Advent

Period of four weeks in which Christians prepare for Christmas and meditate on the end of all time. In Western churches, the first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year. (Christianity)

All Saints Day

Christian celebration of the lives of all the saints, especially those not having a special day; Orthodox churches observe the day in mid-summer. (Christianity)

All Souls Day

Catholic Christian observance in memory of all the faithful who are deceased. In some Latin cultures, this day is known as "The Day of the Dead." (Roman Catholic Christianity)

Anniversary of the Founding of the Church

Annual World General Conference of the Church held on Saturday and Sunday closest to this date each year. (Latter Day Saints)

Ascension of Jesus

The celebration of Jesus' ascension into heaven and enthronement as universal sovereign. It comes 40 days after Easter. The date observed by Protestants and Roman Catholics is different from the date observed by Orthodox Christians. (Christianity)

Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha

Commemorates 'Abdul-Baha's death. (Bah') (Nov. 28)

Ascension of Baha'u'llah

Marks the anniversary of the death of the founder of the Bah' faith. Work is suspended on this day. (Bah') (May 29)

Ash Wednesday

A special day of repentance observed by Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians to mark the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial preceding Easter. The name derives from the practice of marking of the faithful with ashes to signify penitence. (Christianity)

'Ashurah

For Sunni Muslims, it is a voluntary fast day. Many important events are believed to have occurred on this day such as Noah's leaving the Ark and the freedom and departure of the Children of Israel from Egypt. For Shi'i Muslims, it is a time of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Husain (the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad) on the 10th day of the lunar month of Muharram. (Islam)

Assumption of Mary (RC)/Falling Asleep of the Holy Mother of God (O)

Commemorates the assumption of Mary, mother of Jesus, into heaven. (Roman Catholic Christianity) Commemorates the death of Mary, the mother of Jesus. (Orthodox Christianity)

Beltane

The final fertility festival, celebrating the Earth's fecundity and anticipating the power of the sun and the Earth in summer. (Wicca/Paganism) (May 1)

Birth of the Bab

The anniversary of the birth of the Bab, the herald of the new age for Bah'is. The Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, Israel, is part of the World Center of the Bah' faith. (Bah') (Oct. 20)

Birth of Baha'u'llah

The anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Bah' faith. Work is suspended on this day. (Bah') (Nov. 12)

Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666-1708). The 10th and final Sikh master, he created the Khalsa, the "brotherhood of the Pure," and declared the Scriptures, the Adi 'Granth, to be the sikh's Guru from that time on. (Sikhism)

Birthday of Prophet Zarathustra

The anniversary of the birth of the founder of the Zoroastrian faith. (Zoroastrianism) (March 26)

Bodhi Day

In the northern tradition, this is the anniversary of the Buddha's Enlightenment, ca. 596 B.C.E. In the southern tradition, the Buddha's Enlightenment is celebrated during Wesak. The dates and names of Buddhist celebrations vary significantly among cultures and communities. (Buddhism)

Christmas / Feast of the Nativity

Celebrates the anniversary of the birth (nativity) of Jesus. Dec. 25 is the date of this observance for Roman Catholic, Protestant and many Orthodox Christian churches. In some Orthodox churches, Christmas falls on January 7. (Christianity)

Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary/Feast of the Immaculate

Celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was born without sin. (Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christianity)

Das Laxana Festival (The Paryusana Festival of Jain Digumbar Sect)

An eight-day festival that is considered to be a holy convocation. During these eight days, Jains impose some restraints on their daily activities by fasting, meditation and prayer. The last day of Paryusana is the most solemn occasion of forgiveness and the examination of one's own thoughts and feelings. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word or thought. (Jainism)

Day of the Covenant

Celebrates the anniversary of the appointment of 'Abdul-Baha, the son of Baha'u'llah, as the Center of the Covenant. Work is not suspended on this day. (Bah') (Nov. 26)

Death of Prophet Zarathustra

The anniversary of the death of the founder of the Zoroastrian faith (Zoroastrianism) (Dec. 26)

