Religious and Spiritual Holidays
January 22, Lunar New Year, Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism The beginning of a calendar year whose months are moon cycles, based on the lunar calendar or lunisolar calendar. The Lunar New Year as a celebration is observed by numerous cultures. It is also often called ‘Chinese New Year’ because of the traditional festival from China. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Employees may request exemption from work.
February 1-2, Imbolc, Earth-Based Also known as the Festival of Brigid, Imbolc is a Celtic fire festival that honors the halfway point between Winter and Spring. It’s officially Midwinter, and even though the days are getting lighter, it’s still dark and chilly outside. There may still be snow on the ground or cold days ahead, but the light lasts a little longer each day, and Nature begins to stir.
February 22, Ash Wednesday, Christianity Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Western Christian calendar. It occurs exactly 46 days before Easter (40 fasting days not counting Sundays). Ash Wednesday is named after the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of faithful as a reminder of human mortality, and as a sign of mourning and repentance to God. Food accommodation as requested (many Christians fast on this day).
March 2 - 20, ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 19-day fast, sunrise to sunset each day, Bahá’í ‘Alá’ is the nineteenth month of the Badi calendar, during which Bahá'ís from the ages of 15 to 70 abstain from food or drink from sunrise to sunset of each day. Students and employees observing ‘Alá’ will be fasting during the day and may have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the date.
March 6 - 7 (sundown to sundown), Purim, Judaism Purim commemorates the divinely orchestrated salvation of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian empire from Haman’s plot “to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day.” Literally “lots” in ancient Persian, Purim was thus named since Haman had thrown lots to determine when he would carry out his diabolical scheme (as recorded in the Book of Esther). While Purim is not subject to the restrictions on work that affect some other holidays, some Jews may request exemption from work or school out of respect for the festival. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (kosher restrictions apply).
March 8, Holi: Festival of Colors, Hindu Holi is an annual Hindu festival held in the spring to signify the triumph of good over evil, the end of winter, and the arrival of spring. Celebrated over 2 days by people throwing colored powder and colored water.
March 20 – 21 (sundown to sundown), Naw-Rúz, Baha’i The Baha’i New Year’s Day coincides with the spring equinox. Naw-Rúz is an ancient Persian festival celebrating the “new day” and for Baha’is it marks the end of the annual 19-day fast and is one of the nine holy days of the year. Baha’is may request exemption from work or classes on this day. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the date.
March 20, Ostara/Spring Equinox, Earth-Based Ostara is usually considered to fall on the spring equinox and is a holiday of abundance and renewal. Because it centers on the Equinox, it is and has been observed in many ways and by many cultures through the ages, including ancient Rome, Persia, and the indigenous Mayans.
March 22 (sundown) - April 21, Ramadan, Islam Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of prayer, reflection, and fasting. With few exceptions, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sundown and devote time to prayer, acts of worship, and reflection. Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Students and employees observing Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days) and may have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).
April, Palm Sunday, Christianity This day marks the Jesus’ celebrated entry into Jerusalem. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities. Orthodox Christian employees who work on Sundays may ask for this day off.
April 5 - 13, Passover, Judaism Celebration of the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt which occurs on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, the first month of Aviv, or Spring. Passover is traditionally celebrated for seven days and seven nights. During the first and last two days, students and employees may ask to be exempted from work or classes. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply and leavening is prohibited).
April 7, Good Friday, Christianity Good Friday is a Christian commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus. Students and employees may request exemption from work on this day. Many Christians fast on Good Friday as well. Meat is prohibited during meals for those observing.
April 9, Easter, Christianity Also known as Resurrection Sunday, Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities. Christian employees working on Sundays may ask for this day off.
Friday April 14, Mahavira-Jayanti, Jainism Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most important festivals in Jainism, and it celebrates the birth anniversary of the 24th Tirthankara Mahavir, who played a significant role in preaching Jainism.
Friday April 14, Vaisakhi, Sikhism, Hinduism An ancient harvest festival in Punjab, India, celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus. It’s one of the most important festivals for Sikhs and is marked by the millions of Sikhs in India and around the world. For many Hindus, it marks the beginning of the solar new year.
April 17 – 18,Yom HaSho’ah, Judaism Holocaust Remembrance Day. In Israel it is a national memorial day. Commemorations typically include memorial services and communal vigils and educational programs. While work and school attendance are permitted, remember to provide food accommodation as requested for events (kosher restrictions apply).
April 21 – May 2 (sundown to sundown), Ridván (1st day) of Most Great Festival, Baha’i Riḍván is a twelve-day festival in the Baháʼí Faith commemorating Baháʼu'lláh's declaration that he was a Manifestation of God. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the 1st day, 9th day, and 12th day of Ridván. Baha’I students and employees may request exemption from classes or work.
April 21– April 22 (sundown to sundown), Eid al-Fitr (date can vary by a day), Islam The religious festival Eid al-Fitr, or the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of two major holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world. In the United States. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Students and employees may request an exemption from classes or work on this day. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).
May 1, Beltane , Earth-Based Beltane, also known as May Day, typically features lots of dancing, flowers, ribbons, and a maypole. Beltane is considered a time when the boundary between the spirit world and our own is thinner.