Religious Observations/Holidays
OHIO's Guide to Religions
Religious identity and development is an important part of the university experience for many and affects how we all understand and interact with the greater world around us. OHIO's Guide to Religions serves as a general educational and reference tool for the OHIO community. This guide is intended to help expand understanding and strengthen relationships of the diverse religious and non-religious groups at OHIO.
How to Make This Guide Work for You
- Check dates before scheduling critical deadlines, events, or activities.
- Accommodate observant individuals with reasonable support. Consider food and beverage restrictions when planning menus. Provide opportunities for time away from the classroom and workplace. Allow vacation time off and avoid important academic and workplace deadlines and activities.
- Ask others how they commemorate their occasion. Many individuals affiliated with the same group observe one important day in various ways.
- Discover new experiences and learn about the history, culture, and significance of the day with special foods, speakers, displays, and more.
Significant Dates, Practices and Accommodations
Holiday and Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
|---|---|
Eid al-Adha—*begins at sundown (Islamic)
|
2020 July 30 - August 3 2021 July 20 - 23, 2021 |
Lammas / Lughnasadh (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)A celebration of the beginning of the harvest. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Making and consuming dishes with the first fruits of the harvest. |
2020 August 1 2021 August 1 |
Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)The Rakhi festivity falls in the holy month of Shravan; The origin and history of Rakhi can be dated back to the mythological Pouranik times. General Practices: A day to acknowledge siblings and their relationships. |
2020 August 3 2021 August 21 |
Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)This two-day festival celebrates the birth of Krishna, a widely-worshiped Hindu god. Krishna is considered to be a warrior, hero, teacher, and philosopher. General Practices: During this festival, Hindus are likely to forgo sleep in order to sing bhajans, traditional Hindu songs. Many Hindus also fast during the first day of the festival. Dances, songs, and plays depicting the life of Krishna are common. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines on this day, since it is likely that students will be operating on very little sleep. |
2020 August 11 2021 August 29 |
Rosh Hashanah—* begins at sundown (Jewish)
|
2020 September 18 - 20 2021 September 6 - 8 |
Mabon / Alban Elfed / Autumnal Equinox (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)Also referred to as Harvest Home, the Feast of the Ingathering, and Meán Fómhair. Mabon is the second celebration of the harvest, a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth, and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and the God during the coming winter months. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: At Mabon, day and night are in equal balance. It is a time to offer gratitude for the blessings of the harvest and also to begin to prepare for turning inward. Making dishes with apples, squash and pumpkins as part of ritual celebration is customary. |
2020 September 22 2021 September 22 |
ChuseokOne rather unique holiday in South Korea is called “Chuseok”. Chuseok means “Autumn Eve” in Korean and is a harvest festival that lasts for three days straight. It is scheduled based on the Korean lunar calendar, but it also always comes around the time of the Autumnal Equinox, which comes in late September. Chuseok is sometimes referred to as “Korean Thanksgiving” due to its harvest associations and its timing in Autumn. Many South Koreans visit the home town of their ancestors for Chuseok and feast there on traditional foods like songpyeon, a rice cake with a special stuffing that is steamed over pine needles, and rice wine. Korean pancakes and fresh fruits are also commonly consumed during Chuseok. There are typically ancestor memorial services held in Korean homes on this holiday, and people will also visit the graves of their ancestors. In some rural areas, it is tradition for some people dress up like cows or turtles and wander from door to door as part of a musical band. Many exchange gifts as well, and games like archery contests, tug-o-war, and Korean wrestling are often played. |
2020 September 30 - October 2 2021 September 20 - September 22 |
Navaratri (Hindu)Navaratri is one of the greatest Hindu festivals, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During this time, Hindus worship Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. General Practices: Durga is the mother goddess, and so Hindus try to visit their mothers and other relatives during this time. Some Hindus will pray and fast, and there are often feasts and dances. |
2020 Oct. 17 - 25, 2020 2021 October 6 - 14 |
Yom Kippur—*begins at sundown (Jewish)
|
2020 September 27 - 28 2021 September 15 - 16
|
Sukkot—*begins at sundown (Jewish)
|
2020 October 2 - 9 2021 September 21 - 27 |
Shemini Atzeret —*begins at sundown (Jewish)
|
2020 October 10 - 11 2021 September 28 - 29 |
Simchat Torah —*begins at sundown (Jewish)
|
2020 October 11 2021 September 29 |
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh (Baha’i)
|
2020 November 12 2021 November 12 |
Samhain (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)One of the four "greater Sabbats" and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the past year into the community, and reflecting on past relationships, events and other significant changes in life. General Practices: Paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died. |
2020
October 31 – November 1 2021 October 31 – November 1 |
Diwali (Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain)
|
2020 November 14 2021 November 4 |
