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Interfaith Calendar

Summer 2013 | Fall 2013 | Spring 2014 | Summer 2014

The purpose of an interfaith calendar is to foster dialogue and cooperation among the various religious traditions that make Stetson University a diverse and inclusive living-learning community. Faculty and staff are encouraged to utilize the calendar when planning curriculum and events in order to be mindful of the commitments of others and to raise the level of discourse about matters of faith and practice. Students are encouraged to utilize the calendar in order to better support one another throughout the course of their academic year.

The University Chaplain and Student Development & Campus Vibrancy cooperate each spring to update and refine the calendar. Given the exhaustive task of putting together such a calendar, educated choices have been made to select the "major" holidays for each of the following faith traditions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, Wicca, Baha'i, and Chinese religions (Daoism and Confucianism), and Shinto. Please contact the University Chaplain or the director of the Student Development & Campus Vibrancy with comments, concerns, or requests to include faith commitments or specific holidays. For more information about each of the religious traditions and the holidays included herein, please consult:

July

Jul. 3 Asala (Dharma Day)- Buddhism
Marks the beginning of the Buddha's teaching. Close scrutiny of his teachings usually accompanies the day.
Jul. 9 Ramadan Begins- Islam
This thirty day period of fasting marks a rededication of the faithful to Allah.
Jul. 24 Pioneer Day- Mormon Christian (LDS)
Mormons commemorate all the faithful pioneers who journeyed to Utah on this day. It is a state holiday in Utah.

Fall 2013

August

Aug. 19-21 Eid al-Fitr- Islam
A holiday that marks the end of the month-long fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Special prayers are offered, the faithful gather in mosques, and gather to feast.
Aug. 17 Yu Lan (The Ghost Festival)- Chinese religions
Marks the occasion on which the otherworldly ("lower") realm is open. Dead spirits return to the earth to visit loved ones and descendants. Rituals are performed to relieve the suffering of the dead.
Aug. 21 Raksha Bandhan- Hinduism, Jainism
A celebration of the bonds between siblings. A rahki is tied by a sister on her brother's wrist, symbolizing love and devotion.
Aug. 28 Krishna Jayanti- Hinduism
A traditional festival and one-day fast honoring the birth of the god Krishna (the Supreme Being) that culminates in a celebration.

September

Sept. 4-6 Rosh Hashanah- Judaism
The beginning of the New Year also marks the start of the Days of Awe (the high holy days).
Sept. 8 The Nativity of Mary- Christianity
Marks the birth of Mary, mother of Jesus, in the Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions.
Sept. 9 Ganesh Chaturthi- Hinduism
A celebration of Shiva's son Ganesh, whom is recognized to be superior to all other gods. Ganesh is believed to be present at feasts and events held in his honor during this day.
Sept. 10 Paryushana- Jainism
Marks a day of "coming together" that manifests through fasting, charitable works, reflection, and meditation on the unity of humankind.
Sept. 13-14 Yom Kippur- Judaism
The Day of Atonement is a period of sober reflection and sincere self-analysis. No work may be performed on this day, so fasting and days of worship are common.
Sept. 22 Mabon (northern hemisphere) Ostata (southern hemishere)- Wicca
The autumnal equinox is a period of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and a period of reflection in the need for sharing such good fortune during the winter months ahead.

October

Oct. 4 Saint Francis Day- Catholic Christain
 
Oct. 5-13 Navaratri- Hinduism
A festival honoring Shakti (the Divine Mother) and her nine forms. Fasting and ritual dance are common.
Oct. 13 Chung Yeung Festival (The Double Ninth Festival)- Chinese religions
Originally developed as a day to ward off evil and misfortune based on an imbalance in the yin and yang concept in the lunar calendar, it is now an occasion for celebration, hiking, and grave visitation. Chongyang cake and chrysanthemums are tied to this day.
Oct. 14-16 Eid al-Adha- Islam
A period of celebration and feasting for Abraham's unyielding devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael.
Oct. 19-26 Sukkot- Judaism
A joyful period of remembrance and commemoration for a time in which the people of Israel wandered the desert. Faithful live and worship in booths/temporary structures during this festival.
Oct. 31 All Hallows' Eve (Halloween)- Wicca
A day in which the line between the spirit world and physical world blurs and souls return to the earth. Ritual prayer and offerings are made to appease the spirits.In the Christain tradition it is the evening before All Saints day.

