Lammas/Lughnasadh |
A celebration of the beginning of the harvest. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.
Date Details: Celebrated every August 1st.
General Practices: Making and consuming dishes with the first fruits of the harvest.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Druid, Pagan, Wiccan |
- August 01, 2018
- August 01, 2019
- August 01, 2020
|
Raksha Bandhan |
The Rakhi festivity falls in the holy month of Shravan; The origin and history of Rakhi can be dated back to the mythological Pouranik times.
Date Details: Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in Shravana month during full moon day or Purnima day.
General Practices: A day to acknowledge siblings and their relationships.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Hindu |
- August 26, 2018
- August 15, 2019
- August 03, 2020
|
Krishna Janmashtami |
This two-day festival celebrates the birth of Krishna, a widely-worshiped Hindu god. Krishna is considered to be a warrior, hero, teacher, and philosopher.
Date Details: The first day is called Krishan Ashtami or Gokul Ashtami. The second day is known as Kaal Ashtami or more popularly Janam Ashtami.
General Practices: During this festival, Hindus are likely to forgo sleep in order to sing bhajans, traditional Hindu songs. Many Hindus also fast during the first day of the festival. Dances, songs, and plays depicting the life of Krishna are common.
Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines on this day, since it is likely that students will be operating on very little sleep.
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Hindu |
|
Eid al-Adha |
Eid al-Adha is a major festival that celebrates the willingness to make sacrifices in the name of one’s faith. According to Islamic tradition, the prophet Ibrahim was ordered to sacrifice his son in God’s name. When Ibrahim was prepared to kill his son, God stepped in and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead. This holiday celebrates Ibrahim’s total faith in God, and Muslims view this holiday as an important annual reminder.
Date Details: Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice. Begins at sundown on September 12th and ends in the evening of September 13th.
General Practices: Prayers, gift giving, prayers, and sometimes killing of sheep, with a portion of the meat gifted to the poor.
Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the first day. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (halal restrictions apply).
|
Islamic |
- September 01, 2017
- September 22, 2018
- August 12, 2020
|
Mabon/Alban Elfed/Autumnal Equinox |
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, and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and the God during the coming winter months. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.
Date Details: Falls on the day of the Fall Equinox.
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.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Druid, Pagan, Wiccan |
- September 22, 2017
- September 23, 2019
- September 23, 2020
|
Navaratri/Durga Puja |
Navaratri is one of the greatest Hindu festivals, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During this nine day fast festival, Hindus worship the Goddess Durga.
Date Details: Begins October 1st and ends October 11th. The beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn are taken as sacred opportunities for the worship of the Divine Mother Durga. The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar.
General Practices: Durga is the mother goddess, and so Hindus try to visit their mothers and other relatives during this time. Some Hindus will pray and fast, and there are often feasts and dances.
Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities. Note that members of the KU community may be hungry due to fasting.
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Hindu |
- September 21, 2018
- October 09, 2018
- September 29, 2019
|
Rosh Hashanah |
Start of the Jewish New Year, day of judgment and remembrance; the Jewish calendar celebrates the New Year in the seventh month (Tishrei) as a day of rest and celebration ten days before Yom Kippur
Date Details: Begins at sundown on October 2nd and ends at nightfall on October 4th.
General Practices: Prayer in 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).
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Jewish |
September 20, 2017 to September 22, 2017 September 09, 2018 to September 11, 2018 September 29, 1019 to October 01, 1019
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Yom Kippur |
Yom Kippur is often considered the holiest day of the year for Jews, and the day is dedicated to atonement and abstinence.
Date Details: Begins at sundown on October 11th and ends at nightfall on October 12th.
General Practices: Fasting from before sundown until after sunset, and lighting of the Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the night of Yom Kippur.
Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date and after a day of fasting.
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Jewish |
- September 30, 2017
- September 19, 2018
- October 09, 2019
|
Sukkot |
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.
Date Details: Begins in the evening of Sunday, October 16 and ends in the evening of Sunday, October 23. Work holiday varies by denomination.
General Practices: Families in the United States commonly decorate the sukkah with produce and artwork.
Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply).
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Jewish |
October 05, 2017 to October 11, 2017 September 24, 2018 to September 30, 2018 October 14, 2019 to October 20, 2019
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Shemini Atzeret |
Also known as Atzereth, this is a fall festival, which includes a memorial service for the dead and features prayers for rain in Israel.
Date Details: Begins in the evening of Sunday, October 23 and ends in the evening of Monday, October 24.
General Practices: 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).
|
Jewish |
- October 12, 2017
- October 01, 2018
- October 21, 2019
|
Simchat Torah |
Simchat Torah marks the completion of the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the synagogue and the beginning of the new cycle.
Date Details: Begins in the evening of Monday, October 24 and ends in the evening of Tuesday, October 25.
