Holy Days

 

Thanks to USC's Office of Religious Life for the descriptions of holy days below.
August

Tuesday,
August 1
Lughnasadh/Lammas (Pagan/Wiccan)
Marks the mid-point between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox, the time of harvest and bounty. It has been adopted in some Christian traditions as the grain harvest festival of Lammastide.

Wednesday, Aug. 02 to Thursday, Aug. 03
Tisha B'Av begins at sundown (Jewish)
A day of fasting in remembrance of the destruction of the Temple in 586 B.C.E. and again in 70 C.E.

Tuesday, August 15
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Roman Catholic)
A public holiday in predominantly Catholic countries, marks the bodily assumption to heaven of Mary, mother of Jesus.

Tuesday, August 15
Sri Krishna Jayanti (Hindu)
Also known as Janmashtami, marks the birth of Krishna, sent to vanquish evil in the world. It is a two-day celebration that includes much singing and dancing.

Monday, August 21
Paryushana Parva begins (Jain)
A ten-day observance of fasting and prayer, draws attention to the holy texts describing the ten characteristics of holiness to which Jain devotees aspire.

Tuesday, August 22
Lailat al-Me'raj (Muslim)
The night of Lailat al-Me'raj commemorates the night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammed.

Sunday, August 27
Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)
Marks the birth of Ganesh, Lord of power and wisdom.

September

Thursday, September 7
Ullambana (Buddhist)
A day of celebration of ancestors in the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism.

Friday
September 8
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Roman Catholic)
A celebration of the birth of Mary, mother of Jesus.

Saturday
September 9
Lailat al-Bara'ah (Muslim)
The night of Lailat al-Bara'ah is one of prayer for forgiveness, in preparation for Ramadan.

Thursday, September 21
Mabon (Pagan/Wiccan)
The celebration of the harvest at the time of the autumn equinox, the moment when night and day are equal in length.

Sunset Friday to Sunset Saturday, September
22 - 24
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown (Jewish)
Rosh Hashanah is the name given to the new year in the Jewish calendar, marking the beginning of the High Holy Days of the year 5767. Sweet foods are served, symbolizing the hope for a sweet year ahead. Some Jews observe one day away from work, others two.

Saturday, September 23
First day of Navaratra Dashara (Hindu)
A nine-night festival of the Goddess in the form of universal mother.

Saturday, September 23
First day of Banned Books Week (Atheist/Humanist)
An eight day celebration of the democratic freedom to express opinions, including those that may be deemed unpopular or unorthodox by others.

Sunday, September 24
The first day of Ramadan (Muslim)
The holy month during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown, commemorating the giving of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammed. Each day ends with the celebratory iftar, or breaking-of-fast.

October

Sunset, Sunday to Sunset Monday, October 1-2
Yom Kippur (Jewish)
The Jewish day of atonement, a solemn day dedicated to fasting and prayer.

Monday, October 2
Vijaya Dasami (Hindu)
The closing of the festival of Navaratra Dashara. On this day victory of good over evil is celebrated.

Wednesday, October 4
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Christian)
St. Francis of Assisi is honored for his connection to nature, and his feast day is often celebrated as a time of giving thanks for animals.

Sunset Friday to Sunset Sunday October 6 - 8
The first two days of Sukkot (Jewish)
The week-long Jewish Feast of Booths or Tabernacles, during which meals are eaten out of doors in a sukkah (tent), in remembrance of the years spent by the people of Israel in the wilderness. The first two and last two days are times to refrain from work.

Monday, October 9
Indigenous Peoples' Day (Interfaith)
Celebrates the survival and traditions of indigenous peoples in the Americas.

Sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, October 13-14
Concluding days of Sukkot (Jewish)

Saturday, October 14
Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)
The eighth and last day of Sukkot.

Sunday, October 15
Simchat Torah (Jewish)
The day of rejoicing in the law. These observances conclude the feast of Sukkot, and mark the ending of the year's cycle of readings from the Torah, and the beginning of the new cycle.