Declaration of the Bab

Commemorates the day in 1844 on which he announced his identity as the "Bab" ("Gate"), the herald of the new age. (Bah') (May 23)

Dharma Day

Commemorates the Buddha's first teaching following his enlightenment. The date and name of this Buddhist celebration varies significantly among cultures and communities. (Buddhism)

Diwali (Dipavali)

Perhaps the most popular of all Hindu festivals, also known as the Festival of Lights, it is dedicated to the Goddess Kali in Bengal and to Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, in the rest of India. As with several other festivals, Diwali is associated with one of the stories about the destruction of evil by Vishnu in one of his many manifestations. In Jainism, where the festival is also known as Mahavira Nirvana, Diwali celebrates the attainment of Moksa by Lord Mahavira. A burning lamp symbolizes the "light of knowledge" that dispels the darkness of delusion and ignorance. (Hinduism/Jainism)

Dusserah (or Vijaya Dashami)

The concluding day of a 10-day festival honoring various goddesses, especially Durga, and Lord Rama, a manifestation of the God Vishnu. The 10-day festival is known as Navaratri ("nine nights") and Durga Puja ("worship of Durga"). Its pervading theme is the victory of good over evil. Vijaya greetings are sent to friends and relatives. (Hinduism)

Easter (or Pascha)

Celebrates the resurrection from death of Jesus Christ. It is the oldest and most important festival in the Christian year and initiates the 50-day period culminating in Pentecost. Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians observe Easter on a different date than Orthodox Christians. (Christianity)

Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

One of the two main Islamic festivals (the other is Id al-Fitr), this festival falls on the 10th day of the lunar month of Zul-Hijja and is the concluding act of pilgrimage to Makkah. In commemoration of Abraham's faith, sheep, goats and camels are offered to God, and the meat is distributed to the poor and needy. 'Id al-Adha is observed whether or not one is on pilgrimage. (Islam)

Eid al-Fitr (Festival of the Breaking of the Fast)

One of the two main Islamic festivals (the other is 'Id al-Adha), this day celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of fast. It comes on the first day of the next lunar month, Shawal. (Islam)

Epiphany

Signifying the end of the 12 days of Christmas, Epiphany celebrates the visit of the Three Kings to the infant Jesus as the occasion of the manifestation of the Christ to the gentiles. In Orthodox churches, where it is known as Theophany, the day commemorates the baptism of Jesus and the manifestation of the Trinity. The day is especially important in Latino/a cultures and in Orthodox churches. The Armenian Orthodox Church celebrates the nativity and theophany together. (Christianity)

First of Muharram (Ra's al-Sanat Al Hijriyah)

The first day of the first month of the Islamic year. This day commemorates the Hijra ("migration") of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 C.E., where the first Islamic community was established. In 2001, the new year is 1421 A.M. (Anno Hegirae-in the year of the Hijra). (Islam)

Ganesh Chaturthi

A celebration of Ganesh's birthday, one of the major Hindu deities. Ganesh, who has the head of an elephant, is the God of Success and is invoked at the beginning of all new undertakings. (Hinduism)

Ghambar Ayathrem

Celebrates the creation of plants, the sowing of the winter crop and the return of herds from pasture (Zoroastrianism) (Oct. 12-16)

Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem

Celebrates the creation of human beings and honors the souls of the deceased. (Zoroastrianism) (March 16-20)

Ghambar Maidyarem

Celebrates the creation of animals. Zoroastrians are encouraged to remember their practice of the equitable sharing of food during this observance. (Zoroastrianism) (Dec. 31-Jan. 4)

Ghambar Maidyoshem

Celebrates the creation of water, the sowing of the summer crop and the harvesting of grain. (Zoroastrianism) (June 29-July 3)

Ghambar Maidyozarem

Celebrates the creation of the sky and harvesting of the winter crop. (Zoroastrianism) (April 30-May 4)

