Glossary of Religious Holidays
Glossary of Religious Holidays Copied with permission from Interfaith Alliance
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* Advent (Christian) Liturgical New Year Day begins a period of preparation for celebration of birth of Jesus; Observed with advent calendars, wreaths and ceremonies
* Advent Fast (Orthodox Christianity) Marks the beginning of the forty-day vegetarian fast in preparation for Christmas day
* Al-Hijra / New Year (Muslim) Muslimic cycle of months begins; Formulas determine holy days based on lunar events
* All Saints Day (Christian — ; Roman Catholic) Day for honoring saints; Holy Day of Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church where saints have special formal status
* All Souls Day (Christian) Prayers of intercession offered for the dead
* Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christian) Celebration of Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary the coming birth of Jesus
* Asalha Puja Day (Buddhist) One of the sacred days in Buddhism; It marks the coming into existence of the Triple Gems, namely the Lord Buddha, His Teaching, and His Disciples
* Ascension of Abd al-Baha (Baha’i) Celebration of the this leader’s spirit rising to its heavenly dwelling
* Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) Recollection of the death of Mirza Husayn Ali; Observed by prayers and readings and suspension ofwork
* Ascension of Jesus (Christian) Recognition of the return of Jesus to heaven after the resurrection; Perhaps the earliest observed celebration in Christianity, it is observed through prayers and music
* Ash Wednesday (Christian) Use of ashes to signify penitence; first day of Lent
* Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christian — ; Roman Catholic) Observation honoring the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was translated to heaven at her death
* Ashura (Muslim) Optional single day fast recognizing the Creation, Noah’s departure from the ark, and the saving of Moses from Pharaoh
* Autumn Feast (American Indian) An occasion to share foo with the Spirits of Autumn
* Ayathrem Gahambar (Zoroastrianism) Celebrates prosperity
* Ayyam-I-Ha (Baha’i) Beginning of a series of special days (Intercalary Days) that balance out the calendar; Observed by hospitality and acts of charity
* Baptism of Jesus (Christian) Commemorates the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus
* Beginning of the Ecclesial Year (Orthodox Christianity) Marks the Orthodox Christian New Year
* Beltane (Wiccan) Celebration of the conjoining of the goddess with the energy of the god in the sacred marriage which is the basis of all creation
* Birth of the B’ab (Baha’i) Honoring of the birth of the founder, Mirza ‘Ali-Muhammed, in 1819 c.e.
* Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) Celebration of the birth of their teacher and Messiah; Observed by refrain from work * Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Sikh) Beginning in 1999 c.e., this birthday is taken as the beginning of their calendar year
* Bodhi Day / Rohatsu (Buddhist) Celebration of the time when Prince Gautama took his place under the Bodhi tree vowing to remain until he attained supreme enlightenment
* Bon Festival (Shinto) Ancestral soul’s day; Observed by enjoying special meals and visiting graveyards to recall the souls of ancestors
* Buddha Day (Buddhist) Celebration of the birth of Buddha
* Christ the King (Christian) Celebration of the preeminenc of Jesus over all earthly authorities
* Christmas Day (Christian) Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ
* Christmas Eve (Christian) Celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus; Observed with worship, festive meals, manger scenes
* Circumcision of Jesus (Christian) Recognition of Jewish foundations, commemorating the day the infant Jesus was brought to the Temple for the ritual act of circumcision
* Corpus Christi (Christian — ; Roman Catholic) Celebration in honor of the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ
* Dalai Lama birthday (Buddhist) Observation with traditional dances, picnics and singing; Each Dalai Lama is seen as a reincarnation of predecessor
* Dasa Laxana (Jain) Observance with focus on the holy texts describing the ten characteristics to which Jains aspire
* Day of Hajj (Muslim) Observance of revelation at Mt. Ararat to Mohammed
* Day of the Covenant (Baha’i) Celebration of the covenant given in the last will and testament of Baha’ullah * Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i) Recognition of the declaration in 1844 c.e. by Ali Muhammed that he is the anticipated “Coming One” of all religions; Observed by suspension of work
* Dewali (Hindu) Festival of Lights symbolizing the human urge to move toward the light; Observed with gift exchanges, fireworks and festive meals
* Dharma Day (Buddhist) Buddha’s first discourse following his enlightenment
* Dussehra (Hindu) Festival celebrating the victory of Lord Rama over the demons; Observed by worship of, prayers to and meditation upon Lord Rama
* Easter (Christian) Commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from his death by crucifixion; Observances include worship services beginning at sunrise, music, feasting, and parades
* Eid al-Adha (Muslim) Feast of Sacrifice, the most important feast of Muslim; Concludes the Hajj and is a three-day festival recalling Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah; Observed by giving meat to the poor
* Epiphany (Christian) Commemoration of the manifestations of the divinity of Jesus Christ; The homage of the magi is honored
* Elevation of the Holy Cross (Christian) Celebrates when Saint Helen found the Holy Cross, which was stolen in the 7th Century C.E.
