Religious Days Calendar
Our students and employees have many faith traditions. To promote greater understanding of those traditions, we have collaborated with campus to create a collection of many of the religious holidays.
This is a living document. Expect descriptions and dates to change. If you have suggestions
for changes or additions, contact the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion via
email:
diversity@utoledo.edu.
Upcoming Religious Days
SPRING 2022
January 1: Oshogatsu (Shinto)
Celebration of New Year, commemorated by going to a shrine, thanking the kami (spirits),
asking for good fortune and letting resolutions be known in presence of kami. It is
the most important holiday in Japan and most businesses are closed from January 1st
to the 3rd. Years are traditionally viewed as completely separate, with each new year
providing a fresh start. Consequently, all duties are supposed to be completed by
the end of the year, while bonenkai parties ("year forgetting parties") are held with
the purpose of leaving the old year's worries and troubles behind.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
January 6: Epiphany (Christian) or Three Kings Day for Catholics
Feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus
Christ. Most Christians mark the day on the Sunday closest to Jan. 6 and it is usually
limited to that day's church service and sermon. But it opens the church's "season
of Epiphany," a time when sermons and lessons focus on the miracles of Jesus; the
season ends on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Cru, Catholic Student Association, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
January 7: Christmas (Orthodox Christian)
Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in Orthodox Churches. Orthodox Christmas
is widely celebrated in Eastern European countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Serbia.
Orthodox Christmas focuses on religious rituals and traditions, it is a time to find
peace and unity and heal the soul. As such, they do not observe commercialized traditions
such as the exchange of presents or decorating the tree. Many people observe a fast
before Orthodox Christmas day and give up things such as meat and dairy.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
January 9: Birth of Guru Gobind Singh (Sikh)
Birthday of tenth and last Guru. Guru Gobind Singh Ji's teaching and warrior spirit
holds great importance to Sikhs. On this day, Sikhs around the world go to Gurudwaras
where prayer meetings are organized in honor of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Many families
participate in processions organized by the Gurudwaras, hold kirtans and do seva,
which is a significant part of the Sikh religion. Food is also distributed among the
needy and poor on this day.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
January 14: Makara Sankranthi (Hindu)
Celebration of the Sun god. In Maharashtra, there is a custom of exchanging sweets
made of jaggery, as the first sugarcane crop for the year is harvested during the
period. Flying kites is one of the popular Makar Sankranti traditions of Maharashtra.
Colorful kites, made of different shapes and sizes, are also flown in Gujarat, as
a part of the celebrations of Makar Sankranti. Charity forms a significant part of
the traditions of Makar Sankranti. In the state of Uttar Pradesh, one can witness
people donating Khichdi (rice cooked with lentils) to the poor and needy. People in
Andhra Pradesh also indulge themselves in charity of clothes.
Student insight and recommendation: This is very widely celebrated by our students on UToledo's campus.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Indian Student Cultural Organization, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
January 17*: Tu B'shevat (Jewish)
New Year of the Trees. Fruit trees were awarded special status in the Torah because
of their importance in sustaining life and as a symbol of God's divine favor. In modern
times, Tu Bishvat has become a symbol of both Zionist attachment to the land of Israel
as well as an example of Jewish sensitivity to the environment. Early Zionist settlers
to Israel began planting new trees not only to restore the ecology of ancient Israel,
but as a symbol of renewed growth of the Jewish people returning to their ancestral
homeland.
Student insight and recommendation: If professors want to show support they can bring a plant to their classroom, or maybe eat an apple in class!
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, the Jewish Federation, Hillel, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
February 2: Springtide (Pagan)
Also called Imbolc, Imbolg, Oimelc, Disablot, Saint Brigid's Day, Candlemas. Marks
the beginning of Spring. A midpoint holiday as it is about halfway between winter
solstice and spring equinox that is typically celebrated around the 1st of February.
