SERAMOUNT EVENTS: 25 DBP Member Conference
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
DIVERSITY HOLIDAYS 1 New Year’s Day, the first day of
the year according to the modern
7 Mahayana New Year,
a holiday celebrated by the
22 Lunar New Year, one of the
most sacred of all traditional
January 2023
Gregorian calendar, celebrated in Mahayana Buddhist branch on the Chinese holidays, a time of family
most Western countries. first full-moon day in January. reunion and celebration. The Lunar
New Year is also celebrated at this
time in Japan, Korea, Vietnam,
1 Feast Day of St. Basil, a 13 Maghi/Lohri, an annual and Mongolia.
holiday observed by the Eastern festival celebrated by Sikhs
Orthodox Church, commemorating commemorating the memory
the death of Saint Basil the Great. of forty Sikh martyrs. 26 Republic Day of India
recognizes the date when the
Constitution of India came into law
3 Feast of the Holy Name of 14 Makar Sankranti, major in 1950, replacing the Government
Jesus, which is celebrated in the harvest festival celebrated in of India Act of 1935. This day also
Roman Catholic Church, various parts of India. coincides with India’s 1930
commemorates the naming of the declaration of independence.
child Jesus.
15 World Religion Day, observed
by those of the Bahá’í faith to 26 Vasant Panchami, the Hindu
4 World Braille Day, observed to promote interfaith harmony and festival that highlights the coming
raise awareness of the importance understanding. of spring. On this day, Hindus
of Braille as a means of worship Saraswati Devi, the
communication for blind and goddess of wisdom, knowledge,
partially sighted people; celebrated 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day music, art, and culture.
on the birthday of Louis Braille, the commemorates the birth of the
inventor of Braille. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.,
the recipient of the 1964 Nobel 27 The International Day of
Peace Prize and an activist for Commemoration remembers the
5 Twelfth Night, a festival nonviolent social change until victims of the Holocaust; the
WORLD BRAILLE DAY celebrated by some branches of his assassination in 1968. anniversary of the liberation of the
Christianity that marks the coming Auschwitz death camp in 1945;
of the Epiphany. and the UN Holocaust Memorial
18–25 The Week of Prayer for Day.
Christian Unity, during which
6 Epiphany or Dia de los Reyes Christians pray for unity between
(Three Kings Day), a holiday all churches of the Christian faith. 27 (sundown to sundown)
observed by Eastern and Western Holocaust Remembrance Day
Christians recognizing the visit of is a time to “mourn the loss of
the three wise men to the baby 19 Timkat, a holiday observed by lives, celebrate those who saved
Jesus twelve days after his birth. Ethiopian Orthodox Christians who them, honor those who survived,
celebrate the baptism of Jesus in and contemplate the obligations of
the Jordan River on Epiphany. the living.” —Former President
7 Christmas, recognized on this Barack Obama
day by Eastern Orthodox
Christians, who celebrate 20 Birthday of Guru Gobind
Christmas thirteen days later than Singh Ji, the Tenth Guru of the
other Christian churches because Sikhs, who initiated the Sikhs as
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
they follow the Julian calendar the Khalsa (the pure ones) and
rather than the Gregorian version. who is known as the Father of
the Khalsa.
SERAMOUNT EVENTS:
25 DBP Member Conference •
• = DBP Members
©2022 by EAB. All Rights Reserved. seramount.com 38266
5 Lantern Festival, the first 19 Meatfare Sunday (The
DIVERSITY HOLIDAYS 1 National Freedom Day,
celebrates the signing of the significant feast after the Chinese Sunday of the Last Judgment),
25—March 1 Intercalary Days
or Ayyám-i-Há, celebrated by
New Year; participants enjoy traditionally the last day of people of the Bahá’í faith. At this
February 2023
Thirteenth Amendment, which
abolished slavery in the United watching paper lanterns illuminate eating meat before Easter for time, days are added to the Bahá’í
States in 1865. the sky on the night of the event. Orthodox Christians. calendar to maintain their solar
calendar. Intercalary days are
observed with gift-giving, special
1 St. Brigid of Kildare, feast day 14 St. Valentine’s Day, a 19–21 Losar, the Tibetan acts of charity, and preparation for
for St. Brigid celebrated by some Western Christian feast day Buddhist New Year, is a time of the fasting that precedes the New
Christian denominations. honoring one or two early saints renewal through sacred and Year.
named Valentinus. This holiday is secular practices.
typically associated with romantic
Black History Month in the United States and
1–2 Imbolc, a Gaelic, Pagan, and love and celebrated by people 26 Cheesefare Sunday or
Canada. Since 1976, the month has been expressing their love with gifts. 20 Presidents Day, a federally
Wiccan traditional festival that Forgiveness Sunday, the last
designated to remember the contributions of represents making way for spring recognized celebration in the Sunday prior to the
people of the African diaspora. and the rebirth of nature. United States that honors the commencement of Great Lent for
15 Parinirvana Day (or Nirvana birthdays of George Washington Orthodox Christians.
Day), the commemoration of and Abraham Lincoln, as well as
2 Candlemas, a Christian holiday Buddha’s death at the age of 80, those of every US president.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH when he reached the zenith of
that celebrates three occasions: 27 Beginning of Great Lent
the presentation of the child Jesus, Nirvana; February 8 is an in the Orthodox Christian faith is
Jesus’ first entry into the temple, alternative date of observance. 21 Mardi Gras, the last day for also known as Clean Monday.
