*** Reproduced here with the permission of the University of Missouri, Chancellor's Diversity Initiative ***
Major Holidays and Suggested Accommodations
This information is being provided to faculty, staff, and students as an educational resource for the myriad of religious holy days celebrated by our community. Not only is there information about dates and practices, but we also hope that the information about recommended academic and food accommodations will be valuable to those planning classroom activities and other academic and co-curricular events.
In addition to understanding the different holidays, we have students in different time zones. The Teaching and Learning group has developed a special website on "Teaching Across Time Zones" that includes additional information.
Notes about this guide
- Dates are assembled from several calendars and begin with the academic year (August through July). Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice. If you can't find a holiday, please check the month before or after as the dates change each year.
- Kosher restrictions apply: refers to the dietary guidelines of Jewish law which apply daily throughout the year. Restrictions include: pork, shellfish (fish is allowed) and mixing meat with dairy.
- Halal dietary restrictions apply: refers to the foods prohibited according to Islamic dietary law throughout the year. Restrictions include alcohol and pork.
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Holiday and Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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AUGUST |
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Lammas / Lughnasadh (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) A celebration of the beginning of the harvest. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Making and consuming dishes with the first fruits of the harvest. |
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Raksha Bandhan (Hindu) The Rakhi festivity falls in the holy month of Shravan;The origin and history of Rakhi can be dated back to the mythological Pouranik times. General Practices: A day to acknowledge siblings and their relationships. |
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Holiday and Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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OCTOBER |
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Shemini Atzeret - begins at sundown (Jewish)
General Practices: Jews light a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on Shemini Atzereth (the 8th night of Sukkot). Date details: Begins at sundown. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply).
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Simchat Torah - begins at sundown (Jewish)
General Practices: Practitioners dance in synagogues as all the Torah scrolls are carried around in seven circuits. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Kosher restrictions apply.
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Navaratri (Hindu) Navarati is one of the greatest Hindu festivals, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During this time, Hindus worship Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. General Practices: Durga is the mother goddess, and so Hindus try to visit their mothers and other relatives during this time. Some Hindus will pray and fast, and there are are often feasts and dances.
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Samhain (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) One of the four "greater Sabbats" and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the past year into the community, and reflecting on past relationships, events and other significant changes in life. General Practices: Paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died. |
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Holiday and Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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NOVEMBER |
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Birth of Bahá'u'lláh (Baha'i)
Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. (Baha'i employees will likely request to have this day off.)
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Diwali (Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain)
General Practices: Lighting oil lamps and candles, setting off fireworks, and prayer. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees will likely request a vacation day on this date. |
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Holiday and Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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DECEMBER |
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Hanukkah / Chanukah - *begins at sundown (Jewish)
General Practices: On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jewish families light an additional candle of the menorah candelabrum until all eight candles are lit. Jews celebrate with food and song, as well as exchanging gifts for eight days. Date details: Hanukkah begins at sundown on the first day. Recommended Accommodations: Academics and work permitted, not a work holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—potato pancakes, doughnuts or other fried food is customary). |
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Yule / Midwinter / Alban Arthan / Winter Solstice (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) The longest night of the year followed by the sun's "rebirth" and lengthening of days. In most traditions, Yule is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Some pagans consider Yule to be the beginning of the new year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Burning the yule log (which was traditionally part of last year's yule tree) is an act of faith and renewal that, indeed, the light, and the warmth will return.
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Christmas - *begins at sundown (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant)
General Practices: Many celebrate this holiday by giving gifts, attending church services, decorating Christmas trees, and visiting family. Date details: Begins at sundown on Dec. 24 annually and continues with all day celebration on Dec. 25. Recommended Accommodations: This is a national holiday in the United States, so special accommodations are likely not required.
