Ostara (Spring Equinox) Culture/religion: Pagan/Wiccan Date: March 20 “Ostara” is just one of the names used for the spring equinox celebrated in many different cultures and a variety of ways around the world. For early Pagans in the Germanic countries, this was a time to celebrate planting and the new crop season. Ostara (Eostre or Eastre) is the Germanic goddess … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – March 15-21, 2021
Thanksgiving Day Culture/religion: National observance Date: November 26 Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the United States and is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. Originating as a harvest festival and feast between the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the fall-winter holiday season. Early … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – November 23-30, 2020
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh Culture/religion: Bahá’í Date: October 19 Baha’u’llah was a religious leader and founder of the Bahá’í faith which advocates universal peace and unity among all races, nations and religions. Baha’u’llah was a follower of Báb and Bahá’ís regard him to be a Manifestation of God. This day celebrates the birth of the Bahá’í founder and teacher, … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – October 19-25, 2020
Navaratri Culture/religion: Hindu Date: October 17-25 Navaratri (“nine nights”) is a Hindu festival in honor of the divine feminine goddess, Durga. The festival is celebrated in autumn for nine nights and ten days. The legend of Navaratri tells of the victory of Durga over the demon king Mahishasura. Each day of the festival is dedicated to each of the nine forms of … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – October 12-18, 2020