and the Virgin Mary’s purification. Catholics to indulge before Ash
Wednesday starts the sober weeks
18 Lailat al Miraj, a Muslim of fasting that accompany Lent.
3 St. Blaise Day (The Blessing holiday that commemorates the The term “Mardi Gras” is
of the Throats), the feast day of prophet Muhammad’s nighttime particularly associated with the
St. Blaise of Sebaste celebrated by journey from Mecca to the carnival celebrations in New
the Roman Catholic Church and “Farthest Mosque” in Jerusalem, Orleans, Louisiana.
some Eastern Catholic Churches. where he ascended to heaven, was
purified, and given the instruction
for Muslims to pray five times 21 Shrove Tuesday, the day
3 Setsubun-Sai (Beginning of daily. Note that in the Muslim before Ash Wednesday. Although
Spring), the day before the calendar, a holiday begins on the named for its former religious
beginning of spring in Japan, sunset of the previous day, so significance, it is chiefly marked by
celebrated annually as part of the observing Muslims will celebrate feasting and celebration,
Spring Festival. Lailat al Miraj starting at sundown which traditionally preceded the
on February 17. observance of the Lenten fast.
It is observed by various
3 Four Chaplains Day, Christian denominations.
commemorates the anniversary of 18 Maha Shivaratri, a Hindu
the sinking of the US Army festival celebrated each year to
transport Dorchester and the honor Lord Shiva. It is celebrated 22 Ash Wednesday, the first day
SERAMOUNT EVENTS: heroism of the four chaplains just before the arrival of spring. It of Lent on the Christian calendar.
aboard. is also known as the Great Night of Its name is derived from the
1 Black History Month DBP Member Shiva or Shivaratri and is one of symbolic use of ashes to signify
the largest and most significant penitence. It follows immediately
Webinar • 5 Maghi-Purnima, a Hindu among the sacred festival nights of after the excesses of the two days
festival especially for worshippers India. of Carnival that take place in
16 CDOC Web Seminar◊ of Lord Vishnu. Devotees take a Northern Europe and parts of Latin
holy bath on this day and carry out America and the Caribbean.
charity work.
◊ = CDOC Members
• = DBP Members
©2022 by EAB. All Rights Reserved. seramount.com 38266
1 St. David’s Day, the feast 7–8 Purim, a Jewish celebration 20 Ostara, a celebration of the 25 Annunciation of the Virgin
DIVERSITY HOLIDAYS day of St. David, the patron saint
of Wales.
that marks the time when the
Jewish community living in Persia
spring equinox commemorated by
Pagans and Wiccans. It is observed
Mary, a Christian celebration of
the announcement by the angel
March 2023
was saved from genocide. On as a time to mark the coming of Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she
Purim, Jewish people dress up in spring and the fertility of the land. would conceive and become the
2–20 (sunset to sunset) costumes, offer charity, and share mother of Jesus.
Nineteen-Day Fast, a time in the food with friends.
Bahá’í faith to reinvigorate the soul 20–21 Nowruz/Norooz, Persian
and bring one closer to God. This New Year, a day of joy, 26 Khordad Sal (Birth of
fast takes place immediately 7–8 Lailat al Bara’a, also known celebration, and renewal. It is held prophet Zoroaster), birth
before the beginning of the Bahá’í as Lailat Al Baraah, Barat, or annually on the spring equinox. anniversary (or birth date) of
New Year. popularly as Shab-e-Bara or Night Zoroaster, a spiritual leader and
Women’s History Month, established in of Forgiveness, it is an Islamic ethical philosopher who taught a
1987, recognizes all women for their valuable holiday during which practitioners 20–21 Naw-Rúz, the Bahá’í spiritual philosophy of self-
5 Orthodox Sunday, celebrated of the faith seek forgiveness for New Year, is a holiday celebrated realization and realization of the
contributions to history and society.
on the first Sunday of Great Lent. sins. Muslims spend the night in on the vernal equinox. It is one of divine. Zoroastrians celebrate this
It is the celebration of the victory special prayers. It is regarded as the nine Bahá’í holy days on which day with prayer and feasting.
National Developmental Disabilities of the iconodules over the work is suspended.
one of the most sacred nights on
Awareness Month, established to increase iconoclasts by the decision of the Islamic calendar.
awareness and understanding of issues the Seventh Ecumenical Council. 30 Ram Navami, a Hindu day of
affecting people with intellectual and Therefore, the service 21 International Day for the worship and celebration of the
commemorates the restoration of 8 International Women’s Day, Elimination of Racial seventh avatar of Vishnu (Lord
developmental disabilities. Discrimination, observed
icons for use in services as well as first observed in 1911 in Germany, Rama). Devotees typically wear
a Christian’s private devotional life. is a major global celebration annually in the wake of the 1960 red and place extravagant flowers
National Multiple Sclerosis Education and killing of 69 people at a
honoring women’s economic, on the shrine of the god.
