Multifaith Religious and Spiritual Tradition Calendar

LAMMAS/LUGHNASADH—(PAGAN, WICCAN, DRUID)

Description: Lammas/Lughnasadh is a celebration of the beginning of the harvest. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

General Practices: Making and consuming dishes with the first fruits of the harvest.

Recommended Accommodations: None

RAKSHA BANDHAN—(HINDU)

Description: A celebration harmony. The tying of the rakhi (woven bracelet) signifies a special bond of unity and affection between two individuals.

General Practices: The festival is marked by the several rituals, which vary regionally.

Recommended Accommodations: None

KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI—(HINDU)

Description: Two-day festival celebrating the birth of Krishna, a widely-worshiped Hindu god.

General Practices: Traditional celebrations may involve forgoing sleep and fasting on the first day of the festival.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines, since it is likely that Hindu employees/students will be operating on very little sleep and may be fasting or recovering from fasting.

LABOR DAY—FEDERAL HOLIDAY (USA)

Recommended Accommodations: UWP is not in session during this time so special accommodations may not be required. Employees may request the day off.

MABON/ALBAN ELFED/AUTUMNAL EQUINOX—(PAGAN, WICCAN, DRUID)

Description: Also referred to as Harvest Home, the Feast of the Ingathering and Meán Fómhair. Mabon is the second celebration of the harvest, a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

General Practices: At Mabon, day and night are in equal balance. It is a time to offer gratitude for the blessings of the harvest and also to begin to prepare for turning inward. Making dishes with apples, squash and pumpkins as part of ritual celebration is customary.

ROSH HASHANAH—(JEWISH)

Description:  Beginning of the Jewish Year and High Holy Days.

General Practices: Prayer in the synagogue and festive meals.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply).

NAVARATRI—(HINDU)

Description: Literally meaning “nine nights,” this is a major Hindu event that honors the Goddess Durga and celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

General Practices: For many it involves reflection and fasting, while for others it is a time for dancing and feasting.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities. Anticipate hunger, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating during the fast and day after.

YOM KIPPUR—(JEWISH)

Description: Day of atonement to reflect on sins and seek forgiveness from God. Involves fasting.

General Practices: During Yom Kippur,fasting from before sundown until after sunset is tradition.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Anticipate hunger, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating during the fast and day after.

DUSSEHRA—(HINDU)

Description: The tenth and final day of the Hindu festival honoring Asuj Navratras.

Recommended Accommodations: None

MAWLID AL-NABI—(MUSLIM)

Description: Commemorates birthday of prophet Muhammad.

General Practices:  Celebrations include festivals, prayer services, recitations of poetry and litanies, as well as religious gatherings. Celebrations of the Mawlid in America and distinctly English forms of poetry, songs, and literature shows the increasing importance of Mawlid al-Nabi amongst American Muslims.

Recommended Accommodations: Muslim employees/students will likely request this day off.

SUKKOT—(JEWISH)

Description: A week-long celebration which begins with the building of Sukkah for sleep and meals; Sukkot is named for the huts Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert before reaching the promised land.

General Practices:  Sukkot, beginning at sundown, families in the United States commonly decorate the sukkah with produce and artwork.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY/COLUMBUS DAY—FEDERAL HOLIDAY(USA)

Description: Indigenous People's day arose to honor the past, present, and futures of Native peoples throughout the US. The holiday recognizes the legacy and impact of colonialism on Native communities, and it also celebrates the cultures, contributions, and resilience of contemporary Native people. Columbus day was created to honor Christopher Columbus, a Portuguese explorer who is traditionally credited with discovering America and opening up European expansion into North America.

Recommended Accommodations: Employees/students may request this day off.

SIMCHAT TORAH—(JEWISH)

Description: Celebrates the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply).

SHEMINI ATZERET (ATZERETH)—(JEWISH)

Description: Marks the end of Sukkot.

General Practices: Beginning at sundown, Jews light a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on Shemini Atzereth (the 8th night of Sukkot).

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply).

DIWALI—(HINDU, BUDDHIST, SIKH, JAIN)

Description: A 5-day festival of light that combines several different festivals in honor of gods, goddesses, harvests, new year’s, etc. People in different regions of India may celebrate Diwali on various dates due to different interpretations of the lunar calendar. 

General Practices: Lighting oil lamps and candles, setting off fireworks, and prayer.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees/students will likely request this day off.

BIRTH OF THE BÁB—(BAHA'I)

Description: Celebrates the birth of the Báb, one of the founders of the Bahá’í faith.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Baha’i employees/students will likely request this day off.

