DESCRIPTIONS

January is National Mentoring Month New Years Day Jan 1 First Day of the new year based on the Gregorian calendar recognized by most cultures, countries, and religious groups globally. Emancipation Day Jan 1 Celebrated in remembrance of the day the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln in 1863 ending slavery. Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday Jan 5 The birthday of the Sikh’s tenth Guru.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 New Year’s Day International, US Emancipation Day African American

2

3

4

5

Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday Sikh

6

Carnival Season begins Christian and International Epiphany Christian Three Kings Day Christian and International Shabbat (begins at sundown) Jewish

7

Christmas Eastern Orthodox Christian and Coptic Shabbat Jewish

8

9

10

11

12

13

Lohri Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh

14

New Years Day Eastern Orthodox Christian Makar Sankranti Hindu

15

World Religion Day Baha’i

16

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day US Religious Freedom Day

17

18

19

Timkat/ Theophany Epiphany Eastern Orthodox Christian Sultan Baha’i

20

21

22

23

Lunar New Year International Chinese New Year China, Buddhist

24

25

26

27

28

Vasanta Panchami Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh

29

30

31

Janu

ary

2012

Carnival Season begins Jan 6 Period of Epiphany to Ash Wednesday the pinnacle of which is Mardi Gras; celebrated internationally with costumes, dancing, parties and parades. Epiphany Jan 6 Celebration of the Three Wise Men’s visit to Jesus. Three Kings Day Jan 6 Culminates the Christmas season. Shabbat (Every Friday at sundown) The weekly Sabbath or day of rest in Judaism will only appear once because of its frequency. Christmas - Eastern Orthodox Jan 7 Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas on January 7, On Christmas Eve, January 6 a lighted candle is placed in the window to guide travelers, in memory of Mary and Joseph's journey. Lohri Jan 13 Bonfires are lit to mark the change from the decrease to the increase of the sun. New Year’s Day Jan 14 First day of the year for followers of the Julian calendar. Makar Sankranti Jan 14 Transition of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn. The days gradually lengthen in the Northern Hemisphere. World Religion Day Jan 15 Established in 1950 by the Baha’i to focus on the religious purpose of unifying people. Martin Luther King Day Jan 16 A day to celebrate the life, contributions and accomplishments of the leader of the national Civil Rights movement. Religious Freedom Day Jan 16 Each year the President calls upon Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship." The day is the anniversary of the passage, in 1786, of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom. Chinese Lunar New Year Jan 23 The New Year festival will start from January 22 (Chinese New Year' Eve) and end on February 6 (Lantern Festival). 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. Vasanta Panchami Jan 28 Spring festival celebrated to honor Saraswati the Goddess of wisdom, learning and fine arts.

“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”

~ The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Janu

ary

2012

DESCRIPTIONS

February is African American History Month and American Heart Month

Groundhog Day Feb 2 If the groundhog sees its shadow there will be six more weeks of winter and a poor season for crops. If it does not see it, winter will shortly end and there will be a productive growing season. Candlemas Feb 2 Commemorates the presentation of Jesus to the Temple of Jerusalem. Imbolic Feb 2 Wiccan celebration of the arrival of spring and light.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

Groundhog Day US Candlemas Christian Imbolc Pagan

3

Setsuban Sai Shinto Mawild al Nabi (begins sundown) Islamic

4

Mawild al Nabi Islamic

5

6

7

Tu B’Shevat (Begins sundown) Jewish Mulk Baha’i Lantern Festival China, Taiwan

8

Boy Scout Day Canada, US Tu B’Shevat Jewish

9

10

11

12

Lincoln’s Birthday US

13

Random Acts of Kindness Week International

14

Valentine’s Day Canada, US Race Relations Day US

15

Nirvana Day Buddhist

16

17

18

19

Brotherhood/ Sisterhood Week Christian / Jewish

20

Presidents’ Day US Maha Shivaratri Hindu

21

Mardi Gras International Shrove Tuesday Christian Carnival Season Begins International

22

Washington’s Birthday US Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins) Christian Losar Tibetan New Year

