882. It is celebrated annually on the first Monday of September in recognition of the labor movement which is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.
3
Ganesha Chaturthi – Hindu
A Hindu festival honoring the god of prosperity, prudence and success. Images of Ganesha are worshipped.
September 15th - October 15th
National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month extends from September 15th to October 15th and is commemorated during this time because September 15th marks the anniversary of independence for five Latino countries - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico received independence on September 16th and Chile on September 18th.
September 19th - 20th
New Year: Rosh Hashanah – Jewish
Rosh Hashanah signifies the beginning of the Days of Awe, a period of serious reflection about the past year and the year to come. This period continues until Yom Kippur, and is a time for asking forgiveness from both God and people, and for committing oneself to live a better life in the year to come.
September 19th – 27th
Navaratri – Hindu
A Hindu festival of the divine mother honoring Durga, wife of Shiva, and seeking her blessings. It is celebrated according to local customs.
20
Eid-al-Fitr (the Feast of Breaking the Fast) - Islam
This day marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting and consists of a three-day festival, buying and wearing new clothes, and celebration. It is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (Eid al-Adha is the other). Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques.
28
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) - Jewish
This day is the holiest and most solemn of the Jewish year, and concludes Rosh Hashanah, a period of repentance.
Dassera - Hindu
Festival celebrating good or evil; the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month began with a Presidential Proclamation in 1988 that replaced National Employ the Handicapped Week. Until then, the one-week commemoration occurred annually since 1945. The new law of 1988 also recognized a change in terminology and replaced the term handicap with disability.
Polish American Heritage Month
In 1985, former President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as Polish American Heritage Month to recognize the many contributions of Americans of Polish descent.
Polish Americans have made, and continue to make, enormous contributions to the culture, economy, and democratic political system of the United States. The names
of Tadeusz Kosciuszko and Kazimierz Pulaski, heroes of the American Revolution, have left a lasting imprint upon U.S. history. Highways, bridges, and towns
dedicated to the preservation of their memory dot our countryside. The dedication of Polish Americans from all walks of life to the ideals of freedom and
independence serves as a model for all Americans.
3 - 9
Sukkot - Jewish
Jewish Feast of Tabernacles or Booths which celebrates the fall harvest and the wandering of Israel in the desert wilderness in tents.
11
National Coming Out Day – United States
An international event which gives Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people the opportunity to “come out” to others about their sexuality. In the United States, the day is facilitated by the Human Rights Campaign’s National Coming Out Project (NCOP).
12
Columbus Day – United States
Honoring Christopher Columbus’ voyage to American in 1492.
17
Diwali (Deepavali) - Hindu, Sikh, Jain
Festival of Lights symbolizing the human urge to move toward the light. One of four seasonal celebrations in India.
31
All Hallows Eve – United States
Day of trick or treating, costume parties or other related celebrations
NOVEMBER
National American Indian Heritage Month
November was proclaimed in 1990 by President George Bush in honor and recognition of the contributions of the original peoples of North America , American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
1
All Saints Day – Christian
Day for honoring all the saints, especially those who do not have a special day.
11
Veteran’s Day – United States
Holiday officially celebrating the end of World War I.
26
Thanksgiving Day - United States
Thanksgiving commemorates a feast of thanks that was conducted in 1621 by early colonists who fled Britain and settled in the United States in search of religious freedom. With assistance from the indigenous Native Americans, the pilgrims learned to grow food. Their first harvest was called Thanksgiving in celebration and thanks for surviving their first winter in America.
28
Eid al Adha - Islam
Festival of animal sacrifice; commemorates the faith of Abraham; also a memorial to the dead. Meat is given to the poor.
DECEMBER
12 - 19
Hannukah (Festival of Lights) - Jewish
Hannukah is celebrated by lighting a candle on each night for eight nights, in celebration of the Jewish people's victory over persecution by the Syrian Greeks in 165 B.C.E.
18
New Year: Muharram - Islam
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar in the year 142, and commemorates mourning of the death of Hazrat Iman Hussain in the battle of Karbala. The Islamic New Year is celebrated relatively quietly, with prayers and readings and reflection upon the hegira.
24
Christmas Eve - Christian
Many Christmas Eve customs and traditions in the United States were introduced from other cultures and other countries. The following customs are listed as examples that illustrate America’s rich heritage of cultural and religious diversity.
The Christmas Tree:
-Traditionally, the Christmas Tree was put up only on Christmas Eve and taken down on the twelfth night after, the Vigil of the Epiphany. During the Middle Ages, special mystery plays were held which showcased a Paradise Tree representing both the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Good and Evil, decorated with apples (the forbidden fruit) and sweets. The apples were later substituted for other round objects such as shiny red balls, lights, and the Star of Bethlehem.
- Family dinners are common the night before Christmas; often only fish is eaten
- It is praiseworthy to bake bread on Christmas Eve as a sign of humbleness in remembrance of Christ's humble means.
25
Christmas - Christian
Many followers of Christian faiths observe December 25th as the birth date of Jesus Christ. Eastern Orthodox Christians embrace Christ's birthday on January 7th. Many Americans and others who live in the United States commemorate this day by decorating a live or synthetic evergreen tree that has been brought into the house. Gifts are placed under the tree and families generally gather on this day to exchange gifts, visit church and later, enjoy a Christmas meal.