Yule / Midwinter / Alban Arthan / Winter Solstice (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)The longest night of the year followed by the sun's "rebirth" and lengthening of days. In most traditions, Yule is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Some pagans consider Yule to be the beginning of the new year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Burning the yule log (which was traditionally part of last year’s Yule tree) is an act of faith and renewal that, indeed, the light, and the warmth will return. |
2020 December 21 – January 1 2021 December 21 - January 1 |
Hanukkah / Chanukah —*begins at sundown (Jewish)Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights, and lasts for eight days. Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish struggle for religious freedom. The history of the holiday involves a historic military victory in which a Jewish sect called the Maccabees defeated the Syrian Greeks. The celebration commemorates a miracle in which a sacred temple flame burned for eight days on only one day’s worth of oil. General Practices: On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jewish families light an additional candle of the menorah candelabrum until all eight candles are lit. Jews celebrate with food and song, as well as exchanging gifts for eight days. Recommended Accommodations: Academics and work permitted, not a work holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—potato pancakes, doughnuts or other fried food is customary). |
2020 December 11 - 18 2021 November 29 - December 6 |
Christmas —*begins at sundown (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant)
|
2020 December 24 - 25 2021 December 24 - 25 |
Gantan-sai (Shinto)
|
2021 January 1 2022 January 2 |
Epiphany / Twelfth Night / Three Kings Day (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant)This date is also known as Befana Day; commemorates the revelation of God through Jesus Christ and marks the time the three wise men arrived in Bethlehem and presented gifts to the baby Jesus. General Practices: Prayer, festive meals, offerings, gifts |
2021 January 6 2022 January 6 |
Korean New Year (Seollal; Sŏllal)The Korean New Year is one of the most important traditional Korean holidays. The celebration usually lasts three days: the day before Korean New Year, Korean New Year itself, and the day after Korean New Year. During this time, many Koreans visit family, perform ancestral rites, wear hanok, eat traditional food, and play folk games. Additionally, children often receive money from their elders after performing a formal bow. Korean New Year generally occurs on the second new moon after the winter solstice. |
2021 February 12 |
Chinese New Year (Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist)
|
2021 February 12 2022 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 Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God at Yule. For many traditions, a time for initiations, re-dedication and pledges for the coming year. One of the four "greater Sabbats." General Practices: Activities might include making candles, reading poetry and telling stories. |
2021 February 1 - 2 2022 February 1 - 2 |
Setsubun-sai (Shinto)Setsubun-sai marks the beginning of Spring, and is known as the “bean-throwing festival. The faithful scatter roasted beans to bring good luck to the new season. |
2021 February 3 2022 February 3 |
Magha Puja Day (Buddhist)Magha Puja Day commemorates an important event in the life of the Buddha, in which the four disciples traveled to join the Buddha. |
2021 February 27 2022 February 16 |
Ash Wednesday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant)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. General Practices: On this day, there are special church services, and the faithful wear a cross of ashes marked on foreheads. Most Christians abstain from meat on this day. Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—prohibitions include animal products. |
2021 February 17 2022 March 2 |
Purim —*begins at sundown (Jewish)Purim commemorates the time when the Jews were living in Persia and were saved by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther. General Practices: Many Jews hold carnival-like celebrations on Purim, dressing in costumes, and read the Book of Esther. Triangular, fruit-filled pastries are eaten in opposition to the villain Haman, who wore a three-cornered hat. Recommended Accommodations: Purim is not subject to the restrictions on work that affect some other holidays; however, some sources indicate that Jews should not go about their ordinary business at Purim out of respect for the festival. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
2021 February 26 2022 March 17 |
International Nowruz DayNowruz marks the first day of spring and is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on March 21st. It is celebrated as the beginning of the new year by more than 300 million people all around the world and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions. Find more information on the United Nations International Nowruz Day website. |
2021 March 21 2022 March 21 |
Naw RuzNaw Ruz, meaning “the new day,” is the Bahá’í New Year festival. Naw Ruz is also the Zoroastrian New Year, which may have given rise to its celebration as Persian New Year as well. In addition, various Central Asian communities observe a version of this New Year holiday.1 There are many western spellings of the Persian name for this holiday, but “Naw Ruz” is the most common for the Bahá’í holiday. It symbolizes the spring season and falls at the spring equinox, but it has been fixed at March 21st for those celebrating outside Iran. Bahá’í days begin at sunset, so the holiday will begin on the evening of March 20th. Naw Ruz marks the first day of the month Baha, which is the first month in the Bahá’í calendar. The New Year is a joyous day of celebration. Find more information about Naw Ruz here. |
2021 March 21 2022 March 21 |
Holi (Hindu)Also known as the “Festival of Colors,” this holiday can be traced to Hindu scriptures commemorating good over evil. This date is also a celebration of the colorful spring and a farewell to the dull winter. General Practices: Hindus often sprinkle colored water and powder on others and celebrate with bonfires and lights, signifying victory of good over evil. |
2021 March 29 2022 March 18 |