23

Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education US

24

25

Great Prayer Festival Tibet

26

Intercalary Days Baha’i

27

Clean Monday (Great Lent Begins) Christian – Coptic & Eastern Orthodox

28

29

Febr

uary

201

2

Setsuban Sai Feb 3 The holiday is celebrated among the Shinto of Japan is a good luck festival. Commonly known as "O-mame-maki," Setsubun-sai is the bean throwing festival and is a very popular New Year's ritual. Mawlid al-Nabi Feb 3 (begins at sundown) Feb 4 Commemorates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. Begins sundown the previous day. Lantern Festival Feb 7 Marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Tu B’Shevat Feb 7 (begins at sundown) Feb 8 Holiday is known as the New Year for Trees. Random Acts of Kindness Week Feb 13 – Feb 19 Inspiring people to practice kindness and pass it on to others. St. Valentine’s Day Feb 14 Holiday dedicated to romance derived from a Christian martyr who married people in defiance of a Roman ban in 270 C.E. Race Relations Day Feb 14 Celebration created in 1924 to promote better relations. Nirvana Day Feb 15 Buddhists celebrate the death of the Buddha, because they believe that having attained enlightenment he achieved freedom, moving from one state of being to the next. Brotherhood / Sisterhood Week Feb 19 Fosters tolerance among Catholics, Jews and Protestants supported by the National Conference for Community and Justice. President’s Day Feb 20 Commemorates the birthday of both Presidents Lincoln (2/12/1809) and Washington (2/22/1732). Maha Shivatrati Feb 20 Hindu holiday honoring Lord Shiva. Shrove Tuesday Feb 21 A day to show penitence and confess sins to begin Lent. Ash Wednesday Feb 22 Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, a season of spiritual discipline, cleansing, and fasting which occurs in the forty days before Easter. On Ash Wednesday, a priest or pastor marks a cross on the forehead of parishioners. Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education Feb 23 On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously against segregation in schools Brown vs. Board of Education, which ended legal segregation in public schools. Intercalary Days Feb 26 through Mar 1 Baha’i time of rejoicing, giving and greeting to prepare for fasting March 2nd through March 20th.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou

Febr

uary

201

2

DESCRIPTIONS

March is Women’s History Month, Deaf History Month, Greek American Heritage Month, Irish American Heritage Month, and

Spiritual Awareness Month Ala Mar 2 The final month of the Bahai calendar, the time of the 19 day fast in preparation of the new year. Casimir Pulaski Mar 5 Memorializes the death of the Polish Count, who was an American Revolutionary hero.

Mar

ch 2

012

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

Ala Baha’i World Day of Prayer International

3

4

5

Casimir Pulaski Day US

6

7

Purim (Begins sundown) Jewish

8

Purim Jewish Holi Sihk Hindu International Women’s Day International

9

Hola Mohalla Bikarami Sikh

10

11

Daylight Savings Time Begins US

12

Girl Scout Day Canada, US

13

14

15

16

Gahambar Hamaspathmaden Zoroastrian

17

St. Patrick’s Day N. Ireland, Ireland, US

18

19

St. Joseph’s Day Christian

20

Equinox Eostre Wicca Shunki-Sorei-Sai Shinto Shunbun no hi Japan Ostara Celtic, Pagan

21

Now Ruz (New Year) Zoroastrian International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination UN

22

World Day for Water U.N.

23

Chetra Navratras Hindu

24

25

Annunciation Christian

26

Birth of Prophet Zarathustra Zoroastrian Kuhio Day Hawaii

27

28

29

30

31

César Chávez Day US Earth Hour International

Purim Mar 7 (Begins at sundown) Mar 8 Commemorates the event where Jews were saved from a plot to destroy them in ancient Persia. Begins at sundown. Holi Mar 8 Festival of color celebrating spring. International Women’s Day Mar 8 Celebrates the contributions of working women, marked by the revolt of female garment district workers in New York in 1857. Hola Mohalla Mar 9 Honors Guru Gobind Singh, who fought against tyranny. Daylight Saving Time Begins Mar 11 Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem Mar 16 Celebrates the day of creation. St. Patrick’s Day Mar 17 The patron saint of Ireland converted its inhabitants to christianity in 432 C.E. St. Joseph’s Day Mar 19 Honors the event surrounding Jesus’ birth and Joseph’s search for shelter. Equinox Mar 20 The length of daylight is the same everywhere on the planet; marks the start of spring in the Northern March 2012. Eostre Mar 20 Feritlity festival celebrating the birth of spring. Shunki-Sorei-Sai Mar 20 Ancestors are given reverence at home altars and condiered active members of the living family. Shunbun no hi Mar 20 During the time of the Spring Equinox, Buddhists meditate on the harmony in the universe. Ostara March 20 Celtic, Pagan rituals that marked the spring planning. Now Ruz Mar 21 Baha’i New Year . International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination March 21 A day to promote efforts to eradicate racial discrimination worldwide. Chetra Navratras Mar 23 Chetra Navratras signifies the start of the Indian or the Hindu New Year. Annunciation Mar 25 The day Mary Jesus’s mother was told she would be the mother of Christ. Birth of the Prophet Zarathustra Mar 26 Foundar of the Zoroastrian religion dating back to sometime between 1500 and 1000 BCE. Kuhio Day March 26 Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day, also known as Prince Kuhio Day, is a state holiday in Hawaii celebrating one of the best-known leaders in Hawaii’s history. César Chávez Day March 31 Celebrates the birthday of César Estrada Chávez and it serves as a tribute to his commitment to social justice and respect for human dignity.