November

Nov. 1 All Saints Day- Christianity
A day of celebration for the living and the dead believers in all places. It is marked by worship and reflection.
Nov. 1 Samhain- Wicca
The New Year. It is commonly marked by taking time to search for wisdom to ask for guidance from the gods.
Nov. 3-7 Diwali- Hindiusm, Jainism, Sikhism
The Festival of Lights is a wintertime celebration that commemorates both the victory of light over dark and good over evil.
Nov. 4-5 Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah (the Hijri New Year Year)- Islam
The New Year marks a period of renewal, reflection, and fasting.
Nov. 12 The Birth of Baha'u'llah- Baha'i
Baha'u'llah is God's Messenger and the founder of the Baha'i faith and tradition. The celebration includes feasting, prayers, and music.
Nov. 13-14 Ashura- Islam
On this day, Shi'a Muslims mourn the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of Muhammad.
Nov. 15 Shichigosan- Shinto
A day of thanksgiving for the blessing of having strong, healthy children that is marked with the taking of photographs and the sharing of memories.
Nov. 23 Niinamesei (Labor Thanksgiving Day)- Shinto
A national day of thanksgiving for the fruits of labor. Children mark the day by drawing photos and giving them to police officers while adults reflect on the accomplishments of themselves and others.
Nov. 27 - Dec. 5 Hanukkah- Judaism
A period of dedication that includes the lighting of candles, giving of gifts, and prayer that marks the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem in time long past.
Nov. 28 The Birth of Nanak Dev Shaib- Sikhism
This day marks the birth of the founder of Sikhism and the first of its ten gurus.

December

Dec. 8 Rohatsu (Bodhi Day)- Buddhism
Marks the occasion of Buddha's Enlightenment. As an act of commemoration, families light candles for thirty days afterword.
Dec. 8 The Immaculate Conception of Mary- Christianity
Catholics celebrate the conception of the Virgin Mary, whom they believe was born without any trace of Original Sin.
Dec. 21 Yule (Winter Solstice)- Wicca
A time of rebirth. The night of the winter solstice is longer than any other night at any other point in the year.
Dec. 25 Christmas- Christianity
Marks the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, whom the faithful call Christ. To celebrate, gifts are given, worship services are held, and prayer is offered.

Spring 2014

January

Jan. 1 Oshogatsu- Shinto, Buddhist
A special feast is prepared to celebrate the New Year. Bells are rung 108 times, symbolizing all the sins identified by the Buddha and to ward off worldly desire.
Jan. 6 Epiphany- Christianity
The Christain festival, commemorating the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles in the persons of the Magi.
Jan. 7 Feast of the Nativity- Christianity(Orthodox)
Orthodoxy celebrates the day that Jesus became human and entered the world. A feast marks the occasion.
Jan. 13 Seijin Shiki- Shinto
A reminder to those who have reached the age of majority (20) that they are now adults, with the rights and responsibilities therein. Ceremonies and rituals are held to honor adults
Jan. 13 Milad un Nabi- Islam
Marks the birth of the Prophet, Muhammad.
Jan. 31 Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)- Chinese religions
Marks the end of Winter. Families gather for "reunion" dinners and various street celebrations occur throughout the world. Some families choose to give gifts and decorate for the event.

February

Feb. 2 Imbolc & Sughnassad- Wicca
Celebrations that mark the coming of spring
Feb. 3 Rissun- Shinto
Marks the coming of spring. Prayers and offerings for good fortune are given.
Feb. 5 Ash Wednesday- Christianity
Marks the beginning of Lent and for many is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance
Feb. 8 Parinirvana (Nirvana Day)- Buddhism
Marks the passing of the Buddha. The faithful believe on this day he achieved Nirvana. (celebrated February 14 by Jain)
Feb. 9 1st Sunday in Lent- Christianity
 
Feb. 28 Maha Shivarati- Hinduism
A celebration of Shiva, who called this day his favorite.