BIRTH OF BAHÁ'U'LLÁH—(BAHA’I)

Description: Celebrates the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith, and the rebirth of the world through the love of God.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Baha’i employees/students will likely request this day off.

SAMHAIN—(PAGAN, WICCAN, DRUID)

Description: One of the four "greater Sabbats" and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the past year into the community, and reflecting on past relationships, events and other significant changes in life.

General Practices: Paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died.

ALL SAINTS DAY/DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS—(CHRISTIAN/ROMAN CATHOLIC)

Description: All Saints Day, Also known as Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos, All Hallows' Day, Hallowmas, the Feast of All Saints, or Solemnity of All Saints, is a Christian festival celebrated in honor of saints known and unknown.

General Practices: All Saints Day is a Holy Day of Obligation on the Catholic religious calendar, where practicing Catholics are required to attend Mass and have a day of rest.

ALL SOULS DAY—(ROMAN CATHOLIC)

Description: A day Roman Catholics pay respect and remember the souls of friends and loved ones who have died and gone to heaven.

General Practices: All Souls' Day traditions often remember deceased friends and relatives in various ways on the day. Through prayer, intercessions, alms and visits to cemeteries.

VETERAN'S DAY—FEDERAL HOLIDAY (USA)

Recommended Accommodations: Employees/students may request this day off.

GURU NANAK GURPURAB—(SIKH)

Description: Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav, celebrates the birth of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak. One of the most celebrated Sikh gurus and the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev is highly revered by the Sikh community. This is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism, or Sikhi.

General Practices: Celebration of an anniversary related to the lives of the Sikh gurus. It is also called Parkash Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

NATIVITY FAST—(CHRISTIANITY)

Description: A 40-day period of abstinence and penance in preparation for the Nativity of Jesus.

General Practices: Some food categories are elimiated during this period, which can traditionally include meat, poultry, fish, dairy, egs, oil, and wine. 

Recommended Accommodations: The rules of fasting are not the same during the whole time of the Nativity Fast. Provide food accommodation as requested.

DAY OF THE COVENANT—(BAHA'I)

Description: Celebrates the appointment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Centre of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant.

Recommended Accommodations: None

THANKSGIVING DAY- FEDERAL HOLIDAY (USA)

Recommended Accommodations: UWP is not in session during this time so special accommodations may not be required. Employees may request the day off.

HANUKKAH/CHANUKAH—(JEWISH)

Description: Festival of lights lasting for eight days. Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish struggle for religious freedom.

Recommended Accommodations:  Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—potato pancakes, doughnuts or other fried food is customary).

YULE/MIDWINTER/ALBAN ARTHAN/WINTER SOLSTICE—(PAGAN, WICCAN, DRUID)

Description: In most traditions, Yule is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Some pagans consider Yule to be the beginning of the new year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

General Practices: Burning the yule log is an act of faith and renewal that, indeed, the light, and the warmth will return.

CHRISTMAS—(CHRISTIAN/ROMAN CATHOLIC AND PROTESTANT)

Description: Annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus, has evloved into a worldwide religious and secular celebration.

Recommended Accommodations: UWP is not in session so special accommodations are likely not required. Christian employees will likely request this day off.

KWANZAA—(NON_RELIGIOUS)

Description: Week-long celebration honoring Pan-African heritage in African-American culture.

Recommended Accommodations: UWP is not in session so special accommodations are likely not required. African-American employees will likely request some or all of this period off.

GANTAN-SAI—(SHINTO)

Description: New Year festival, commemorated by going to shrine, prayer for inner renewal, prosperity, and health.

General Practices: Practitioners pray for inner renewal, prosperity and health, as well as visiting shrines and visiting friends and family. 

Recommended Accommodations: UWP is not in session and special accommodations are likely not required. Employees may request this day off.

SOLEMNITY OF MARY—(CHRISTIAN)

Description:  Celebrates Mary and her role in the life of Christ. 

General Practices: Solemnities are a holy day of obligation, meaning that Mass attendance is required.

Recommended Accommodations: UWP is not in session and special accommodations are likely not required. Catholic employees may request time off to attend Mass.

NEW YEAR'S DAY—FEDERAL HOLIDAY (USA)

Description: Festival celebrating the first day of the year in the modern Gregorian calendar. 

General Practices: Paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died.

Recommended Accommodations: UWP is not in session and special accommodations are likely not required. Employees may request this day off.

