Calendar of Religious Holidays
October 2010
1
Simchat Torah
(Judaism)
In the Jewish tradition, the Torah - the first five books of the Hebrew Bible - is divided and read over the course of a year. Simchat Torah, which means "rejoicing in the Torah," is the day when the reading of the Torah is completed and the next year's reading commences. The end of the text and the beginning of the text are read back-to-back to remind all that the story is a circle that never ends. Synagogue services involve selected readings, processions of the Torah scrolls, and blessing of the children.
4
St. Francis Day
(Christianity)
This day celebrates St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. Born Giovanni Francesco Bernardone in 1181, he fled a wealthy family to embrace a life of simplicity and poverty. He was known for his love of nature and all creatures. Many Christian churches welcome pets on St. Francis Day to be blessed, and patrons reflect on the importance of all beings in creation.
8-16
Navaratri Dusserha
(Hinduism)
Navaratri, or "nine nights," is a festival honoring the divine mother, Shakti. These nine nights fall around harvest time, and each day is spent worshiping one of Shakti's many manifestations, including Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. In the first three days, Durga, the warrior goddess, is invoked to destroy all impurities and vices. During the next three days, Lakshmi is worshiped as a giver of spiritual wealth and prosperity. Finally, the last three days honor Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom.
11
Thanksgiving in Canada
(Interfaith)
Thanksgiving in Canada falls on the second Monday of October each year. Today, this holiday celebrates the end of the harvest season with family gatherings and special meals. However, history records that the first Canadian Thanksgiving, held in 1578, actually applauded a safe homecoming for Martin Frobisher, an explorer who was on a treacherous search for the Northwest Passage. Frobisher threw a formal feast in Newfoundland to celebrate surviving his journey.
17
Dasera
(Hinduism)
This is the Hindu day of victory and valor, marking the time when Lord Rama was victorious over the evil Ravana, who had abducted his wife. In celebration, paintings of Rama's life are displayed, and effigies of Ravan, often stuffed with explosive materials, are put in public places. During this time, people reflect on their lives and denounce any evil that may be within them.
20
Birth of the Bab
(Baha'i)
One of the eleven holy days on the Baha'i calendar, this day marks the Birth of Bab ud-Din (Mirza Ali Muhammad), who declared himself the Prophet of God. Born in 1819 in Shiraz, Iran, his mission was to reform Islam, and his teachings became the foreground for the later developed Baha'i tradition. Baha'is celebrate this day with gatherings to pray, eat together, and read about his life.
20
Installation of Scripture as Guru Granth
(Sikhism)
The Granth is the Sikh scripture, a collection of hymns and writings started by Arjan Dev, the fifth guru (spiritual master), and completed by Gobind Singh, the tenth guru. Upon his death, Guru Gobind Singh declared the Granth to be the final Guru, and his successor for all time. This holiday commemorates the installation of the Sikh scriptures, Adi Granth, as the Permanent Guru, or final teacher. The scriptures are a compilation of sermons and songs written by Guru Nank, the founder of Sikhism, and other writings by respected holy men. The writings embody the universal message of Truth, Peace, Compassion, Equality and Service.
28
Milvian Bridge Day
(Christianity)
In the Christian tradition, this is a day of solemn reflection on the relationship of religion and the civil government. On October 28, 312 c.e., Constantine fought and prevailed in a battle against Maxentius, who drowned crossing the Milvian Bridge. Constantine became the new emperor, and subsequently made Christianity the legal religion of the Roman Empire. This initially brought the persecution of Christians to an end; however, Constantine's decision resulted in problems and future battles with secular powers. The struggle between religion and politics continues today, and thus the constant battle is reflected upon on this holiday.
31
All Hallows Eve / Halloween
(Christianity)
Set on the eve of All Saints Day, in which all saints in the Christian tradition are celebrated, All Hallows Eve is a time to keep vigil and pray for the dead. Most of the current practices associated with All Hallows Eve, or Halloween - such as costumes, Trick or Treating and Jack O' Lanterns - can be traced back to England and Ireland. Ancient Celts believed that the boundary between the living and the dead dissolved on this day, and that evil spirits returned to cause sickness or damage crops, so they wore costumes and masks to copy and placate the dead. Trick or Treating resembles the medieval practice of "souling," in which poor people would go door to door, receiving "soul cake" (typically shortbread or pastry) in exchange for prayers for the dead. Jack O' Lanterns are related to the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a greedy farmer who tricked the devil into climbing a tree and trapped him there by carving a cross into the trunk. In revenge, the devil cursed Jack and condemned him to forever walk the earth at night.
31
Reformation Day
(Protestant Christianity)
On this day in 1517, Augustinian monk Martin Luther nailed a document to the door of the castle chapel in Wittenberg, Germany. This document, later named "Ninety-five Theses," contained arguments against the current practices of the Church, particularly the sale of indulgences (forgiving sins in exchange for money). In 1520, Luther and his supporters were excommunicated, which led to the Protestant Reformation. This day is celebrated as an anniversary of the Protestant Christian tradition, and a day for religious freedom.