Yule (Winter Solstice) Culture/religion: Pagan/Wiccan Date: December 21 Yule is a Pagan holiday that takes place on the day of the winter solstice. It originated with early Germanic peoples and is considered a time of rebirth, renewal, new beginnings. The winter solstice is when the earth’s axis tilts away from the sun, and the sun reaches its greatest distance from … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – December 20-26, 2021
National Native American Indian Heritage Month Culture/religion: National observance Date: November Native American Heritage Month has evolved from a week-long celebration when president Ronald Reagan proclaimed November 23-30 as “American Indian Week” to a month-long celebration in 1990 when president George H.W. Bush issued a proclamation designating the month of … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – November 1-7, 2021
Shavuot Culture/religion: Judaism Date: May 17-18 Shavuot is a two-day holiday celebrating the completion of the seven-week Omer counting period between Passover and Shavuot. The Torah was given by God to the Jewish people on Shavuot, and every year on the holiday the acceptance of God’s gift is renewed. In observance of Shavuot, candles are lit on the first and … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – May 17-23, 2021
Eid ul-Fitr Culture/religion: Islamic Date: May 13 Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, and traditionally lasts for three days. The celebration is a time of charitable giving, focused and careful prayer and a season of month-long fasting during daylight hours. Greetings: Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid); Eid sa’id (Happy … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – May 10-16, 2021
Cesar Chavez Day 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. … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – March 29-April 4