Mar

ch 2

012

DESCRIPTIONS April is Celebrate Diversity Month

Palm Sunday Apr 1 The beginning of h oly week celebrating the day that Jesus was given a special welcome into Jerusalem using palm leaves. Ram Navami Apr 1 Hindu festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Shri Rama. A dietary consideration may be necessary. April Fools Day Apr 1 International day of humor and jokes. Originated in 1852 France when the Gregorian calendar moved the New Year from March 25th to January 1st. The “fools” were those who forgot. World Autism Awareness Day Apr 2 Aims to increase people's awareness about people, especially children, with autism.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 April Fool’s Day International, US Palm Sunday Christian Ram Navami Hindu

2

World Autism Awareness Day International

3

4

5

Mahavira Jayanti Jain Maundy Thursday Christian

6

Good Friday Christian Passover (begins sundown) Jewish National Tartan Day UN Organization of the Church Mormon

7

Passover Jewish World Health Day UN

8

Easter Christian

9

Easter Monday Christian Jalal (2nd Month) Baha’i

10

11

12

Holy Thursday Christian –Coptic & Eastern Orthodox

13

Holy Friday Christian –Coptic & Eastern Orthodox Buddhist New Year Vaisakhi Hindu, Jain, Sikh

14

Baisakhi Sikh Hindu

15

Easter Christian Coptic and Eastern Orthodox

16

Emancipation Day US Easter Monday Christian Coptic and Eastern Orthodox

17

18

Theravada New Year Buddhist

19

Yom HaShoah Jewish

20

National Day of Silence Gay and Lesbian Festival of Ridvan (begins at sundown) Baha’i

21

Feast of Ridvan Baha’i

22

Earth Day International

23

24

Akshaya Tritya Jain

25

Administrative Professionals Day US Yom HaZikaron (begins at sundown) Jewish

26

Take Sons/Daughters to Work Day US Gathering of Nations Powwow US HaZtzma’ut Jewish

27

National Arbor Day US

28

Vesak Buddha’s Birthday Buddhist

29

30

Gahambar Maidyozarem Zoroastrian Belane Celtic, Pagan

Apr

il 20

12

Mahavir Jayanti Apr 5 Most important religious holiday in Jainism celebrates the birth of Mahavira the last Titrhankara. Maundy Thursday Apr 5 The day Jesus ate the last supper and washed the feet of his disciples. Good Friday Apr 6 Signifies the end of Lent and is held in remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus. A dietary restriction are removed at the close of Lent. Passover Apr 6 (begins sundown) - April 7 Jewish celebration commemorating the Jewish people’s release from slavery in Egypt. A dietary consideration may be necessary. National Tartan Day Apr 6 A day in celebration of people of Scottish origins in the U.S. and Canada. Organization of the Church Apr 6 Commemorates the day that the Church of Latter Day Saints was founded. World Health Day Apr 7 The day is used to draw attention to particular priorities in global health. Easter April 8 Easter, a Christian holiday that is celebrated to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Vaisakhi April 13 The first day of the Hindu New Year festival of gifts and sweets. Baisakhi Apr 14 Baisakhi is New Year's Day in Punjab. Emancipation Day Apr 16 Marks the anniversary of the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act. Theravada Buddhist New Year Apr 18 New Year festival for Theravada Buddhists, celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April. Yom HaShoah Apr 19 A day to memorialize Jews killed in concentration camps during World War II. National Day of Silence Apr 20 Members of the GLBT community protest against discrimination. Festival of Ridvan Apr 20 (begins sundown) - Apr 21 A 12 day celebration commemorating Baha’ullah’s stay in the Garden of Ridvan. Earth Day Apr 22 A time to call attention to the need to conserve natural resources. Administrative Professionals Day Apr 25 A day to recognize the contributions of secretaries. Take Sons and Daughters to Work Day Apr 26 An annual event that encourages, inspires and introduces youngsters age 8 -18 to the workplace. Gathering of Nations Powwow Apr 26 A 3-day celebration that brings over 500 tribes and nations to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Vesak Buddha’s Birthday Apr 28 Commemorates the birth of Siddartha Gautama the founder of Buddhism. Gahambar Maidyozarem Apr 30 It is the mid-spring festival which comes in April or May each year.

Apr

il 20

12

DESCRIPTIONS May is the month for Asian Pacific American Heritage,

Jewish American Heritage and Older Americans.