Awareness Month, established to raise public political, and social achievements. demonstration against apartheid
awareness of the autoimmune disease that 6 Magha Puja Day (also known “pass laws” in South Africa. The
affects the brain and spinal cord. as Maka Bucha), a Buddhist United Nations proclaimed the day 31 International Transgender
holiday that marks an event early 8–10 Hola Mohalla, a Sikh in 1966 and called on the Day of Visibility, celebrated to
National Irish American Heritage Month in the Buddha’s teaching life when festival that takes place on the international community to bring awareness to transgender
a group of 1,250 enlightened second day of the lunar month of redouble its efforts to eliminate all people and their identities as
celebrates the Irish American heritage and saints ordained by the Buddha Chet, a day after the Hindu spring forms of racial discrimination. well as recognize those who helped
culture and pays tribute to the contributions of gathered to pay their respect to festival Holi. fight for rights for transgender
Irish immigrants and their descendants living him. It is celebrated on various people.
in the United States. dates in different countries. 22—April 21 (sundown to
13—April 15 Deaf History sundown) Ramadan, an Islamic
Month. This observance celebrates holiday marked by fasting, praise,
7–8 Holi, the annual Hindu and key events in deaf history, prayer, and devotion to Islam.
Sikh spring religious festival including the founding of Gallaudet
observed in India, Nepal, and Sri University and the American
Lanka, along with other countries School for the Deaf. 22–31 Chaitra Navaratri, a
with large Hindu and Sikh nine-day festival which starts
populations. People celebrate Holi on the first day of Hindu Luni-
by throwing colored powder and 17 St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday Solar calendar.
water at each other. Bonfires are started in Ireland to recognize St.
lit the day before in memory of the Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland
SERAMOUNT EVENTS: miraculous escape that young who brought Christianity to the 25 International Day of
Prahlada accomplished when country in the early days of the Remembrance of the Victims of
8 International Women’s Day DBP demoness Holika carried him into faith. Slavery and the Transatlantic
the fire. It is often celebrated on Slave Trade is a United Nations
Member Webinar • the full moon (the Phalguna international observation that
19 St. Joseph’s Day, in Western offers the opportunity to honor and
Purnima) before the beginning of
31 Transgender Day of Visibility the vernal equinox as based on the
Christianity the principal feast of remember those who suffered and
St. Joseph, the husband of the died at the hands of the brutal
DBP Member Webinar • Hindu calendar. Blessed Virgin Mary. system of slavery. First observed in
2008, the international celebration
also aims to raise awareness about HOLI FESTIVAL
the dangers of racism OF COLORS
• = DBP Members and prejudice.
©2022 by EAB. All Rights Reserved. seramount.com 38266
DIVERSITY HOLIDAYS 1 Lazarus Saturday, a day
celebrated by the Eastern
9 Easter, a holiday celebrated by
Christians to recognize Jesus’
21–22 (sundown to sundown)
Eid al-Fitr, the first day of the
ARMENIAN MARTYRS’
DAY
April 2023
Orthodox Church and Oriental return from death after Islamic month of Shawwal,
Orthodoxy to commemorate the the crucifixion. marking the end of Ramadan.
raising from the dead of Lazarus of Many Muslims attend communal
Bethany. prayers, listen to a khutuba
14 The Day of Silence, during (sermon), and give Zakat al-Fitr
which students take a daylong vow (charity in the form of food) during
2 World Autism Awareness Day, of silence to protest the actual Eid al-Fitr.
created to raise awareness around silencing of lesbian, gay, bisexual,
the globe. transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+)
Celebrate Diversity Month was initiated in students and their straight allies 22 Earth Day promotes world
2004 to recognize and honor the diversity due to bias and harassment. peace and sustainability of the
2 Palm Sunday, a Christian planet. Events are held globally in
surrounding us all. By celebrating differences holiday commemorating the entry support of environmental
and similarities during this month, organizers of Jesus into Jerusalem. It takes 14 Vaisakhi (also known as protection of the Earth.
hope that people will gain a deeper place on the last Sunday of Lent, Baisakhi), the celebration of the
understanding of each other. at the beginning of the Holy Week. founding of the Sikh community
as the Khalsa (community of 23 St. George’s Day, the feast
Autism Acceptance Month, established the initiated) and the birth of day of St. George celebrated by
4 Mahavir Jayanti, a holiday the Khalsa. various Christian churches.
to raise awareness about and acceptance celebrated by the Jains
of the developmental disability that impacts commemorating the birth of
an individual’s experience of the world Lord Mahavira. It is one of the 16 Orthodox Easter (also called 24 Armenian Martyrs’ Day
around them. most important religious festivals Pascha), a later Easter date than recognizes the genocide of
for Jains. what is observed by many Western approximately 1.5 million
churches. Armenians between 1915 and 1923
National Arab American Heritage Month
in Turkey.
celebrates the Arab American heritage and 4 Lord’s Evening Meal,
culture and pays tribute to the contributions of celebrated by Jehovah’s Witnesses 18 Laylat al-Qadr, the holiest
Arab Americans and Arabic-speaking in commemoration of the event night of the year for Muslims, is 25–26 (sundown to sundown)
believed to have occurred on the traditionally celebrated on the Yom Ha’Atzmaut, national EARTH
Americans. DAY
first night of Passover in twenty-seventh day of Ramadan. It Independence Day in Israel.
