Labor Day Culture/religion: National observance Date: September 6 Recognized annually on the first Monday in September, Labor Day was created by the labor movement to honor the social and economic achievements of American workers. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed in 1885 and 1886, followed by a movement to secure state … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – September 6-12, 2021
What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth is a celebration of the emancipation of those who were enslaved in the United States. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation declaring more than three million slaves living in Confederate states to be free. News of emancipation, however, did not reach Texas until a little more than two years later, on June 19, … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances: Juneteenth
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
Ridvan Festival Culture/religion: Bahá’í Date: April 20-May 1 Ridvan is a 12-day festival, celebrated as the most holy festival in the Bahai’ faith. The festival marks the anniversary of the days Bahá’u’lláh spent along the River Tigris in Baghdad. During those twelve days, in a garden he called “Ridvan,” meaning “paradise,” Bahá’u’lláh announced that he was God’s … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – April 19-25, 2021