We live in a wonderfully diverse
region that is constantly growing and ever-changing. Our
neighborhoods are widely diverse as well, represented by people of
many different nations and races, languages, traditions, and
religions.
Many of our new neighbors may celebrate religious
and cultural holidays that are unfamiliar to us. They are observing
sacred and family traditions from their native countries that may
have been passed down from one generation to the next.
Here is a list of cultural holidays from around
the world, some of which are currently observed throughout the
Washington, D.C. region - perhaps even in your own neighborhood.
Advent
A period of four weeks, including four Sundays in which Christians
prepare to commemorate the Incarnation of God in the infant Jesus at
Christmas. Observed on the 4th Sunday before Christmas. Visit
www.execpc.com/~tmuth/st_john/xmas/advent.htm
All Hallows Eve
A festival now broadly celebrated as Halloween, but originally
adapted by northern Europeans from more ancient Celtic rituals. Its
original purpose was to banish the lingering souls of those who had
died in the past year in order to greet a new year. Observed
annually on October 31.
All Saints Day
A Christian celebration of the lives of all saints, especially those
who are not observed on a special day. The Eastern Orthodox
tradition observes a similar day in mid-summer.
Ash Wednesday
The Christian period of Lent, a forty-day period of fasting and
preparation for Easter. Its name derives from the symbolic use of
ashes to signify penitence. Observed 46 days before Easter. Visit
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/AA/data/docs/easter.html
Baha'ullah's Birthday
The commemoration of the birth of one of the founders of the Bahai
faith.
Bikaramajit
The celebration of the Hindu New Year.
Birth of the Bab
The anniversary of the birth of one of the twin prophet founders of
the Bahai faith in 1817. Bahai is a relatively modern syncretistic
religion seeking to build a new religion on the foundations of
Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Visit
www.chebucto.ns.ca/Religion/Bahai/beliefs.html#HolyDays
Bodhi Day
The Buddhist celebration of the Enlightenment of Buddha. Usually
observed on December 8, or the Sunday immediately preceeding this
date. Visit
www.budtempchi.org/bodhiwriteup.html
Chanukah or Hanukkah
The eight-day Jewish festival of lights commemorating the
rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C.
Christmas
The Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth in
Bethlehem. Observed annually on December 25.
Diwali
The Hindu festival of lights which is one of four seasonal
celebrations in India. Celebrated for a period of 5 days, the last
being the 15 of Ashwin on the Hindu Calendar
. Visit
www.bharatonline.com/arts/festivals/diwali.asp
Easter
The celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead on the
third day after his crucifixion. This is the most important
Christian holiday. Observed the 1st Sunday after the full moon that
occurs after the Vernal Equinox. Visit http://aa.usno.navy.mil/AA/faq/docs/easter.html
Feast of Id al Fitre
The Islamic festival breaking the fast of Ramadan, a time of family
and community celebration. Visit
www.factmonster.com/Ipka/A0760942.html
Good Friday
Christian solemn remembrance of the day of Jesus' crucifixion. It is
observed by solemn services and vigils in many Christian churches.
Always observed the Friday before Easter.
Krishna Janmashtami
A Hindu celebration of Krishna - an early and important giver of
wisdom and understanding and thus revered. Observed on the Ashtami
Day of the Shravan month of the Hindu Calendar
.
Pentecost
Celebrates the empowerment of the early church and its members by
the Holy Spirit following Jesus' ascension. Observed 50 days after
Easter. Visit
www.newadvent.org/cathen/15614b.htm
Rakhi (Raksha Bandhan)
A Hindu and Janist holiday celebrating love and friendship.
Traditionally women tied a "rakhi" or amulet to sisters, brothers
and friends to ward off evil. Observed during the full moon of late
August. Visit
www.theholidayspot.com/rakhi/traditions.htm
Ramadan
Muslim thirty-day period of fasting from sun-up to sun-down in honor
of the first revelations of the Prophet Mohammed. During this time
Muslims empathize with those in need and experience the importance
of charity and compassion. Observed in the 9th month of the Islamic
Calendar
; begins with the sighting of the new moon. Visit
www.factmonster.com/spot/ramadan1.html
Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish "New Year" which begins a period of ten days of penitence
and preparation culminating in Yom Kippur. Observed on the 1st and
2nd days of Tishri. Visit
www.us-israel.org/jsource/Judaism/holiday2.html
St. Patrick's Day
A festival now broadly celebrated but first encouraged by Irish
Christians commemorating the person who brought Christianity to
Ireland and is perceived as the ancient founder of Irish culture,
language and identity. Observed annually on March 17.
St. Valentine's Day
A European holiday first credited to an early saint who fell in love
with his jailer's daughter and, upon his execution, wrote her a love
note signed "Your Valentine". Romantic and gift-giving traditions
date back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia. Now universally
celebrated as a secular holiday of love, romance and friendship.
Observed annually on February 14.
Sukkot
The Jewish festival of Booths (or tabernacles) used by Israelites
during their desert wanderings. It is also an observance of the fall
harvest. Visit
www.jewishnewyear.com/holidays/tishrei/4126
Thanksgiving
A civil holiday built on the religious tradition of the Pilgrims,
and later the colonial governors, who frequently declared days of
prayer and celebration in thanksgiving for safety and abundance.
Observed on the 4th Thursday of November.
Yom Kippur
The Jewish Day of Atonement - a solemn day of fasting, prayer and
repentance. This the most important and serious of all Jewish holy
days. Visit
www.jewfaq.org/holiday4.htm
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