Calendar of Religious Holidays

2010: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

 

April 2010

1

Maundy Thursday (Christianity)

Also known as "Holy Thursday," this Thursday before Easter commemorates the "last supper" that Jesus shared with his Apostles. It was on this night that the Christian sacrament known as Holy Eucharist was introduced. Maundy Thursday observances include reading the account of the Last Supper from the Gospel.

2

Good Friday (Christianity)

The Friday preceding Easter Sunday, known as "Good" or "Holy" Friday, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death. Some Christian denominations fast on this day, and many hold special church services.

4

Easter (Christianity)

Christians believe that Jesus was resurrected from the dead on Easter Sunday, on the third day after his crucifixion. This day is celebrated in different ways among the many Western and Eastern Christian traditions, including Vigils, readings, reenactments, and the eating of special foods. The egg is a significant symbol of Easter, as it represents the resurrection: it is dormant, but contains a new life. Easter traditions involving eggs include egg hunts, egg games, and the gifting of candy eggs.

11

Yom HaSho'ah
(Judaism)

Commencing in 1951, Yom HaSho'ah is a remembrance day for the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Many Jewish communities hold solemn ceremonies on this day. In Israel, Yom HaSho'ah is a national memorial day, and a state ceremony is held.

14

Baisakhi (Sikhism)

One of the most significant holidays on the Sikh calendar, Baisakhi marks the day that  Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa: a military order of saint-soldiers. Today, the term Khalsa is used to refer to all baptized Sikhs. Baisakhi is celebrated with worship and offerings in gurdwaras, processions, and reflection.

19

Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Judaism)

Yom Ha'Atzmaut is the national independence day of Israel, commencing in 1948. Many celebrate the holiday with picnics, singing and dancing, and Hallel, a Jewish prayer, is often recited.

21 - May 2

Ridvan (Baha'i)

On April 21, 1863, Baha'u'llah, founder of the Baha'i faith, declared his mission. To celebrate the commencement of his prophethood, Baha'is hold a twelve-day festival called Ridvan, named after the Garden of Rivdan where Baha'u'llah stayed for twelve days in exile. The first, ninth, and twelfth days of Rivdan are special holy days, marking Baha'u'llah's arrival to the garden, his family's arrival, and his departure respectively. On these days, work is prohibited and time is spent in prayer and celebration.

23

Saint George's Day (Christianity)

This day commemorates Saint George, one of the most prominent military saints. As patron saint of England, Greece, Russia, Ethiopia, Palestine and Portugal (among others), Saint George's Day is observed throughout the world and in different fashions, including flying Saint George's Cross Flag and participating in parades.

28-May 1

Theravadin New Year
(Buddhism)

On the first three days after the full moon in April, the Theravada Buddhists of Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Lao, celebrate the New Year. This is a time to reflect on one's karma, focus on cleansing, and offer good wishes to others.

29

Ninth day of Rivdan
(Baha'ism)

 As noted above for the first day of Ridvan, this day, the ninth of the days Baha'u'llah spent in the Ridvan garden, marks the day his family arrived.