approximately 33 CE that other is known as the Night of Power and
Christians call the Last Supper. commemorates the night the
Quran was first revealed to the 28–29 Ninth Day of Ridvan, a
prophet Muhammad. festival of joy and unity in the
6 Holy Thursday (Maundy Bahá’í faith to commemorate the
Thursday), the Christian holiday reunification of Bahá’u’lláh’s family
commemorating the Last Supper, 17–18 Yom HaShoah, Israel’s and by extension the unity of the
at which Jesus and the Apostles day of remembrance for the entire human family the Bahá’í
were together for the last time approximately six million Jews who faith calls for.
SERAMOUNT EVENTS: before the crucifixion. It is perished in the Holocaust.
celebrated on the Thursday
Neurodiversity Web Seminar DBP Member before Easter.
21—May 2 The Festival of
Webinar • Ridvan, a holiday celebrated by
5–13 Passover, an eight-day those of the Bahá’í faith, EID AL-FITR COMMUNAL PRAYER
4 CDOC Web Seminar ◊ Jewish holiday in commemoration commemorating the twelve days
of the emancipation of the when Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-
20 DBP Member Conference • Israelites from slavery in founder, resided in a garden called
ancient Egypt. Ridvan (paradise) and publicly
proclaimed his mission as God’s
messenger for this age.
7 Good Friday, a day celebrated
◊ = CDOC Members by Christians to commemorate the
execution of Jesus by crucifixion. It
• = DBP Members is recognized on the Friday before EASTER
Easter.
©2022 by EAB. All Rights Reserved. seramount.com 38266
DIVERSITY HOLIDAYS 1 Beltane, an ancient Celtic,
Pagan, and Wiccan holiday
21 World Day for Cultural
Diversity for Dialogue and
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
May 2023
commemorated about halfway Development, a day set aside by
between the spring equinox and the United Nations as an
summer solstice. The day is opportunity to deepen our
often used to celebrate love understanding of the values of
and romance. cultural diversity and to learn to
live together in harmony.
3 Feasts of Saints Philip and
James, a Roman Rite feast day 23–24 (sundown to sundown)
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. In held on the anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb, the day
the United States, the month of May was dedication of the Church to Saints of declaration of the Báb, the
Phillip and James in Rome. forerunner of Bahá’u’lláh, the
chosen to commemorate the immigration of founder of the Bahá’í faith.
the first Japanese to the United States on May
7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the 4 National Day of Prayer, a day MALCOLM X DAY
completion of the transcontinental railroad on of observance in the United States 26 Buddha Day (Vesak or
when people are asked to “turn to Visakha Puja), a Buddhist festival
May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers
God in prayer and meditation.” that marks Gautama Buddha’s
who laid the tracks on the project were birth, enlightenment, and death. It
Chinese immigrants. falls on the day of the full moon in
5 Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican and is a gazetted holiday in India.
Older Americans Month, established in 1963 holiday commemorating the Alternative dates of celebration
to honor the legacies and contributions of Mexican Army’s 1862 victory include May 5th and May 19th.
over France at the Battle of
older Americans and to support them as they Puebla during the Franco-Mexican
enter their next stage of life. War (1861–1867). This day 26–27 (sundown to sundown)
celebrates Mexican culture and Shavuot, a Jewish holiday that has
Jewish American Heritage Month, which heritage with a variety of double significance. It marks the
wheat harvest in Israel and
recognizes the diverse contributions of the festivities, including parades and
mariachi music performances. commemorates the anniversary of
Jewish people to American culture. the day when the Jews received
the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Mental Health Awareness Month (or Mental 8–9 (sundown to sundown) Lag
Health Month), which aims to raise awareness BaOmer, a Jewish holiday marking
and educate the public about mental illnesses the day of hillula of Rabbi Shimon 28 Pentecost, a Christian holiday
bar Yochai. which takes place on the 50th day
and reduce the stigma that surrounds after Easter Sunday. It
mental illnesses. commemorates the descent of the
17 International Day Against Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and
Homophobia, Transphobia, other followers of Jesus Christ
and Biphobia, a global celebration while they were in Jerusalem
of sexual orientation and gender celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as
SERAMOUNT EVENTS: diversities. described in the Acts of the
Apostles.
2 Asian Pacific American Heritage
18 Ascension of Jesus or
Month DBP Member Webinar • Ascension Day, celebrated as the 29 Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh,
ascension of Christ from Earth in commemorates the ascension of
8 – 9 emERGe (NY) the presence of God within most of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the
the Christian faith. Bahá’í faith.
19 Malcolm X Day, a holiday 29 Memorial Day, a federal
celebrated either on May 19th, his holiday in the United States
• = DBP Members birthday, or on the third Friday in established to honor military
May, to commemorate the Civil veterans who died in wars fought
Rights leader. by US forces.
