An
* means the holidays starts the night before.
African
American Heritage Month - This month is dedicated to
focusing and reflecting upon the contributions of African Americans
to the history of the United States.
-
2
- Vasanta
Panchami [Hinduism] - A North Indian celebration
marking the first day of spring and is associated with the
Goddess of Learning and with the Goddess of Wealth. Traditionally
people dress in yellow garb symbolizing spirituality and auspiciousness.
- Imbolc
[Wicca] - On this day spring begins to creep closer. The Goddess
is still recovering from giving birth to the God at Yule, and
the God is a young child who’s strength is slowly increasing.
It is a tradition to light candles in your home after dark.
- Candlemas
[Catholic/Anglican/Orthodox Christianity] - Also known as the
Purification of the Virgin, and the Presentation of Christ in
the Temple, this day commemorates the purification of the Virgin
Mary 40 days after the birth of Jesus as well as
Jesus being taken by his parents to the Temple and being blessed
before God.
- Full
Moon 5:45 Universal Time
-
3
- Setsunbun-sai
[Shintoism] - Also known as the bean throwing festival, this
celebration marks the end of winter and the eve of the first
day of spring. Beans are thrown around the house as a symbol
of good fortune.
- Tu
B'Shevat [Judaism] - The
celebration of the New Year for trees, marking the bloom of
vegetation for the spring.
-
6
- International
Day Against Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting [United
Nations]
-
8
- Nirvana
Day
[Buddhism] - A festival celebrating
Buddha's acquisition of Nirvana and further death at the age
of 80. The day is marked by meditations and reflections upon
one's personal life.
-
11
- * Meatfare
[Orthodox Christianity] - This day marks the last
day for eating meat before Lent begins in two weeks.
-
14
- Valentine's
Day - A day dedicated to loved ones in the name of
Saint Valentine.
- 15
- Nirvana
Day [Buddhism] - Some Buddhists celebrate the death
of Buddha on this day instead of February 8th.
- Presentation
of Christ in the Temple [Orthodox Christianity] -
See Feb 2nd above. Celebrated on this day by those who follow
the Julian calendar.
- 16
-
Maha Shivarati Vrat
[Hinduism] A fast in dedication to the Shiva. The previous
night it is customary to engage in story telling and singing
in honor of the power of Shiva.
- 17
- New
Moon
- 16:15 Universal Time
- 18
- Brotherhood/Sisterhood
Week [USA/Canada]
- Losar:
New Year [Tibetan
Buddhism] - The festive and merry celebration of Losar is
customarily spent with family. It is during this time that
bad omens are left behind and good fortune is carried over
to the next year. The number of days that Losar is celebrated
for varies among different countries. Some customs during
the celebrations include making of "guthuk" noodles,
stage performances, feasting, and visiting the monasteries.
- Chinese/
Vietnamese/ Korean New Year - The festival of the
New Year lasts approximately fifteen days, until the brightest
moon. It is a time of reunion with families and unison within
the community. The Chinese New Year is celebrated by a festival
or parade featuring a dragon procession.
- Sunday
of Forgiveness [Orthodox Christianity] - Also known
as Cheesefare Sunday, this is the last Sunday before Lent,
and the last day to eat dairy products. During this time the
story of Adam and Eve is told and importance is placed on
asking for forgiveness.
-
19
- President's
Day
[United States] - Celebrates the accomplishments of legendary
American Presidents.
- The
Great
Fast [Orthodox Christianity] - Also called Clean
Monday, this begins the 40 day period prior to holy week,
ending with Lazarus Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday.
-
20
- Mardi
Gras [Anglican, Catholicism] - Also known as Shrove
Tuesday, this day is traditionally marked by indulgence and
celebration before the beginning of Lent on the following
day.
- 21
- Ash
Wednesday [Anglican, Catholicism] - The beginning
of Lent, the forty day period of prayer and repentance that
preceeds Easter.
- 22
- International
Mother Language Day [United
Nations]
- 24
- Feast
of St. Theodore [Orthodox Christianity] - During
the period of Lent, this day celebrates the life of Saint
Theodore.
- 25
- Orthodox
Sunday
[Orthodox Christianity] - This
is the first Sunday of Lent. It also celebrates the restoration
of the idols after the iconoclastic controversy in the 8th
and 9th centuries.
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