May Day May 1 May Day can refer to various labor celebrations conducted on May 1st that commemorate the fight for the eight-hour day. May Day in this regard is called International Workers' Day, or Labor Day. Lei Day May 1 A festival of flowers created in 1928 to pay tribute to Hawaiian culture.

Beltane May 1 The Celtic festival of Beltane, or May Day is the fertility festival marking the beginning of summer.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

May Day International Labor Day Global, US Lei Day Hawaiian, US

2

3

National Day of Prayer US World Press Freedom Day UN

4

5

Cinco de Mayo Mexican American, US Vesak Budda’s Birthday Buddhist

6

7

8

VE (Victory in Europe) Day US World Red Cross Day International

9

10

Golden Spike Day Asian American, US

11

12

13

Mother’s Day US

14

15

International Day of Families U.N.

16

17

Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education US Azamat Baha’i Ascension Day Christian

18

19

Armed Forces Day US

20

21

World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development U.N.

22

National Maritime Day US International Day or Biological Diversity U.N. Declaration of the Bab (sundown) Baha’i

23

Declaration of the Bab Baha’i

24

Ascension Day Eastern Orthodox

25

African Freedom Day International

26

Shavuot (begins sundown) Jewish

27

Pentecost Coptic and Eastern Orthodox Christian Shavuot Jewish

28

Memorial Day US Ascension of Baha’u’llah (sundown) Baha’i

29

Ascension of Baha’u’llah Baha’i Peacekeepers Day U.N

30

31

World No Tobacco Day U.N.

May

201

2

National Day of Prayer May 3 An annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked "to turn to God in prayer and meditation". Cinco De Mayo May 5 A Day for Mexican Americans to celebrate their heritage. Vesak Budda’s Birthday May 5 Celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. V-E (Victory in Europe) Day May 8 Commemorates the day the Germans surrendered to the Allied Forces in 1945. Golden Spike Day May 10 Recognizes the contribution of Chinese workers on the Transcontinental Railroad. This was the day that the final spike was driven Mother’s Day May 13 A day to celebrate mothers, initiated by Woodrow Wilson in 1914. Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education decision May 17 The day the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. Azamat May 17 "Grandeur," the fourth month in the Bahá'í calendar. Ascension Day May 17 Christian, May 24 Eastern Orthodox & Coptic Commemorates the day Jesus ascended into heaven. Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education May 17 The day the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. Armed Forces Day May 19 This day is a day to salute to the men and woman in all branches of the service. National Maritime Day May 22 Day of remembrance of merchant mariners who died in defense of their country. Declaration of the Bab May 23 Baha’i celebration commemorating the day that the Bab revealed that he was the herald of a Messenger of God. Shavuot May 27 Shavuot celebrates the time when the Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Memorial Day May 28 A day to remember fallen soldiers. Ascension of Baha’u’llah” May 28 (begins sundown) - May 29 Marks the death in 1892 of the founder of the Baha’i. Peacekeepers Day May 29 The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is a day to remember those who served in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations.

DESCRIPTIONS

June is Lesbian and Gay Pride Month National and Caribbean American Heritage Month

Trinity Sunday Jun 3 The day that the Catholic Church has set aside to honor the most fundamental of Christian beliefs, the Holy Trinity. Pentecost Jun 3 The seventh Sunday after Easter, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. Also called Whitsunday. D-Day Jun 6 The day U.S. troops landed on the shores of Normandy during World War II. Corpus Christi Jun 7 A festival in honor of the Eucharist.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3

Trinity Sunday Christian Pentecost Christian

4

5

6

D-Day US

7

Corpus Christi Catholic

8

Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival Native American, US

9

10

Race Unity Day Baha’i

11

King Kamehmeha Day Hawaiian, US

12

13

14

Flag Day US

15

Shab-e-Miraj (Begins at sundown) Islamic

16

Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sikh Shab-e-Miraj Islamic

17

Father’s Day US

18

19

Juneteenth African American, US

20

Solstice International Litha Celtic, Pagan

21

22

23

St. John’s Eve Christian, International

24

Feast of St. John The Baptist Christian, International

25

26

United Nations Charter Day U.N.