* Entry of Mother of God (Orthodox Christianity) Commemorates the entrance of Mary into the Holy of Holies in the Hebrew temple, marking the beginning of her life of absolute dedication to God * Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Christian — ; Catholic) Honoring of a legendary appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531 C.E.
* Feast of Archangels Michael and Gabriel (Orthodox Christianity) Celebrates the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and all the other angels mentioned in the Bible
* First Parkash (Sikh) Scripture, Adi Granth, installed in Golden Temple
* Four Chaplains Day (Christian) Commemoration of the event in World War II when four Chaplains of Jewish and Christian traditions gave their life jackets to others as a troop ship sank in the Atlantic Ocean
* Ganesa Caturthi (Hindu) Lively festival honoring the god of prosperity, prudence and success; images of Ganesa are worshipped
* Ghambar Maidyozarem (Zoroastrian) Celebration of the creation of the sky and the harvest of winter crops
* Gion Matsuri (Shinto) Honors sun god with parades, music and story telling
* Good Friday (Christian) Remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus and related events
* Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday (Sikh) Observation of the 1666 c.e. birthday of the last of the human gurus who installed Sikh scriptures
* Guru Nanak’s Birthday (Sikhism) Celebrates their founder, Guru’s birthday; Even though his birthday is celebrated on October 31st, biographers record his birth on April 15th 1469
* Hanukkah (Jewish) Festival of Lights commemorating the Maacabean recapture and rededication of Jerusalem Temple in 165 b.c.e.; Observed with special readings and praise songs focusing on liberty and freedom and the lighting of the eight candle Menorah
* Hola Mohalla (Sikh) Day when mock battles are fought and martial arts are displayed
* Holi (Hindu) Spring festival dedicated to the god of pleasure; Observed in a colorful and boisterous manner, with people showering each other with colored water and smearing red and green powder on each other * Holy Family (Catholic Christian) Celebrates 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 Week (Christian) Observed the week before Easter with solemn ceremonies based on events in Jesus’ life, especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday
* ‘Id al-Fitr (Muslim) A three-day fast marking the close of Ramadan, it is a festival of thanksgiving to Allah for enjoying the month of Ramadan; Observance involves wearing finest clothing, saying prayers, and fostering understanding with other religions
* Imbolc Reflection on the power of the gods, from which physical and spiritual harvest will come.
* Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic) Day of celebrating the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life; Observed as a day of obligation with required church attendance
* Jashan Mehergan (Zoroastrianism) Celebrates the Festival of righteousness and justice
* Jashan Sadeh (Zoroastrian) Ritual time using symbolic elements and prayers commemorating the discovery of fire; Observed by the recital of sacred writings
* Jashne Tirgan (Zoroastrianism) The festival of water, one of the essential elements of the faith
* Janam Ashtami (Hindu) Celebration of the birth of Krishna
* Kathina (Buddhist) Monks are given new robes
* Lammas (Wiccan) Festival of the first harvest
* Laylat al Bara’ah or Shab-Barat (Muslim) Night of Forgiveness, this is a night of prayer to Allah for forgiveness of the dead; Preparation for Ramadan through intense prayer
* Laylat al Isr’wa al Miraj (Islam) Commemorates Muhammad’s night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his assent to and return from heaven during the same night where he brought back God’s commandment of the five daily compulsory prayers
* Laylat al-Miraj or Nuzulul Qur’an (Muslim) Observance of Mohammed’s night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven
* Laylat al-Qadr (Muslim) Night of power, commemorating first revelation of Qur’an to Mohammed in 610 c.e.
