Calendar of Religious Holidays

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JULY 2010

8 Sundown

Lailat al Miraj
(Islam)

Lailat al Miraj, also known as Shab-e-Miraj in Iran, Pakistan, and India, or Miraç Kandili in Turkish, is the Muslim festival celebrating the Isra and Mi'raj of Muhammad, when it is believed he went from Mecca to Al-Haram As-Sharif (also known as the Temple Mount) and was then raised to heaven (Jannah), met with the prophets and eventually with God. It is celebrated on the 27th day of the month Rajab in the Islamic calendar. From this journey, Muslims believe, the command for five daily prayers (Salat) was given.

9

Martyrdom of Bab
(Baha'i)

Marks the execution of The Bab (The Gate), the founder of the Baha'i faith. The Bab was executed on July 9, 1850. To celebrate this day, Baha'is read special prayers at noon, the time at which The Bab was killed. This is also a day of rest, no work is to be done.

11

St. Benedict Day
(Catholic Christianity)

This day recognizes St. Benedict of Nursia, who lived from 480-547 AD. St. Benedict was the founder of Western Christian Monasticism, and started twelve communities for Monks in his lifetime.

13-15

Ulambana (Obon)
(Buddhism)

From the first to the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, it is believed that the gates of Hell open and that ghosts may visit the earth. During this time, Buddhists often give food offerings to relieve the ghost's sufferings. On the 15th day, called Ulambana, or Ancestor Day, people visit cemetaries and give offerings to their departed ancestors.
Ulambana is also celebrated in Japan, but is known as Obon. It is observed from the 13th of July until the 15th, and similarly celebrates the reunion of passed ancestors with their living family.

15

Saint Vladimir's Day
(Christianity)

Saint Vladimir, celebrated on this day in Orthodox and Catholic traditions, was born an illegitimate prince, who defeated his stepbrothers to become the sole leader of Russia in 980 AD. Known for his barbarism and immortality in his younger years, Vladimir later became interested in the Christian faith and converted himself and the people of Russia. He is the patron saint of Russia.

20

Tisha B'Av
(Judaism)

Tisha B'Av is a fast day that solemnizes the destructon of the first and second temples in Jerusalem, which occurred on the same day roughly 650 years apart. This day is often recognized as the day of mourning, not just for the loss of the temples, but for other tragic events in Jewish history.

23

Haile Selassi I birthday
(Rastafari)

This day celebrates Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974, who was believed to be an incarnation of God, or Jah, for Rastafarians. Thus, Haile Selassi is seen as part of the Holy Trinity.

24

Pioneer Day
(Mormon Christianity)

Pioneer Day commemmorates the arrival of the first Mormon wagon train into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Some Latter-Day Saints recognize this holiday by walking the Pioneer trail and reinacting the events of '47. Although Pioneer Day started as a celebration for Mormon pioneers, this day is now a state holiday in Utah that recognizes pioneers from all faith and cultural backgrounds. Celebrations include fireworks, food, rodeos, intertribal powwows, and more.

25

St. James the Great Day
(Christianity)

July 25th is the feast day for St. James the Great, the patron saint of Spain. One of the twelve apostles, James was also known for being a valiant knight and for preaching the gospel in Spain. He was executed by sword in Jerusalem - by order of Agrippa I - and thus became the first martyred saint. His body was returned to Spain, where many make pilgrimages to visit.

26

Asalha Puja Day
(Buddhism)

This day remembers the Buddha's first sermon, given in Deer Park. In Thailand, Aslha Puja is a government holiday and work is suspended. Buddhists observe the day by giving offerings at temples and listening to sermons.

26

Lailat al Bara'ah
(Islam)

Occurring on the night between the 14th and 15th day of the eighth month on the Islamic calendar, Laylat al Bara'ah is a night when Muslims are given blessings and Divine Mercy. It is believed that Allah decends upon the earth after sunset and asks followers if they seek salvation. Muslims spend the night reciting the Qur'an and special prayers, and often visit deceased friends and relations.