27

28

Stonewall Rebellion Gay & Lesbian US

29

30

June

201

2

Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival Jun 8th through Jun 10 A 3 day festival designed to preserve and promote the rich traditions of Native Americans. Race Unity Day Jun 10 The day was begun in 1957 by the Baha'i National Spiritual Assembly in the United States, with the purpose of focusing attention on racial prejudice. King Kamehameha Day Jun 11 Celebrated in honor of the man who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810 and became their first king, Kamehameha I. Flag Day Jun 14 Commemorates the flag and its adoption in 1777. Shab-e-Miraj Jun 15 (begins sundown) Jun 16 Commemorates the ascent of Muhammad the holy prophet of Islam into heaven. Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Jun 16 Marks the death of the first Sikh guru. Father’s Day Jun 17 This tradition of honoring fathers was initiated in 1910 by Louis Dodd. Juneteenth Jun 19 Juneteenth is an annual observance on June 19 to remember when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865. Solstice Jun 20 The longest day of the year. Commemorates the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere, and Winter in the southern. Litha Jun 20 Celtic Pagan, also known as Summer Solstice. St. John’s Eve Jun 23 Also known as Mid-Summer’s Eve, celebrates the feast of St. John and the Summer Solstice. Feast of St. John the Baptist Jun 24 Christian holiday celebrated in several countries commemorates the birth of St. John the Baptist. United Nations Charter Day Jun 26 The day members from the 50 nations signed the U.N. charter in 1945. Stonewall Rebellion Jun 28 Represents the first open action of gays and lesbians towards procuring equal treatment under the law. Celebrated in remembrance of a protest in New York against police harassment.

“If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.”

~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

June

201

2

DESCRIPTIONS Asalhapuja Jul 3 A Theraveda Buddhist celebration of the Buddha’s first sermon and the setting of the Wheel of Truth into the world.

008 Shab-e-Barat Jul 3 (begins at sundown) - Jul 4 A fast in preparation for Ramadan. 0 Independence Day Jul 4 Commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence by representatives of the 13 colonies.

July

201

2 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3

Asalhapuja Buddhist Shab-e-Barat (begins at sundown) Islamic

4

Independence Day US Shab-e-Barat Islamic

5

6

Dalai Lama’s Birthday Tibet

7

8

Martyrdom of the Bab (begins at sundown) Baha’i

9

Martyrdom of the Bab Baha’i

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Ramadan (Begins at sundown) Islamic

20

Ramadan Begins Islamic

21

22

23

Birth of Haile Selassie I. Rastafarian

24

Pioneer Day Latter day Saints (Mormon)

25

26

Americans with Disabilities Act Signed US

27

28

29

Tisha B’Av Jewish

30

O-Harai- Taisai Shinto

31

Dalai Lama’s Birthday Jul 6 Celebration of the Dalai Lama's 77th birthday.

Martyrdom of the Bab Jul 8 (begins at sundown) Jul 9 Begins the day prior at sundown. Baha’i day of remembrance that marks the arrest, confinement, torture and execution of the Bab.

Ramadan Jul 19 (begins sundown) Jul 20 Islamic holiday which marks the revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad. It begins with the new moon and fasting ends with the next new moon.

Birth of Haile Selassie I. Jul 23 1892 birthday of the former Ethiopian Emperor. The origin of Rastafari is based on a word which means prince. Pioneer Day Jul 24 Mormon; refers to the settlers who moved into Utah in 1847 led by Brigham Young. American Disabilities Act Signed Jul 26 Focuses on providing reasonable accommodations and standards for differently-abled Americans. Tisha B’Av Jul 29 A day of mourning and fasting as Jews mourn the destruction of the temples in Jerusalem. O-Harai-Taisai Jul 30 Observed twice a year, Oh-harai-taisai is the Shinto "Grand Purification Ceremony."

“Courage is the discovery that you may not win and trying when you know you can lose.”

~ Tom Krause

DESCRIPTIONS

Lughnasadh Aug 1 Major Wiccan harvest celebration. Raksha Bandan Aug 2 Hindu girls tie a threaded amulet around their brothers for protection from evil. V-J Day Aug 3 Commemorates the surrender of Japan to the Allied Forces.

Aug

ust

2012

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Lughnasadh (Lammas Day) Celtic, Pagan

2

Raksha Bandhan Hindu

3

V-J Day US

4

5

6

7

International Day of the Words Indigenous People U.N.

8

Fravardeghan Zoroastrian

9

10

Janmashtami Hindu

11

12

International Youth Day U.N.

13

Lailat ul-Qadr (begins sundown) Islamic

14

Lailat ul-Qadr Islamic

15

Assumption of the Virgin Mary Christian

16

17

18

Now Ruz (Shenshai) Zorostrian Eid al-Fitr (begins sundown) Islamic

19

Eid al-Fitr Islamic

20

21

22

23

24

Birth of Prophet Zarathustra (Shenshai) Zorostrian

25

26

Women’s Equality Day US

27

28

29

30

31

International Day of the Words of Indigenous People Aug 7 International Day of the World's Indigenous People is observed on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population. Fravardeghan Aug 8 Ancestors are memorialized during this time.

