Aboriginal Spirituality:(Nisga’a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia): Xlaaw - The season to put up food. Wild crab apples are ripe and ready for preserving in Oolichan grease for the winter.

Baha'i: October 20th - THE BAB'S (herald of the new age for Baha'is) birth anniversary. The Bab (the title means ‘Gate’) was born in Shiraz, Persia in 1819. He called people to religious renewal and to await the coming of a new messenger from God. Baha’is believe that this latter figure was Baha’u’llah. Bab’s shrine is at the Baha'i World Center, Haifa, Israel.

Buddhism: October 21st - Coming at the full moon, PAVARANA marks the end of the Rains Retreat. This is also Founders Day in Canada, celebrating the introduction of Buddhism into Canada in 1905 and the first assembly of Canadian Buddhists in Toronto in 1980.

KATHINA DAY - At the end of the three month long Rains Retreat of monks in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, new Kathina robes are offered to the monks by members of the lay Buddhist community. The date varies according to when the rainy season falls in different countries.

Christianity: Many Christians celebrate All Souls (Saints) Day on November first. On this day, many Christians honor and celebrate the lives of those who have died, including 'saints.' Some congregations will have special services in which the names of those who have died during the year will be acknowledged. Flowers may be placed on the altar or communion table in commemoration of those who have died, or candles may be lit in memory of the departed.

Rooted in the Christian 'All Souls Day' are two other events that are more cultural. Halloween: Halloween originally meant 'all hallows eve,' or the evening before All Souls Day. On this evening, people dressed up and made 'fun' of death. In the lesbian and gay communities, this is the time for a great celebration, with many participants 'cross-dressing.' With the exception of Christmas, more money is spent at Halloween than at any other time of the year than Christmas. Another day more cultural is Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): This day coincides with 'All Saints Day' and is especially celebrated in Mexico and among Mexican Americans. It is a day in which some families will go to the grave sites of departed relatives, where they eat the favorite food of the relatives, and have a celebration. This is a day which both 'mocks' death and honors departed family members.

Wiccan/Pagan:  Halloween had its beginnings in an ancient, pre-Christian Celtic festival of the dead. The Celtic peoples, who were once found all over Europe, divided the year by four major holidays. According to their calendar, the year began on a day corresponding to November 1st on our present calendar. The festival observed at this time was called Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween).

October 31st - SAMHAIN celebrates the CELTIC NEW YEAR. The dying God returns to the womb of the Goddess in preparation for rebirth at Yule. The souls of those who have died during the turning of the past year's wheel are bid farewell. It also marks the third and final harvest. Vegan Wiccans harvest nuts, the kernels of which are symbols of wisdom. As the veils between the physical and spiritual worlds is thinnest at this time, ancestors can join the celebrations.

Eastern Orthodox (Christian): The Eastern Orthodox Church traces its roots to the earliest beginnings of Christianity, and begins a new liturgical calendar every September first. Recent holy days (feasts) included The Nativity of the Theokotos (Mother of God) and The Elevation of the Cross, a day of fasting and prayer as a sign of allegiance to the Cross.

Hinduism: October 15th - DASSEHRA OR VIJAY DASAMI, celebrates the victory of good over evil: the victory of Lord Rama over the demon Ravan, and the victory of Goddess Durga over a demon. It follows the nine-day celebration of Durga Puja (worship) and Navaratri (nine days), when other Goddesses are also worshiped.

In November, Hindus celebrate, Divali, their festival of the New year. For Hindus (and Sikhs as well) this is a festival of light, during which lights may be hung and fireworks exploded.

Islam: October 2nd - LAILAT-UL-ISRA’ WAL MI’RA (The Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascension) This celebrates the journey of the Prophet Mohammad, in the tenth year of his prophethood, from Makkah to Jerusalem and through the heavens to the presence of God, all in one night. On the journey the command to pray five times a day was given. The rock in Jerusalem from which Muhammad ascended is now marked by the Dome of the Rock. Muslims celebrate by reading the Qur’an and saying additional prayers. 

October 20th - NISF SHA'BAN, the 15th day or middle (Nisf) of the eighth month (Sha'ban), is the Night of Repentance in preparation of Ramadan. It begins in the evening.

October 25th - LAILAT-UL-BARA’H (The Night of Forgiveness). On the fourteenth of Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Muslim calendar and two weeks before Ramadan commences, Muslims seek forgiveness for their sins. Many Muslims believe that it is on this night that a person’s destiny is fixed for the coming year by God. The night is spent in prayer, asking God’s guidance and forgiveness. Some Muslims fast on the fourteenth in preparation for this night. In certain parts of the world Muslims visit graves of relatives, and the giving of charity is also traditional. In some places the night is marked with firework displays.