Ghambar Paitishem

Celebrates the creation of the Earth and the harvesting of the summer crop. (Zoroastrianism) (Sept. 12-16)

Good Friday

Commemorates the Passion of Jesus Christ, i.e., his death by crucifixion. Observed as "Holy Friday" by Orthodox Christians on a different date from the one observed by Protestants and Roman Catholics. (Christianity)

Guru Nanak's Birthday

Observes the birth of the founder of the Sikh religion in 1469 C.E. The first of the Ten Gurus, Guru Nanak was born in 1469 C.E. An accomplished poet, 974 of his hymns are part of the Guru Granth Sahib. (Sikhism)

Hanukkah

The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews' victory over occupying forces in 165 B.C.E., which re-established for a time their religious and political freedom. (Judaism)

Holi

A joyous spring Hindu festival that is dedicated to Krishna in some parts of India; in other parts of India, it is dedicated to Kama, the God of Pleasure. People throw colored water or colored powder in celebration. (Hinduism)

Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday)

Commemorates the institution of the Lord's Supper/the Eucharist by Jesus prior to his arrest and execution. "Maundy" is derived from the Latin text of John 13:34, in which Jesus gives a mandatum novum ("new commandment"). The date observed by Protestants and Roman Catholics differs from the date observed by Orthodox Christians. (Christianity)

Holy Friday

The day that commemorates the Passion of Jesus Christ, i.e., his death by crucifixion. It is the Orthodox equivalent of "Good Friday." (Orthodox Christianity)

Imbolc

The first fertility festival, celebrating the approach of spring and the growth of light in the darkness. (Wicca/Paganism) (February 2)

Immaculate Conception of Mary (RC)/Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (O)

A feast day that celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was born without sin. (Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christianity)

Installation of Granth Sahib Ji as Guru

This day celebrates Gobind Singh Ji's passing on guruship to Scripture, henceforth known as the Guru Granth Sahib. (1708 C.E.) (Sikhism).

Krishna Janmashtami (Sri Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami)

Celebrates the birthday of Krishna. According to the Hindu epics, Krishna was the eighth incarnation of the God Vishnu, opposed to the demon Kansa, who was responsible for the increase of evil in the world. Worship of Krishna is characteristically expressed in dance and song. (Hinduism)

Lammas/Lughnasa

The first harvest festival, celebrating the sacrifices of the Earth and the sun for the harvest and the diminishing strength of summer. (Wicca/Paganism) (Aug. 2)

Laylat al-Bara'ah

(Night of Repentance) On this night, God approaches the Earth to call humanity and to grant forgiveness of sins. Observed on the 14th day of the lunar month of Sha'ban. (Islam)

Laylat al-Isra' wa al-Mi'raj (Mi'raj al-Nabiy)

Commemorates the ascension (al-Mi'raj) of the Prophet to heaven following his night journey (al-Isra') from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascent to heaven and return the same night. (Islam)

Laylat al-Qadr

The Night of Power or Destiny commemorates the first revelation of the Qur'an (the Islamic scriptures) to Prophet Muhammad in 610 C.E. (Islam)

Lent

In Orthodox churches, the first day of Lent marks the beginning of The Great Fast, the final six weeks of a 10-week period leading up to Holy Week and Easter (Pascha). In the churches that follow the Gregorian calendar, Lent is a six-week observance (40 days excluding Sundays) beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating in Holy Week. It is a time of repentance and sacrifice in preparation for Easter. (Christianity)

Litha

Summer Solstice, celebrating the longest day and the blessings of light as well as the beginning of the sun god's death. (Wicca/Paganism) (June 21)

Mabon

Atumnal Equinox and the second harvest festival, celebrating the equivalence of light and dark, the arrival of Autumn and thanksgiving for the Earth's bounty. (Wicca/Paganism) (Sept. 23)

Mahashivaratri

A feast dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The night before the feast, fasting is observed, texts are recited, songs sung and stories told in honor of this God whose cosmic dance creates, preserves, destroys and recreates the world. (Hinduism)