Janmashtami Aug 10 A Hindu festival to honor Lord Krishna celebrated with fasting. International Youth Day Aug 12 Celebrated to recognize efforts of the world’s youth in enhancing global society. It also aims to promote ways to engage them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities. Lailat ul-Qadr Aug 13 (begins at sundown) Aug 14 Begins the previous day at sundown and falls within the final 10 days of the month of Ramadan. Commemorates the Qur’an’s revelation to Muhammad AD 610. Dietary consideration Assumption of the Virgin Mary Aug 15 Marks the taking of the body and soul of the Virgin Mary into heaven. Now-Ruz Aug 18 Celebrates the creation of fire. Eid al-Fitr Aug 18 (begins at sundown) Aug 19 The end of the Ramadan fast; begins the evening prior at sundown. Birth of the Prophet Zarathustra Aug 24 Founder of the Zoroatrian religion. Women’s Equality Day Aug 26 A day to honor the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the constitution giving women the right to vote. . .

“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”

~ Albert Einstein

DESCRIPTIONS

September is the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month and Women in Medicine Month

Labor Day Sep 3 A day to honor workers. International Literacy Day Sep 8 Created to focus on literacy issues around the world. Grandparent’s Day Sep 9 Initiated in 1979 in honor of Grandparents.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3

Labor Day US

4

5

6

7

8

International Literacy Day U.N.

9

Grandparent’s Day US

10

11

Patriot Day US

12

Gahambar Paitishahem Zoroastrian

13

14

15

Hispanic Heritage Month Begins US

16

Rosh Hashanah (begins at sundown) Jewish

17

Constitution Day US Citizenship Day US Rosh Hashanah Jewish

18

19

Ganesh Chaturthi Hindu Paryushana-Parva Jain

20

Samvatsari Jain Dashalakshani- Parva Jain

21

International Day of Peace U.N.

22

Oktoberfest German Equinox International Mabon Celtic, Pagan, Wiccan

23

24

National Deaf Awareness Week US

25

Yom Kippur (begins sundown) Jewish

26

Yom Kippur Jewish

27

Maskal Ethiopian Orthodox Christian

28

Confucius’s Birthday

29

Ananta-Chaturdasi Jain

30

Sukkot (begins sundown) Jewish Ksamavani Jain

Sept

embe

r 20

12

Patriot Day Sept 11 Held in memory of nearly 3000 people who died on 9/11 during terrorist attacks in New York, Washington DC and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Gahambar Paitishahem Sept 12 Celebrates the creation of Earth. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day Sep 17 Honors the anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution in 1787, as well as those from other countries who become US citizens each year. Rosh Hashanah Sept 16 (begins at sundown) Sept 17 Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year and is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the New Year. Ganesh Chaturthi Sep 19 This day is offered to the Hindu God of success, wisdom and the remover of obstacles. Paryushana-Parva Sept 19 The holiest time of the year marked by fasting. Samvatsari Sep 20 Dedicated to introspection confession and penance. Dashalakshani-Parvi Sept 20 Dedicated to virtue, humility, honesty, purity, forgiveness, truthfulness, self-restraint, celibacy and detachment. International Day of Peace Sep 21 A day for people of all nations to honor peace. Oktoberfest Sep 22 German harvest celebration involving food and beer. Equinox Sept 22 The day that daylight is the same all over the planet. Mabon Sept 22 The Autumn Equinox. Yom Kippur Sept 25 (begins at sundown) Sept 26 Begins at sundown the day prior and is the holiest of the Jewish holidays. A dietary consideration may be necessary. Maskal Sep 27 Marks the finding of the cross in which Jesus was crucified by the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Ananta-Chaturdasi Sept 29 Festival of 10 virtues. Sukkot Sept 30 (begins at sundown) Sukkot is a seven-day Jewish festival, which begins on the fifth day following Yom Kippur. Ksamavani Sept 30 The day of universal forgiveness.

“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” ~ Madame Curie

Sept

embe

r 20

12

.

DESCRIPTIONS

October is the month for Disability Employment Awareness, and National Italian Heritage.

International Day of the Elderly Oct 1 This day signifies the contributions that older people make to society.

Sukkot Oct 1 Begins at sundown the day prior; celebrates the protection the Israelites received while wandering in the desert for 40 years; an 8 day festival of giving thanks and appreciating the harvest.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 International Day for the Elderly U.N. Sukkot Jewish

2

Gandhi’s Birthday India

3

4

5

National Diversity Day US

6

7

Shemini Atzeret (begins at sundown) Jewish

8

Columbus Day US Shemini Atzeret Jewish

9

Leif Eriksson Day Norwegian, American Simchat Torah Jewish

10

World Mental Health Day U.N.