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Kwanzaa
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Holiday and Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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JANUARY |
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Gantan-sai (Shinto)
General Practices: Practitioners pray for inner renewal, prosperity, and health, as well as visiting shrines and visiting friends and family. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on this date (work holiday)
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Epiphany / Twelfth Night / Three Kings Day (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant) This date is also known as Befana Day;commemorates the revelation of God through Jesus Christ and marks the time the three wise men arrived in Bethlehem and presented gifts to the baby Jesus. General Practices: Prayer, festive meals, offerings, gifts
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Christmas (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
General Practices: Many celebrate this holiday by attending church services, holding celebratory meals, and visiting family. Date details: Eastern Orthodox Christmas is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches. Recommended Accommodations: Because this holiday typically falls during winter break, academic accommodations may not be required. However many Eastern Orthodox employees will probably request this day off. |
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Holiday and Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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FEBRUARY |
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Imbolc / Candlemas (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) Also referred to as the Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of Waxing Lights, and Oimele. Celebrates the coming of spring and recovery of the Earth Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God at Yule. For many traditions, a time for initiations, re-dedication and pledges for the coming year. One of the four "greater Sabbats." General Practices: Activities might include making candles, reading poetry and telling stories. |
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Setsubum-sai (Shinto) Setsubum-sai marks the beginning of spring, and is known as the "bean-throwing festival. The faithful scatter roasted beans to bring good luck to the new season. |
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Chinese New Year (Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist)
General Practices: Families gather together to spend the evening preparing boiled dumplings and festive meals and giving of money to children in red envelopes. Date details: Corresponds to the New Moon in Aquarius, which can fall from late January to mid-February Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Many Chinese employees will probably request this day off. |
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Ash Wednesday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant) This is the first day of Lent, the period of forty days before Easter in which many Christians sacrifice ordinary pleasures to reflect on Christ's sacrifice. General Practices: On this day, there are special church services, and the faithful wear a cross of ashes marked on foreheads. Most Christians abstain from meat on this day. Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—prohibitions include animal products. |
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Magha Puja Day (Buddhist) Magha Puja Day commemorates an important event in the life of the Buddha, in which the four disciples traveled to join the Buddha. |
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Holiday and Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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MARCH |
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Purim - *begins at sundown (Jewish) Purim commemorates the time when the Jews were living in Persia and were saved by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther. General Practices: Many Jews hold carnival-like celebrations on Purim, dressing in costumes, and read the Book of Esther. Triangular, fruit-filled pastries are eaten in opposition to the villain Haman, who wore a three-cornered hat. Recommended Accommodations: Purim is not subject to the restrictions on work that affect some other holidays; however, some sources indicate that Jews should not go about their ordinary business at Purim out of respect for the festival. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (kosher restrictions apply).
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Palm Sunday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant / Eastern Orthodox Christianity) A commemoration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as crowds lined his path with palm fronds General Practices: Prayer, distribution of palm leaves commemorating Jesus' entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion.
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Ostara / Alban Eilir / Spring Equinox (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) Also known as Eostre. Regarded as a time of fertility and conception. In some Wiccan traditions, it is marked as the time when the Goddess conceives the God's child, which will be born at the winter solstice. One of eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Lighting fires to commemorate the return of light in the spring and to honor the God and Goddess. Coloring eggs as a way of honoring fertility is also practiced. |
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Nowruz - *begins at sundown (Baha'i, Zoroastrians, Muslim) Nowruz has Iranian and Zoroastrian origins; however, it has been celebrated by diverse communities for over 3,000 years in Western Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Black Sea Basin, the Balkans, and South Asia. It is a secular holiday for most celebrants that is enjoyed by people of several different faiths, but remains a holy day for Zoroastrians, Baháʼís, and some Muslim communities. General Practices: Festive music dancing, prayers, meetings, meals |
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Holi (Hindu) Also known as the "Festival of Colors," this holiday can be traced to Hindu scriptures commemorating good over evil. This date is also a celebration of the colorful spring and a farewell to the dull winter. General Practices: Hindus often sprinkle colored water and powder on others and celebrate with bonfires and lights, signifying victory of good over evil. Date details: Celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar moon in late February or early March. |
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Maundy Thursday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant) Thursday before Easter, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles. General Practices: Prayer, Communion (Eucharist), meals, and foot-washing ceremonies among some Christian denominations Date details: Always falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. |
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Good Friday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant) Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ;among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting. General Practices: Prayer, fasting, and noon or afternoon services in some Christian denominations. Date details: Always falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested—meat (fish is not considered meat) is prohibited during meals for some.