It marks the beginning of spring. It is a cycle of renewal and creativity. Some see
this as a new cycle, a time of purification, and celebrate with spring cleaning in
anticipation for the year's new life. Some use this celebration for initiations, re-dedications,
and naming ceremonies.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, A Circle Of Pagans, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
February 5: Vasant Panchami (Hindu)
Holy day dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, patron Goddess of knowledge, music, arts,
science and technology. People dress in yellow and they offer yellow flowers to others
and to the gods and goddesses. The color yellow holds a special meaning for this celebration
as it signifies the brilliance of nature and the vibrancy of life. India's crop fields
are filled with the color yellow, as the yellow mustard flowers bloom at this time
of the year. Pens, notebooks, and pencils are placed near the goddess Devi's feet
to be blessed before they are used by students.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Indian Student Cultural Organization, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
February 15: Buddha's Passing/Nehan (Buddhist)
Mahayana festival commemorating the death of the Buddha at the age of 80 and his attainment
of parinirvana. In the Buddhist Temple of Toledo community, they mark the occasion
with a formal liturgy and a special talk. A banner depicting the Buddha's passing
is displayed at the altar and cookies are prepared as an offering that can be shared
by community after service.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, the Buddhist Temple of Toledo, Zen Buddhist Student Association, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
February 16: Sangha Day (Buddhist)
Celebration in honor of the Buddhist community, especially regarding monastics.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, the Buddhist Temple of Toledo, Zen Buddhist Student Association, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
February 25-28*: Ayyám-i-Há (Bahá'í)
Days of preparation for the Fast, marked by hospitality and charity to the poor and
sick. Like Muslims during Ramadan, Baha'is refrain from food and drink from sunrise
to sunset, obligatory for all who are healthy and not traveling, with exemptions for
pregnant and nursing mothers and those who are over 70. Fasting is a form of self-discipline
and the fast is a time of prayer and meditation, during which Baha'is detach themselves
from the things of this world and draw closer to God. Fasting reminds Baha'is of those
who are poor and lack food, in order to be more compassionate and encourage charity.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
February 28: Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)
Celebration of the wedding night of Lord Shiva and his Consort Goddess Parvati. Unlike
a lot of Hindu festivals, Maha Shivratri is not an overtly joyous festival. This is
a night reserved for self-reflection and introspection for the purpose of growing
and leaving behind all things that hinder our success. People all over the country
celebrate Maha Shivratri according to the customs dictated in the region. Some celebrate
in the morning, while others organize pujas and jagrans at night. Some devotees also
observe a full day fast on Maha Shivratri, eating only on the next day after bathing.
The fast is observed not only to attain Lord Shiva's blessings but also as a test
of one's own determination.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Indian Student Cultural Organization, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
March 1*: Lailat al Miraj (Islam)
Commemorates Prophet Muhammad's nighttime journey from Mecca to Jerusalem where he
ascended to heaven, was purified, and given the instruction for Muslims to pray 5
times daily. The story of Muhammad's nighttime journey is often read at mosques or
at home to celebrate this day.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Muslim Student Association, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
March 1-19*: Nineteen Day Fast (Bahá'í)
Sunrise to sunset fast also marked with prayer to reinvigorate soul and bring closer
to God (fasting). Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá'í faith, explains that
"It is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during
which the believer must strive to make the necessary readjustments in his inner life,
and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its significance
and purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic,
and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
March 2: Ash Wednesday (Christian)
Day of fasting that commemorates first day of Lent. During Mass (for Catholics) or
worship service (for Protestants), the priest or pastor will usually share a sermon
that is repentant and reflective in nature. The mood is solemn - many services will
have long periods of silence and worshipers will often leave the service in silence.
Usually, there is a responsive passage of Scripture, usually centered around confession,
read aloud about the leader and congregation. Attendees will experience communal confession,
as well as moments where they are prompted to silently confess sins and pray. The
ashes of this holiday symbolize two main things: death and repentance.