Muslims (adherents of Islam) observe two important events in November. They celebrate the Prophet Mohammed's journey, in the tenth year of his prophethood, from earth, to heaven, and directly to the presence of God (Allah). It was during this journey that Muslims were commanded to pray 5 times a day, a command still followed to this day. Muslims also observe The Night of Forgiveness , which is two weeks before the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. On this night, Muslims pray, asking for God's guidance and forgiveness.

Rastafarian: Rastafarianism was born in Ethiopia. In November, Rastafarians celebrate the anniversary of the Crowning of Haile Selassie as Emperor of Ethiopia. This is one of the holiest days of the year for Rastafarians.

Sikhism: The Sikh faith was founded in India. In October, Sikhs celebrated the birth of Guru Nanak (1469), the first Sikh guru. Sikhs celebrate in November Diwali, when their sixth guru was released from prison. This is a time for celebration and for new clothes, presents, and sweets.

October 20th - This NANKSHAHI date celebrates Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru, passing on the guruship to the Holy Scriptures (the Guru Granth Sahib Ji).

Zorastrian: October 12 to 16th - GHAMBAR AYATHREM celebrates the creation of plants, the sowing of the winter crop, and the return of herds from pasture.

Bodhi Day (Buddhist): Some Buddhists celebrate the Buddha's attainment of 'enlightenment' under the Bodhi Tree in North India, on December 8.

Chanukah (Jewish): The eight day Jewish festival of Chanukah, or feast of lights, celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BCE by the Maccabees, after it had been captured and defiled by non-Jewish rulers. (BCE means 'Before the Common Era' and is used by some traditions who would prefer not dating events BC, 'Before Christ'). This festival is represented by the nine candle Chanukkia (candle holder). One additional candle (or light) is lit each day of the festival, which is why you see the Chanukkia only partially lit until the final day of the festival. In 2001, Chanukah begins at sundown on December 9.

Christmas (Christian): Christmas is one of the holiest times of the year for most Christians. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, believed by most Christians to be the Son of God, or as God coming to earth. Many Christians believe that Jesus was born to a virgin, named Mary. The tradition of giving gifts is traced to the biblical story of gifts being brought to the baby Jesus, by those who recognized the importance of this special birth and person. For many Christians, Christmas eve and day are preceded by four weeks which are called Advent, a time of excited preparation and anticipation. Most Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25. However, other traditions (the Orthodox traditions, such as Russian, Armenian, Eastern, Greek, Coptic) celebrate a week later. Christmas can be a difficult time for Christians and non-Christians alike. Non-Christians may feel overwhelmed by all the Christmas 'hoopla.' Many Christians also feel that the true meaning of this holy time is lost in the commercial 'hoopla.' Nevertheless, the joyousness and generosity, especially to the poor and needy, is part of the spirit of the Christian holy time of Christmas.

Kwanzaa (African American): Kwanzaa is a modern cultural festival founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, Ph.D., to celebrate African ancestral values. The festival includes displays of African and African American crafts, textiles, food, and dance. The word 'Kwanza' is an East African Kiswahili word for 'first fruits of the harvest.' Kwanzaa is based on seven fundamental principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26-January 1.

Omisoka (Japanese): Omisoka is celebrated on New Year's eve. It is customary to clean the entire house before the New Year and to cleanse home shrines (Shinto) and altars (Buddhist). At midnight, many Japanese will cook and eat noodles. Bells at Buddhist temples are struck 108 times to warn against the 108 evils that Buddhists believe tempt people and cause suffering.

Ramadan (Islam): Remember that 'Islam' refers to the faith tradition and that 'Muslim' refers to the followers of Islam. 'Allah' is Arabic for 'God'. Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for Muslims. 'Fasting during Ramadan' is one of the five 'Pillars' (or foundations) of Islam. The other Pillars are: public profession of faith (the Shahada), daily prayer, giving alms to the poor, and the Great Pilgrimage to Mecca (once in a lifetime). During Ramadan, Muslims are to fast from sunup to sunset, which means refraining from food, drink, smoking, or marital relations. Each day, the fast is ritually broken by eating dates and drinking water. Prayer and recitation from the Qur'an are also important features of Ramadan. At the end of the month, a three-day feast called, Id al-Fitr is held.  Since Islam uses a Lunar calendar, the dates for Ramadan vary each year.