11

National Coming Out Day Gay &Lesbian

12

Gahambar Ayathrem Zorostrian

13

14

15

16

National Boss Day US Navratri Hindu

17

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty U.N. Mahavira Nirvana Jain

18

Alaska Day US

19

Birthday of the Bab (begins at sundown) Baha’i

20

Durga Puja Hindu Birthday of the Bab Baha’i

21

22

23

24

Dussehra Hindu United Nations Day U.N.

25

Day of Hajj Islamic Eid-ul-Adha (begins sundown) Islamic

26

Eid-ul-Adha Islamic

27

28

29

30

Pavarana Buddhist

31

Halloween US Reformation Day Christian Protestant Samhain Celtic, Pagan

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2

Gandhi’s Birthday Oct 2 Celebration of Mohandas Karmchand Gandhi, the father of India, who adopted non-violence in fighting for freedom of the country. National Diversity Day Oct 5 National Diversity Day is a day to celebrate and embrace who we are, despite our differences, no matter what race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, or disability.

Columbus Day Oct 8 Marks the 1492 arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas. Shemini Atzeret Oct 7 (Begins at sundown) Oct 8 Part of the Sukkot festival. Simchat Torah Oct 9 Starts at sundown the night before; celebrates the closing of the public reading of the Torah. National Coming Out Day Oct 11 A day encouraging gays and lesbians to be open with pride. This was also the day that the March on Washington supporting Gay rights took place in 1987. Gahambar Ayathrem Oct 12 A day to celebrate the creation of plant life. Navratri Oct 16 It means “nine nights” starting on the new moon and ending on Dussehra. Mahavira Nirvana Oct 17 Festival of lamps. Alaska Day Oct 18 Marks the official transfer of Alaskan Territory from Russia to the US on this day in 1867. Birthday of the Bab Oct 19 (begins at sundown) Oct 20 Begins at sundown the day prior; honors the birth of the Bab the prophet herald of the Baha’I faith. Durga Puja Oct 20 - Oct 24 Celebrates the divine creative force of the universe. Dussehra Oct 24 Celebrates the triumph of Lord Ram over Ravan. Pavarana Oct 30 This marks the end of the three-month Vassa-retreat. Halloween Oct 31 The Christian holiday All Hallow’s Eve. Samhain Oct 31 A Celtic festival held in honor of Saman the Lord of the Dead in ancient times. The day that souls who had died the previous year come together. “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle” ~ Plato

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DESCRIPTIONS

November is Native American Heritage Month All Saints Day Nov 1 Honors all Christian Saints. All Souls Day Nov 2 Celebrated in remembrance of those who have passed. Karva Chauth Nov 2 A fast in honor of the God Shiva and Goddess Parviti, where Hindu women ensure, the safety, and success of their spouses. Veterans’ Day Nov 11 Honors those who served in U.S. wars and provides a “day of thanks” for their service to the United States.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

All Saints Day Christian

2

All Souls Day Christian, Catholic Karva Chauth Hindu

3

4

Daylight Savings Time Ends US

5

6

General Election Day US

7

8

9

10

11

Veteran’s Day US Birthday of Baha’u’llah (Begins at sundown) Baha’i

12

Birthday of Baha’u’llah Baha’i

13

Mahavira Nirvana Jain International World Kindness Day U.N. Diwali Sikh/Hindu

14

Hijra (Begins at sundown) Islamic World Diabetes Day U.N.

15

Hijra Islamic

16

International Day of Tolerance U.N.

17

National Adoption Day US

18

19

20

Transgender Day of Remembrance Gay & Lesbian Universal Children’s Day U.N.

21

22

Thanksgiving Day US

23

Native American Heritage Day US Ashura (Begins at sundown) Islamic

24

Guru Tegh Bahdur Martyrdom Sikh Ashura Islamic

25

Day of The Covenant (Begins at sundown) Baha’i

26

Day of The Covenant Baha’i

27

Ascension of Abdul-Baha (Begins at sundown) Baha’i

28

Ascension of Abdul-Baha Baha’i Guru Nanak’s Birthday Sikh

29

30

N

ovem

ber

2012

Birthday of Baha’u’llah Nov 11 (Begins at sundown) Nov 12 The 1817 birth of the founder of the Baha’i faith in Nur, Persia. Mahavira Nirvana Nov 13 This day celebrates the attainment of Moksa by Lord Mahavira and is the “Festival of Lamps”. International World Kindness Day Nov 13 It is a day that encourages individuals to overlook boundaries, race and religion. Diwali Nov 13 Diwali means “row of lights” and is the Hindu New Year. Hijra Nov 14 (Begins as sundown) Nov 15 Starts at sundown the day prior, the first day of the Islamic New Year. International Day of Tolerance Nov 16

A day of observance to educate people about the need for tolerance in society and to help them understand the negative effects of intolerance.