December 26th - January 1st
Kwanza - African American
Patterned after an East African harvest festival, Kwanza means first in Swahili, in commemoration of the first fruits of harvest. Kwanza has been celebrated by many African-Americans in the United States since 1966. Observances for this holiday period include contemplation of and action upon The Seven Principles, (Nguzo Saba in Swahili), which are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
JANUARY 2010
6
Three King's Day (Dia de los Reyes) is celebrated in Puerto Rico and throughout the Latin world.
The Julian calendar acknowledges twelve days of Christmas starting on December 26th and ending January 6th, which is considered the last official day of Christmas. At the end of the twelve days, a feast is held - the Feast of Epiphany also called The Adoration of the Magi.
7
Christmas – Eastern Orthodox Christian
Many Eastern Orthodox and Armenian churches still use the Julian calendar. On the Julian calendar, January 7th equates with December 25th, Christmas, commemorated on the Western Gregorian calendar.
14
Maghi - Sikh
Commemoration of the battle in which 40 Sikhs (the immortal ones) laid down their lives for Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
18
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday
January 15th, and will be observed this year on January 18th.
FEBRUARY
National African American Heritage Month
February is African American Heritage Month. Inspired in 1926 by Dr. Carter Woodson, renowned African American author and scholar, African American history was originally recognized for one week. In recent years, this observance has expanded to the entire month.
12
Maha Shivaratri - Hindu
Festival honoring Lord Shiva and his marriage to Goddess Parvati. Ceremonies involving prayers and hymns take place mostly at night.
14
Chinese New Year
First day of Chinese or Lunar calendar celebrated by Chinese people around the world.
15
President's Day commemorates the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington - February 12th and 22nd, respectively, which will be observed on February 15th.
17
Ash Wednesday – Christian - Lent Begins
Begins the season for preparation of Easter.
26
Mawlid an Nabi – Islam
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
This holiday celebrates the birthday of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. It is fixed as the 12th day of the month of Rabi I in the Islamic calendar. Mawlid means birthday of a holy figure and al-Nabi means prophet. The day is commemorated with recollections of Muhammad's life and significance. Fundamentalist Muslims, such as the Wahhabi sect, do not celebrate it.
MARCH
Women's History Month
March is National Women's History Month, which was founded to promote gender equity through education about women's lives and accomplishments. The National Women's History Project has declared this year's theme as: Women: Builders of Communities and Dreams, to “ . . . honor and recognize the myriad of contributions women have made in building communities and sustaining dreams.”
1
Holi – Hindu
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.
16
New Year – Hindu
17
St. Patrick's Day – Celebrating the Green
St. Patrick is believed to have driven the snakes from Ireland. Once a pagan himself, St. Patrick is one of Christianity's most widely known figures.
The modern secular holiday is based on the original Christian saint's feast day also thought to be the date of the saint's death. In 1737, Irish immigrants to the United States began observing the holiday publicly in Boston and held the first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City in 1766.
Today, the tradition continues with people from all walks and heritages by wearing green, eating Irish food, and attending parades. St. Patrick's Day is bursting with folklore; from the shamrock to the leprechaun and to pinching those that are not wearing green.
21
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Declared by the United Nations in 1966, as a result of the Sharpeville, South Africa massacre on March 21, 1960. During a peaceful demonstration by thousands against South Africa’s “pass laws”, police opened fire and killed 69 Africans in cold blood. The “pass laws” required Africans to show permits to police stationed between urban borders, in order to travel outside of government-designated areas.
24
Ramanavami – Hindu
Celebration of birthday of Lord Rama, hero of religious epic poem, The Ramayana. The day involves telling stories and going to temple.
30 – 31
Passover (Festival of Freedom) begins - Jewish
Passover commemorates the Israelite's journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. As they left bondage, they had no time to wait for the dough of their bread to rise so they ate matzo - unleavened bread.
APRIL
2
Good Friday - Christian
This day commemorates the anniversary of the death of Jesus Christ.
4
Easter Sunday - Christian
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
5 – 6
Passover ends
MAY
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
In 1992 Congress proclaimed May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in honor of achievements, and in recognition of contributions of Asian/Pacific Americans to the culture and development of the United States.
5
Cinco de Mayo
Celebrated in Mexico and by Mexican-Americans, commemorates the battle of Guadalupe in 1862, when a small Mexican army defeated a large French force.
31
Memorial Day
Originally called Decoration Day because mourners decorated the graves of soldiers, this day is a day of remembrance and honor to veterans who served in the United States military.
JUNE
Gay and Lesbian Pride Month
(GLBT)In 1999, former President William Clinton officially designated June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons and their struggle for recognition and equality in the United States .
19
Juneteenth
Observed as the day African Americans were emancipated. It is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery.
26
Stonewall Rebellion
Anniversary of the 1969 rebellion when transgender, gay, lesbian patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York stood their ground against police harassment and became the catalyst for the modern political movement for GLBT liberation.
Note:
Islamic - All holidays begin at sundown on the evening before the date given. The Islamic calendar is based on lunar observation; thus, the above dates may vary by one or two days. Dates apply to North America.
Jewish – Some Jewish holidays may begin the evening preceding the date listed.
