Harvard Divinity School

Religious and Spiritual Life

Multifaith Calendar Glossary

For acknowledgments, see below.

Advent: Period of four weeks in which Christians prepare for Christmas and meditate on the end of all time. In Western churches, the first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year. (Christianity)

All Saints Day: Christian celebration of the lives of all the saints, especially those not having a special day; Orthodox churches observe the day in mid-summer. (Christianity)

All Souls Day: Catholic Christian observance in memory of all the faithful who are deceased. In some Latin cultures, this day is known as "The Day of the Dead." (Roman Catholic Christianity)

Anniversary of the Founding of the Church: Annual World General Conference of the Church held on Saturday and Sunday closest to this date each year. (Latter Day Saints)

Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha: Commemorates 'Abdu'l-Baha's death. (Baha'i) (November 28)

Ascension of Baha'u'llah: Marks the anniversary of the death of the founder of the Baha'i faith. Work is suspended on this day. (Baha'i) (May 29)

Ascension of Jesus: The celebration of Jesus' ascension into heaven and enthronement as universal sovereign. It comes 40 days after Easter. The date observed by Protestants and Roman Catholics is different from the date observed by Orthodox Christians. (Christianity)

Ash Wednesday: A special day of repentance observed by Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians to mark the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial preceding Easter. The name derives from the practice of marking of the faithful with ashes to signify penitence. (Christianity)

'Ashurah: For Sunni Muslims, it is a voluntary fast day. Many important events are believed to have occurred on this day, such as Noah's leaving the Ark and the freedom and departure of the Children of Israel from Egypt. For Shi'i Muslims, it is a time of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Husain (the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad) on the 10th day of the lunar month of Muharram. (Islam)

Assumption of Mary: Commemorates the assumption of Mary, mother of Jesus, into heaven. (Roman Catholic Christianity)

Beltane: The final fertility festival, celebrating the Earth's fecundity and anticipating the power of the sun and the Earth in summer. (Wicca/Paganism) (May 1)

Birth of Baha'u'llah: The anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i faith. Work is suspended on this day. (Baha'i) (November 12)

Birth of the Bab: The anniversary of the birth of the Bab, the herald of the new age for Baha'is. The Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, Israel, is part of the World Center of the Baha'i faith. (Baha'i) (October 20)

Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji: The 10th and final Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666-1708) created the Khalsa, the "brotherhood of the Pure," and declared the Scriptures, the Adi 'Granth, to be the Sikh's Guru from that time on. (Sikhism)

Birthday of Prophet Zarathustra: The anniversary of the birth of the founder of the Zoroastrian faith. (Zoroastrianism) (March 26)

Bodhi Day: In the northern tradition, this is the anniversary of the Buddha's Enlightenment, ca. 596 bce. In the southern tradition, the Buddha's Enlightenment is celebrated during Wesak. The dates and names of Buddhist celebrations vary significantly among cultures and communities. (Buddhism)

Cherokee Great New Moon Festival: Marks the beginning of the new year. (American Indian) (October)

Christmas/Feast of the Nativity: Celebrates the anniversary of the birth (nativity) of Jesus. December 25 is the date of this observance for Roman Catholic, Protestant, and many Orthodox Christian churches. In some Orthodox churches, Christmas falls on January 7. (Christianity)

Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was born without sin. (Orthodox Christianity)

Das Laxana Festival (the Paryusana Festival of Jain Digumbar Sect): A 10-day festival that is considered to be a holy convocation. During these 10 days, Jains impose some restraints on their daily activities by fasting, meditation, and prayer. The last day of Paryusana is the most solemn occasion of forgiveness and the examination of one's own thoughts and feelings. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word, or thought. (Jainism)

Day of the Covenant: Celebrates the anniversary of the appointment of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the son of Baha'u'llah, as the Center of the Covenant. Work is not suspended on this day. (Baha'i) (November 26)

Death of Prophet Zarathustra: The anniversary of the death of the founder of the Zoroastrian faith. (Zoroastrianism) (December 26)

Declaration of the Bab: Commemorates the day in 1844 on which he announced his identity as the "Bab" ("Gate"), the herald of the new age. (Baha'i) (May 23)

Dharma Day: Commemorates the Buddha's first teaching following his enlightenment. The date and name of this Buddhist celebration varies significantly among cultures and communities. (Buddhism)

