The Day of the Covenant is the day when Baháʼís celebrate the appointment of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá as the Centre of Baha'u'llah's Covenant. It occurs yearly on the 4th day of Speech (Qawl) which coincides with either November 25 or 26 depending on when Naw-Rúz (referred to as Nowruz by the United Nations) falls on that year. The day is one of two Baháʼí holy days where work does not need to be suspended.
Type: Event
The Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is a holy day that commemorates the death of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. It is observed on 6 Qawl (27 or 28 November). Work is not suspended on this day as it is on some holy days. The typical observance consists of devotional readings and is held at 1:00 AM, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away about 1:00 AM on 28 November, 1921.
Type: Event
Transgender Awareness Week, which takes place between November 13 – 19, is a week where transgender people and their allies help raise the visibility of transgender people and address issues members of the community face. The week immediately precedes Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Type: Event
Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance that honors the lives and memory of transgender people who have been killed in acts of anti-transgender violence. Observed on November 20, immediately following Transgender Awareness Week, Transgender Day of Remembrance is a somber occasion and is intended to provide a forum for transgender communities and allies to raise awareness of the…
Type: Event
About National Day of Mourning, The National Day of Mourning is an annual demonstration, held on the fourth Thursday in November, that aims to educate the public about Native Americans in the United States, notably the Wampanoag and other tribes of the Eastern United States; dispel myths surrounding the Thanksgiving story in the United States; and raise awareness toward historical and ongoing struggles facing Native American…
Type: Event
The Origins of Hanukkah, The holiday is named Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, in honor of the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after a small band of Jewish people reclaimed it from the Syrian-Greeks in second century BCE. The group had a small amount of oil to light the Temple, which they expected to last only briefly; however, the oil continued to burn for eight nights. The lighting of the…, When and How Hanukkah is Observed, Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. The, Hanukkah menorah, (or hanukkiah) is a nine-branched candelabrum lit during the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah. Eight of the nine branches hold lights that symbolize the eight nights of the holiday; on each night, one more light is lit than the previous night, until on the final night all eight branches are ignited. The ninth branch holds a candle, called the shamash ("helper" or "servant"), used to light the other…, How to Wish Someone a Happy Hanukkah, There are several ways in which you can wish someone a Happy Hanukkah, including "Happy Hanukkah!" or one of the following:, Chag Sameach, (Happy Holiday): This saying is not limited to Hanukkah and can be used during any Jewish holiday;, Chag Urim Sameach, (Happy Festival of Lights); or, Hanukkah Sameach, (Happy Hanukkah).
Type: Event
What is Bodhi Day?, Celebrated annually on December 8, Bodhi Day (pronounced Bow-dee) commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, which is also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali. According to tradition, Siddhartha had recently forsaken years of extreme ascetic practices and resolved to sit under a peepal tree, also known as a Bodhi tree, and simply…, How is Bodhi Day observed?, Services and traditions vary amongst Buddhist sects, but all such services commemorate the Buddha's achievement of Nirvana, and what this means for Buddhism today. Individuals may choose to commemorate the event through additional meditation, study of the Dharma, chanting of Buddhist texts (sutras), or performing kind acts towards other beings. Some Buddhists celebrate with a traditional meal of…, Learn more about Buddhist Holidays, Want to learn more about Bodhi Day and other Buddhist holidays? Check out this Buddhist Holidays slide deck by Tricycle: The Buddhist Review .
Type: Event
The winter solstice is the astronomical first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight in the whole year and is called the “shortest day of the year.” The solstice itself actually occurs at an exact moment, when the hemisphere is tilted as far away from the Sun as it can be., Why is the Winter Solstice important?, Winter solstice celebrations have a rich history around the world . There are many cultures that hold feasts and celebrate holidays around the winter solstice, often with fire and light. Some of the modern-day festivals celebrated around the world are: Dongzhi – a festival celebrated in China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea. Families gather to celebrate the increase in positive energy with…, Learn more about Winter Solstice, Want to learn more about Winter Solstice? Check out the Almanac’s Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Facts, Folklore, and More!
Type: Event
Kwanzaa is an annual African American and pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. It is held from December 26 to January 1, and culminates in a communal feast called Karamu., Origins of Kwanzaa, Kwanzaa was first created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 during the aftermath of the Watts riots (alternatively known as the Watts Rebellion or Watts Uprising). Karenga created Kwanzaa as a specifically African American holiday which provided an “opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history.” It is loosely based on fruit harvest festival traditions from various parts of Africa,…, Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles), The celebration of Kwanzaa includes recognition of a set of ideals that its founder called the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba . Umoja (Unity) Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Nia (Purpose) Kuumba (Creativity) Imani (Faith), Primary Symbols of Kwanzaa, Mazao (The Crops) Mkeka (The Mat) Kinara (The Candle Holder) Muhindi (The Corn) Kikombe cha Umoja (The Unity Cup) Mishumaa Saba (The Seven Candles) Zawadi (The Gifts), Learn more about Kwanzaa, You can learn more about the Nguzo Saba, the primary symbols of Kwanzaa, and the history and meaning of the holiday by visiting the Official Kwanzaa Website .
Type: Event
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The significance of January originates from the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln issued on January 1, 1863, declaring 3.1 million slaves free. The month is dedicated to raising awareness about the different forms of human trafficking and educating people about this crime and how to spot it. For more…
Type: Event