©2022 by EAB. All Rights Reserved. seramount.com 38266
DIVERSITY HOLIDAYS 2 Native American Citizenship
Day, commemorating the day in
19 New Church Day,
commemorating the day in the
Last Sunday in June Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and
Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Day in the
June 2023
1924 when the US Congress Christian faith the Lord called
passed legislation recognizing the together the twelve disciples who United States. It commemorates
citizenship of Native Americans. followed him on Earth, instructed the Stonewall Riots that occurred
them in the Heavenly Doctrine of on June 28, 1969.
the New Jerusalem, and sent them
4 Trinity Sunday, observed in the out to teach that “the Lord God
Western Christian faith as a feast Jesus Christ reigns, whose
in honor of the Holy Trinity. kingdom shall be for ages and
JUNETEENTH
ages.” This was the beginning of
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and the New Church.
8 Corpus Christi, a Catholic
Queer Pride Month, established to recognize holiday celebrating the presence
the impact that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and of the body and blood of Christ in 21 National Indigenous Peoples
transgender individuals have had on the world. the Eucharist. Day or First Nations Day, a day
LGBTQ+ groups note this time with Pride that gives recognition to the
parades, picnics, parties, memorials for those indigenous populations affected by
14 Flag Day in the United States, colonization in Canada.
lost to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS, and other observed to celebrate the history
group gatherings. The last Sunday in June is and symbolism of the US flag.
LGBTQ+ Pride Day. 21 Litha, also known as
midsummer, the summer solstice
Immigrant Heritage Month, established in 16 Martyrdom of Guru Arjan celebrated by Wiccans and Pagans.
Dev, observed by members of the It is the first day of summer and
June 2014. It gives people across the United Sikh faith. Guru Arjan Dev was
States an opportunity to explore their longest day of the year,
the fifth Sikh guru and the first representing the sun’s “annual
heritages and celebrate the shared diversity Sikh martyr. retreat.”
that forms the unique story of the United
States. It celebrates immigrants across the 16 Feast of the Most Sacred
FIRST NATIONS
DAY
United States and their contributions to their 27–28 (sundown to sundown)
Heart, a solemnity in the liturgical Waqf al Arafa, the second day of
local communities and economy. calendar of the Roman Catholic pilgrimage within the Islamic faith.
Church.
Caribbean American Heritage Month,
established in June 2006 to honor and 28–29 (sundown to sundown)
19 Juneteenth, also Eid al-Adha, an Islamic festival to
celebrate the rich and diverse culture of the known as Freedom Day commemorate the willingness of
Caribbean American population. or Emancipation Day, was Ibrahim (also known as Abraham)
established as a federal holiday to follow Allah’s (God’s) command
in 2022. This celebration honors to sacrifice his son, Ishmael.
the day in 1865 when slaves in
SERAMOUNT EVENTS: Texas finally learned they were
Muslims around the world observe
this event.
free, two months after the end of
1 Pride Month DBP Member the Civil War. June 19, therefore,
Webinar • became the day of emancipation 29 Feast Day of Saints Peter
for thousands of African and Paul, a liturgical feast in
20 CDOC Convening Reception Americans. honor of the martyrdom in
(Chicago) ◊
Rome for the apostles St. Peter
and St. Paul in Eastern Orthodox
Christianity.
21 – 22 Multicultural Women’s
National Conference (Chicago)
◊ = CDOC Members
• = DBP Members
©2022 by EAB. All Rights Reserved. seramount.com 38266
DISABILITY
INDEPENDENCE
DIVERSITY HOLIDAYS 1 Canada Day, or Fête du
Canada, a Canadian federal
14 Bastille Day, a French federal
holiday that commemorates the
25 St. James the Greater Day,
feast day for St. James the
DAY
holiday that celebrates the 1867 Storming of the Bastille, a fortress- Greater celebrated by some
July 2023 enactment of the Constitution Act,
which established the three former
British colonies of Canada, Nova
prison in Paris that held political
prisoners who had displeased the
French nobility. The Storming of
Christian denominations.
Scotia, and New Brunswick as a the Bastille, which took place on 26 Disability Independence
united nation called Canada. July 14, 1789, was regarded as a Day, celebrating the anniversary of
turning point of the French the 1990 signing of the Americans
Revolution. Celebrations are held with Disabilities Act.
3 Asalha Puja, or Dharma Day, throughout France.
a celebration of Buddha’s first
teachings. 26–27 Tisha B’Av, a fast in
15 St. Vladimir the Great Day, commemoration of the destruction
feast day for St. Vladimir of two holy and sacred temples of
4 Independence Day, (also celebrated by the Eastern Judaism destroyed by the
known as the Fourth of July), a US Orthodox and Roman Catholic Babylonians (in 586 BCE) and
federal holiday that celebrates the Churches. Romans (in 70 CE). At the Tisha
adoption of the Declaration of B’Av, after select passages from
Independence in 1776. The original the Torah are read and
thirteen American colonies 18 Nelson Mandela understood, netilat yadayim, or the
declared independence from Britain International Day, began on July washing of the hands, is
and established themselves as a 18, 2009, in recognition of Nelson performed.
new nation known as the United Mandela’s birthday via unanimous
States of America. decision of the UN General
Assembly. It was inspired by a call 27–28 (sundown to sundown)
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FRIENDSHIP Mandela made a year earlier for Ashura, an Islamic holiday
9 The Martyrdom of the Bab, a the next generation to take on the commemorating the day Noah left
day when Bahá’ís observe the burden of leadership in addressing the ark and the day Allah saved
anniversary of the Báb’s execution the world’s social injustices in Moses from the Egyptians.
