Calendar of Religious Holidays

January 2010

1

Feast of St. Basil (Orthodox Christian)

This day celebrates St. Basil, one of the great fathers of the Orthodox Church. An influential Christian theologian and monastic, Basil was also known for his attention to the underprivileged and poor, and his writings on asceticism.

1

Gantan-sai (Shinto)

Gantan-sai is the Shinto celebration of the new year (oshogatsu). This day is one of the most popular for shrine visits, as many pray for inner renewal, health and prosperity.

1

Mary, Mother of God (Catholic Christian)

This liturgical feast celebrates the Virgin Mary and her motherhood of Jesus. Some countries recognize this day with church services.

5

Birthday of Guru Gobindh Singh (Sikh)

Gobindh Singh (1666-1708) was the tenth Sikh Guru, and the last of the human-form Gurus. On his birthday, Sikhs celebrate Gobind Singh as a saint and a soldier: he worked toward reforming his religion, and persevered in the face of persecution.

5

Twelfth Night (Christian)

The Twelfth Night marks the conclusion of the twelve days of Christmas and the eve of Epiphany. According to tradition, three kings arrived in Bethlehem twelve days after Jesus' birth to bestow gifts. This night is celebrated much like Christmas Eve, with merrymaking, eating traditional foods like King Cake, and parties.

6

Epiphany (Christian)

Epiphany commemorates the Magi's visit to Bethlehem, and the revelation of Jesus as God in human form. Some traditions celebrate Epiphany by giving gifts to represent the gifts of gold, frankincense and myhr that Jesus received from the wise men. In Hispanic countries, this day is referred to as Dia de los Reyes, Three Kings Day, and children receive gifts from los reyes magos: the three wise men.

6

Feast of Theophany (Orthodox Christian)

The Orthodox Church marks this day as the anniversary of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River. For the Feast of Theophany, Orthodox Christians reflect on their own baptism and salvation.

6

Nativity of Christ (Armenian Christian)

This day marks the Armenian Orthodox celebration of Christ's birth and baptism. It is preceeded by a seven-day fast and, on the eve of the feast, a Divine Liturgy is celebrated in honor of Jesus as the Son of God, followed by a Blessing of the Waters. The Blessing of the Waters symbolizes Jesus' descent into the Jordan River, and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon him. The following day, worshippers often partake in drinking or annointing with the blessed water.

6

Dia de los Reyes / Three Kings Day (Hispanic Christian)

In some Hispanic countries, Epiphany is called El Dia de los Reyes, or the Day of the Kings, to commemorate the 3 kings, or Magi, who visited Jesus and bore him gifts. In Spanish tradition, the three kings represented Europe, Arabia, and Africa, and arrived on a horse, camel, and elephant. Children and adults leave their shoes out for the Kings' presents before they go to bed the night before, and leave treats to refresh the traveling Magi.

10

Baptism of Lord Jesus (Christian)

Although Eastern Christianity celebrates the baptism of Jesus at Epiphany, Catholics and Episcopalians celebrate his baptism by Jean the Baptist on the following Sunday. This day is also the beginning of ordinary time on the liturgical calendar.

14

Maghi (Sikhism)

Maghi is the day in which Sikhs commemorate the martyrdom of the Forty Immortals, followers of Guru Gobindh Singh who were all killed while fighting a Mughal army. On this day, many Sikhs gather in Muktsar, India, the original site where Gobindh Singh blessed the martyrs and cremated their bodies. Sikhs visit their palaces of worship (gurdwaras) and listen to hymns (kirtan).

14

Makar Sankrant (Hindu)

Makar Sankrant is an important Hindu festival that celebrates the sun's journey into the northern hemisphere. For Hindus, the sun stands for Pratyaksha-Brahman, or the manifest God. In some traditions, colorful kites are flown, and in others there is focus on the harvest.

17

World Religions Day (Baha'i)

On this day, members of the Baha'i faith recognize all faith traditions and note their common denominators. Commencing in 1950, the goal of World Religions Day is to help foster interfaith understanding and harmony.

17

Blessing of the Animals (Hispanic Christian)

Saint Anthony, the Patron Saint of the Animal Kingdom, is recognized on this day. Similar to St. Francis of Assisi's feast day, animals are welcome and blessed at many church services.

18-25

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Christian)

This eight-day observation began in 1908 as a way to unite the different sects of the Christian faith. Since the 1950s, Protestant and Catholic groups have worked together to write joint publications for use during the week of prayer.

19

Timkat (Ethiopian Orthodox Christian)

Timkat is the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Epiphany: the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. During this celebration, there is a ritual reenactment of the baptism and a procession with the Tabot, a model of the Ark of the Covenant. The clergy often dress in bright robes, carrying colorful umbrellas, and sing and dance as they escort the Tabot back to the church.

20

Vasant Panchami (Hindu)

This festival is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of learning. On this day, schools and colleges often organize special worship of Saraswati, many participate in special activities at Hindu temples, and young children are taught their first words.

24

Triodion begins (Orthodox Christian)

Triodion is the three week preparation period before Lent begins. Followers gradually modify their diets and meditate on themes like humility, repentence and forgiveness, to prepare for the great fast, prayer, and worship that happens over Lent.

25

Conversion of St.Paul (Christian)

On this day, Christians commemorate the conversion of Paul the Apostle. Previously known as Saul of Tarsus, a great persecutor of Christians, Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, when he had a vision of Christ.

30-February 1

Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)

The Mahayana New Year begins with the first full moon and lasts for three days. It is a time to reflect on the past and cleanse oneself from the prior year's sins to make a fresh start.

30

Tu B'shvat (Judaism)

This day is known as the new year for trees, as it is the day that the age of trees are caculated for tilthing. In tradition, fruit from trees may not be consumed in the first 4 years of life - as the first three years are forbidden, and the fourth year the fruit is for God. One tradition on this day is to eat from the seven species abundant in Isreal: wheat, barley, grapes, pomegranets, olives, figs, and dates.

31

Birthday of Guru Har Rai (Sikh)

Guru Har Rai (1630-1661) was the seventh of the 10 human-form Sikh Gurus. He is celebrated for his compassion for life and living things. Tradition says that at a young age, he was disturbed by the suffering of a flower after he accidentally damaged it in passing. This strong compassion continued throughout his life and his work.