Ostara / Alban Eilir / Spring Equinox (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)Also known as Eostre. Regarded as a time of fertility and conception. In some Wiccan traditions, it is marked as the time when the Goddess conceives the God's child, which will be born at the winter solstice. One of eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Lighting fires to commemorate the return of light in the spring and to honor the God and Goddess. Coloring eggs as a way of honoring fertility is also practiced. |
2021 March 21 2022 March 20 |
Palm Sunday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant)A commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as crowds lined his path with palm fronds General Practices: Prayer, distribution of palm leaves commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion. |
2021 March 28 2022 April 10 |
Buddha Day / Visakha Puja (Buddhist)This holiday is traditionally known as Buddha’s birthday. It is the major Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. General Practices: Buddhists often decorate their homes and visit their local temples. Observers are encouraged to refrain from slaughtering and to avoid eating meat on this date. Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested, and offer vegetarian options when planning menus for events on this date. |
2021 May 8
|
Pesach / Passover —*begins at sundown (Jewish)
|
2021 March 28 - April 4 2022 April 16 - 23 |
Holy Thursday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant)Thursday before Easter, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles. General Practices: Prayer, Communion (Eucharist), meals, and foot-washing ceremonies among some Christian denominations |
2021 April 1 2022 April 14 |
Good Friday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant)Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some denominations of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting. General Practices: Prayer, fasting, and noon or afternoon services in some Christian denominations. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the date. |
2021 April 2 2022 April 15 |
Easter (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant)
|
2021 April 4 2022 April 17 |
Vaisakhi (Sikh)Vaisakhi is the Sikh new year festival and commemorates 1699, the year Sikhism was born. Vaisakhi is also a long-established harvest festival. General Practices: There are often parades, dancing, and singing throughout the day. These celebrations involve music, singing, and chanting of scriptures and hymns. |
2021 April 13 2022 April 14 |
Good Friday (Eastern Orthodox)Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some denominations of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting. General Practices: Prayer, fasting, confession, and church services as well as the wrapping or dying of eggs (often red) in preparation for Easter Sunday. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the date. |
2021 April 30 2022 April 22 |
Easter (Eastern Orthodox)
|
2021 May 2 2022 April 24 |
Yom HaSho’ah —*begins at sundown (Jewish)Holocaust Remembrance Day; a day to remember the lives and names of Jewish victims and activists of the Holocaust. General Practices: Ceremonies or events to remember Holocaust victims who died during World War II; activities may include lighting memorial candles and reciting the Kaddish, which is a prayer for the departed Recommended Accommodations: This is not a work holiday—academics and work are permitted. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
2021 April 8 2022 April 28 |
Ramadan—*begins at sundown (Islamic)Ramadan is an occasion to focus on faith through fasting and prayer, and is one of the most important Muslim holidays. Ramadan is notable because the Qur’an was first revealed during this month, and Muslims see the Qur’an as the ultimate form of guidance for mankind. The night that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad is called Lailat ul Oadr, and standing in prayer this one night is thought to eclipse months of worship. General Practices: Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from food and beverages during the daylight hours, and smoking and sexual relations are forbidden. Worshipers break the fasting each night with prayer, reading of the Qu’ran, and a meal called the iftar. In addition, many Muslims also attend night prayers at Mosques. Muslims also believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than any other time of the year, so almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan. Recommended Accommodations: If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that students and employees celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days) and will likely have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). |
2021 April 13 2022 April 3 |
Beltane (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)The fire festival that celebrates the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Jumping the balefire,dancing the MayPole. |
2021 May 1 2022 May 1 |
Eid al-Fitr —*begins at sundown (Islamic)
|
2021 July 19 - 20
|
Shavuot —*begins at sundown (Jewish)
|
2021 May 17 - 18 2022 June 5 - 6 |
Ascension of the Baha’ullah (Baha’i)Commemorates the death of the founder of the Baha’i faith; Baha’llah died on May 29, 1892. General Practices: Devotional programs and reading from the scriptures |
2021 May 29 2022 May 29 |
Litha / Midsomer / Alban Hefin / Summer Solstice / (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)A celebration of the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. Celebration of the the Goddess manifesting as Mother Earth and the God as the Sun King. For some Pagans the Summer Solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and see their union as the force that creates the harvest's fruits. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Lighting to bonfires and watching the sun rise |
2021 June 24 2022 June 21 |
Tisha B’Av—*begins at sundown (Jewish)Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies including the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem. General practices: Fasting and mourning. Recommended accommodations: Plan limited activities after a fast. |
2021 July 18 2022 August 7 |