National Tartan Day Culture/religion: National observance Date: April 6 National Tartan Day was first recognized in the United States in 1997, but it was only a single-year U.S. Senate Resolution. In 1998, the day was given permanent recognition when the U.S. Senate passed a resolution marking April 6 as National Tartan Day. In 2005, the House of Representatives passed … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – April 5-11, 2021
Holi Culture/religion: Hindu Date: March 28 Holi, sometimes called “the festival of love” or “the festival of colors,” is one of the most revered and celebrated festivals in India. This is a day when people come together to forget all resentments and bad feelings toward others. The ritual of Holi begins by lighting a bonfire on the day prior to Holi; a process … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – March 22-28, 2021
Lantern Festival Culture/religion: Chinese heritage Date: February 26 Lantern Festival is celebrated in China annually and marks the end of the Chinese New Year. It dates back about 2,000 years and is celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. The Lantern Festival is on the first full moon night of the Chinese calendar, marking the return of spring and … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – February 22-28, 2021
Mahāyāna New Year Culture/religion: Buddhist Date: January 28 Mahāyāna (“the Great Vehicle”) is one of two main existing branches of Buddhism and a term for classification of Buddhist philosophies and practice. The Mahāyāna New Year is celebrated at different times for each country and tradition – some celebrate on December 31 or January 1 along with many other new … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – January 25-31, 2021
Chanukah Culture/religion: Judaism Date: December 11-18 Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day festival of lights, celebrated each night with menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. Chanukah means “dedication” in Hebrew and is named as such because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. In second century BCE, Judah the Maccabee drove the Greeks from … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – December 11-20, 2020