Winter Solstice (Pagan/Wiccan): The Winter Solstice, also known as 'Yule,' is the shortest day of the year and will be on December 21 in 2001. Followers of earth religions worldwide celebrate the coming of light and the rebirth of the Sun. Trees are decorated, gifts are given, candles and Yule Logs are lit -- all in celebration of surviving the longest night. This is a time to celebrate with family and friends via feasting and singing. For many, this holiday will include an all-night vigil, ending in a merry greeting of the newborn Sun. 

Aboriginal Spirituality (Nisga’a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia): K’aliyee is the time of the north wind when prevailing weather blows off glaciers and icecaps that have lingered from the last ice age.

Baha’i: January 20th is the annual celebration of the teachings of unity found in all religions, Baha’is invite representatives of other traditions to address a common theme.  

Buddhism: January 1st has become a day for North American Buddhists of all schools to attend a special service in the local temple.

January 16th is Shinran Memorial Day. Shinran was the founder of Jodo Shin-shu, one of the schools of Pure Land Buddhism.

January 28th is Honen Memorial Day. Honen was the founder of Jodi-Shin, one of the schools of Pure Land Buddhism.  

Christianity: January 6 & 19 is Epiphany (also known as Theophany in Orthodox churches) is the second of two festivals celebrating the manifestation of Jesus as Christ, the first being the Feast of the Nativity. Originally, Epiphany celebrated both the nativity and the baptism of Christ, but in the fourth century, Christmas was introduced to commemorate the nativity. In the Western church, Epiphany signifies the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles, and is associated primarily with the journey of the Magi to the infant Jesus. The Eastern Church associates Epiphany or Theophany, with the baptism of Jesus by John, and the miracle at Cana when Jesus turned water into wine. The Western churches, especially the Protestant, place more importance on the Nativity or Christmas, while the Eastern churches emphasize Theophany or Epiphany. The Armenian Orthodox Church celebrates the nativity of Jesus on Epiphany (January 6). 

January 7th in some Orthodox churches, such as the Ukrainian, celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian.

January 18-25 is a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. 

January 20-27 is a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Canada). 

Hindu: January 12, 13, & 14 is Makar Sankrant/Lohri. (Lohri is the name for the festival in Panjab; it is called Pongal in Tamil Nadu). This is an unusual festival in that it is based on the solar calendar, whereas most other Indian festivals follow the lunar calendar. It currently falls on January 12, 13th or 14th. It is a day for almsgiving and patching up quarrels. Tamils eat a rice dish - pongal. For Panjabi families (including some Sikhs) Lohri is celebrated following the birth of a son. A fire is lit and peanuts and sesame sweets are eaten around it. Foods eaten include rice mixed with sugar, pancakes and halva. Cornmeal chapattis and mustard leaf constitute the traditional meal.

Japanese: January 1-3 is Ganjitsu, a New Year’s Day celebration sometimes extended for up to three days, during which businesses are closed, families are together, decorations are put up and the first visit of the year is paid to local Shinto shrines.

Judaism: January 28th one of four New Year’s days, Tu B’Shevat (the 15th day of the month of Shevat) is the New Year Day for Trees, and traditionally the first of the year for tithing fruit of trees. Nowadays, it celebrates Judaism’s roots in the natural world, and is a day for environmental awareness and action such as tree planting. Special celebratory meals (Seders) include eating the seven fruits of the land (wheat and barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and {date} honey - Deuteronomy 8:8), each of which symbolizes a spiritual reality.

Shinto: January 1st the Japanese welcome in the New Year with prayers for renewal of hearts, good health and prosperity. They wear their best clothes, and visit shrines in large numbers, sometimes at the very stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. During the seven days of the holiday, people visit one another’s homes to offer good wishes for the coming year.

January 15th is Coming-of-Age Day, a national holiday in Japan. Young women and men twenty years of age go to shrines, wearing traditional clothing. Their families announce their adulthood to kami or spirits, and pray for health and well being for a lifetime to come.

Sikhism: January 5th is the Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666-1708). The tenth and final Sikh master, he 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.

January 13, 14 Maghi, coming on the first day of the tenth month of the solar year, commemorates a battle in which forty Sikhs (the Immortal Ones) laid down their lives for their guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Zoroastrianism: December 31 - January 4 Ghambar Maidyarem celebrates the creation of animals and is a time for an equitable sharing of food.

Aboriginal Spirituality (Nisga’a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia): Buxwlaks -- the season of blowing needles. The wind shakes loose the foliage of frozen evergreens. The New Year approaches.

