November 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
All Saints Day (Christian)
This day honors known and unknown saints.
Monday, November 12, 2012
*BIRTH OF BAHA’U’LLAH (Bahá’í)
Born as Mirza Husayn’ Ali, into one of the leading noble families of Persia in 1817. His Arabic title means ‘The Glory of God’.
Tuesday, Novemberber 13, 2012
**DEEPAWALI (Diwali) (Hindu, Sikh, Jain)
This is the start of the Hindu New Year. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is also known as the “Festival of Lights”, where lamps are lit to symbolize hope for humanity.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
**Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year) (Islam)
This observance takes place on the first day of Muharram, the month that Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE (the Hijra). This holiday is also known as Muharram.
Sunday, November 24, 2012
**Ashura (Tenth of Muharram) (Islam)
Ashura in Arabic means “ten”, signifying the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar and marks the climax of the Remembrance of Muharram.
December 2012
Sunday, December 2, 20112
Advent (First Sunday) (Christian)
The Christian Church year begins with advent (meaning coming or arrival), which is also a time when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Sunday, December 8, 2012
Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) (Buddhism)
This day commemorates the date of Siddhartha Gautama’s realization and presentation of the Four Noble Truths.
Sunday, December 9-Sunday, December 16, 2012
*Hanukkah (Fest of Lights) (Jewish)
In approximately 164 B.C, the Maccabees, a small group of Jews fighting for religious freedom, won victory over the Syrians. Upon returning to the Temple, they found only one jar of oil to light the eternal light. In spite of the shortage of oil, the eternal light stayed lit for eight days. A special eight-branched candelabrum known as a menorah is lit over this period to celebrate the eight day miracle.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Christmas Day (Christian)
On this day, Christians honor the birth of Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago. This is the most widely observed Christian festival of the year. People celebrate it by exchanging gifts, decorating homes and communities with lights and ornaments, and attending parties and meals.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Eastern Orthodox Christmas (Eastern Orthodox)
Members of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth on this day
Wednesday, December 26, 2012 - Thursday, January 1, 2013
Kwanzaa (African/Interfaith)
Wanting to encourage African-Americans to celebrate and honor their rich heritage, Professor Maulana Karenga founded Kwanzaa in 1966. The holiday, which means ‘first fruit’ in Swahili, is made up of seven principles: unity, self-determination, working together, sharing, purpose, creativity, and faith. Seven basic symbols and two supplemental ones: mazao (crops), mkeka (mat), kinara (candle holder), muhindi (corn), mishumaa Saba (seven candles), kikombe cha umoja (unity cup), zawadi (gifts), bendera (flag), nguzo saba poster (poster of the seven principles) communicate these values. Candles are lit on each consecutive night in a seven-branched candelabrum; each lighting represents the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Black, red and green symbolize Kwanzaa. Black represents the people, red signifies their struggle, and green stands for the future and the hope that emanates from the struggle.
Hi Dixie. We should all be celebrating Kwanzaa shouldn't we? I like the idea of creating a new celebration - it side-steps the ancient rivalries and suspicions connected with some religions. Also thanks for the neat explanation of Hanukkah!
ReplyDeleteClick here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Bazza: To me, Kwanzaa places it squarely on the individual's shoulders whether or not to express love for all 'brother-man.'
ReplyDeleteIdeally this is the same for all other celebrations... but as you've stated... 'twisted' connections won't keep the house running forever. Bad wiring is the cause of many that catch fire and are destroyed; what I call 'a lack of knowledge,' that keeps us blinded.
I've studied nine different religions' celebrations and expressions of 'group-type love'. Strangely they all contain one element of pure truth. You might be familiar with the following: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Each of those nine I've studied contain this quote in similar language form. I thought it amazing!
Thank you very much for your comment. May you celebrate giving and receiving with greatest joy!
Interesting post Dixie. And also interesting what you write in the comment above about 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' being within many religions. Sometimes we make life sound difficult, when the basic is very simple - almost too simple to notice.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike, and thanks for visiting.. Yes, we really run around in circles at times... 'almost too simple to notice.' I agree.
ReplyDeleteAll of these celebrations contain customs that are either fascinating, odd to some and funny to others. I say let me people celebrate however they wish. As long as they're having fun or helping out and not hurting anyone. I think celebrations should inspire the good in people.
ReplyDeleteYes, Kelly, and as the Beatles sang: "All you need is love."
ReplyDelete