Diwali (Dipavali): Perhaps the most popular of all Hindu festivals, also known as the Festival of Lights, it is dedicated to the goddess Kali in Bengal and to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, in the rest of India. As with several other festivals, Diwali is associated with one of the stories about the destruction of evil by Vishnu in one of his many manifestations. In Jainism, where the festival is also known as Mahavira Nirvana, Diwali celebrates the attainment of Moksa by Lord Mahavira. A burning lamp symbolizes the "light of knowledge" that dispels the darkness of delusion and ignorance. (Hinduism/Jainism)

Dusserah (or Vijaya Dashami): The concluding day of a 10-day festival honoring various goddesses, especially Durga, and Lord Rama, a manifestation of the God Vishnu. The 10-day festival is known as Navaratri ("nine nights") and Durga Puja ("worship of Durga"). Its pervading theme is the victory of good over evil. Vijaya greetings are sent to friends and relatives. (Hinduism)

Eagle Dances: (March/April) Pueblo peoples (Arizona) perform Eagle dances dramatizing the relationship of their communities with the Sky-World. (American Indian)

Easter (or Pascha): Celebrates the resurrection from death of Jesus Christ. It is the oldest and most important festival in the Christian year and initiates the 50-day period culminating in Pentecost. Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians observe Easter on a different date than Orthodox Christians. (Christianity) 

Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice): One of the two main Islamic festivals (the other is 'Id al-Fitr), this festival falls on the 10th day of the lunar month of Zul-Hijja and is the concluding act of pilgrimage to Makkah. In commemoration of Abraham's faith, sheep, goats, and camels are offered to God, and the meat is distributed to the poor and needy. 'Id al-Adha is observed whether or not one is on pilgrimage. (Islam)

Eid al-Fitr (Festival of the Breaking of the Fast): One of the two main Islamic festivals (the other is 'Id al-Adha), this day celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of fast. It comes on the first day of the next lunar month, Shawal. (Islam)

Epiphany: Signifying the end of the 12 days of Christmas, Epiphany celebrates the visit of the Three Kings to the infant Jesus as the occasion of the manifestation of the Christ to the gentiles. In Orthodox churches, where it is known as Theophany, the day commemorates the baptism of Jesus and the manifestation of the Trinity. The day is especially important in Latino/a cultures and in Orthodox churches. The Armenian Orthodox Church celebrates the nativity and Theophany together. (Christianity)

Falling Asleep of the Holy Mother of God: Commemorates the death of Mary, the mother of Jesus. (Orthodox Christianity)

Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was born without sin. (Roman Catholic Christianity)

First of Muharram (Ra's al-Sanat Al Hijriyah): The first day of the first month of the Islamic year. This day commemorates the Hijra ("migration") of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 ce, where the first Islamic community was established. In 2001, the new year is 1421 aH (Anno Hegirae—in the year of the Hijra). (Islam)

Ganesh Chaturthi: A celebration of Ganesh's birthday, one of the major Hindu deities. Ganesh, who has the head of an elephant, is the God of Success and is invoked at the beginning of all new undertakings. (Hinduism)

Ghambar Ayathrem: Celebrates the creation of plants, the sowing of the winter crop, and the return of herds from pasture. (Zoroastrianism) (October 12-16)

Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem: Celebrates the creation of human beings and honors the souls of the deceased. (Zoroastrianism) (March 16-20) 

Ghambar Maidyarem: Celebrates the creation of animals. Zoroastrians are encouraged to remember their practice of the equitable sharing of food during this observance. (Zoroastrianism) (December 31-January 4)

Ghambar Maidyoshem: Celebrates the creation of water, the sowing of the summer crop, and the harvesting of grain. (Zoroastrianism) (June 29-July 3)

Ghambar Maidyozarem: Celebrates the creation of the sky and harvesting of the winter crop. (Zoroastrianism) (April 30-May 4)

Ghambar Paitishem: Celebrates the creation of the Earth and the harvesting of the summer crop. (Zoroastrianism) (September 12-16)

Good Friday: Commemorates the Passion of Jesus Christ, i.e., his death by crucifixion. Observed as "Holy Friday" by Orthodox Christians on a different date from the one observed by Protestants and Roman Catholics. (Christianity)

Green Corn Ceremony (or Stomp Dance): A time of renewal and purification that involves fasting and dances, and for some, participation in sweat lodge rituals. (American Indian) (June/July/August)

Guru Nanak's Birthday: Observes the birth of the founder of the Sikh religion in 1469 ce. The first of the Ten Gurus, Guru Nanak was born in 1469 ce. An accomplished poet, 974 of his hymns are part of the Guru Granth Sahib. (Sikhism)