General Practices: Simchat Torah marks the completion of the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the synagogue and the beginning of the 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).
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Jewish |
- October 13, 2017
- October 02, 2018
- October 21, 2019
|
Diwali/Kali Puja |
Diwali—the Hindu “festival of lights”—is an extremely popular holiday for multiple religions throughout Southern Asia. Diwali extends over five days, and celebrates the victory of good over evil. The Times of India described Diwali as “a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple.” Fireworks, oil lamps, and sweets are common, making this a favorite holiday for children. The lamps are lit to help the goddess Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes.
Date Details: People in different regions in India may celebrate Diwali on various dates. This is because traditional lunar calendars can be interpreted in different ways.
General Practices: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees will likely request a vacation day on this date.
Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees will likely request a vacation day on this date.
|
Buddhist, Jain, Hindu, Sikh |
- October 19, 2017
- November 07, 2018
- October 27, 2019
|
Samhain |
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.
Date Details: Night of October 31st into November 1st every year.
General Practices: Paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Druid, Pagan, Wiccan |
- October 31, 2017
- October 31, 2018
- October 31, 2019
|
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh |
This holiday celebrates the birthday of Bahá'u'lláh, one of the Baha’I faith’s most important figures. For Bahá'ís, the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh is a Holy Day celebrating the rebirth of the world through the love of God. Comparable to what Christmas is for Christians.
Date Details: Celebrated every November 12th.
General Practices: There are no elaborate traditions surrounding His birth.
Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. (Baha’i employees will likely request to have this day off.)
|
Baha’i |
- November 12, 2017
- November 12, 2018
- November 12, 2019
|
Yule/Midwinter/Alban Arthan/Winter Solstice |
The longest night of the year followed by the sun's "rebirth" and lengthening of days. 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.
Date Details: Celebrated from December 20th - January 1st every year.
General Practices: Burning the yule log (which was traditionally part of last year’s yule tree) is an act of faith and renewal that, indeed, the light, and the warmth will return.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Druid, Pagan, Wiccan |
- December 20, 2017
- December 20, 2018
- December 20, 2019
|
Hanukkah/Chanukah |
Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights, and lasts for eight days. Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish struggle for religious freedom. The history of the holiday involves a historic military victory in which a Jewish sect called the Maccabees defeated the Syrian Greeks. The celebration commemorates a miracle in which a sacred temple flame burned for eight days on only one day’s worth of oil.
Date Details: Hanukkah begins at sundown on the first day. Ends Jan. 1st.
General Practices: On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jewish families light an additional candle of the menorah candelabrum until all eight candles are lit. Jews celebrate with food and song, as well as exchanging gifts for eight days.
Recommended Accommodations: Academics and work permitted, not a work holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—potato pancakes, doughnuts or other fried food is customary).
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Jewish |
December 13, 2017 to December 20, 2017 December 03, 2018 to December 10, 2018 December 23, 2019 to December 30, 2019
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Christmas |
Christmas is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah whose message and self-sacrifice began the Christian religion.
Date Details: Begins at sundown on Dec. 24 annually and continues with all day celebration on Dec. 25.
General Practices: Many celebrate this holiday by giving gifts, attending church services, decorating Christmas trees, and visiting family.
Recommended Accommodations: Schools are usually closed during this time so specific accommodations may not be necessary.
|
Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic |
- December 25, 2017
- December 25, 2018
- December 25, 2019
|
Kwanzaa |
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honoring African heritage in African-American culture. Historian and activist Maulana Karenga developed the holiday in the 1960s. It is not a religious holiday, per se, but is a cultural celebration.
Date Details: Kwanzaa is observed every year from December 26th–January 1st.
General Practices: Kwanzaa has seven core principles: Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Recommended Accommodations: Schools are usually closed during this time so specific accommodations may not be necessary.
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Non-Religious |
- December 26, 2017
- December 26, 2018
- December 26, 2019
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Gantan-sai |
Gantan-sai is the annual New Year festival of the Shinto religion.
Date Details: Celebrated every January 1st.
General Practices: Practitioners pray for inner renewal, prosperity, and health, as well as visiting shrines and visiting friends and family.
Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on this date (work holiday).
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Shinto |
- January 01, 2018
- January 01, 2019
- January 01, 2020
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Epiphany/Twelfth Night/Three Kings Day |
This date is also known as Befana Day; commemorates the revelation of God through Jesus Christ and marks the time the three wise men arrived in Bethlehem and presented gifts to the baby Jesus.
Date Details: Celebrated every January 6th.
General Practices: Prayer, festive meals, offerings, gifts.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic |
- January 06, 2018
- January 06, 2019
- January 06, 2020
|
Christmas |
Christmas is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah whose message and self-sacrifice began the Christian religion.
