Cultural and religious observances - March 29-April 4

Cesar Chavez Day

Photo of Cesar Chavez — Cesar Chavez. Photo credit: Library of Congress

Culture/religion: National observance
Date: March 31

In 2014, President Obama signed a proclamation recognizing March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day. It was encouraged that this day be used as a day of service to honor Cesar Chavez’s legacy.

Cesar was raised as a migrant farm worker, working beside many others for very little money and horrible conditions. He made it his life’s work to improve the working conditions for these laborers – including minimum wages, health care and safe drinking water. Cesar co-founded United Farm Workers to fight for those working in American agricultural fields.

Sources:

The White House-President Barak Obama

Holy Thursday

Maundy Thursday stained glass at Chester Cathedral. Photo credit: Wikimedia.org

Culture/religion: Christianity
Date: April 1

Holy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter and commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he established the sacrament of Holy Communion prior to his arrest and crucifixion, as well as his institution of the priesthood. Jesus celebrated the dinner as a Passover feast. The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his Disciples in Jerusalem, during which time he predicted his betrayal.

Alternate names: Maundy Thursday

Sources:

Holy Thursday/The Last Supper, Catholic Online

Good Friday

Culture/religion: Christianity
Date: April 2

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. It is observed during Holy Week on the Friday before Easter.

It has been questioned as to why such a sad day would be called “Good” Friday? It is answered by the explanation that Jesus died on the cross as the ultimate act to forgive humanity of its sins and open the gates of heaven; Jesus showed His great love for man and purchased for him every blessing.

The source for the term “Good Friday” has been a debate for some time. One thought is that it comes from an interpretation of “God’s Friday.”

Sources:

Good Friday, Wikipedia

The Meaning of Good Friday Explained: Everything You Need to Know About the Holy Day in 2020, Newsweek

Easter Sunday

The Easter Cross by Currier and Ives - black and white image of a cross covered in flowers — The Easter Cross by Currier & Ives. Photo credit: Library of Congress

Culture/religion: Christianity
Date: April 4

Easter Sunday is celebrated by Christians to recognize the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead after his crucifixion and burial.

Easter culminates the penitential period that starts with Ash Wednesday. Palm Sunday, which marks the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, occurs one week before Easter. Easter is a joyous holiday, since it marks for Christians the fulfillment of the Biblical prophecy of the coming of the Messiah. In addition to its religious significance, Easter is also celebrated as a spring holiday with themes of rebirth, gathering together with family and friends, and sharing special foods.

Sources:

What Easter Means to Christians, LearnReligions.com

Easter, Wikipedia

Qingming Festival

Culture/religion: Chinese heritage
Date: April 4

With a history of over 2,500 years, Qingming, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day is an important day of sacrifice for most people in honoring their ancestors.

One of the most popular activities on this day is to show respect to one’s ancestors by visiting their graves, offering food, burning incense and burning or offering joss paper (representing money). Sweeping the tombs and performing other types of upkeep and repair, such as removing weeds and adding fresh soil is also done during the visit.

Sources:

Qingming Festival 2020, China Highlights