Christianity: February 2nd, 2002 is THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD (Catholic), THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE (Anglican). This is often called Candlemas, from the custom of congregations holding lighted candles during the celebration in church. It celebrates the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (formerly the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary), hence its association with the Song of Simeon (Luke 2:22-38).

February 13th, 2002 is ASH WEDNESDAY. In Catholic and some Anglican churches, services are held where the worshipper’s forehead is marked with a cross of ash which has been made from burning the palm crosses of the previous year - hence the name Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent (February 13 - March 30), a period of forty days (not counting Sundays) that leads up to Easter. It is a time of fasting and discipline in preparation for Easter. Traditionally Christians give up something during this time to mark the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness. Many Christians still do this, but for some the emphasis is now more on following a simpler lifestyle throughout the year (Western churches).

Chinese: February 12th, 2002 is YUAN TAN, New Year’s Day, which is the most important event in the traditional Chinese calendar and marks the beginning of the first lunar month. The festival is colorfully celebrated with fireworks, dances (such as the famous Lion Dance) and the giving of gifts, flowers and sweets. Gold is a dominant color to symbolize the wish for prosperity, and red is also much used as a lucky color. Business accounts should be settled and all debts paid before the new year begins. Celebrations can last three or more days. 2002 will be the year of the Horse and is year 4700 in the Chinese calendar.

Vasanta Panchami/Saraswati Puja (Hindu): This Hindu holy day is widely celebrated in North India and marks the beginning of spring. It is usually linked with Saraswati, the goddess of learning and the arts, or Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth. Yellow is the color traditionally associated with this festival. (2002: February 17).

Islam: February 21st, 2002 is the Day of Hajj/Day at `Arafa’t, which commemorates the concluding revelation to Prophet at Mount `Arafa’t shortly before his death. Muslims on Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah -- one of the five pillars of Islam) attend a service on the plains in front of Mount `Arafa’t.

February 22nd, 2002 is Eid al-Adha’ (the festival of Sacrifice), the concluding act of pilgrimage. As Abraham offered his son, Ishmael, to God, Muslims offer sheep, goats & camels. They distribute the meat to the poor. Eid al-Adha’ is observed whether or not on pilgrimage.

Judaism: February 26th, 2002 is Purim, which celebrates victory over an oppressive ruler, Haman, as related in the Book of Esther, which is read at this time. The festival begins at sundown on February 25th. Hamantashen (cakes filled with poppy seeds, literally `Haman’s pockets’) are made and eaten at this time. Suspension of work is not required.

Shinto: February 3rd, 2002 is Setsunbun-sai, popularly known as the Bean-throwing Festival, marks the end of winter and the eve of the first day of spring according to the ancient East Asian solar calendar familiar to Japanese. Beans are thrown into each room of the house, and then through the outer doors, with the shout, “devils out, Fortune in!” Today, Setsunbun-sai is a happy family festival.

Imbolc (Druid/Wiccan/Pagan): Depending on the tradition, February 2nd is known variously as Imbolc, Oimelc, Brigit’s Day or Candlemas. “Imbolc” means, literally, ‘in the belly’ (of the Mother), and refers to the stirrings of spring taking place deep in the womb of the Mother Earth. ‘Oimelc’ means ‘milk of ewes’, for it is also lambing season. ‘Candlemas’ is the Christianized name for the holiday. This Sabbat is also called ‘Brigit’s Day’, in honor of the one of the great Irish goddesses. In Ireland, the day was chiefly marked by the kindling of sacred fires, since Brigit symbolized the fire of birth and healing, the fire of the forge, and the fire of poetic inspiration. Bonfires were lighted on the beacon tors, and chandlers celebrated their special holiday.

Today, this holiday is chiefly connected to weather lore. Even our American folk-calendar keeps the tradition of ‘Groundhogs Day’, a day to predict the coming weather, depending on whether the Groundhog sees his shadow.

One of the folk-customs still practiced in many countries, and especially by Witches in the British Isles and parts of the United States, is to place lighted candles in windows beginning at sundown on Candlemas Eve (February 1st), allowing them to continue burning until sunrise.

Other customs of the holiday include weaving ‘Brigit’s crosses’ from straw or wheat to hang around the house for protection, performing rites of spiritual cleansing and purification, making ‘Brigit’s beds’ to ensure fertility of mind and spirit, and making Crowns of Light (i.e. of candles) for the High Priestess to wear for the Candlemas Circle, similar to those worn on St. Lucy’s Day in Scandinavian countries.

Aboriginal Spirituality (Nisga’a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia): Xsaak the season when Oolichan, the candlefish, swarm. The Nisga’a dry and render them into oil.