Date Details: Celebrated every January 7th. Eastern Orthodox Christmas is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
General Practices: Many celebrate this holiday by attending church services, holding celebratory meals, and visiting family.
Recommended Accommodations: Because this holiday typically falls during winter break, academic accommodations may not be required. However many Eastern Orthodox employees will probably request this day off.
|
Eastern Orthodox Christian |
- January 07, 2018
- January 07, 2019
- January 07, 2020
|
Chinese New Year |
This is the most important of traditional Chinese holidays.
Date Details: Corresponds to the New Moon in Aquarius, which can fall from late January to mid-February.
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. Many Chinese employees will probably request this day off.
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Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist |
- February 16, 2018
- February 05, 2019
- January 25, 2020
|
Imbolc / Candlemas |
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."
Date Details: Celebrated every February 1st through 2nd.
General Practices: Activities might include making candles, reading poetry and telling stories.
Recommended Accommodations: None
|
Druid, Pagan, Wiccan |
- February 01, 2018
- February 01, 2019
- February 01, 2020
|
Setsubum-sai |
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.
Date Details: Celebrated every February 3rd.
General Practices: Scattering of beans.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Shinto |
- February 03, 2018
- February 03, 2019
- February 03, 2020
|
Ash Wednesday |
This is the first day of Lent, the period of forty days before Easter in which many Christians sacrifice ordinary pleasures to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice.
Date Details: The 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.
|
Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic |
- February 14, 2018
- March 06, 2019
- February 26, 2020
|
Purim |
Purim commemorates the time when the Jews were living in Persia and were saved by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther.
Date Details: Begins in the evening of Saturday, March 11 and ends in the evening of Sunday, March 12.
General Practices: Many Jews hold carnival-like celebrations on Purim, dressing in costumes, and read the Book of Esther. Triangular, fruit-filled pastries are eaten in opposition to the villain Haman, who wore a three-cornered hat.
Recommended Accommodations: Purim is not subject to the restrictions on work that affect some other holidays; however, some sources indicate that Jews 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).
|
Jewish |
- March 01, 2018
- March 21, 2019
- March 10, 2020
|
Magha Puja Day |
Magha Puja Day commemorates an important event in the life of the Buddha, in which the four disciples traveled to join the Buddha.
Date Details: Full moon day of the 3rd lunar month.
General Practices: Buddhist gather at temple at dusk where they make merry, share flowers, incense and lit candles. They celebrate the day by lighting candles and moving in a circle three times around the temple’s main hall in honor of the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, Sangha and the Dharma.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Buddhist |
- March 31, 2018
- March 21, 2019
- March 09, 2020
|
Holi |
Also known as the “Festival of Colors,” this holiday can be traced to Hindu scriptures commemorating good over evil. This date is also a celebration of the colorful spring and a farewell to the dull winter.
Date Details: Celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar moon in late February or early March.
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 a vacation day on this date.
|
Hindu |
- March 20, 2018
- March 21, 2019
- March 10, 2020
|
Ostara/Alban Eilir/Spring Equinox |
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.
Date Details: Every March 20th.
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.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Druid, Pagan, Wiccan |
- March 30, 2018
- March 30, 2019
- March 30, 2020
|
Naw Ruz |
This is the Baha’i New Year, a traditional celebration in Iran adopted as a holy day associated with Baha’i. It is a celebration of spring and new life.
Date Details: Every March 20th - March 21st.
General Practices: Festive music dancing, prayers, meetings, meals.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Baha’i |
- March 20, 2018
- March 20, 2019
- March 20, 2020
|
Palm Sunday |
A commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as crowds lined his path with palm fronds.
Date Details: Sunday before Easter.
General Practices: Prayer, distribution of palm leaves commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Christian, Eastern Orthodox Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic |
- March 25, 2018
- April 14, 2019
- April 05, 2020
|
Pesach/Passover |
Pesach is a week-long observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II (one of three pilgrimage festivals).
Date Details: Begins at sundown on April 10th and ends April 18th.
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 Accommodations: 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).
|
Jewish |
March 31, 2018 to April 07, 2018 April 20, 2019 to April 27, 2019 April 09, 2020 to April 16, 2020
|
Vaisakhi/Poila Boishakh |
Vaisakhi is the Sikh new year festival and commemorates 1699, the year Sikhism was born. Vaisakhi is also a long-established harvest festival.
Date Details: Every April 13th or 14.
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: None.
|
Hindu, Sikh |
- April 14, 2018
- April 14, 2019
- April 13, 2020
|
Maundy Thursday |
Thursday before Easter, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles.
Date Details: Always falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday.
General Practices: Prayer, Communion (Eucharist), meals, and foot-washing ceremonies among some Christian denominations.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic |
- March 29, 2018
- April 18, 2019
- April 09, 2020
|
Good Friday |
Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting.