March

Mar. 2 Nineteen Day Fast Begins- Baha'i
A period of sunrise-sunset fasting undertaken by the faithful to renew their commitment to God.
Mar. 3 Hina-matsuri- Shinto
A celebration of daughters. The display of dolls and the drinking of special sake and eating of special food mark the day.
Mar. 15 Purim- Judaism
A day that celebrates the survival of the Jewish people at the hands of their oppressors. Plays based on the Book of Esther are performed, the faithful eat, drink, and celebrate their good fortune.
Mar. 16 Magha Puja (Sangha Day)- Buddhism
Marks the occasion of the Buddha's teaching of 1,250.
Mar. 17 Holi- Hinduism
A celebration of the gods and the coming of spring. Faithful celebrate by lighting fires and throwing scented, colored perfumes, and dancing.
Mar. 20 Ostara- Wicca
The spring equinox is a period of new life and rebirth. It is marked by celebrations and rituals.
Mar. 21 Naw-Ruz- Baha'i
The New Year celebrates the love between the Creator and the created.
Mar. 20 Shunki koreisai- Shinto
A day of worship to pay respect to past honored dead.

April

Apr. 4 The Quingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day)- Chinese religions
An annual day of gravesite visitation and ritual offering/remembrance of ancestors and recently departed loved ones.
Apr. 8 Ram Navami- Hinduism
A celebration of the birth of Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. Trips to shrines are common.
Apr. 13 Mahavir Jayanti- Jainism
A celebration of the founder Mahavira's birth. On this day, shrines are visited and the teachings of the founder are studied.
Apr. 14-22 Pesach (Passover)- Judaism
A celebration of the Exodus from Egypt and the passing over the Jewish homes the night God visited to take the lives of the first born children from their oppressors.
Apr. 15 Hanuman Jayanti- Hinduism
A celebration of one of Hinduism's most beloved idols, the ape that aided Rama in his fight against the forces of evil.
Apr. 17 Maundy Thursday- Christianity
Celebrated by the faithful as the night Jesus ate the Last Supper with his disciples. Mass and other worship services include unique rituals.
Apr. 18 Good Friday- Christianity
The day of Jesus' passion , passion, and death on the cross. Christians remember this day with special services,fasting and prayers.
Apr. 20 Easter- Christianity
Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year.Easter marks the celebration of Jesus' resurrection . It ends the forty-day period of fasting, prayer ,and penance.
Apr. 20 Pascha- Orthodox Christian
Most important feast of the Orthodox church and commemorates the resurrection of Jesus.
Apr. 27 Yom HaShoah- Judaism
Holocaust Memorial Day

May

May 1 Beltane- Wicca
A day of celebration and bonfires to celebrate the summer.
May 2 Akshaya Tritiya- Hinduism, Jainism
A day of celebration, meditation, and prayer. Legend holds that "Akshaya" was the first word uttered by the Creator. The faithful celebrate by fasting and making pilgrimage to holy sites.
May 14 Vesak (Buddha Day)- Buddhism
Celebrations of the Buddha's birthday occur on this day.
May 23 Declaration of the Bab- Baha'i
A day of reflection and meditation to mark Ali Muhammed's declaration that he was in fact the "Coming One" of all the world's religions.

Summer 2014

June

Jun. 8 Pentecost- Christianity
A celebration of the Holy Spirit's descent on the disciples of Jesus and church. It is marked with baptisms and unique worship services.
Jun. 20 Litha- Wicca
The summer solstice or midsummer is a celebration of paradox.
Jun. 28 Ramadan Begins- Islam
This thirty day period of fasting marks a rededication of the faithful to Allah.

July

Jul. 3 Asala (Dharma Day)- Buddhism
Marks the beginning of the Buddha's teaching. Close scrutiny of his teachings usually accompanies the day.
Jul. 23 Pioneer Day- Mormon Christian (LDS)
Mormons commemorate all the faithful pioneers who journeyed to Utah on this day. It is a state holiday in Utah.
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