Baha’i: March is a time in preparation for Naw Ruz. Those of age and in good health abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset until March 20th.

March 21, 2002 is Naw Ruz, New Year 159 BE (Baha’i Era). Baha’is feast and celebrate during the evening.

Buddhism: For Mahayanists Buddhist, March marks the final passing from this world of Gautama Buddha at Kushinagara, India, at the age of 80. Pure Land Buddhists celebrate Nirvana Day. March 20th is Spring Ohigon, a special time for Jodo Shinshu Buddhists. They listen to the teaching of the Buddha and meditate on the perfection of enlightenment.

Buddhism teaches that everyone may reach the perfected state and each person is a Bodhisattva or Buddha-to-be. In Chinese tradition, the symbolic future Buddha is Kwan Yin, a female dispensing compassion with a thousand arms.

Mahashivratri (Hindu): This is also referred to as 'Great Shiva Night', celebrated on this night of the new moon, on which the Lord Shiva is said the perform the cosmic dance from creation to destruction. Many Hindus fast on this day. (2002: March 12).  The night before the feast, Hindus recite texts, sing and tell stories in honor of this God whose dynamic cosmic dance creates, preserves, destroys and recreates the world.

Holi (Hindu): This is a Hindu festival marking the coming of spring and fertility and may last one to five days. Bonfires are lit and colored powders and dyes are thrown over people in celebration of the colors of spring.

Sham al-Nassim (Egypt): This festival literally means, "Smell the Breezes," and goes back to the days of the Pharaohs as a welcoming of spring. Brightly colored eggs are featured. Many Egyptians carry bouquets of red roses and mint sprigs, as a welcome to spring, and have picnics beside the River Nile.

Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras (Secular with a variety of roots): At one time, one of the roots of the Mardi Gras (Carnival) festival, is that it marked the last night to let loose before the fasting and sacrifice of Christian Lent. It also has been called 'Fat Tuesday' as a time to indulge in abundance before sacrifice. (2000: March 7).

Ash Wednesday and Lent (Christian): Lent is that time in the Christian calendar in which many Christians prepare for one of the holiest periods in Christianity. Lent refers to the 40 days and nights Jesus spent in the desert (like the People of Israel), fasting, being tempted, and contemplating about the conclusion of his earthly existence. Likewise, during Lent, Christians are encouraged to reflect on their lives, perhaps make some sacrifice or even fast, as they prepare for the holy days of Good Friday and Easter, the Sunday that marks Jesus' resurrection from the tomb after three days. 

ASH WEDNESDAY marks the first day of Lent. Ashes on the forehead are meant to be a visible reminder to Christians of their need to reflect and sacrifice during this time of repentance and reflection. Christians in the EASTERN (ORTHODOX: Armenian, Russian, Greek) tradition begin Lent (THE GREAT FAST) several days after their western counterparts. 

Eid-Ul-Adha (Islam): This festival of sacrifice for Muslims marks the end of the Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca), which is one of the five Pillars of Islam. Muslims all over the world will sacrifice an animal, with some of the meat distributed among the poor. (2000: March 15-18)

Islam: March 15th, 2002 is Muharram (first month of the Islamic year 1423) celebrates the Hijra (migration) of Muhammad and his followers in 622 CE, from Mecca to Medina, where they established the first Islamic community. Muslim years are dated from this time and are termed AH (After the Hijrah).

March 24th, 2002 - ‘Ashura’ commemorates the martyrdom of Husain (Prophet Muhammad’s grandson) in AH 61 (680 CE). Shi’ite Muslims celebrate (calling the festival Muharram) for ten days from the first of Muharram. ‘Ashura’ is associated with the safe landing of Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat.

Japanese: March 21st is SHUNBUN NO HI (Higan), which marks the spring equinox. As at the autumn equinox, harmony and balance are the themes, sutras are recited, and the graves of relatives are visited.

St. Patrick's Day (Irish Christian): St. Patrick is the patron Saint of Ireland, and many Irish. as well as others, celebrate this day on March 17.

Purim (Jewish): Purim is the Jewish festival celebrating the saving of the Jewish community, as told in the Book of Esther. This story is called, 'The Megillah'. The story is read twice in synagogues. Many people celebrate the day in fanciful dress and the traditional food of Hamantashen is eaten. This is a day to be hopeful and happy. (2000: March 21).

Shinto: March 20th, 2002 is the Spring Memorial Service, held at home altars to revere ancestors as kami. Gravesites are cleaned and purified.