Student insight and recommendation: some students might be fasting for Lent.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Cru, Catholic Student Association, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
March 17*: Purim (Jewish)
Commemorates the story of Esther. Purim is the quintessential community holiday. Nonetheless,
there are a number of activities that are centered in the home. One of the favorite
activities in preparation for the holiday is the baking of hamantaschen, the triangular
filled pastries that are the traditional food at Purim time. In addition, following
the commandment to give gifts to friends and the poor, the preparation of so-called
mishloah manot baskets is a fun activity to engage in, as is their distribution on
the holiday. The centerpiece of Purim's home celebration is the seudah, a festive
meal accompanied by alcoholic beverages.
Student Insight and recommendation: This is kind of like Halloween! Get to dress up in costumes and share stories. There can be Purim carnivals depending on the area you live in and it is a joyous time.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, the Jewish Federation, Hillel, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
March 17-18: Holi (Hindu)
Holiday associated with exuberant flinging of colored powders, celebrates the advent
of spring and the enduring message that good will always be victorious over evil;
light will always overcome darkness. The University of Toledo's Indian Student Cultural
Organization, the International Students Association, and the UToledo Multifaith Council
collaborate every year to put on Holi Toledo. This event is to celebrate Holi and
all religious diversity on campus. Everyone is welcome to participate!
Student insight and recommendation: Some people will have great bonfires prior to throwing colorful powder to celebrate. Sweets are exchanged after, called Mithai.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Indian Student Cultural Organization, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
March 20*: Nowruz (Bahá'í, Zoroastrian)
Marks the first day of spring. Celebrating Nowruz means the affirmation of life in
harmony with nature, awareness of the inseparable link between constructive labor
and natural cycles of renewal and a solicitous and respectful attitude towards natural
sources of life. Nowruz plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples
based on mutual respect and the ideals of peace and good neighborliness. Its traditions
and rituals reflect the cultural and ancient customs of the civilizations of the East
and West, which influenced those civilizations through the interchange of human values.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
March 21*: Midspring- Spring Equinox (Pagan)
Also called Ostara, Vernal Equinox, Alban Eilir, Liberalia, Hilaria. A solar holiday
that typically occurs between the 20th and 23rd of March. It is a time when the day
and night are equal. It marks the balance of the light and dark (shadow) sides of
the year. It is a cycle of planting and birth. Some celebrate by planting seeds, both
physically and spiritually (planting the seeds of intention for what you want to grow
throughout the year). It is a time of fertility and new growth.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, A Circle of Pagans, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
April 3-May 2*: Ramadan (Islam)
Month of fasting to commemorate first revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammad. During
Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk each day. They are supposed to avoid eating,
drinking, smoking and sexual activity, as well as unkind or impure thoughts and words
and immoral behavior. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint and self-reflection.
All Muslims who have reached puberty and are in good health are required to fast.
The sick and elderly, along with travelers, pregnant women and those who are nursing
are exempt.
Student insight and recommendation: To accommodate fasting some student's sleep schedules may be off (getting up early to eat, staying up late to eat). Students will overall be trying to preserve their energy throughout the day and ask for patience and communication from faculty.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Muslim Student Association, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
April 10: Palm Sunday (Christian)
Feast commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday, or Passion
Sunday as it is referred to in some Christian churches, is the sixth Sunday of Lent
and the final Sunday before Easter. On this day, Christians also remember Christ's
sacrificial death on the cross, praise God for the gift of salvation, and look expectantly
to the Lord's second coming.