Wednesday, October 18
The Birth of Confucius (Confucian)
Observed in all religions emanating from China.

Friday, October 20
Birth of Bab (Baha'i)
Commemorates the birth of the forerunner to the prophet & founder of the Baha'i faith.

Friday, October 20
Installation of the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh)
Marks the passing of the role of guru to the Sikh Scriptures, by the tenth and last guru, Gobind Singh Ji.

Friday, October 20
Lailat al-Qadr (Muslim)
Commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Muhammed. The night is spent in worship.

Saturday, October 21
Diwali (Hindu)
The Hindu festival of lights, marking the end of the Hindu year. Diwali is the first of five days of celebration, known as Deepavali. It is marked by fireworks and festivity.

Saturday, October 21
Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh)
Marks the return of the Sixth Guru after his release from prison on the first day of Diwali.

Sunday, October 22
Mahavira Nirvana (Jain)
The day on which the prophet Mahavira attained Nirvana, on the first day of Diwali, the beginning of the new year.

Monday, October 23
Eid-Ul Fitr (Muslim)
Also known as Seker Bayram or Ramazan Bayram, marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is a day of thanksgiving.

Tuesday, October 31
Samhain (Pagan/Wiccan)
The observance of the mid-point between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice, the time when souls who have died are bid farewll, and when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is at its thinnest.
November

Wednesday, Nov. 1
All Saints Day (Christian)
Observed by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants, celebrates the lives of the saints (individuals honored for their holiness).

Thursday, November 2
All Souls Day (Christian)
Marked in Mexico as the Dia de los Muertos, is a day of remembering and interceding for those who have died.

Sunday, November 5
Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Sikh)
Marks the birth of the First Guru and founder of the Sikh faith in 1469 C.E.

Sunday, November 12
Birth of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i)
Marks the birth of the founder of the Baha'i faith.

Friday, November 24
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Sikh)
Defender of Sikhism, Hinduism, and of religious liberty, was executed by the Moghul Emperor in India in 1675 C.E.

Tuesday November 28
Ascension of Abdul'Baha (Baha'i)
Marks the ascension to heaven of the son of Baha'u'llah, founder of the Baha'i faith.

December

Sunday, December 3
First Sunday of Advent (Christian)
The season of preparation for the coming of Christ, also the beginning of the Christian liturgical year.

Friday, December 8
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic)
Celebrates the conception of Mary, mother of Jesus.

Friday, December 8
Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
The celebration of the day when Prince Gautama vowed to remain under the bodhi tree until he attained enlightenment.

Tuesday, December 12
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Roman Catholic)
Celebrates Mary as the patron saint of Mexico, honoring her appearance near Mexico City in 1531, C.E.

Sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, December 15-23
Hanukkah (Jewish)
The eight day festival commemorates the victory of Judah the Maccabee and the rededication of the Temple in 165 B.C.E. Jews light successive candles on the menorah on each of the eight days.

Thursday December 21
Yule (Pagan/Wiccan)
Commemorates the rebirth of the sun after the longest night of winter, and also the wintertime birth of God in the form of a King.

Saturday, December 23
HumanLight (Atheist/Humanist/Freethought)
A celebration of the humanist vision for a future in which all people learn to co-exist peacefully and with goodwill toward one another.

Sunday December 24
Christmas Eve (Western Christian)
The eve of Christmas Day

Monday December 25
Christmas Day (Western Christian)
Observed on December 25 in the West, on January 6 by Armenian Christians, and on January 25 by Orthodox Christians, it is the celebration of the birth of Christ. The feast of Christmas lasts for twelve days, from the eve of Christmas Day to the eve of the Epiphany.

Tuesday, December 26
First day of Kwanzaa (African American/Interfaith)
A week-long celebration of African American life and culture.

Tuesday, December 26
Zarathosht Diso (Zoroastrian)
Marks the death of the prophet Zarathustra.

Friday, December 29
Waqf al-Arafa (Muslim)
The day during the annual Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) when pilgrims pray for forgiveness and mercy.