March 14th, 2002 is New Year’s Day, Nanakshahi calendar, year 534.

March 29th, 2002 is New Year’s Day, Bikarami calendar.

Ostara (Wiccan/Pagan): March 20th is Ostara or Spring Equinox. This solar-based holy day is observed by various earth religions to mark the Spring (Vernal) Equinox - the equal length of day and night. This is a festival of new growth, celebrating the awakening of Mother Earth and fertility, as evidenced by the brightly decorated, hard-boiled eggs and rabbits which are used to represent this holiday. The customs surrounding the celebration of the Spring Equinox were imported from Mediterranean lands, although there can be no doubt that the first inhabitants of the British Isles observed it. It is a time to think about the future, especially those things involving fertility, growth, maturity, and health.

Jamshedi Noruz (Persia/Iran): March 21 is the Persian New Year, according to the Fasli calendar used in Iran. This is a day for the family, where eggs and evergreens figure as symbols of life, continuity and eternity. On Monday, March 20, Cafe Med will celebrate the Persian New Year with a special menu and will display the traditional Norouz table on which will be the ten items that bring good fortune, health, fertility, enlightenment, and abundance to Iranian families.

Zoroastrianism: March 16th -20th, 2002 - Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem occurs on the intercalary days and celebrates the creation of human beings. Souls who have passed away are remembered.

March 21st, 2002 - Now Ruz (New Day) is New Year’s Day for 1371 AY or 3740 AZ. It celebrates the renewal of the world and the creation of fire (symbolic of Asha or righteousness). Zarathustra received his revelation on this day.

March 26th, 2002 is KHORDAD SAL, the Birthday of Zarathustra (Fasli calendar).

April 24 is Armenian Martyrs/Genocide Commemoration Day. This is a solemn holiday for the Armenian community in memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who died as victims of atrocities during World War I.

Aboriginal Spirituality (Nisga’a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia): 
April: Mmaal, the season when rivers open. The canoes can be launched and travel on the Nass River can resume.

Aboriginal Spirituality (Nisga’a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia): 
May: Yansa’altt, the season of berries when the woods are fragrant with blossoms that will yield the summer berry crops essential for the winter ahead.

Al-Hijra (Muslim): This day commemorates the Hijra (migration or journey) of the Prophet Muhammad (the revered founder of Islam and author of the Islam's holy scriptures, The Qur'an) from Makkah to Medina in 622 CE, which led to the establishment of the Muslim community there. Muslim years are dated from this time and are termed 'AH' (After the Hijrah). 2000 was 1420 AH for Muslims. (2000: April 5)

Baha’i: April 21 - May 2, 2002. Ridvan commemorates 12 days that Baga’u’llah spent in the garden of Ridvan during his exile in Baghdad & when he proclaimed himself as the one announced by the Bab. The first, ninth and twelfth days are significant and celebrated as holy days and work is suspended.

Buddhism: April 8, 2002 is HANAMATSURI (Japanese and Buddhist). This flower festival marks the Japanese celebration of the Buddha Shakyamuni’s birthday, which Mahayana Buddhists fix in 565 BCE. The flowers accentuate the tradition that the Buddha was born in a garden, so floral shrines are made and an image of the infant Buddha is set in it and bathed. Theravadins celebrate Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing away all on the same day a little later in the year, at the full moon in May.

April 13 - 14, 2002.  The Saka calendar’s New Year’s Day is a religious and cultural celebration for Sinhalese, Indians, Burmese, Kampucheans, Laotians and Thais.

May 15 is VAISAKHA PUJA/WESAK/BODHI DAY. On Wesak Theravadins celebrate the birth, enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya in North India, and the final passing away of Gautama Buddha. Mahayanists have separate days for each of them and on Bodhi Day celebrate the enlightenment of the Buddha. Houses are decorated with lanterns and garlands, and in many countries captive birds are released as an act of merit, and to symbolise Gautama’s compassion. Wesak is the most important day of the year for Buddhists.

April 28 for Nichiren Buddhism is the day Nichiren Dai Shonin revealed the truth hidden in the Lotus Sutra. According to this Buddhist tradition the workings of the universe are an expression of a single principle or Law-Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, the title of the Lotus Sutra. It is believed that putting one’s life in rhythm with this law, individuals can unlock their hidden potential. This day is celebrated by Nichiren Buddhists throughout the world as a new starting point for growth and development.

Chinese: April 5, 2002 is CH’ING MING/FESTIVAL OF PURE BRIGHTNESS the first occasion in the year when family graves are visited. After cleansing and sweeping them, offerings are made to spirits and many picnic by the grave to ‘join’ their ancestors in the feast. Families make a special effort to be together and to return to the family graveyard.