Student insight and recommendation: a scripture to check out is Mark 11:8-9. Some students from Palm Sunday to Easter will be going to church every night. To show support, faculty can bring a palm leaf into the classroom the Friday before Palm Sunday.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Cru, Catholic Student Association, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
April 10: Rama Navami (Hindu)
Celebration of birth of Prince Rama, avatar of the Hindu God Vishnu, to King Dasharatha
and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya. Hindus across the country and in different parts of
the world chant stories about Shri Ram. Many recite and sing folklores to celebrate
the festival. Worshippers also wash Lord Ram's idols and decorate them with dresses
and make the statue sit in a miniature cradle. Other devotees even organize community
meals for the neighborhood, especially to be distributed among the poor. Other people
also observe a vrat (fast) at this festival. People offer sweets to one another to
mark this special occasion.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Indian Cultural Student Organization, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
April 14: Holy Thursday (Christian)
Commemorates the Maundy (washing the feet of the poor) and Last Supper of Jesus Christ
with the Apostles. Washing of feet is a traditional component. Many things happened
on this holy day including the first communion, announcement that Judas would betray
Jesus, announced that Peter would deny him, and many more.
Student insight and recommendation: Check out Matthew 26:26-29.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Cru, Catholic Student Association, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
April 14: Vaisakhi (Sikh)
Marks the establishment of the Khalsa (religious community of Sikhs) by Guru Gobind
Singh. To celebrate Vaisakhi, Sikhs will visit places of worship called Gurdwaras.
These will also be especially decorated for the occasion. Many people enjoy parades
and special processions through the streets called nagar kirtans. Celebrations traditionally
include singing and music, as well as reading scriptures out loud and chanting hymns.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
April 14: Mahavir Jayanthi (Jain)
Celebrates birth of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. It is the most auspicious day
for Jains. The day is celebrated across the world by the Jain community in memory
of the last spiritual teacher of Jainism. Mahavira's teachings are the main pillars
for Jainism and are also known as "Jain Agamas".
- Nonviolence (Ahimsa) causing no harm to the living beings
- Truthfulness (Satya) to speak the truth
- Non-stealing (Asteya) not to possess things that do not belong to you
- Chastity (Bramacharya) not to indulge in sensual pleasures
- Non-attachment (Aparigraha) not to get attached to material things.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
April 15: Good Friday (Christian)
Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. For Christians,
Good Friday is a crucial day of the year because it celebrates what Christians believe
to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. It is a time of sorrow
for the crucifixion of Jesus.
Student insight and recommendation: Check out Mark 15:33-39. Some students might be attending church services on this day.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Cru, Catholic Student Association, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
April 16: Holy Saturday (Catholic)
Also called Easter Vigil. This observance ends the Lenten season falling one day before
Easter Sunday.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Catholic Student Association, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
April 16-23*: Passover (Jewish)
Commemorates liberation of Israelites by God from slavery in Egypt and their freedom
as a nation under leadership of Moses (work is prohibited on first and last two days_.
The central ritual of Passover is the seder, a carefully choreographed ritual meal
that typically takes place in the home. A number of symbolic foods are laid out on
the table, of which the most important is the matzah, the unleavened "bread of affliction."
The seder follows a script laid out in the Haggadah, a book that tells the story of
the redemption from Egypt.
Student insight and recommendation: During the entire 7 days Jewish people are prohibited from using anything that rises such as bread and yeast.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, the Jewish Federation, Hillel, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
April 16: Hanuman Jayantï (Hindu)
Celebration of birthday of Hanuman, foremost devotee of Sri Rama and Sita. Lord Hanuman
is worshipped as a deity with the ability to attain victory against evil and provide
protection. On this auspicious day, devotees of Lord Hanuman celebrate him and seek
his protection and blessings. They travel to temples to worship him and present religious
offerings.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Indian Student Cultural Organization, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
April 17: Easter (Christian)
Celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In the New Testament
of the Bible, the event is said to have occurred three days after Jesus was crucified
by the Romans and died in roughly 30 A.D. The holiday concludes the "Passion of Christ,"
a series of events and holidays that begins with Lent—a 40-day period of fasting,
prayer and sacrifice—and ends with Holy Week.
Student insight and recommendation: Check out Matthew 28:5-7. This is a joyous time of celebration and gratitude to be shared with family. Please give students ample notice of assignments or exams due on this day.