Mahavira Jayanti

Celebrates the birthday of Lord Mahavira. Born with the name Vardhamana in ca. 599 B.C.E., he was later given the titles of honor, Mahavira ("great Hero") and Jina ("Conqueror" or "Victor"), a title applied also to the other Tirthankaras. (Jainism)

Mahavira Nirvana

Popularly known as Diwali or Dipavali, this "Festival of Lamps" celebrates the attainment of Moksa by Lord Mahavira. A burning lamp symbolizes the "light of knowledge," which dispels the darkness of delusion and ignorance. (Jainism)

Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606)

The fifth Guru, he built the Golden Temple of Amritsar to emphasize that the Sikh way was open to all, regardless of caste; the temple was constructed with doors facing all four directions. The first Sikh martyr, Arjan is also remembered for his contributions to and compilation of the Sikh Scriptures. (Sikhism)

Martyrdom of the Bab

Anniversary of the martyrdom of the Bab, the forerunner of Baha'u'llah, in 1850. Work is suspended on this day. (Bah') (July 9)

Martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and His Brother Hyrum

The Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were assassinated in 1844 while incarcerated in Carthage, Ill. (Latter Day Saints)

Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

This day commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621-1675), the ninth of the Ten Sikh Gurus. He is remembered not only for his defense of the Sikh faith, but also of Hinduism and of religious liberty. (Sikhism)

Maundy Thursday

See Holy Thursday. (Christianity)

Mawlid al-Nabi

The birthday of the Prophet Muhammed. (Islam)

Navaratri

Nine-day celebration in praise of Lord Rama. The last four days are devoted to the Goddess Durga, to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Dusserah (or Vijaya Dashami), the end of Navaratri, is a festival to mark the death of the demon Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama and the parting of the Goddess Durga from her devotees. (Hinduism)

Naw Ruz

The seventh greatest festival, "New Day" is the first day of the Zoroastrian/Persian and Bah' New Year. It falls on the spring equinox and symbolizes the renewal of the world after the winter. For Zoroastrians, Naw Ruz also celebrates the creation of fire that is symbolic of Asha or righteousness. It is also the day on which Zarathustra received his revelation. (Bah') (March 21)

Nirvana Day

In the northern tradition, it commemorates the parinirvana of the Buddha. In cultures of Southeast Asia, the Buddha's parinirvana is remembered during Wesak. The dates and names of Buddhist celebrations vary significantly among cultures and communities. (Buddhism)

Ostara

Vernal Equinox, celebrating the equivalence of light and dark and the arrival of Spring. (Wicca/Paganism) (March 21)

Palm Sunday

Celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Holy Week that culminates in Easter or Pascha. In some churches, Palm Sunday is combined with the anticipation of Christ's death and so is also known as "Passion Sunday." Orthodox Christians observe this Sunday on a date different from the date on which Protestant and Roman Catholics observe it. (Christianity)

Paryusana Festival

Considered the holiest period of the year, these eight days are marked for Jains by fasting, meditation, prayer and public readings of the life story of Lord Mahavira. Observed especially by the followers of the Shvetambara sect, Paryusana concludes on Samvatsari, the most solemn occasion of self-scrutiny and forgiveness. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word or thought. (Jainism)

Passover (Pesach)

Commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for eight days with special prayers and symbolic foods at home, starting with the "Seder," a ritual meal that re-enacts that ancient deliverance and emphasizes the freedom of the Jews under the guidance of God. The first two and the last two days are holidays. (Judaism)

Pentecost (or Whitsunday)

The commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus following his ascension, Pentecost is considered the "birthday" of the Christian church. (Acts 2:1-11) It comes 50 days after Easter (Pascha, Orthodox Easter). Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians observe Pentecost on a different date frp, Orthodox Christians.