* Lent (Christian) Forty-day period of preparation for Easter; A time of intense devotion, it is observed by fasting, frequent worship and acts of charity
* Litha (Wiccan) Celebration of sacred marriage in which God’s energy is poured out in service of life
* Maghi (Sikh) Commemoration of battle in which 40 Sikhs died for Guru Gobind Singh Ji
* Mahavir Nirvana (Jainism) The celebration of when their lord, Mahavir’s, reached Nirvana or Moksha; It is observed by lighting lamps
* Mahavira-jayanti (Jain) Recognition of a great hero, Lord Mahavira
* Mahashivaratri (Hindu) Dedicated to Shiva, a deity whose cosmic dance creates the world
* Maidgoshahem (Zoroastrian) Joyous mid-summer feast relating to the creation of the waters; Observed with rituals, prayers, sharing food
* Makar Sakranti (Hindu) Celebration marking entry of the sun into Capricorn, observed by feeding the poor and offering libations to the dead
* Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahaduri (Sikh) Observance of the anniversary of the martyrdom in 1675 C.E. of Guru Tegh Bahaduri, the ninth guru
* Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i) Commemoration of Ali Mohammed’s execution in 1850 c.e. by Persian political and religious powers; Observed by abstaining from commerce and work
* Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev (Sikh) Remembrance of 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) Celebration of the mother of Jesus
* Maulid el-Nabi (Muslim) Commemoration of the birthday of Mohammed in 571 c.e.; Observed by reading of prophet’s teachings and holding of religious meetings
* Maunajiyaras (Jain) Day of fasting, silence and meditation on the five holy teachers
* Maundy Thursday (Christian) Observance of the first Lord’s Supper
* Mulvian Bridge Day (Christian) Remembrance of October 28, 312 C.E., when Emperor Constantine prevailed in a battle and proceeded to make Christianity the legal religion of the Roman Empire; Observed by reflection on religion and state relationships takes place
* Naming of Jesus Christ (Orthodox Christianity) Commemorates the circumcision and naming ceremony of Jesus
* Nativity of the Mother of God (Orthodox Christian) Celebration of Mary the Mother of Jesus
* Nativity of St. John the Baptist (Christian) Celebration of the role of John in baptizing Jesus; Special interest for Hispanic tradition
* Navratra (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
* Naw Ruz (Baha’i) Observance of the vernal equinox symbolizing spiritual growth and renewal
* Nineteen Day Fast (Baha’i) Sunrise to sunset fast
* Nirvana day (Buddhist) Regional observance of the death of Buddha
* Ostara (Wiccan) Welcoming of spring and welcoming of goddess-as-maiden
* Oh-harai-taisai (Shinto) Grand Purification Ceremony to obtain purification from offenses committed during the first half of the year
* 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, beginning Holy Week; Observed by worship celebrations and parades using palm branches
* Paryushana (Jain) Eight-day festival signifying human emergence into a new world of spiritual and moral refinement; Observance marked by recitations from sacred writings and family exchange of cards and letters
* Passover (Pesach) Eight-day commemoration of the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt; Observed by recounting the story of the Exodus and the ongoing struggle of all peoples for freedom from internal and external tyranny is celebrated
* Pentecost (Christian) Observation of the day when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples in the forms of tongues of fire and rushing wind; Traditional day for baptism and confirmation of new Christians
* Pioneer Day (Mormon) Observation of arrival of first settlers at Great Salt Lake on July 24, 1847 c.e.