April 20-May 1*: Ridván (Bahá'í)
Twelve-day festival when founder Bahá'u'lláh declared his mission. The festival of
Ridvan is the most joyous of Baha'i holy days. In villages, towns, and cities around
the world, Baha'i communities celebrate these special days with gatherings open to
all. In thousands of localities around the globe on the first day of Ridvan, Baha'is
also vote for their local governing councils. And throughout the 12-day festival of
Ridvan, national conventions are held in some 180 countries and territories, during
which delegates gather to vote for their National Spiritual Assembly, a nine-member
council responsible for guiding, coordinating, and stimulating the activities of the
Baha'is in its jurisdiction. Baha'i elections are distinct for their lack of nomination
and campaigning.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
April 24: Pascha (Orthodox Christianity)
Celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. People confess, "It
is the Day of Resurrection, let us be glorious, let us embrace one another and speak
to those that hate us; let us forgive all things and so let us cry, Christ has arisen
from the dead". By this hymn they admit that love of one's fellowman is the solid
foundation of the faith in the Resurrection of Christ. It is a joyous celebration
and a time of peace.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
April 27: Yom Ha'shoah (Jewish)
Holocaust Memorial Day. The full name of the day commemorating the victims of the
Holocaust is "Yom Hashoah Ve-Hagevurah"– literally the "Day of (Remembrance of) the
Holocaust and the Heroism." It is marked on the 27th day in the month of Nisan — a
week after the seventh day of Passover. Since the early 1960s, the sound of a siren
on Yom Hashoah stops traffic and pedestrians throughout the State of Israel for two
minutes of silent devotion. The siren blows at sundown as the holiday begins and once
again at 11 a.m. the following morning. All radio and television programs during this
day are connected in one way or another with the Jewish destiny in World War II, including
personal interviews with survivors.
Student insight and recommendation: Some students at 11am might want to take a moment of silence. This is a very sad day and students might be somewhat "out of it", please be patient and respectful.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, the Jewish Federation, Hillel, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
May 1: Summertide (Pagan)
Also called Bealtaine, Beltane, May Day, May Eve, Walpurgis Night, Floralia. A midpoint
holiday as it is about halfway between spring equinox and summer solstice that is
typically celebrated around the 1st of May. It marks the beginning of summer. It is
a cycle of creation and life. It is considered by some to be one of the fire festivals
and is one in which there were purification rites and blessings of fertility. Some
use this celebration for unions/handfastings or renewing intentions to one another.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, A Circle of Pagans, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
May 3*: Eid al-Fitr (Islam)
Marks the end of Ramadan, holy month of fasting. During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims take
part in special morning prayers, greet each other with formal embraces and offer each
other greetings of "Eid Mubarak," or "Have a blessed Eid." They gather with family
and friends, give games and gifts to children and prepare and eat special meals, including
sweet dishes like baklava or Turkish delight in Turkey, date-filled pastries and cookies
in Saudi Arabia and Iraq and bint al sahn (honey cake) in Yemen.