in Tabriz, Iran, in 1850. which he stated, “It is in your
hands now.” It is more than a
celebration of Mandela’s life and 30 International Day of
11 St. Benedict Day, the feast legacy; it is a global movement to Friendship, proclaimed in 2011
day of St. Benedict celebrated by honor his life’s work and to change by the UN General Assembly with
some Christian denominations. the world for the better. the idea that friendship between
peoples, countries, cultures, and
individuals can inspire peace
SERAMOUNT EVENTS: 11 World Population Day, an 18–19 Hijri New Year, the day efforts and build bridges between
observance established in 1989 by that marks the beginning of the communities.
13 DBP Member Conference • the Governing Council of the
United Nations Development
new Islamic calendar year.
Program. The annual event is
designed to raise awareness of 23 The birthday of Haile
global population issues. NELSON MANDELA
• = DBP Members Selassie I, the former emperor of
Ethiopia whom the Rastafarians
INTERNATIONAL DAY
consider to be their savior.
14 International Nonbinary
People’s Day, aimed at raising
awareness and organizing around 24 Pioneer Day, observed by
the issues faced by nonbinary Mormons to commemorate 1847
people around the world while arrival of the first Latter Day Saints
celebrating their contributions. pioneers in Salt Lake Valley.
©2022 by EAB. All Rights Reserved. seramount.com 38266
DIVERSITY HOLIDAYS 1 Lammas, a festival to mark the
annual wheat harvest within some
17 Marcus Garvey Day, which
celebrates the birthday of the
30 Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu
holiday commemorating the loving
English-speaking countries in the Jamaican politician and activist kinship between a brother and
August 2023 Northern Hemisphere. who is revered by Rastafarians.
Garvey is credited with starting the
Back to Africa movement, which
sister. “Raksha” means
“protection” in Hindi and
symbolizes the longing a sister has
1 Lughnasadh, a Gaelic, Pagan, encouraged those of African to be protected by her brother.
and Wiccan festival celebrating descent to return to the land of During the celebration, a sister ties
sacrifice and giving back. The their ancestors during and after a string around her brother’s (or
holiday marks the beginning of slavery in North America. brother-figure’s) wrist and asks
harvest season and is the first of him to protect her. The brother
HUNGRY GHOST three harvest rituals. usually gives the sister a gift and
FESTIVAL 23 International Day for the agrees to protect her for life.
Remembrance of the Slave
1 Fast in Honor of Holy Mother Trade and its Abolition as well as
of Jesus, beginning of the the anniversary of the uprising in 30 Hungry Ghost Festival,
fourteen-day period of preparation Santo Domingo (today Haiti and a Chinese holiday in which street,
for Orthodox Christians leading the Dominican Republic) that market, and temple ceremonies
up to the Dormition of the initiated the abolition of slavery in take place to honor dead ancestors
Virgin Mary. the Caribbean. and appease other spirits.
6 Transfiguration of the Lord 26 Women’s Equality Day, which
(Feast of the Transfiguration), commemorates the 1920
celebrated by various Christian certification of the Nineteenth
denominations, the feast day is Amendment to the US Constitution
dedicated to the transfiguration of that gave women the right to vote.
Jesus. Congresswoman Bella Abzug first
WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY introduced a proclamation for
Women’s Equality Day in 1971.
13–15 Obon (Ullambana), a Since that time, every US
Buddhist festival and Japanese president has published a
custom that honors the spirits of proclamation recognizing August
ancestors. 26 as Women’s Equality Day.
15 Assumption of Blessed 29 Beheading of St. John the
Virgin Mary, according to Baptist, a holy day observed by
the beliefs of the Catholic Church, various Christian churches that
as well as parts of Anglicanism, the follow liturgical traditions. The day
day commemorates the bodily commemorates the martyrdom of
taking up of the Virgin Mary into St. John the Baptist, who was
heaven at the end of her earthly beheaded on the orders of Herod
life. Antipas through the vengeful
request of his stepdaughter,
Salome, and her mother.
15 Dormition of the Theotokos,
a Great Feast of the Eastern
Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and
SERAMOUNT EVENTS: Eastern Catholic Churches that
commemorates the “falling
3 CDOC Web Seminar ◊ asleep,” or death, of Mary the
Theotokos (“Mother of God”) and
her bodily resurrection before
ascending into heaven.
◊ = CDOC Members FAST IN HONOR OF
HOLY MOTHER OF JESUS
©2022 by EAB. All Rights Reserved. seramount.com 38266
DIVERSITY HOLIDAYS 4 Labor Day in the United States
honors the contribution that
18 Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu
holiday lasting approximately
26-27 Eid Milad un-Nabi, an
Islamic holiday commemorating
September 2023
workers have made to the country ten days, in which the elephant- the birthday of the prophet
and is observed on the first headed Hindu god is praised Muhammad. During this
Monday of September. and given offerings. celebration, homes and mosques
are decorated, large parades take
place, and those observing the
5–6 Krishna Janmashtami, a 18 International Equal Pay Day, holiday participate in charity
Hindu celebration of Lord Vishnu’s celebrated for the first time in events. This is an alternative date
most powerful human incarnation, 2020, represents the long-standing celebrated in Bangladesh and parts
Krishna, the god of love and efforts toward the achievement of of India for Mawlid Al-Nabi.
Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from compassion. Celebrations include equal pay for work of equal value.
September 15 to October 15. This month praying and fasting. It further builds on the United
Nations’ commitment to human 27 Meskel, a religious holiday in
corresponds with Mexican Independence Day, rights and its efforts to eliminate the Ethiopian Orthodox and
which is celebrated on September 16, and Second Week in all forms of discrimination, Eritrean Orthodox Churches that
recognizes the revolution in 1810 that ended September: National including discrimination against commemorates the discovery of
Spanish dictatorship. Historically Black Colleges and women and girls. the True Cross by the Roman KRISHNA
Universities Week, a weeklong Empress Helena in the fourth JANMASHTAMI
celebration of the vital role HBCUs century.
play in molding Black leaders, 21 Mabon, the second harvest
encouraging high-school aged ritual celebrated in Gaelic, Pagan,
youth to enroll into HBCU’s, and Wiccan traditions. Mabon is 28 Teacher’s Day in Taiwan.
providing scholarship dollars for the first day of fall and celebration This day is used to honor teachers’
matriculation, and sustaining a of the vernal equinox. The holiday contributions to their students and
pipeline for employment from is about gathering wisdom and to society in general. People often
undergraduate to corporate honoring elders. express their gratitude to their
America. teachers by paying them a visit or
sending them a card. The birth of
22 Native American Day, a Confucius, the model master
11 Paryushana Parvarambha, a federal holiday observed annually educator in ancient China, is also
ROSH Jain festival lasting eight to ten on the fourth Friday in September commemorated on this date.
HASHANAH days that is observed through in the state of California and
meditation and fasting. It focuses Nevada and on the second Monday
on spiritual upliftment, pursuit of in October in South Dakota and 29 Michaelmas, or the Feast of
MESKEL salvation, and a deeper Oklahoma, United States. Michael and All Angels, is a
understanding of the religion. minor Christian festival dedicated
to Archangel Michael observed in
24-25 (sundown to sundown) some Western liturgical calendars.
11 Ethiopian New Year. Yom Kippur, the holiest day on
Rastafarians, who believe Ethiopia the Jewish calendar, a day of
is their spiritual home, celebrate atonement marked by fasting and 29—October 6 Sukkot, a seven-
the New Year on this date. ceremonial repentance. day Jewish festival giving thanks
for the fall harvest.
14 Elevation of the Life-Giving 26-27 Mawlid Al-Nabi, the
Cross (Holy Cross), in some observance of the birthday of
Christian denominations, a day Islam’s founder, the prophet
that commemorates the cross used Muhammad, celebrated during the
in the crucifixion of Jesus. month of Rabiulawal, the third
SERAMOUNT EVENTS: month of the Muslim calendar.
Shi’a Muslims celebrate it five days
Women of Excellence (New York) 15-17 (sundown to sundown) later than Sunni Muslims.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New
28 Hispanic Heritage Month DBP Year celebration, marking the
Member Webinar • creation of the world.
• = DBP Members
©2022 by EAB. All Rights Reserved. seramount.com 38266
DIVERSITY HOLIDAYS 4 St. Francis Day, feast day for
St. Francis of Assisi, the patron
11 National Coming Out Day
(United States). For those who
31 All Hallows’ Eve
(Halloween), a celebration
DASARA
October 2023
saint of animals and the identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, observed in several countries on
environment, celebrated by many transgender, or queer, this day the eve of the Western Christian
Catholic denominations. celebrates coming out and the feast of All Hallows’ Day. It begins
recognition of the 1987 march on the three-day observance of
Washington for gay and lesbian Allhallowtide, the time in the
4 Blessing of the Animals, in equality. liturgical year dedicated to
congruence with St. Francis remembering the dead, including
Day. Many Unitarian Universalists saints (hallows), martyrs, and all
National Disability Employment Awareness have picked up on the Catholic 15-24 Navratri, the nine-day the faithful departed.
tradition of blessing animals, Hindu festival celebrating the
Month. This observance was launched in 1945
particularly pets, as St. Francis was triumph of good over evil. Festival
when Congress declared the first week in October known for his special connection to participants worship God in the 31 Reformation Day, a
as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped animals. form of the universal mother, Protestant Christian religious
Week.” In 1998, the week was extended to a commonly referred to as Durga, holiday celebrated alongside All
month and renamed. The annual event draws Devi, or Shakti, and the event Hallows’ Eve (Halloween) during
6-7 (sundown to sundown) marks the start of fall. the triduum of Allhallowtide in
attention to employment barriers that still need to Shemini Atzeret, a Jewish holiday remembrance of the onset of the
be addressed. also known as The Eighth (Day) of Reformation.