* Purim (Jewish) Celebration of the deliverance of the Jewish minority in Persia from genocide; Observed by charity to the poor, sharing food with friends, and vigorous merrymaking
* Prophet Elias Day (Orthodox Christianity) Honors the holy prophet of Elias
* Rain Retreat Observance (Buddhist) Marks the time when the Sangha, or specialists of spiritual life, retreats for collective study and meditation
* Ramadan (Muslim) Month for commemorating Muhammad’s reception of the divine revelation recorded in the Qur’an; This holiest period of the Muslimic year is observed by strict fasting from sunrise to sunset
* Ramanavami (Hindu) Celebration of the birth of Rama, hero of the religious epic poem, The Ramayana; Observance involves telling of stories and going to the temple
* Reformation Day (Christian) Anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant reformation on Oct 31, 1517 c.e. when Martin Luther posted a belief statement on Wittenberg Church door
* Ridvan (Baha’i) Commemoration of the twelve-day period in 1863 c.e. when Baha’u declared that he was God’s messenger for this age; Observed by suspension of work on the first, ninth and twelfth days of the festival
* Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) New Year; Observance is marked by 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
* Sacred Heart (Roman Catholic) Occasion to pay homage to Christ’s all-encompassing love for humanity; Observed with solemn worship
* Saint Benedict Day (Catholic) Recognition of the father of the Western Church Monastic tradition, The Benedictine Order
* Saint Francis Day (Catholic) Recognition of the founder of the Franciscan Monastic Order; Service to people and appreciation for the natural creation are marks of the Order
* Saint James Day (Christian) Recognition of the martyrdom of the Apostle James the Great in 44 C.E. * St. John Apostle and Evangelist (Christian) Recognizes the spiritual work of St. John
* Saint Luke Apostle and Evangelist (Anglican Christian) Recognizes St. Luke, Apostle of Jesus Christ and Evangelist; He was one of the authors of the four canonical gospels
* Saint Matthew, Apostle, and Evangelist (Anglican Christian) Honors St. Matthew, Apostle of Jesus Christ and an Evangelist; He was also one of the authors of the four canonical gospels
* 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 Stephen’s Day (Christian) Remembrance of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr
* Saint Thomas Apostle (Anglican Christian) Recognizes the spiritual work of St. Thomas
* Samhain (Wiccan) Celebration of endings and beginnings; Observed by reverence of elders
* Setsunbun-sai (Shinto) Family celebration of the coming of spring with shouts of “Devils out, Fortune in”
* Shavuot (Jewish) Celebration of Moses’ descent from Mt. Sinai with the Ten Commandments; Plants and flowers are used in decorations
* Shivarat or Mahasivaratri (Hindu) Worship of Shiva with flowers
* Simchat Torah (Jewish) Day to celebrate the reading of the Law; Observed with Synagogue services involving readings, processions and blessing of the children
* Spring Ohijon (Buddhist) Meditation on the teachings of Buddha at the equinox
* Sukkot (Jewish) Feast of Tabernacles celebrating the harvest and the wandering of Israel in the wilderness dwelling in tents
* Tammuz, Seventeenth (Jewish) Traditional day of fasting to mourn over Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple
* Tisha be-Av (Jewish) Day of fasting in remembrance of the destruction of the Temple in 516 b.c.e and 70 c.e.
* 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 (Christian) Honoring the belief in one God with a threefold nature
* Tu B’shevat (Jewish) Celebration of the coming of spring; Observed by preparation of foods native to Israel
* Tulsedas Jayanti (Hindu) Remembrance of the poet Tulsedas as one who brought spiritual uplift to the masses of people
* Ullambana (Buddhist) Celebration of the ritual of saving the deceased from torments after death *
Vaisakhi (Hindu and Sikh) Solar new year — ; the most important holy day of the year for Sikhs; Observed by templeworship, feasting and dancing
* Vasant Panchami (Hindu) Festival of spring honoring the goddess of learning; Observed by the wearing of bright clothing
* Vijaya Dashami (Hinduism) Commemorates the day of victory over Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, by Lord Ram; it denotes victory over evil
* Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Christian) Celebration for the restoration of unity between the churches
* Wesak (Buddhist) Holiest day, it celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death
* Winter Feast (American Indian) Commemorates the Winter solstice with private contemplation and feast
* Yom Hashoah (Jewish) Holocaust Day — ; This day has been established to remember the six million Jews killed by the Nazis in 1933-45 c.e.; Observed by many non-Jews as well * Yom Kippur (Jewish) Day of Atonement — ; holiest day of the Jewish year observed with strict fasting and ceremonial repentance
* Yule (Wiccan) Celebration of winter-born king symbolized by rebirth of the sun
* Zartosht Deso (Zoroastrianism) Commemorates the death of their prophet Zarathushtra
Printed sources include:
Religious Holidays and Celebrations: An Encyclopedic Handbook 2nd edition — ; edited by Karen Bellenir — ; Omnigraphics Inc., Detroit, Michigan 1998
The MacMillan Visual Desk Reference by The Diagram Group — ; Macmillan Publishing Company New York 1993
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to The World’s Religions by Brandon Toropov and Father Luke Buckles — ; Alpha Books New York 1997