National Adoption Day Nov 17 National Adoption Day is a national day of celebration of adoptive families. Transgender Day of Remembrance Nov 20 Memorializes those killed in hate crimes against gays and lesbians. Thanksgiving Day Nov 22 The fourth Thursday in November. Celebrates the first harvest of the Plymouth Colony in 1621. Native American Heritage Day Nov 23 A day to remember how the Thanksgiving holiday began – as a harvest celebration between European settlers and the American Indians. Ashura Nov 23 (Begins at sundown) Nov 24 The tenth day of the first Islamic month (Muharram). Guru Tegh Bahdur Martyrdom Nov 24 Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth of the ten Gurus who founded Sikhism. Day of the Covenant Nov 25 (Begins at sundown) - Nov 26 Starts at sundown the day prior; commemorates the covenant that the founder of the Baha’i faith made with his followers. Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha’i Nov 28 Anniversary of the death of `Abdu’l-Bahá, son of Bahá’u’lláh and His appointed successor, on Nov 28, 1921. Guru Nanak’s Birthday Nov 28 The 1469 birth of the founder of the Sikh religion, which has origins in both the Hindu and Islamic religions. Humankind is not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.

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~Chief Seattle

DESCRIPTIONS

Rosa Parks Day Dec 1 Marks the day that Rosa Parks refused to relinquish her seat on the bus, resulting in a boycott ending segregation. World AIDS Day Dec 1 This day is designated by the World Health Organization and UN to increase awareness and education of AIDS. Advent Dec 2 The four Sundays of Advent are preparation for Christmas International Day of Disabled Persons Dec 3 Focuses on the need to integrate people who are differently-abled into the larger society.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Rosa Parks Day US World Aids Day U.N.

2 Advent Christian

3

International Day of Persons with Disabilities U.N.

4

5

6

St Nicholas Day International

7

Pearl Harbor Day US

8

Bodhi Day Buddhist Feast of Immaculate Conception Christian Hanukkah (begins sundown) Jewish

9

Hanukkah Jewish

10

Human Rights Day U.N. Maunajiyaras Jain

11

12

13

Luciadagen Sweden, US

14

15

Bill of Rights Day US

16

International Migrants Day U.N.

17

18

19

20

21

Tohji-Tasai Shinto Solstice International

22

Yule Celtic, Pagan,Wiccan

23

Joseph Smith’s Birthday Mormon

24

25

Christmas Christian

26

Kwanzaa African American Death of the Prophet Zarathustra Zoroastrian

27

28

29

Anniversary of the Wounded Knee Massacre Native American US

30

31

New Year’s Eve International Gahambar  Maidyarem    Zorostrian

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St. Nicholas Day Dec 6 International day to celebrate St. Nicholas, a Christian Bishop known for his good deeds. Pearl Harbor Day Dec 7 Commemorates the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked. Bodhi Day Dec 8 A Sanskrit word which means “awakening”. Commemorates the day of Buddha’s enlightenment after sitting under a tree for 7 days, trying to understand the meaning of life. Hanukkah Dec 8 (begins sundown) Dec 9 Jewish celebration lasting 8 days involving an eight branch Menorah which represents the miracle of small supply of oil lasting eight days. Human Rights Day Dec 10 Created by the U.N. to acknowledge the universal Declaration of Human rights in 1948. Maunajiyaras Dec 10 A day of fasting, silence and meditation on the five holy teachers of Jainism. Luciadagen Dec 13 Swedish Saint known as the Queen of Light, begins the Christmas season. Bill of Rights Day Dec 15 Marks the 1791 ratification of the Bill of Rights. Tohji-Tasai Dec 21 Celebrates the end of the Yin period of the sun in its declining power and growing strength of the Yang period. Solstice Dec 21 This is the shortest day, and the day that winter starts in the Northern hemisphere and summer begins in the southern. Yule Dec 22 The longest night of the year. The rebirth of the life sustaining sun is celebrated. Joseph Smith’s Birthday Dec 23 Mormon leader and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ- Latter Day Saints. Christmas Dec 25 Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Kwanzaa Dec 26 A celebration to honor African-American heritage lasting seven days. Each day is dedicated to one of the following principles, unity, self determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Death of the Prophet Zarathustra Dec 26 Marks the death of the founder of the Zoroastrian faith. Anniversary of the Wounded Knee Massacre Dec 29 A creek of southwest South Dakota. Some 200 Native Americans were massacred here by U.S. troops on December 29, 1890 Gahambar Maidyarem Dec 31 Celebrates the creation of animals; a time for sharing food equally. New Year’s Eve Dec 31

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~ Gandhi

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