For questions, additions, or clarifications, please contact Gladys McCormick, Associate Dean for Diversity Equity and Inclusion in the Maxwell School, or Stephanie Williams, Academic Specialist for the Maxwell School.
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August 30: The Ghost Festival / Ullambrana (Buddhist, Taoist)
In Chinese culture, the fifteenth day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar is called Ghost Day, and the seventh month, in general, is regarded as the Ghost Month. During this time, ghosts and spirits, including those of deceased ancestors, come out from the lower realm.
September 2023
September 1: First Installation of Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple (Sikh)
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September 28: Meskel (Ethiopian Orthodox Christian)
Meskel is the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christian commemoration of the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Eleni (St. Helena) in the 4th century. It is celebrated soon after the beginning of the Ethiopian calendar year (mid-September).
Septmber 29 - October 6: Sukkot (Jewish)
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October 15 - 24: Navaratri (Hindu)
A nine-day festival celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura and the victory of good over evil.
October 16-17: Twin Holy Days – Birth of the Bab and Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í)
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A global observance established by the United Nations to promote education and raise awareness about its importance.
January 24-25: Tu B'shvat (Jewish)
This is a holiday known as the New Year for trees celebrating Judaism’s roots in the natural world.
January 25: Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)
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United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/7 that established the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme, also designated 27 January as an annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust – observed with ceremonies and activities at United Nations Headquarters in New York and at United Nations offices around the world.
February 2024
February 1: Imbolc / Candlemas (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)
Also referred to as the Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of Waxing Lights, and Oimele. Celebrates the coming of spring and recovery of the Earth.
February 1: National Freedom Day (United States)
Honoring the signing by President Abraham Lincoln of a joint House and Senate resolution that later was ratified as the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
February 1: Saint Brighid of Kildare (Celtic Christian)
Christian recognition of Brighid who displayed unusual compassion. She was brought up as a Druid and became Christian.
February 2: Presentation of Our Lord to the Temple (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
Christian celebration of the presentation of young Jesus in the temple to the aged Simeon. New beginnings are recognized. Candles are lighted.
February 3: Saint Blaze Day (Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christian)
Honors a 4th-century saint by blessing the throats of believers.
February 4: Rosa Parks Day (United States)
Honoring of the civil rights leader Rosa Parks, celebrated in the U.S. states of California and Missouri on her birthday, February 4, in Michigan on the first Monday after her birthday, and in Ohio and Oregon on the day she was arrested, December 1.
February 6: Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet DayExternal link is a global initiative to raise awareness of online safety issues.
February 8: Isra'a and Mi'raj (Islam)
Isra and Mi’raj Night marks the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascent into heaven, sometime around the year 621, according to Islamic belief.
February 10: Lunar New Year / Chinese New Year / Tet / Spring Festival (Asia)
This is the most important of traditional holidays throughout Asia. Lunar New Year begins a fifteen-day festival and is celebrated as a national, cultural, and familial holiday, as well as a religious holiday for those practicing. Family reunions with thanksgiving and remembrance of departed relatives take place. Traditionally a religious ceremony honors Heaven and Earth.
February 11: International Day of Women & Girls in Science (UNESCO)
It is celebrated every year on the 11th of February and was first established in 2015. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was originally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and is enacted annually by UNESCO, in collaboration with UN Women.
February 11:Transfiguration Sunday (Christian)
Christian commemoration of the experience on Mt. Tabor when Jesus' physical appearance became brilliant as his connection with traditional Jewish holy figures became evident to the disciples.
February 12: International Epilepsy Day
Observed on the second Monday of February each year. It's a day for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together and make a difference in the lives of those affected by epilepsy.
February 13: Mardi Gras
The annual celebration turns New Orleans into a citywide street party, with official and unofficial parades, costumed revelry, and out-and-out celebration
February 13: Shrove Tuesday / Fat Tuesday (Christian)
Christian carnival day on the eve of Ash Wednesday which begins Lent, a time of fasting and devotions. Pancakes are often served. It is also known as Fat Tuesday in some places.
February 14: Ash Wednesday
This is the first day of Lent, the period of forty days before Easter in which many Christians sacrifice ordinary pleasures to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice.
Febuary 14: Vasant Panchami (Hindu)
Hindu celebration dedicated to Saraswati, goddess of learning. Vasant Panchami initiates the spring festive cycle and heralds its summation that occurs with Holi.
February 14: Valentine’s Day
Is a special occasion dedicated to expressing love and affection to those closest to our hearts.
February 15: Nirvana Day (Buddhist)
A regional observance of the death of the Buddha. It celebrates the day when the Buddha is said to have achieved Parinirvana, or complete Nirvana, upon the death of his physical body.
February 15: International Childhood Cancer Day
International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is a global collaborative campaign that takes place every year on February 15 to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors, and their families.
February 19: Family Day (Canada)
In most provinces of Canada, the third Monday in February is observed as a regional statutory holiday, typically known in general as Family Day
February 20: World Day of Social Justice (United Nations)
World Day of Social Justice is an international day recognizing the need to promote social justice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights, and social protection.
February 25: Triodion (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
Orthodox Christian time period leading up to Lent. The liturgy involves hymns, odes, and scriptures.
March 2024
April 2024
May 2024
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