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Easter (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant)
General Practices: Celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs, baskets and chocolate bunnies. It is a celebration of renewal. Date details: Easter Sunday is determined by the Gregorian calendar (Gregorian calendar regulates ceremonial cycle of the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches). |
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Holiday and Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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APRIL |
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Ramadan - *begins at sundown (Islamic) Ramadan is an occasion to focus on faith through fasting and prayer, and is one of the most important Muslim holidays. Ramadan is notable because the Qur'an was first revealed during this month, and Muslims see the Qur'an as the ultimate form of guidance for mankind. The night that the Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad is called Lailat ul Oadr, and standing in prayer this one night is thought to eclipse months of worship. General Practices: Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from food and beverages during the daylight hours, and smoking and sexual relations are forbidden. Worshipers break the fasting each night with prayer, reading of the Qu'ran, and a meal called the iftar. In addition, many Muslims also attend night prayers at Mosques. Muslims also believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than any other time of the year, so almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan. Date Details: Dates are determined by the lunar calendar. Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice. The observed date marks the beginning of a 30 day observation. Recommended Accommodations: If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that students and employees celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days) and will likely have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). |
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Vaisakhi (Sikh) Vaisakhi is the Sikh new year festival and commemorates 1699, the year Sikhism was born. Vaisakhi is also a long-established harvest festival. General Practices: There are often parades, dancing, and singing throughout the day. These celebrations involve music, singing, and chanting of scriptures and hymns. |
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Pesach / Passover - *begins at sundown (Jewish)
General Practices: Family gatherings, ritualized meals called Seders, reading of the Haggadah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the last night of Passover. Date details: Begins at sundown. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—the use of leavening is prohibited so, for example, matzah is eaten in place of bread.)
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Holy Friday / Good Friday (Eastern Orthodox Christian) Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ;among some sects of Christianity and in many countries marks a day of fasting. General Practices: Prayer, fasting, confession, and church services as well as the wrapping or dying of eggs (often red) in preparation for Easter Sunday. Date details: Orthodox Good Friday is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the date. |
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Holiday and Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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MAY |
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Beltane (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) The fire festival that celebrates the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Jumping the balefire,dancing the MayPole. |
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Eid al-Fitr - *begins at sundown (Islamic)
General Practices: Muslims often pray, exchange gifts, give money to children, feast, and celebrate with friends and family. Date Details: Dates are determined by the lunar calendar. Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice. Eid al Fitr is a three day celebration and begins at sundown. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Employees will likely ask to take a vacation day on this day, and that request should be granted if at all possible. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). |
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Pascha / Easter (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
General Practices: Celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs and baskets of breads, meats, eggs, cheeses and other foods. It is a celebration of renewal. Date details: Easter Sunday is determined by the Julian calendar which regulates ceremonial cycle of the Eastern Orthodox Christian churches. |
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Yom HaSho'ah - *begins at sundown (Jewish) Holocaust Remembrance Day;a day to remember the lives and names of Jewish victims and activists of the Holocaust. General Practices: Ceremonies or events to remember Holocaust victims who died during World War II;activities may include lighting memorial candles and reciting the Kaddish, which is a prayer for the departed. Date details: Begins at sundown. Recommended Accommodations: This is not a work holiday—academics and work are permitted. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
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Shavuot - *begins at sundown (Jewish)
General Practices: Evening of devotional programs and studying the Torah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the second night of Shavuot. Date details: Begins at sundown. Recommended Accommodations:Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested. (Kosher restrictions apply—although it is customary to eat dairy).
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Buddha Day / Visakha Puja (Buddhist) This holiday is traditionally known as Buddha's birthday. It is the major Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. General Practices: Buddhists often decorate their homes and visit their local temples. Observers are encouraged to refrain from slaughtering and to avoid eating meat on this date. Recommended Accommodations: Provide food accommodation as requested, and offer vegetarian options when planning menus for events on this date.
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Ascension of the Baha'ullah (Baha'i) Commemorates the death of the founder of the Baha'i faith;Baha'llah died on May 29, 1892. General Practices: Devotional programs and reading from the scriptures |
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Holiday and Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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JUNE |
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Litha / Midsomer / Alban Hefin / Summer Solstice / (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) A celebration of the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. Celebration of the the Goddess manifesting as Mother Earth and the God as the Sun King. For some Pagans the Summer Solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and see their union as the force that creates the harvest's fruits. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Lighting to bonfires and watching the sun rise |
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Holiday and Recommended Accommodations |
Date(s) Observed |
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JULY |
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Eid al-Adha - *begins at sundown (Islamic)
General Practices: Prayers, gift giving, prayers, and sometimes slaughtering of sheep, with a portion of the meat gifted to the poor. Date details: Lunar calendars can vay based on region and practice. Begins at sundown. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the first day. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). |
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Tisha B'Av - *begins at sundown (Jewish) Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies including the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem. General practices: Fasting and mourning. Date details: Begins at sundown on first day, fast deferred because of the Sabbath. Recommended accommodations: Plan limited activities after a fast. |
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