Hanukkah: The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews' victory over occupying forces in 165 bce, which re-established for a time their religious and political freedom. (Judaism)

Holi: A joyous spring Hindu festival that is dedicated to Krishna in some parts of India; in other parts of India, it is dedicated to Kama, the God of Pleasure. People throw colored water or colored powder in celebration. (Hinduism)

Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday): Commemorates the institution of the Lord's Supper/the Eucharist by Jesus prior to his arrest and execution. "Maundy" is derived from the Latin text of John 13:34, in which Jesus gives a mandatum novum ("new commandment"). The date observed by Protestants and Roman Catholics differs from the date observed by Orthodox Christians. (Christianity)

Holy Friday: The day that commemorates the Passion of Jesus Christ, i.e., his death by crucifixion. It is the Orthodox equivalent of "Good Friday." (Orthodox Christianity)

Hopi Holy Cycle: The people of the Hopi pueblos observe this year-long cycle of nine great religious ceremonies that symbolically dramatize the changing of the seasons and the nature of the Hopi sacred universe. (American Indian) (begins January/February)

Hopi Kachina Dances: These dances take place throughout late spring and early summer in which long lines of Kachina Dancers, representing various spirit-powers, perform in the open plazas of Hopi pueblos (Arizona). (American Indian) (May/June)

Hopi Snake Dance: A 16-day purification ceremony that includes the gathering and blessing of snakes. (American Indian) (July/August)

Imbolc: The first fertility festival, celebrating the approach of spring and the growth of light in the darkness. (Wicca/Paganism) (February 2) 

Immaculate Conception of Mary: (Roman Catholic Christianity)

Installation of Granth Sahib Ji as Guru: This day celebrates Gobind Singh Ji's passing on guruship to Scripture, henceforth known as the Guru Granth Sahib (1708 ce). (Sikhism)

Iroquois Green Corn Ceremony: A time of renewal involving fasting, dances, offerings, and readings from the code of Handsome Lake. (American Indian) (August/September)

Iroquois Midwinter Ceremony: A six-day curative rite in which false faces visit houses. Old fires are extinguished and new fires are lit. (American Indian) (January/February)

Jicarilla Apache Ghost Dance: New Mexico. (American Indian) (September)

Krishna Janmashtami (Sri Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami): Celebrates the birthday of Krishna. According to the Hindu epics, Krishna was the eighth incarnation of the God Vishnu, opposed to the demon Kansa, who was responsible for the increase of evil in the world. Worship of Krishna is characteristically expressed in dance and song. (Hinduism)

Lammas/Lughnasa: The first harvest festival, celebrating the sacrifices of the Earth and the sun for the harvest and the diminishing strength of summer. (Wicca/Paganism) (August 2) 

Laylat al-Bara'ah: (Night of Repentance) On this night, God approaches the Earth to call humanity and to grant forgiveness of sins. Observed on the 14th day of the lunar month of Sha'ban. (Islam)

Laylat al-Isra' wa al-Mi'raj (Mi'raj al-Nabiy): Commemorates the ascension (al-Mi'raj) of the Prophet to heaven following his night journey (al-Isra') from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascent to heaven and return the same night. (Islam)

Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Power or Destiny commemorates the first revelation of the Qur'an (the Islamic scriptures) to Prophet Muhammad in 610 ce. (Islam)

Lent: In Orthodox churches, the first day of Lent marks the beginning of The Great Fast, the final six weeks of a 10-week period leading up to Holy Week and Easter (Pascha). In the churches that follow the Gregorian calendar, Lent is a six-week observance (40 days excluding Sundays) beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating in Holy Week. It is a time of repentance and sacrifice in preparation for Easter. (Christianity)

Litha: Summer Solstice, celebrating the longest day and the blessings of light as well as the beginning of the sun god's death. (Wicca/Paganism) (June 21)

Mabon: Autumnal Equinox and the second harvest festival, celebrating the equivalence of light and dark, the arrival of Autumn and thanksgiving for the Earth's bounty. (Wicca/Paganism) (September 23) 

Mahashivaratri: A feast dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The night before the feast, fasting is observed, texts are recited, songs sung, and stories told in honor of this God whose cosmic dance creates, preserves, destroys, and recreates the world. (Hinduism)

Mahavira Jayanti: Celebrates the birthday of Lord Mahavira. Born with the name Vardhamana in ca. 599 bce, he was later given the titles of honor, Mahavira ("great Hero") and Jina ("Conqueror" or "Victor"), a title applied also to the other Tirthankaras. (Jainism)