Hinduism: April 13, 2002. Vaisakhi, first day of the solar year, is an agricultural festival celebrating the harvest. Important in North India, it is named after the month Vaisakh.

Jainism: April 25, 2002 is MAHAVIRA JAYANTI (599 BCE), the birthday of the last Tirthankara, or great teacher and model of the Jainas. His birth and the events surrounding it are re-enacted. If there are monks or nuns present, they will read from the scriptures and teach about the rest of Mahavira’s life, following which lay people return home to a celebratory feast.

May 14, Akshaya-tritiya (Immortal Third), celebrates the day when Lord Rishabha broke his first year-long fast by drinking sugar cane juice.

Sikhism: Celebrated throughout India, April 13 - 14 is the Sikh New Year Festival VAISAKHI (BAISAKHI). In 1699 on Vaisakhi the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Order of the Khalsa. Five men, who later came to be known as the Panj Piare (Five Beloved Ones), were prepared to offer their lives when the Guru asked for volunteers. On this day the ‘Five Ks’, the five outward signs of Sikhism, were made obligatory and Sikh men took the name ‘Singh’ (lion), and women ‘Kaur’ (princess). The Order of the Khalsa was founded and the initiation ceremony, amrit, was introduced.

Holy Week (Christian): Holy Week in the Christian tradition is a remembrance of Jesus' last week of life before his crucifixion and then resurrection. Palm Sunday ends Lent (the period of repentance and reflection) and begins Holy Week on a festive note. Palm Sunday remembers the celebration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem while palms were waved and placed on the ground for the donkey to ride over carrying Jesus. Thus, many Christians will have received palms at services on this Sunday. (Some palms are burned and used for Ash Wednesday the next year. Other palms are turned into small crosses, which you might find pinned or hung in various places.)

The Christian scriptures record that Jesus and his followers (women and men) had a meal together on Thursday night, which most likely was the Jewish Passover meal. Today, most Christians refer to this as the Last Supper. Many Christian congregations will have Communion or Eucharist on Thursday night.

Good Friday is paradoxically named for the day Jesus was crucified and died. The day is considered 'good' because many Christians believe Jesus died because he refused to give up his beliefs and practices and also died on the behalf of all humanity to help them achieve ultimate salvation. Many Christian congregations have services on Friday, some with the cross covered in the black of mourning and the lights dimmed or out. Others will have services that concentrate on Jesus' last words from the cross.

Easter is the day of greatest celebration among the vast majority of Christians, as the day Jesus was resurrected and rose from the dead. To many Christians, this means that Jesus overcame death and brings the message that others may do so as well. Many Christians begin this day with a 'sunrise' service with joyous music and messages of hope. Services will proceed throughout the day in most churches.

In 2000, most Christians in the United States observed Good Friday on April 21 and Easter on Sunday, April 23. However, the Orthodox Christian traditions observe these holy days a week later. The Orthodox traditions include Armenian, Russian, Eastern, Greek.

Pesach or Passover (Jewish): Pesah, or Passover, commemorates the departure of the Israelites from Egypt. Celebrated for eight days, the first two and the last two days are holidays (the first and the last days are holidays in Israel and among Reform Jews). Pesah begins at dusk (before sundown) on March 27th. This is a major eight-day festival when Jews commemorate the Exodus from their slavery in Egypt. A highlight is the Seder meal held in each family’s home at the beginning of the festival, when the story of their deliverance is recounted as narrated in the Haggadah (the Telling, the Story). Matzah (unleavened bread) is eaten throughout the festival, as are other foods that contain no leaven. There is a great spring cleaning in the home before the festival to ensure that no trace of leaven is left in the home during Pesach.

Judaism: April 9, 2002.Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Day) is in memory of the six million Jews who died as victims of Nazi atrocities during the Second World War.

Beltane (Wiccan/Pagan): Beltane is a word which refers to the 'fire of the Celtic god of light'. This Sabbat is the last of the Spring Fertility Festivals, when nature is blooming and full of life. Beltane has also been known as May Day, with May Pole dances. It has been believed that a child conceived on this day was blessed by the gods and destined for greatness. (April 30/May 1)

Zoroastrianism: April 30 - May 4, 2002. Ghambar Maidyozarem celebrates the creation of sky and the harvesting of the winter crop.

May 28 is ZARTUSHT-NO-DISO which commemorates the death of the prophet Zarathustra according to the Shenshai calendar. Religious services are devoted to him and to the Fravashis - the spirits of the dead.