Pioneer Day

Mormon observance of the arrival of Brigham Young at the site of Salt Lake City, Utah (1847). (Latter Day Saints)

Purim

(Feast of Lots) Celebrates the rescue of the Jews of ancient Persia from a plot to destroy them as related in the Book of Esther, which is read at this time. Purim is a joyous holiday, celebrated by wearing of costumes, giving gifts to friends, giving to the poor and socializing. Preceded by the Fast of Esther, Purim is a day of feasting. (Judaism)

Ramadan begins

The Holy Month of Ramadan begins on this day. Ramadan is the month of fasting during which Muslims who are physically able do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset in honor of the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad. The evening meal is celebrated with family. (Islam)

Ramanavami

Celebrates the birthday of Rama, the seventh incarnation of the God Vishnu. The Ramayana, one of the Hindu epics that tells the story of Rama, is read during the previous eight days. (Hinduism)

Ridvan (pronounced "Riz-wan"

Commemorates the 12 days that Baha'u'llah spent in the Garden of Ridvan in the last days of his exile in Baghdad, during which time he proclaimed himself as the one announced by the Bab. Work is suspended for the first, ninth and 12th days April 21, April 29 and May 2. (Bah')

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the creation of the world, Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Ten Days of Awe (also known as the Ten Days of Repentance) that conclude on Yom Kippur. It marks the beginning of the holiest time of the year for Jews. (Judaism)

Samhain

The New Year and the final harvest festival, celebrating the last gifts of the Earth before winter and the return of the spirits of the dead. (Wicca/Paganism) (Oct. 31)

Samvatsari

Culminates Paryushana Festival and is dedicated to introspection, confession and penance, especially for the ascetic community of the Shvetambara sect. (Jainism)

Shavuot (Feast of Weeks)

Shavuot marks the conclusion of the seven weeks following Pesach (Passover). It is a celebration of the harvest of first fruits and commemorates the giving of the Torah and Commandments at Mount Sinai. (Judaism)

Simchat Torah (Rejoicing of the Law)

Joyous festival in which the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the synagogue is completed and its first book begun again. The celebration typically includes singing, dancing and marching with Torah scrolls. (Judaism)

Sri Ramakrishna Jayanti

Celebrates the birthday of Sri Ramakrishna, teacher of Swami Vivekananda. (Hinduism)

Sukkot(Feast of Booths)

An eight-day Jewish festival of booths (or tabernacles) and the fall harvest. The name refers to the booths (sukkot) used by Israelites during desert wanderings and constructed in the fields during the harvest season. It is a time of thanksgiving for God's presence in creation and among the Jewish people. The Eighth Day (Shmini 'Atzeret) is considered both the end of Sukkot and a distinct festival. (Judaism)

Theophany

See Epiphany. (Orthodox Christian)

Vaisakhi

Occurs on the first day of the solar year. It is primarily an agricultural festival, celebrating the harvest, and is especially important in North India. It is named after the month Vaisakh. For Sikhs, it is also the anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa (the army of the Pure Ones) in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh. (Hinduism/Sikhism)

Vasant Panchami (Sri Pancami)

One of many festivals to honor the advent of spring, this day is celebrated particularly in North India, where it is associated with Saraswati, the goddess of learning; however, it also retains connection with the goddess Lakshmi. (Hinduism)

Wesak

The commemoration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment and parinirvana, celebrated on the day of the full moon of the sixth lunar month in Southeast Asian cultures; in Tibetan culture, Wesak commemorates only the enlightenment and parinirvana. The dates of this celebration vary significantly among Buddhist cultures and communities. (Buddhism)

Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)

Memorializes the six million Jews who died as victims of the Nazis during World War II and emphasizes respect for human dignity. Its observance is not limited to Jews. (Judaism)

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)

The conclusion of the 10 Days of Awe, Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn of all days in the Jewish year. It is characterized by repentance, fasting and forgiveness. (Judaism)

Yule

Winter Solstice, celebrating the longest night and the blessings of darkness as well as the rebirth of the sun god. (Wicca/Paganism) (Dec. 21)