GURU GOBIND SINGH PARKASH PURAB/CELEBRATION OF BIRTH—(SIKH)

Description: This holiday celebrates the birth of Guru Gobind Singh,  the tenth Guru of the Sikh religion and son of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He was officially inducted as the tenth Sikh Guru at the age of nine, following the beheading of his father for repudiating the conversion to Islam. Guru Gobind Singh was known to be a philosopher, poet, warrior, and most importantly, a spiritual master.

General Practices: Usually, on this day, devotees offer prayers, seek blessings, sing devotional songs, and visit gurudwara to serve the less privileged.

EPIPHANY/TWELFTH NIGHT/THREE KINGS DAY—(CHRISTIAN/ROMAN CATHOLIC AND PROTESTANT)

Description: Feast day commemorating the revelation of God through Jesus Christ.

General Practices: Prayer, festive meals, offerings, gifts.

Recommended Accommodations: None

CHRISTMAS—(EASTERN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN)

Description: Christmas is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah whose message and self-sacrifice began the Christian religion.

General Practices: Many celebrate this holiday by attending church services, holding celebratory meals and visiting family.

ORTHODOX NEW YEAR—(CHRISTIANITY)

Description: Celebrates the first day of the New Year for those following the Orthodox Julian calendar.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Orthodox employees/students will likely request the day off.

LUNAR NEW YEAR—(CONFUCIAN, TAOIST, BUDDHIST)

Description: The most important of traditional Chinese holidays, a two-week festival with feasting and celebration.

General Practices: Families gather together to spend the evening preparing boiled dumplings and festive meals and giving of money to children in red envelopes.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Chinese employees/students will likely request this day off.

IMBOLC/CANDLEMAS—(PAGAN, WICCAN, DRUID)

Description: Also referred to as the Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of Waxing Lights and Oimele, Celebrates the coming of spring and recovery of the Earth Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God at Yule. For many traditions, a time for initiations, re-dedication and pledges for the coming year. One of the four "greater Sabbats".

General Practices: Activities might include making candles, reading poetry and telling stories.

SETSUBUM-SAI—(SHINTO)

Description: Setsubum-sai marks the beginning of spring, and is known as the “bean-throwing festival". The faithful scatter roasted beans to bring good luck to the new season.

PARINIRVANA—(BUDDHISM)

Description: Festival commemorating the death of the Buddha and attainment of parinirvana.

Recommended Accommodations: None

LOSAR/TIBETAN NEW YEAR—(TIBETAN BUDDHIST)

Description: Tibetan New Year, also known as Losar, is an important festival for Tibetan Buddhists in China (mainly in Tibetan areas like Tibet, Shangri-La, and Jiuzhaigou), Nepal, Bhutan, and India. Determined by the Tibetan calendar, the Gregorian calendar date for Tibetan New Year changes each year but always falls inFebruary or March.

ASH WEDNESDAY—(CHRISTIAN/ROMAN CATHOLIC AND PROTESTANT)

Description: Day of fasting that commemorates first day of Lent.

General Practices: On this day, there are special church services, and the faithful wear a cross of ashes marked on foreheads. Most Christians abstain from meat on this day.

Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—prohibitions include animal products.

LENT—(CHRISTIANITY)

Description: 40-day period commemorating Jesus' period of fasting in the desert that precedes Easter.

General Practices: Some practitioners will selectively fast.

Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested -- common prohibitions include animal products except for fish on Fridays.

CLEAN MONDAY—(CHRISTIANITY)

Description: Begins the Great Lent Day or period of fasting and spiritual purification and reflection in preparation for Easter.

Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested. Employees/students may be fasting. Anticipate hunger, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating during the fast and day after.

PRESIDENTS DAY—FEDERAL HOLIDAY (USA)

Recommended Accommodations: Employees/students may request this day off.

MAGHA PUJA DAY—(BUDDHIST)

Description: Magha Puja Day commemorates an important event in the life of the Buddha, in which the four disciples traveled to join the Buddha.

PURIM—(JEWISH)

Description: Commemorates when Jews living in Persia were saved by Esther.

Recommended Accommodations: Purim is not subject to the restrictions on work that affect some other holidays; however, some sources indicate that Jewish employees/students should not go about their ordinary business at Purim out of respect for the festival. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (kosher restrictions apply).

HOLI—(HINDU)

Description: "Festival of Colors" celebrates the victory of good over evil with throwing of colored powder and water.

General Practices: Hindus often sprinkle colored water and powder on others and celebrate with bonfires and lights, signifying victory of good over evil.

Recommended Accommodations: Flexibility when scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees/students may request the day off.

HOLA MOHALLA—(SIKH)

Description: This is a three-day festival (celebrated as one day in the USA) that celebrates the tenth guru's (guru Gobind Singh jis) messages of courage and defense preparedness.

