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 .
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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!
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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 .
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January 4 is World Braille Day. It is celebrated on this day to honor the birth of Louis Braille, the inventor of the touch reading and writing system. Recognizing World Braille Day reminds us of the importance of Braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for the blind, deafblind, and partially sighted communities. For more information, visit the United…
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Makar Sankranti is the first major harvest festival to be celebrated in India. It is recognized as both a religious as well as seasonal observance dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God. Makar Sankranti marks the close of the Winter season and the beginning of a new harvest season. Social activities include colorful decorations, children singing, dances, kite flying, bonfires and feasts. To learn…
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The anniversary of the death of the founder of the Bahá'í faith, Bahá'u'lláh. This solemn anniversary is a day of rest, and is often observed by reading or chanting from the scriptures.
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Because UMass values the relationship with our vendors and partners, we have prepared the below information for educational purposes and to limit instances of our vendors/partners becoming victimized by scams. It has come to our attention that a nationwide fraud/scam has been targeting University suppliers across the country, including UMass. The scammers pretend to be University employees and…
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The Office of General Counsel and Chancellor Marcelo Suarez-Orozco represented UMass at the Boston Bar Association’s annual Higher Education Legal Conference on March 2, 2023. Chancellor Suarez-Orozco presented on the plenary panel (Higher Education Trends and Challenges: A View from Leadership). Chief Deputy General Counsel Denise Barton, a member of the BBA’s Conference Advisory Committee,…
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The University’s Employee Service Team Payroll Office works in partnership with payroll administrators in the President’s Office and on each campus. The team consists of Director of Employee Services Jeff Gull, Payroll Managers Erika O'Malley and Christina Flagg, and Payroll Specialists Cheryl Desmarais, Jennifer Zelent, and Michael McGovern. Their goal is to provide campus partners with the…
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