Mahavira Nirvana: Popularly known as Diwali or Dipavali, this "Festival of Lamps" celebrates the attainment of moksa by Lord Mahavira. A burning lamp symbolizes the "light of knowledge," which dispels the darkness of delusion and ignorance. (Jainism)

Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606): The fifth Guru, he built the Golden Temple of Amritsar to emphasize that the Sikh way was open to all, regardless of caste; the temple was constructed with doors facing all four directions. The first Sikh martyr, Arjan is also remembered for his contributions to and compilation of the Sikh Scriptures. (Sikhism)

Martyrdom of the Bab: Anniversary of the martyrdom of the Bab, the forerunner of Baha'u'llah, in 1850. Work is suspended on this day. (Baha'i) (July 9)

Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: This day commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621-1675), the ninth of the Ten Sikh Gurus. He is remembered not only for his defense of the Sikh faith, but also of Hinduism and of religious liberty. (Sikhism)

Martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and His Brother Hyrum: The Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were assassinated in 1844 while incarcerated in Carthage, Illinois. (Latter Day Saints)

Maundy Thursday: See Holy Thursday. (Christianity)

Mawlid al-Nabi: The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. (Islam)

Mescalero Apache Mountain Spirit Dances: Also called the Crown Dance. New Mexico. (American Indian) (July)

Navaratri: Nine-day celebration in praise of Lord Rama. The last four days are devoted to the Goddess Durga, to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Dusserah (or Vijaya Dashami), the end of Navaratri, is a festival to mark the death of the demon Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama and the parting of the Goddess Durga from her devotees. (Hinduism)

Naw Ruz: The seventh greatest festival, "New Day" is the first day of the Zoroastrian/Persian and Baha'i New Year. It falls on the spring equinox and symbolizes the renewal of the world after the winter. For Zoroastrians, Naw Ruz also celebrates the creation of fire that is symbolic of Asha, or righteousness. It is also the day on which Zarathustra received his revelation. (Baha'i) (March 21)

Nirvana Day: In the northern tradition, it commemorates the parinirvana of the Buddha. In cultures of Southeast Asia, the Buddha's parinirvana is remembered during Wesak. The dates and names of Buddhist celebrations vary significantly among cultures and communities. (Buddhism)

Ostara: Vernal Equinox, celebrating the equivalence of light and dark and the arrival of Spring. (Wicca/Paganism) (March 21) 

Palm Sunday: Celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Holy Week that culminates in Easter or Pascha. In some churches, Palm Sunday is combined with the anticipation of Christ's death and so is also known as "Passion Sunday." Orthodox Christians observe this Sunday on a date different from the date on which Protestant and Roman Catholics observe it. (Christianity)

Paryusana Festival: Considered the holiest period of the year, these eight days are marked for Jains by fasting, meditation, prayer, and public readings of the life story of Lord Mahavira. Observed especially by the followers of the Shvetambara sect, Paryusana concludes on Samvatsari, the most solemn occasion of self-scrutiny and forgiveness. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word, or thought. (Jainism)

Pascha: See Easter.

Passover (Pesach): Commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for eight days with special prayers and symbolic foods at home, starting with the "Seder," a ritual meal that re-enacts that ancient deliverance and emphasizes the freedom of the Jews under the guidance of God. The first two and the last two days are holidays. (Judaism)

Pentecost (or Whitsunday): The commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus following his ascension, Pentecost is considered the "birthday" of the Christian church (Acts 2:1-11). It comes 50 days after Easter (Pascha, Orthodox Easter). Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians observe Pentecost on a different date from Orthodox Christians.

Pioneer Day: Mormon observance of the arrival of Brigham Young at the site of Salt Lake City, Utah (1847). (Latter Day Saints)

Purim (Feast of Lots): Celebrates the rescue of the Jews of ancient Persia from a plot to destroy them as related in the Book of Esther, which is read at this time. Purim is a joyous holiday, celebrated by wearing of costumes, giving gifts to friends, giving to the poor, and socializing. Preceded by the Fast of Esther, Purim is a day of feasting. (Judaism) 

Ramadan: The Holy Month of Ramadan is the month of fasting during which Muslims who are physically able do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset in honor of the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad. The evening meal is celebrated with family. (Islam)

Ramanavami: Celebrates the birthday of Rama, the seventh incarnation of the God Vishnu. The Ramayana, one of the Hindu epics that tells the story of Rama, is read during the previous eight days. (Hinduism)