Student insight and recommendation: This is one of the most important holidays for Muslims and asks faculty to give students ample notice of assignments/exams scheduled for this day.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Muslim Student Association, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
May 8: Buddha's Birthday (Buddhist)
Holiday that commemorates the birth of the Buddha To celebrate this event there is
a special service which includes a ceremony in which several Buddha images are placed
in small wash tubs. The Sangha is invited to pour water over the Buddha, marking the
birth of he who would come to awakening and teach others how to do the same.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Buddhist Temple of Toledo, Zen Buddhist Student Association, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
SUMMER 2022
May 19*: Lag B'Omer (Jewish)
Celebrates anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, author of the Zohar
(text of Jewish mysticism). Lag Ba'omer is a minor holiday that occurs on the 33rd
day of the Omer, the 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot. A break from the
semi-mourning of the Omer, key aspects of Lag Ba'omer include holding Jewish weddings
(it's the one day during the Omer when Jewish law permits them), lighting bonfires
and getting haircuts.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, the Jewish Federation, Hillel, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
May 24: Declaration of the Báb (Bahá'í)
Commemorates declaration of the Báb, the forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh the founder of
the Bahá'í Faith. Baha'is view the Bab as a Messenger of God, who had a role that
can be likened to John the Baptist (who told of the coming of Christ) in heralding
the coming of the latest Manifestation of God: Baha'u'llah. The events surrounding
the Declaration of the Bab have been told in many ways, but perhaps the most widely
read is the account in The Dawn-Breakers: Nabil's Narrative of the Early Days of the
Baha'i Revelation. This book was written by Nabil and chronicles the early days of
the Revelations of the Bab and Baha'u'llah.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
May 26: Ascension Day (Christianity)
Feast of Ascension Day for Catholics – Celebrates the departure of Christ from Earth
into the presence of God. It always falls on the fortieth day from Easter and, since
Easter always falls on a Sunday, Ascension Day always falls on a Thursday; it is frequently
called "Holy Thursday." Having accomplished redemption through his suffering on the
cross, the risen and exalted Christ now applies the salvation he has won, by granting
the gifts of repentance and forgiveness of sins.
Student insight and recommendation: Check out Luke 24:50-53.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Cru, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
May 29: Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í)
Anniversary of death of founder. This important holy day is celebrated on the 29th
May, at 3am. This solemn anniversary is a day of rest, and is often observed by reading
or chanting from the scriptures.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
June 5-6*: Shavuot (Jewish)
Festival commemorating giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai (work restrictions). Much
of the observance of the holiday centers on the synagogue and its rituals. The special
readings for the holiday include medieval poems (piyyutim) and the Book of Ruth. Another
tradition is to participate in a Tikkun Leil Shavuot, an all-night study session marking
the holiday.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, the Jewish Federation, Hillel, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
June 5: Pentecost (Christian)
Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his Ascension.
Pentecost isn't associated with feasts or elaborate traditions. Generally, it is a
holiday marked in liturgical churches. Because the holiday's liturgical color is red,
to symbolize the apostles ''tongues of fire" and also the blood of martyrs, sometimes
Christians will dress in red or decorate churches with red.
Student insight and recommendation: Check out Acts 2:1-4
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Cru, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
July 7*: Tisha B'Av (Jewish)
Day of mourning to commemorate many tragedies that have befallen Jewish people, many
occurring on the ninth of Av (fasting and work restrictions). In addition to not eating
or drinking, we are not allowed to wash, anoint oneself or wear leather shoes. In
a prohibition more stringent than on Yom Kippur, Jews are only allowed to study certain
portions of the Torah and Talmud on Tisha B'Av. The observance of Tisha B'Av begins
with the Seudah HaMafseket, the last meal before the fast commences.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, the Jewish Federation, Hillel, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
July 10*: Eid al-Adha (Islam)
Commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice of his son to God. There are two key
Eid's (Celebration Festivals) in Islam: Eid-ul-Fitr, which signifies the completion
of the Holy Month of Ramadan; and Eid-ul-Adha, the greater Eid, which follows the
completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, at the time of Qurbani (sacrifice). Depending
on the country, the celebrations of Eid-ul-Adha can last anywhere between two and
four days. The act of Qurbani (sacrifice) is carried out following the Eid Salaah
(Eid Prayers), which are performed in congregation at the nearest Mosque on the morning
of Eid.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council, Yale's Chaplain's Office, Muslim Student Association, and UToledo Multifaith Council.
July 10: Martyrdom of the Báb (Bahá'í)
Date the Báb was executed. This holiday commemorates the 1850 execution of the co-founder
of the Baha'i faith, the Báb, in Persia. It is one of nine holy days during which
work and school is suspended.
From the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student intern Isabella Weik in collaboration with the Northwest Ohio Multifaith Council.