June

Aboriginal Spirituality:(Nisga’a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia): Miso’o the season of Sockeye, the most important food source for the coming year. Dried and smoked, the salmon is both a staple and a trade item.

July

Miscellaneous: August 5th is World Forgiveness Day. 

Hinduism: September 10th - GANESH CHATURTHI celebrates the birthday of Ganesha, God of Success and a major Hindu deity. The elephant-headed deity Ganesh (also Ganupati) is seen as the remover of obstacles and is worshipped at the beginning of all new projects such as getting married, taking exams or moving house. This festival is especially observed by Maharashtrians.

Jainism: September 4th - PARYUSHANA-PARVA is the holiest period of the year for the ascetic Shvetambara sect. It is a time of dedication to Jain ideals through fasting, worship of Jaina, and public reading of the life-story of Lord Mahavira from the Kalpasutra. It is celebrated for eight days concluding on SAMVATSARI.

September 10th - The Shvetambara sect observes SAMVATSARI by introspection, confession and penance.

September 10th - The Digambara sect celebrates DASHALAKSHANI-PARVA for ten days by fasting, worship, meditation, confession, and by dedicating each day to a virtue: forgiveness, humility, honesty, purity, truthfulness, self-restraint, asceticism, study, detachment and celibacy.

September 19th - ANANTA-CHATURDASI, the Festival of the Ten Virtues, is the holiest day of Dashalkshani-parva for the Digambara sect.

September 20th - KSAMAVANI is a day of universal forgiveness. Jains ask forgiveness of others for wrongs committed during the previous year, and likewise forgive those who caused them suffering.

Judaism (2002 dates): September 7th-8th - ROSH HASHANAH - New Year’s Day year 5763, and anniversary of the creation of the world - begins at sundown the previous day. The first of the Ten Days of Awe (or Repentance). This Holiday begins “the Ten days of Repentence” and self-examination, during which God sits in personal judgment on every individual. The blowing of the ram's horn (shofar) in the synagogue is a symbol of both G-d’s call to assembly, and the people’s heartfelt prayer in response. It is also a reminder of Abraham's sacrifice of a ram instead of his son, Isaac. Apples dipped in honey are eaten in the hope of a 'sweet' new year. The greeting is ‘Shana Tovah’ (Happy New Year) or 'Leshanah Tovah Tikatev' (may you be inscribed for a good year).

September 16th - YOM KIPPUR (Day of Atonement) is the final day of the ten days of repentance. It is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. To re-establish oneness with God, Jews ask forgiveness and forgive others. Then can they confess their sins and ask God’s forgiveness. Yom Kippur is a 24 hour fast (health permitting!) and begins at sundown the previous day. 

September 21st - 28th - SUKKOT, is the Fall Harvest Festival. It also celebrates God’s presence in creation and with the Jewish people. (A temporary hut or booth - called a sukkah - is used during this time for eating meals and even for sleeping). This commemorates God’s protection during the 40 years that the Jews wandered in the wilderness on the way from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. The Eighth Day, SHMINI ATZERET, is a distinct festival. Sukkot begins at sundown the previous day.

September 29th - SIMHAT TORAH, (Rejoicing of the Law) is the beginning of the synagogue’s annual Torah reading cycle. All the Torah scrolls are paraded around the synagogue with dancing and singing.

Shinto: September 23rd - SHUKI-SOREI-SAI, the September equinox memorial service, has observances similar to March 20. 

Sikhism: September 1st and 7th - FIRST PARKASH commemorates the installation of the Adi Granth, the Sikh Scriptures’ first edition, in the Golden Temple by the fifth Guru, Aryan Dev, in 1604 CE.

Wiccan/Pagan: September 23rd - AUTUMNAL EQUINOX - MABON (or Harvest Home) celebrates life’s encapsulation as a seed to survive the cold, barren winter. It also celebrates the Harvest of the Vine wherein wine symbolizes the Goddess’ power to transform youth’s sweet nectar into old age wisdom and spiritual maturity. Practitioners of Earth-based religions (know by many as Pagans) celebrate the Autumnal Equinox, when the hours of daylight equal the hours of darkness. As the “harvests are gathered and the leaves fall”, Pagans remember that “we are born, we bear fruit, we age, and we die, returning to the fertile womb of the Earth.” Pagans see Earth as “Mother,” and meditate on the goodness of nature and in the sacredness of all the stages of life.

Zorastrian: September 12 - 16th - GHAMBAR PAITISHEM celebrates the creation of the earth and the harvesting of the summer corp.