Reformation Day: The Protestant Christian commemoration of its founding as a movement, marking the dawn of the Reformation, stressing religious freedom and the primacy of the Bible in the Christian tradition. The day honors Martin Luther's public posting of his famous 95 theses on the door of a church in the town of Wittenberg on October 31, 1517 CE. (Protestant Christianity)

Ridvan (pronounced "Riz-wan"): Commemorates the 12 days that Baha'u'llah spent in the Garden of Ridvan in the last days of his exile in Baghdad, during which time he proclaimed himself as the one announced by the Bab. Work is suspended for the first, ninth and 12th days—April 21, April 29, and May 2. (Baha'i)

Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the creation of the world, Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Ten Days of Awe (also known as the Ten Days of Repentance) that conclude on Yom Kippur. It marks the beginning of the holiest time of the year for Jews. (Judaism)

Samhain: The New Year and the final harvest festival, celebrating the last gifts of the Earth before winter and the return of the spirits of the dead. (Wicca/Paganism) (October 31)

Samvatsari: Culminates the Paryushana Festival and is dedicated to introspection, confession and penance, especially for the ascetic community of the Shvetambara sect. (Jainism)

Shalako Kachina Ceremony: Held at Zuni pueblo (New Mexico). Celebrates the end of the old and the beginning of the New Year; blesses the houses. (American Indian) (December)

Shavuot (Feast of Weeks): Shavuot marks the conclusion of the seven weeks following Pesach (Passover). It is a celebration of the harvest of first fruits and commemorates the giving of the Torah and Commandments at Mount Sinai. (Judaism)

Simchat Torah (Rejoicing of the Law): Joyous festival in which the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the synagogue is completed and its first book begun again. The celebration typically includes singing, dancing, and marching with Torah scrolls. (Judaism)

Sri Ramakrishna Jayanti: Celebrates the birthday of Sri Ramakrishna, teacher of Swami Vivekananda. (Hinduism)

Sukkot (Feast of Booths): An eight-day Jewish festival of booths (or tabernacles) and the fall harvest. The name refers to the booths (sukkot) used by Israelites during desert wanderings and constructed in the fields during the harvest season. It is a time of thanksgiving for God's presence in creation and among the Jewish people. The Eighth Day (Shmini 'Atzeret) is considered both the end of Sukkot and a distinct festival. (Judaism)

Sun Dance: Plains Peoples (Arapaho, Cheyenne, Soshone, Arikara, Crow, Sioux, and others) observe the Sun Dance, a three- to four-day ceremony of penitence and sacrifice. (American Indian) (July/August)

Theophany: See Epiphany. (Orthodox Christian)

Vaisakhi: Occurs on the first day of the solar year. It is primarily an agricultural festival, celebrating the harvest, and is especially important in North India. It is named after the month Vaisakh. For Sikhs, it is also the anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa (the army of the Pure Ones) in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh. (Hinduism/Sikhism)

Vasant Panchami (Sri Pancami): One of many festivals to honor the advent of spring, this day is celebrated particularly in North India, where it is associated with Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning; however, it also retains connection with the goddess Lakshmi. (Hinduism)

Wesak: The commemoration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana, celebrated on the day of the full moon of the sixth lunar month in Southeast Asian cultures; in Tibetan culture, Wesak commemorates only the enlightenment and parinirvana. The dates of this celebration vary significantly among Buddhist cultures and communities. (Buddhism)

Yaqui Deer Dance: A ceremony that integrates ancient rights of the Yaqui people (Arizona) with the Christian Easter ceremony. (American Indian)

Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day): Memorializes the six million Jews who died as victims of the Nazis during World War II and emphasizes respect for human dignity. Its observance is not limited to Jews. (Judaism)

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement): The conclusion of the Ten Days of Awe, Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn of all days in the Jewish year. It is characterized by repentance, fasting, and forgiveness. (Judaism)

Yule: Winter Solstice, celebrating the longest night and the blessings of darkness as well as the rebirth of the sun god. (Wicca/Paganism) (December 21)

Acknowledgments

Some of the information herein is provided by The Multifaith Calendar, a publication of The Multifaith Action Society (used with permission). Additional thanks to the editors of the Interfaith Calendar, the Chicago and Illinois Regional Office of The National Conference for Community and Justice and their Interfaith Calendar; the Anti-Defamation League; Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary of Brookline, Massachusetts; Multifaith Resources, California; the New England Hindu Temple; the Bahá’í Community of Greater Boston; the New York Office of The National Conference for Community and Justice; The National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C; James Yellowbank and the Anawim Center; and several scholars of religion, who provided information and advice.

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