Calendar of Religious Holidays
January 2012
1
Feast of St. Basil (Orthodox Christianity)
This day celebrates St. Basil, one of the great fathers of the Orthodox Church. An influential Christian theologian and monastic, Basil was also known for his attention to the underprivileged and poor, and his writings on asceticism.
1
Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus (Orthodox Christianity)
1
Gantan-sai (Shinto)
Gantan-sai is the Shinto celebration of the new year (oshogatsu). This day is one of the most popular for shrine visits, as many pray for inner renewal, health and prosperity.
1
Mary, Mother of God (Catholic Christianity)
This liturgical feast celebrates the Virgin Mary and her motherhood of Jesus. Some countries recognize this day with church services.
5
10th Tevet (Judiasm)
The 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tevet is a Jewish fast day that reflects upon Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia's siege of Jerusalem 2,500 years ago. This event ultimately led to the destruction of the First Temple, Solomon's Temple, and Babylonia's conquest of Israel's Kingdom of Judah.
5
Birthday of Guru Gobindh Singh (Sikhism)
Gobindh Singh (1666-1708) was the tenth Sikh Guru, and the last of the human-form Gurus. On his birthday, Sikhs celebrate Gobind Singh as a saint and a soldier: he worked toward reforming his religion, and persevered in the face of persecution.
5
Twelfth Night (Christianity)
The Twelfth Night marks the conclusion of the twelve days of Christmas and the eve of Epiphany. According to tradition, three kings arrived in Bethlehem twelve days after Jesus' birth to bestow gifts. This night is celebrated much like Christmas Eve, with merrymaking, eating traditional foods like King Cake, and parties.
6
Epiphany (Christianity)
Epiphany commemorates the Magi's visit to Bethlehem, and the revelation of Jesus as God in human form. Some traditions celebrate Epiphany by giving gifts to represent the gifts of gold, frankincense and myhr that Jesus received from the wise men. In Hispanic countries, this day is referred to as Dia de los Reyes, Three Kings Day, and children receive gifts from los reyes magos: the three wise men.
6
Feast of Theophany (Orthodox Christianity)
The Orthodox Church marks this day as the anniversary of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River. For the Feast of Theophany, Orthodox Christians reflect on their own baptism and salvation.
6
Nativity of Christ (Armenian Christianity)
This day marks the Armenian Orthodox celebration of Christ's birth and baptism. It is preceeded by a seven-day fast and, on the eve of the feast, a Divine Liturgy is celebrated in honor of Jesus as the Son of God, followed by a Blessing of the Waters. The Blessing of the Waters symbolizes Jesus' descent into the Jordan River, and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon him. The following day, worshippers often partake in drinking or annointing with the blessed water.
6
Dia de los Reyes / Three Kings Day (Hispanic Christianity)
In some Hispanic countries, Epiphany is called El Dia de los Reyes, or the Day of the Kings, to commemorate the 3 kings, or Magi, who visited Jesus and bore him gifts. In Spanish tradition, the three kings represented Europe, Arabia, and Africa, and arrived on a horse, camel, and elephant. Children and adults leave their shoes out for the Kings' presents before they go to bed the night before, and leave treats to refresh the traveling Magi.
7
Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christianity)
8
Baptism of Lord Jesus (Christianity)
Although Eastern Christianity celebrates the baptism of Jesus at Epiphany, Catholics and Episcopalians celebrate his baptism by Jean the Baptist on the following Sunday. This day is also the beginning of ordinary time on the liturgical calendar.
9-12
Mahayana New Year (Buddhism)
The Mahayana New Year begins with the first full moon and lasts for three days. It is a time to reflect on the past and cleanse oneself from the prior year's sins to make a fresh start.
13
Maghi (Sikhism)
Maghi is the day in which Sikhs commemorate the martyrdom of the Forty Immortals, followers of Guru Gobindh Singh who were all killed while fighting a Mughal army. On this day, many Sikhs gather in Muktsar, India, the original site where Gobindh Singh blessed the martyrs and cremated their bodies. Sikhs visit their palaces of worship (gurdwaras) and listen to hymns (kirtan).