Saturday, December 30
Eid al-Adha begins at sundown (Muslim)
The three day Eid al-Adha commemorates Abraham and his offering of his son, Ishmael, in obedience to Allah. It is observed as a time of the distribution of meat to the poor.

2007

January

Friday January 5
Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Sikh)
Marks the birth in 1666 C.E. of the Tenth Guru (the final master) of the Sikh faith.

Saturday January 6
Epiphany (Christian)
The twelth night of Christmas, marking the visit of the sages to the Christ child. This date is observed as the birth of Christ in the Armenian tradition.

Sunday January 8
Waqf al-Arafa (Muslim)
The day during the annual hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) when pilgrims pray for forgiveness & mercy.

Saturday January 13
Maghi (Sikh)
Marks the remembrance of the battle in which 40 Sikhs died for Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Friday January 19
Theophany (Eastern Orthodox)
The Eastern Orthodox celebration of Christmas.

Saturday January 20
Al-Hijra (Muslim)
The Muslim new year, timed to mark the arrival of Muhammed and his first followers in Medina in 622 C.E.

Tuesday, January 23
Vasant Panchami (Hindu)
A celebration dedicated to Saraswati, goddess of learning.

Monday, January 29
Ashura (Muslim)
Commemorates tests endured by the prophets and righteous leaders, including Noah and Moses; and the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of Muhammed.

February

Friday February 2
Imbolc (Pagan/Wiccan)
The feast of waxing light, marks the mid-point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It speaks of hope and regeneration.

Friday February 2
Candlemas (Christian)
The feast of the presentation of Christ to the aged Simeon, who proclaimed him a light to the world.

Sunset Friday to sunset Saturday February 2-3
Tu B-Shvat (Jewish)
A celebration of the coming of spring, a day of environmental awareness, often marked by the planting of trees.

Thursday, February 8
Nirvana Day (Buddhist)
Marks the anniversary of the death of the Buddha.

Monday, February 12
Darwin Day (Atheist/Humanist)
The anniversary of the publication of The Origin of Species is an international celebration of scientific discovery as a human achievement and as a pointer to the essential unity and equality of all human life.

Friday, February 16
Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)
The festival of Shiva, celebrated as the one whose cosmic dance creates and re-creates the universe.

Sunday, February 18
Chinese New Year
Observed by Buddhists, Taoists, and all religions of China.

Tuesday February 20
Mardi Gras (Christian)
Also known as Shrove Tuesday, is a day of preparation for the beginning of Lent, marked in some places by feasting and carnival activities.

Wednesday February 21
Ash Wednesday (Christian)
The first day of Lent, the season of 40 days (excluding Sundays) of prayer and self-examination leading to Holy Week. Ashes are placed on the heads of the faithful as a sign of penitence.

Monday, February 26
Ayyam-i-Ha` (Baha'i)
The four day period before the holy month of Ala` in the Baha'i calendar, also known as Intercalary Days. During these days, Baha'is perform special acts of hospitality and charity.

March

Friday March 2
First day of Ala` (Baha'i)
The month of Ala` is a month of fasting and meditation for Baha'is, with no food consumed between the rising sun and its setting. Months in the Baha'i calendar last for nineteen days, so this is also sometimes referred to as the Nineteen Days of Fasting.

Saturday, March 3
Magha Puja (Buddhist)
A celebration of the teachings of the Buddha.

Sunset Saturday to sunset Sunday March 3 - 4
Purim (Jewish)
Purim marks the events told in the Biblical Book of Esther, celebrating victory over oppression and the deliverance of the people of Israel in exile from genocidal ruler.

Sunset Saturday to sunset Sun. March3 - 4
Holi (Hindu)
A spring festival celebrating color and joy.

Monday, March 19
Ramanavami (Hindu)
The last day of a week of celebration marking the birth of Rama, hero of the epic poem, Ramayana.

Wednesday March 21
Ostara (Pagan/Wiccan)
Ostara is the festival of the spring equinox, the return of light and celebration of the reawakening of seeds in the belly of the earth.