Date Details: Always falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday.
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.
|
Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic |
- March 30, 2018
- April 19, 2019
- April 10, 2020
|
Holy Friday/Good Friday |
Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting.
Date Details: Orthodox Good Friday is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
General Practices: Prayer, fasting, confession, and church services as well as the wrapping or dying of eggs (often red) in preparation for Easter Sunday.
Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the date.
|
Eastern Orthodox Christian |
- April 06, 2018
- April 26, 2019
- April 17, 2020
|
Easter |
Annual commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Date Details: Easter Sunday is determined by the Gregorian calendar (Gregorian calendar regulates ceremonial cycle of the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches).
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 Sunday, academic accommodations may not be required.
|
Christian, Protestant, Roman Catholic |
- April 18, 2018
- April 21, 2019
- April 12, 2020
|
Pascha/Easter |
Annual commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Date Details: Easter Sunday is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
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 Sunday, academic accommodations may not be required.
|
Eastern Orthodox Christian |
- April 08, 2018
- April 28, 2019
- April 19, 2020
|
Yom HaSho’ah |
Holocaust Remembrance Day; a day to remember the lives and names of Jewish victims and activists of the Holocaust.
Date Details: Begins at sundown on April 23rd and ends April 24th.
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: This is not a work holiday—academics and work are permitted. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply).
|
Jewish |
- April 12, 2018
- May 02, 2019
- April 21, 2020
|
Beltane |
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.
Date Details: Every May 1st.
General Practices: Jumping the balefire, dancing the Maypole.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Druid, Pagan, Wiccan |
- May 01, 2018
- May 01, 2019
- May 01, 2020
|
Buddha Day/Visakha Puja |
This holiday is traditionally known as Buddha’s birthday. It is the major Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.
Date Details: The exact date of Buddha's Birthday is based on the Asian lunisolar calendars and is primarily celebrated in Baisakh month of the Buddhist calendar and the Bikram Sambat Hindu calendar, and hence it is also called Vesak.
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.
Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested, and offer vegetarian options when planning menus for events on this date.
|
Buddhist |
- May 22, 2018
- May 12, 2019
- April 30, 2020
|
Ramadan |
Ramadan is an occasion to focus on faith through fasting and prayer, and is one of the most important Muslim holidays. Ramadan is notable because the Qur’an was first revealed during this month, and Muslims see the Qur’an as the ultimate form of guidance for mankind. The night that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad is called Lailat ul Oadr, and standing in prayer this one night is thought to eclipse months of worship.
Date Details: Dates are determined by the lunar calendar. Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice. The observed date marks the beginning of a 30 day observation. Ends June 25th.
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 Qur'an, and a meal called the iftar. In addition, many Muslims also attend night prayers at Mosques. Muslims also believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than any other time of the year, so almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan.
Recommended Accommodations: If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that students and employees celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days) and will likely have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (halal restrictions apply).
|
Islamic |
May 16, 2018 to June 14, 2018 May 06, 2019 to June 04, 2019 April 24, 2020 to May 23, 2020
|
Ascension of the Bahá'u'lláh |
Commemorates the death of the founder of the Baha’i faith; Bahaullah died on May 29, 1892.
Date Details: Every May 29th.
General Practices: Devotional programs and reading from the scriptures.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Baha’i |
- May 29, 2018
- May 29, 2019
- May 29, 2020
|
Shavuot |
Commemorates receipt of the Torah on Mount Sinai (two of three pilgrimage festivals).
Date Details: Begins at sundown on May 30th and ends June 1st.
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. Provide food accommodation as requested. (Kosher restrictions apply—although it is customary to eat dairy).
|
Jewish |
- May 20, 2018
- May 20, 2019
- May 20, 2020
|
Litha/Midsomer/Alban Hefin/Summer Solstice |
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. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.
Date Details: Every June 21st.
General Practices: Lighting to bonfires and watching the sun rise.
Recommended Accommodations: None.
|
Druid, Pagan, Wiccan |
- June 21, 2018
- June 21, 2019
- June 21, 2020
|
Eid al-Fitr |
Eid al-Fitr means "break the fast", and is the last day of Ramadan, marking the end of a month of fasting.
Date Details: Dates are determined by the lunar calendar. Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice. Eid al Fitr is a three day celebration and begins at sundown.
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. Employees will likely ask to take a vacation day on this day, and that request should be granted if at all possible. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).
|
Islamic |
- June 15, 2018
- June 05, 2019
- April 24, 2020
|
Tisha B’Av |
Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies including the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem.
Date Details: Begins at sundown on first day, fast deferred because of the Sabbath. Ends August 1st.
General Practices: Fasting and mourning.
Recommended Accommodations: Plan limited activities after a fast.
|
Jewish |
- July 22, 2018
- August 11, 2019
- July 30, 2020
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