Zoroastrians are encouraged to remember their practice of the equitable sharing of food during this observance.įor Sunni Muslims, it is a voluntary fast day. The anniversary of the death of the founder of the Zoroastrian faith.Ĭelebrates the creation of animals.

Winter Solstice, celebrating the longest night and the blessings of darkness as well as the rebirth of the sun god.Ĭelebrates the anniversary of the birth of Jesus.Ĭelebrates the anniversary of the birth (nativity) of Jesus. The 'Feast of Lights' or 'Feast of Dedication' is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews' victory over occupying forces in 165 BCE, which re-established for a time their religious and political freedom. The dates and names of Buddhist celebrations vary significantly among cultures and communities.Ī feast day that celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was born without sin. In the southern tradition, the Buddha's Enlightenment is celebrated during Wesak. In the northern tradition, this is the anniversary of the Buddha's Enlightenment, ca. In Western churches, the first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year. Period of four weeks in which Christians prepare for Christmas and meditate on the end of all time. He is remembered not only for his defense of the Sikh faith, but also of Hinduism and of religious liberty.Ĭelebrates the anniversary of the appointment of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the son of Baha'u'llah, as the Center of the Covenant. This day commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621-1675), the ninth of the Ten Sikh Gurus.

In some Latin cultures, this day is known as 'The Day of the Dead' or 'Día de los Muertos'. The New Year and the final harvest festival, celebrating the last gifts of the Earth before winter and the return of the spirits of the dead.Ĭhristian celebration of the lives of all the saints, especially those not having a special day.Ĭatholic Christian observance in memory of all the faithful who are deceased. The anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i faith.Ĭommemorates the beginning of the Protestant Reformation of Christianity with Martin Luther's challenge to the Roman church in the sixteenth century C.E. the Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, Israel, is part of the World Center of the Baha'i faith. The anniversary of the birth of the Bab, the herald of the new age for Baha'is.

A burning lamp symbolizes the 'light of knowledge,' which dispels the darkness of delusion and ignorance. This 'Festival of Lamps' celebrates the attainment of Moksa by Lord Mahavira. As with several other festivals, Diwali is associated with one of the stories about the destruction of evil by Vishnu in one of his many manifestations. Perhaps the most popular of all Hindu festivals, also known as the Festival of Lights, it is dedicated to the goddess Kali in Bengal and to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, in the rest of India. This day celebrates Gobind Singh Ji's passing on guruship to Scripture, henceforth known as the Guru Granth Sahib. The eighth day of Sukkot, on which special memorial prayers are said.Ĭelebrates the conclusion of the yearly cycle of reading the Five Books of Moses and its beginning anew, thus demonstrating that study is a never-ending process. It is devoted to fasting and prayer, as people ask G-d and each other for forgiveness.Ĭelebrates the creation of plants, the sowing of the winter crop, and the return of herds from pasture. This is the most holy day in the Jewish year.

A dark pilgrimage solar ash