General Practices: On this three-day festival mock battles are held followed by music and poetry competitions.

NANAKSHI NEW YEAR/SIKH NEW YEAR—(SIKH)

Description: Sikh New Year's Day of the Nanakshahi Era. This is the first day of Chet, the first month of the Sikh calendar.

General Practices: March 14, first day of the new month of Chet, also Gurta Gaddi Divas (coronation day) of Guru Har Rai, seventh Sikh Guru, will be marked as environment day. On this day, the SGPC will plant tree saplings outside all its important gurdwaras in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh; and its educational institutions will hold similar greening drives.

OSTARA/ALBAN EILIR/SPRING EQUINOX—(PAGAN, WICCAN, DRUID)

 Description: Also known as Eostre. Regarded as a time of fertility and conception. In some Wiccan traditions, it is marked as the time when the Goddess conceives the God's child, which will be born at the winter solstice. One of eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

General Practices: Lighting fires to commemorate the return of light in the spring and to honor the God and Goddess. Coloring eggs as a way of honoring fertility is also practiced.

PERSIAN NEW YEAR—(NOWRUZ)

Description: This is the New Year celebration in diverse countries.  It is a celebration of spring and new life that begins on the Spring Equinox.

General Practices: Festive music dancing, prayers, meetings and meals.

NOWRUZ/NAW RÚZ—(BAHA'I)

Description: Marks the first day of spring, end of the 19-Day fast. 

General Practices: Traditionally work is suspended and children are excused from attending school.

Recommended Accommodations: Baha'I employees/students may request the day off.

RAMADAN—(MUSLIM)

Description: Month of fasting to commemorate first revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad. With some exceptions for age and infirmity, fasting is required for the entire month. Muslims refrain from food and drink from sunup to sundown, daily.

General Practices: Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from food and beverages during the daylight hours, and smoking and sexual relations are forbidden. Worshipers break the fasting each night with prayer, reading of the Qu’ran, and a meal called the iftar.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that employees/students celebrating Ramadan will be fasting from all food and drink during the day (continuously for 30 days) and will likely have less stamina and concentration as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (halal restrictions apply).

PALM SUNDAY—(CHRISTIAN/ROMAN CATHOLIC AND PROTESTANT)

Description:  A commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

General Practices: Prayer, distribution of palm leaves commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion.

Recommended Accommodations: None

PASCHA/PASSOVER—(JEWISH)

Description: Week-long observance commemorating liberation of Israelites by God from slavery in Egypt and their freedom as a nation under leadership of Moses.

General Practices: Family gatherings, ritualized meals called Seders, reading of the Haggadah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the last night of Passover.

Recommended Accomodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—the use of leavening is prohibited so, for example, matzah is eaten in place of bread).

HANUMAN JAYANTI—(HINDU)

Description: Celebration of birthday of Hanuman, foremost devotee of Sri Rama and Sita.

Recommended Accommodations: None

MAUNDY THURSDAY—(CHRISTIAN/ROMAN CATHOLIC AND PROTESTANT)

Description: Thursday before Easter, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles.

General Practices: Prayer, Communion (Eucharist), meals, and foot-washing ceremonies among some Christian denominations.

GOOD FRIDAY—(CHRISTIAN/ROMAN CATHOLIC AND PROTESTANT)

Description: Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting.

General Practices: Prayer, fasting and noon or afternoon services in some Christian denominations.

Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—meat (fish is not considered meat) is prohibited during meals for some.

PALM SUNDAY—(EASTERN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY)

Description: A commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as crowds lined his path with palm fronds.

General Practices: Prayer, distribution of palm leaves commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion.

EASTER—(CHRISTIAN/ROMAN CATHOLIC AND PROTESTANT)

Description: Annual commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ

General Practices: Celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs, baskets and chocolate bunnies. It is a celebration of renewal.

Recommended Accommodations: Because this holiday falls on weekend, academic accommodations may not be required.

RAMA NAVAMI—(HINDU)

Description: Celebration of birth of Prince Rama, avatar of the Hindu God Vishnu, to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya.

Recommended Accommodations: None

VAISAKHI/SIKH NEW YEAR—(SIKH)

Description: New year festival and commemorates 1699, the year Sikhism was born. Vaisakhi is also a long-established harvest festival.

General Practices: There are often parades, dancing and singing throughout the day. These celebrations involve music, singing and chanting of scriptures and hymns.

Recommended Accommodations: New year festival and commemorates 1699, the year Sikhism was born. Vaisakhi is also a long-established harvest festival.

