My friend Lynn Minja included this in her annual Christmas letter. It is worth repeating and adding to. The list is in no wise complete and if my readers would be so kind as to contribute, I would be grateful. A number of groups, not just First Nations, for example, observe the Winter Solstice.
From October to mid-January people of different faiths, worldwide, celebrate specific aspects of their spiritual beliefs. In a multi-cultural province, country, and world, it is imperative that we understand the importance of spirituality individually and collectively and that we respect and honour the spiritual beliefs of individuals and the traditions and faith celebrations of all religions.
October
- Bahais celebrate the births of Bab and of Baha’á ullá and the Day of the Covenant.
- Buddhists celebrate Pavarana And Kathina
- Hindus and Sikhs celebrate Diwali
- Jews celebrate Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Shemini Atzeret/Simcheat Torah
- Shia Muslims celebrate the birth of the Prophet, Mohammed
November
- Buddhists celebrate Lhabab Duchen
- Christians celebrate All Saints Day and the first Sunday of Advent.
- Jews celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah
- Sikhs celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Jayanti)
December
- All Faiths celebrate Kwanzaa
- Buddhists celebrate Rohatsu/Bodhi Day
- Christians complete celebrating Advent and celebrate the birth of Christ (Christmas Day)
- Jews celebrate Shabbat and complete celebrating Hanukkah
- First Nations celebrate the Winter Solstice
January
- Buddhists celebrate the Lunar New Year/ Tet Nguyen Dan
- Christians celebrate the Feast of Epiphany
- Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of Christ
- Hindus celebrate Sankranti (actually celebrated every month)
Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, we wish you health,
happiness, peace and love.
Note: Doug Cuthand's column in the Star Phoenix explains the significance of the Winter Solstice to the First Nations people of Canada
'In a multi-cultural province, country, and world, it is imperative that we understand the importance of spirituality individually and collectively and that we respect and honour the spiritual beliefs of individuals and the traditions and faith celebrations of all religions.' LOUD APPLAUSE. Hear, hear.
ReplyDeleteThe author is among many things, a professional communicator
DeleteInteresting list but yes, it's missing all the modern pagan celebrations during these months.
ReplyDeleteI know, so fill me in.
DeleteIn the October to January time frame discussed in your post, the major pagan festivals are: Samhain ("summer's end" -- second harvest festival of grains and crops) on Oct 31 and Yule on the Winter Solstice around Dec 21st. The festivals for the rest of the year are (in order): Imbolc (the promise of Spring) on Feb 1; Ostara on the Spring Equinox around March 21st; Beltane (fertility festival) on May 1; Litha on the Summer Solstice around June 21st; Lughnasadh (first harvest festival of veggies and fruits) on August 1; and Mabon on the Autumn Equinox around Sept 21st.
DeleteThank you. I will add these
Deletehappy yule...
ReplyDeleteJackiesue, give me some help here. What days do followers of the Old Norse Gods celebrate
DeleteThank you, this is very interesting!
ReplyDeleteYour welcome. If I can add more over the year, I will repost it next November
DeleteMy wife and I celebrate winter solstice - for us, it is the beginning of the New Year. . Starting on December 21st we give each other a present a day for five days and welcome in Winter. We have done this for decades.
Deletethe Ol'Buzzard
I have friends in Ontario that do that as well. No theology attached, but just something to be in keeping with the season.
DeleteVery cool. I'm always interested to see what everyone is celebrating and what those celebrations mean to them. (Belated) Merry Christmas, and (Early) Happy New Year! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you. Same to you. One can hope for 2023.
DeleteThere always something to celebrate and I have no trouble with that.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe
I'll drink to that. It's 5 o'clock somewhere.
Delete