15
World Religions Day (Baha'i)
On this day, members of the Baha'i faith recognize all faith traditions and note their common denominators. Commencing in 1950, the goal of World Religions Day is to help foster interfaith understanding and harmony.
17
Blessing of the Animals (Hispanic Christianity)
Saint Anthony, the Patron Saint of the Animal Kingdom, is recognized on this day. Similar to St. Francis of Assisi's feast day, animals are welcome and blessed at many church services.
18-25
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Christianity)
This eight-day observation began in 1908 as a way to unite the different sects of the Christian faith. Since the 1950s, Protestant and Catholic groups have worked together to write joint publications for use during the week of prayer.
20
Timkat (Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity)
Timkat is the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Epiphany: the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. During this celebration, there is a ritual reenactment of the baptism and a procession with the Tabot, a model of the Ark of the Covenant. The clergy often dress in bright robes, carrying colorful umbrellas, and sing and dance as they escort the Tabot back to the church.
23
Chinese New Year (Confucian/Daoist/Buddhist)
The most important holiday for the Chinese, the New Year is a time to reflect on the past and celebrate the future. This is a 15-day celebration with each day having special significance. The first day is recognized as the time to welcome the gods of heaven and earth, and many people abstain from eating meat. Sons-in-law pay respect to their spouses’ parents on the third and fourth days. On the fifth day, people remain in the home to welcome the god of wealth, while during the sixth through the tenth days, relatives and friends are visited. The fifteenth and final day ends with the Lantern Festival, held at night. Traditionally, trays of oranges, tangerines, and candy, as well as vases of flowers are displayed. Red envelopes with money are often given to children by elders. The color red, used extensively in decoration and dress, symbolizes good luck and wards off evil spirits.
25
Conversion of St.Paul (Christianity)
On this day, Christians commemorate the conversion of Paul the Apostle. Previously known as Saul of Tarsus, a great persecutor of Christians, Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, when he had a vision of Christ.
23
Chinese New Year (Confucian/Daoist/Buddhist)
The most important holiday for the Chinese, the New Year is a time to reflect on the past and celebrate the future. This is a 15-day celebration with each day having special significance. The first day is recognized as the time to welcome the gods of heaven and earth, and many people abstain from eating meat. Sons-in-law pay respect to their spouses’ parents on the third and fourth days. On the fifth day, people remain in the home to welcome the god of wealth, while during the sixth through the tenth days, relatives and friends are visited. The fifteenth and final day ends with the Lantern Festival, held at night. Traditionally, trays of oranges, tangerines, and candy, as well as vases of flowers are displayed. Red envelopes with money are often given to children by elders. The color red, used extensively in decoration and dress, symbolizes good luck and wards off evil spirits.
Chinese New Year (Confucian/Daoist/Buddhist)
The most important holiday for the Chinese, the New Year is a time to reflect on the past and celebrate the future. This is a 15-day celebration with each day having special significance. The first day is recognized as the time to welcome the gods of heaven and earth, and many people abstain from eating meat. Sons-in-law pay respect to their spouses’ parents on the third and fourth days. On the fifth day, people remain in the home to welcome the god of wealth, while during the sixth through the tenth days, relatives and friends are visited. The fifteenth and final day ends with the Lantern Festival, held at night. Traditionally, trays of oranges, tangerines, and candy, as well as vases of flowers are displayed. Red envelopes with money are often given to children by elders. The color red, used extensively in decoration and dress, symbolizes good luck and wards off evil spirits.
25
Conversion of St.Paul (Christianity)
On this day, Christians commemorate the conversion of Paul the Apostle. Previously known as Saul of Tarsus, a great persecutor of Christians, Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, when he had a vision of Christ.
28
Vasant Panchami (Hinduism)
This festival is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of learning. On this day, schools and colleges often organize special worship of Saraswati, many participate in special activities at Hindu temples, and young children are taught their first words.
31
Birthday of Guru Har Rai (Sikhism)
Guru Har Rai (1630-1661) was the seventh of the 10 human-form Sikh Gurus. He is celebrated for his compassion for life and living things. Tradition says that at a young age, he was disturbed by the suffering of a flower after he accidentally damaged it in passing. This strong compassion continued throughout his life and his work.