Wednesday March 21
Naw Ruz (Persian New Year)
The Persian new year is celebrated as a festival by people of all faiths of Iranian origin.

Monday March 26
Khordad Sal (Zoroastrian)
The birthday of the prophet Zarathustra.

Saturday, March 31
Mawlid al-Nabi (Muslim)
Commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammed in about 570 C.E.

April

Sunday April 1
Palm Sunday (Christian)
Also known as Passion Sunday, marks the beginning of the Christian Holy Week, leading to Easter. On this day, Jesus entered Jerusalem and was acclaimed as a king.

Monday April 2
Mahavir Jayanti (Jain)
Marks the birth of Mahavira, founder of the Jain religion, in 540 B.C.E.

Sunset Monday to sunset Wednesday April 2 - 4

Passover (Jewish)
Also known as Pesach, is the eight-day feast commemorating the exodus of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The first two and last two days of the festival are observed as holidays from work.

Thursday April 5
Holy Thursday (Christian)
Also known as Maundy Thursday, marks Christ's Last Supper, upon which the Eucharist (mass, communion) is based.

Friday, April 6
Founding of the Church (Latter-day Saint)
The commemoration of the founding by Joseph Smith in 1830 C.E. of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Friday April 6
Good Friday (Christian)
Good (Holy) Friday is the day on which the death of Christ is remembered.

Saturday April 7
Holy Saturday (Christian)
Holy Saturday is a day of vigil culminating in the feast of the resurrection.

Sunday Arpil 8
Easter Sunday (Christian)
The feast of the resurrection of Christ, the most important feast of the church. In the Orthodox church, it is always timed to coincide with Passover.

Sunset Sunday to sunset
Tuesday April 8-10 Last two days of Passover (Jewish)

Friday, April 13
Vaisakhi (Hindu, Sikh)
The harvest festival of North India, the beginning of the solar year. For Sikhs, it represents the founding of the Khalsa, a Sikh brotherhood.

Friday April 13
Holy Friday (Orthodox Christian)

Sunday, April 15
Easter Sunday (Orthodox Christian)
Sunset Saturday to
sunset Sunday April 14-15
Yom HaShoah (Jewish)
The remembrance of the Holocaust.

Saturday, April 21
First day of Rivdan (Baha'i)
A twelve day festival commemorating the declaration of Baha'u'llah in 1863 C.E. that he was God's messenger. Work ceases on the first, ninth, and twelfth days.

Sunday, April 22
Earth Day (Interfaith)
A day of reflection and activities focusing on the need for a healthy, sustainable environment.

Sunday, April 29
Ninth day of Rivdan (Baha'i)

May

Tuesday May 1
Beltane (Pagan/Wiccan)
The mid-point between the spring equinox and summer solstice, a celebration of the earth's fertility.

Wednesday May 2
Twelfth day of Rivdan (Baha'i)

Wednesday May 2
Visakha Puja (Buddhist)
Also known as Wesak, marks the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. It is the most important day of the calendar for Buddhists.

Sunday, May 6
Lag B'Omer (Jewish)
Represents the counting of the days, or the link, between the Jewish feasts of Passover and Shavuot.

Thursday May 17
Ascension of Christ (Christian)
The feast of the Ascension of Christ marks the raising of Christ to heaven on the 40th day after Easter.

Sunset Tuesday, to sunset Thursday, May 22-24
Shavuot begins at sundown (Jewish)
Commemoration of the giving of the Law to Moses.

Wednesday, May 23
Declaration of the Bab (Baha'i)
Commemorates the declaration in 1844 by Ali Muhammed, forerunner to the founder of the Baha'i faith, that he was the anticipated "coming one."

Sunday, May 27
Pentecost (Christian)
The day when the Holy Spirit descended on the first Christians, seeming to them like fire and rushing wind.

Tuesday May 29
Ascension of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i)
The commemoration of the Ascension of Baha'u'llah marks the ascension into heaven of the founder of the Baha'i faith.