HOLY FRIDAY/GOOD FRIDAY—(EASTERN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN)

Description: Commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

General Practices: Prayer, fasting, confession and church services as well as the wrapping or dying of eggs in preparation for Easter Sunday.

Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—meat (fish is not considered meat) is prohibited during meals for some.

STOCKTON NAGAR KIRTAN—(SIKH)

Description: The Stockton Sikh Temple is the oldest Sikh temple in the country. 

General Practices: This event is a parade and festival that welcomes upwards of 20,000 people each year. All are welcomed. No matter what race, color, religion you are, please come and join the Stockton Sikh Temple. Come support and learn the Sikh religion, traditions and the brotherhood which serves the humanity with pride.

PASCHA/EASTER—(EASTERN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN)

Description: Annual commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

General Practices: Celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs and baskets of breads, meats, eggs, cheeses and other foods. It is a celebration of renewal.

Recommended Accommodations: Because this holiday falls on a weekend, academic accomodations may not be required. 

YOM HASHO’AH—(JEWISH)

Description: Holocaust Remembrance Day.

General Practices: Ceremonies or events to remember Holocaust victims who died during World War II; activities may include lighting memorial candles and reciting the Kaddish, which is a prayer for the departed.

Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply).

RIDVÁN—(BAHA'I)

Description: Twelve-day festival when founder Bahá’u’lláh declared his mission.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first day, ninth day, and twelfth day of Ridván.

EID AL-FITR—(MUSLIM)

Description: Eid al-Fitr means "break the fast", and is the last day of Ramadan, marking the end of a month of fasting.

General Practices: Muslims often pray, exchange gifts, give money to children, feast and celebrate with friends and family.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Muslim employees/students will likely ask to take athis day off. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (halal dietary restrictions apply).

BELTANE—(PAGAN, WICCAN, DRUID)

Description: The fire festival that celebrates the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

General Practices: Jumping the balefire and dancing the MayPole.

WESAK/BUDDHA DAY/VISAKHA PUJA—(BUDDHIST)

Description: This holiday is traditionally known as Buddha’s birthday. It is the major Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.

General Practices: Buddhists often decorate their homes and visit their local temples. Observers are encouraged to refrain from slaughtering and to avoid eating meat on this date.

DECLARATION OF THE BÁB—(BAHA'I)

Description: Commemorates declaration of the Báb, the forerunner of Bahá’u’lláh the founder of the Bahá’í Faith.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date.

SHAVUOT—(JEWISH)

Description: Festival commemorating the receipt of the Torah at Mt. Sinai.

General Practices: Evening of devotional programs and studying the Torah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the second night of Shavuot.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on these dates. Provide food accommodation as requested. (Kosher restrictions apply—although it is customary to eat dairy).

ASCENSION OF THE BAHA’ULLAH—(BAHA’I)

Description: Anniversary of death of founder of the Baha'i faith.

General Practices: Devotional programs and reading from the scriptures.

Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date.

MEMORIAL DAY—FEDERAL HOLIDAY (USA)

Recommended Accommodations: Employees/students may request this day off.

MARTYRDOM DAY OF GURU ARJUN DEV JI/SHAHEEDI DIWAS—(SIKH)

Description: This event commemorates the Martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev Ji. 

PENTECOST—(CHRISTIAN)

Description: Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his Ascension.

Recommended Accommodations: None

JUNETEENTH—FEDERAL HOLIDAY (USA)

Description: (short for “June Nineteenth”) is the holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States in 1865.  Two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, those enslaved in Texas were declared free.  This holiday is observed annually on June 19th.

Recommended Accommodations: Employees/students may request this day off.

LITHA/MIDSOMER/ALBAN HEFIN/SUMMER SOLSTICE—(PAGAN, WICCAN, DRUID)

Description: A celebration of the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. Celebration of the Goddess manifesting as Mother Earth and the God as the Sun King. For some Pagans the Summer Solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and see their union as the force that creates the harvest's fruits.

General Practices: Lighting to bonfires and watching the sun rise.

EID AL-ADHA—(MUSLIM)

Description: Major festival that commemorates Ibrahim’s sacrifice of his son to God and the willinginess to make sacrifices in the name of one's faith.

General Practices:  Prayers and gift giving.

Recommended Accommodations: None

INDEPENDENCE DAY—FEDERAL HOLIDAY (USA)

Recommended Accommodations: Employees/students may request this day off.

MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB—(BAHA'I)

Description: Date the Báb was executed.

Recommended Accommodations: None

TISHA B’AV—(JEWISH)

Description: Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies including the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem.

General Practices: Fasting and mourning.