Religious Observances
34 matches found
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Day of Atonement. For Jewish people observing Yom Kippur, the day is often observed by fasting, praying, abstaining from physical pleasures, and refraining from work. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
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At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, Bahá'ís gather for an observance called the 19-Day Feast. The First of Mashiyyat (Will) begins at sunset of the first day and ends at sunset of the last day. It is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
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Eigth Day of Assembly. Shmini Atzeret has duality as a holy day as it is simultaneously considered to be connected to Sukkot and also a separate festival in its own right. Those observing may do so with prayer. It is encouraged to refrain from work and school during this period. Some students or employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
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Born in 570 CE, Prophet Muhammad’s [peace be upon him] birthday is commemorated by Muslims around the world during the month of Rabi’ Al-Awal. Mawlid an-Nabi – literally, The Birth of the Prophet – is often referred to as the Mawlid.
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Born in 570 CE, Prophet Muhammad’s [peace be upon him] birthday is commemorated by Muslims around the world during the month of Rabi’ Al-Awal. Mawlid an-Nabi – literally, The Birth of the Prophet – is often referred to as the Mawlid.
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The Navratri commences on the first day (pratipada) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashwin. The festival is celebrated for nine nights once every year during the beginning of October, although as the dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar, the festival may be held for a day more or a day less.
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At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, Bahá'ís gather for an observance called the 19-Day Feast. The First Day of ‘Ilm (Knowledge) begins at sunset of the first day and ends at sunset of the last day. It is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
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The Birth of the Báb and the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh occurred on consecutive days according to the Islamic lunar calendar. They are two of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended and children are exempted from attending school. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
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The Birth of the Báb and the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh occurred on consecutive days according to the Islamic lunar calendar. They are two of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended and children are exempted from attending school. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
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This day commemorates the birth of the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded by many Sikhs as the final, sovereign and eternal living Guru following the lineage of the ten human Gurus of the religion.
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Dussehra celebrations often include processions to a river or ocean front carrying clay statues, accompanied by music and chants, after which the images are immersed into the water for dissolution and a goodbye. The festival also starts the preparation for one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals, Diwali.
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Diwali or The Festival of Lights is a major holiday. Extending over 5 days, it celebrates the victory of good over evil. Celebrations include millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples, and other buildings. Some students or employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
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From sunset of the first day to sunset of the last day, Samhain marks the Pagan New Year, a time for honoring the dead, cleansing, and releasing. For many Wiccans, Samhain is the most important Sabbat. It’s the time to remember the ancestors, and the time to celebrate the harvest and all that has been accomplished over the year.
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A solemn feast that celebrates all of the saints, both known and unknown. Many Episcopal churches observe this feast on the first Sunday immediately following November 1. Catholics are often obligated to attend Mass this day.
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A feast day that commemorates the souls of the faithful departed. In Episcopal Churches, the names of those from the congregation who have died in the past year are read aloud during the service on this day, or on All Saints’ Sunday.
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At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, Bahá'ís gather for an observance called the 19-Day Feast. The First Day of Qudrat (Power) begins at sunset of the first day and ends at sunset of the last day. It is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
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At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, Bahá'ís gather for an observance called the 19-Day Feast. The First Day of Qawl (Speech) begins at sunset of the first day and ends at sunset of the last day. It is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
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This day – also known as Guru Nanak Gurpurab - celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Students or employees may request scheduling adjustments in order to observe.
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Ethiopian Jewish holiday occurring 50 days after Yom Kippur. Many members of the community fast, recite Psalms, and gather in Jerusalem for readings. The ritual is often followed by the breaking of the fast, dancing, and general revelry. Some students or employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
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Sikhs observing the Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib gather to celebrate. At early morning there are hymns followed by an exposition of the Guru Granth Sahib. During the day there is food served, prayer, and joyous singing. Around sunset it is time for the evening prayers. Some students or employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
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The Sunday culminating the full, annual cycle of religious celebrations, marking the end of the liturgical year with a celebration of Jesus as King of all creation. Catholics celebrating the Solemnity of Christ the King usually do so with a feast.
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The Day of the Covenant is a festival that commemorates Bahá’u’lláh’s appointment of His eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as the Center of His Covenant.
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When the rivers and canals are full of water, this festival takes place in all parts of Thailand on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. Bowls made with leaves, candles, and incense sticks, are placed in the water, and represent bad luck disappearing.
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Baha’is observe the anniversary of the death of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, son of Bahá’u’lláh and His appointed successor, on Nov 28, 1921 in Haifa, in what is now northern Israel. While this is not a day in which work and school should be suspended, some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
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The season of the Church year immediately preceding Christmas, featuring four solemn Sundays of worship. The season is often observed as an opportunity to prepare for both Christmas and the second coming of Christ as Judge at the Last Day.
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A celebration of God's unique redemption of Mary at the point of her conception in her mother's womb, preserving her from the burden of original sin and providing her with a holiness consistent with her destined role of bearing the Son of God. Catholics observing Immaculate Conception may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
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Bodhi Day commemorates the Buddha's achievement of Nirvana, and what this means for Buddhism today. Those observing may do so through additional meditation, study of the Dharma, chanting of Buddhist texts (sutras), or performing kind acts towards other beings. Some Buddhists celebrate with a traditional meal of tea, cake, and readings.
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At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, Bahá'ís gather for an observance called the 19-Day Feast. The First of Masá’il (Questions) begins at sunset of the first day and ends at sunset of the last day. It is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion. Some students or employees may request schedule accommodations in order to observe.
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Celebrates the Jewish rebellion against the Greeks and the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem. Celebrated by lighting candles each night, singing special songs, reciting prayers, eating foods fried in oil, playing the dreidel game, and giving Chanukah gelt. Some students or employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
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Winter Solstice. Yule is the longest night and the shortest day of the year, and is the time to celebrate the return of the light. Some Wiccans consider Yule to be either the year’s beginning or the end. Yule is the solar turning of the tides, and the newborn Sun offers a fresh start and, literally, a new day. It’s a time of renewal and hope.
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Fast Commemorating the Siege of Jerusalem. Some students or employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
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The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus Christ, which celebrates the Incarnation of God taking on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by erecting Christmas trees, decorating homes, visiting family and friends and exchanging gifts. Some students or employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.
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Kwanzaa is an annual seven-day African-American and pan-African holiday celebration that takes place from December 26 to January 1. For seven days, a principle (Nguzo Saba) is reflected upon such as unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
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At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, Bahá'ís gather for an observance called the 19-Day Feast. The First Day of Sharaf (Honour) begins at sunset of the first day and ends at sunset of the last day. It is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.