Assembly, takes place the day 15-16 (sundown to sundown)
LGBTQ+ History Month, a US observance started after the Sukkot festival, where Birth of Báb, a Bahá’í holiday
in 1994 to recognize lesbian, gay, bisexual, gratitude for the fall harvest is celebrating the birth of the prophet 31—November 1 (sundown to
transgender, and queer history and the history of deeply internalized. Báb. sundown) Samhain, a Gaelic,
Pagan, and Wiccan festival marking
the gay rights movement. the end of the harvest season and YOM KIPPUR
7-8 (sundown to sundown) 16-17 (sundown to sundown) a celebration of the dead and
Global Diversity Awareness Month, a month to Simchat Torah, a Jewish holiday, The birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the ancestors.
celebrate and increase awareness about the marks the end of the weekly founder of the Bahá’í religion.
diversity of cultures and ethnicities and the positive readings of the Torah. The Torah is
read from chapter one of Genesis
impact diversity can have on society. 18 International Pronouns Day
to Deuteronomy 34 and then back
to chapter one again, in seeks to make respecting, sharing,
Black History Month in the United Kingdom, acknowledgement of the words of and educating about personal
Ireland, and The Netherlands. the Torah being a never-ending pronouns commonplace. Each year
cycle. it is held on the third Wednesday
Polish American Heritage Month, celebrated to of October.
commemorate the first Polish settlers, and
9 National Indigenous Peoples
celebrate the history and culture of the Polish 20 Birth of the Guru Granth.
Day, an alternative celebration to
community in America. Columbus Day, gives recognition to Sikh Holy Day, the day Sikhs
the indigenous populations celebrate Sri Guru Granth Sahib,
affected by colonization. their spiritual guide.
SERAMOUNT EVENTS: 9 Canadian Thanksgiving, a 24 Dasara, Dussehra, or
Vijayadashami, in the eastern
5 CDOC Convening Roundtable chance for people to give thanks
and northeastern states of India,
for a good harvest and other
(NY) ◊ fortunes in the past year. marks the end of Durga Puja,
remembering goddess Durga’s
18 Work Beyond Summit/ Best victory over the buffalo demon
10 World Mental Health Day. Mahishasura to help restore
Companies Award Gala (NY) First celebrated in 1993, this day is dharma.
26 National Disability Employment meant to increase public
Awareness Month DBP Member awareness about the importance of
mental health, mental health
Webinar • services, and mental health
workers worldwide.
◊ = CDOC Members
• = DBP Members ©2022 by EAB. All Rights Reserved. seramount.com 38266DIVERSITY HOLIDAYS 1 All Saints’ Day, a Christian
holiday commemorating all known
20 Transgender Day of
Remembrance, established in
TRANSGENDER
AWARENESS WEEK
November 2023
and unknown Christian saints. In 1998 to memorialize those who
Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the have been killed as a result of
day is observed on the first Sunday transphobia and raise awareness of
after Pentecost. the continued violence endured by
the transgender community.
2 All Souls’ Day, a Christian
holiday commemorating all faithful 23 Thanksgiving Day in the
Christians who are now dead. In United States. It began as a day of
National Native American Heritage Month, the Mexican tradition, the holiday giving thanks for the blessing of
which celebrates the history and contributions is celebrated as Dia de los Muertos the harvest and of the preceding
(October 31–November 2), which year.
of Native Americans. is a time of remembrance for dead
ancestors and a celebration of the
National Family Caregivers Month, continuity of life. 24 Native American Heritage
proclaimed in 2012 by former President Barack Day, held annually on the Friday
Obama. It honors the more than forty million after Thanksgiving, encourages
caregivers across the country who support 11 Veterans Day, a US federal Americans of all backgrounds to
holiday honoring military veterans. observe and honor Native
aging parents, ill spouses, or other loved ones The date is also celebrated as Americans through appropriate
with disabilities who remain at home. Armistice Day or Remembrance ceremonies and activities. The law
Day in other parts of the world and establishing the day was signed by
NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN
commemorates the ending of President George W. Bush in
HERITAGE MONTH World War I in 1918. 2008.
12 Diwali, the Hindu, Jain, and 26 Feast of Christ the King, a
Sikh five-day festival of lights that Catholic holiday established to
celebrates new beginnings and the thank God for the gift of time and
triumph of good over evil and light a rededication to the Christian
over darkness. faith.
13-19 Transgender Awareness 28—January 6 Nativity Fast, a
Week, the week before period of abstinence and penance
Transgender Day of Remembrance practiced by the Eastern Orthodox,
on November 20, in which people Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern
and organizations participate to Catholic Churches in preparation
help raise the visibility of for the Nativity of Jesus.
transgender people and address
issues members of the community
face. 30 St. Andrew’s Day, the feast
day for St. Andrew within various
Christian denominations.
SERAMOUNT EVENTS: 19 International Men’s Day,
emphasizes the important issues
1 Native American Heritage Month affecting males, including male
health issue, improving the
DBP Member Webinar • relations between genders,
highlighting the importance of
10 Veterans Day DBP Member male role models, and promoting
Webinar • gender equality. This holiday is
celebrated in more than seventy
countries.
• = DBP Members
©2022 by EAB. All Rights Reserved. seramount.com 38266DIVERSITY HOLIDAYS 1 World AIDS Day,
commemorates those who have
13 St. Lucia’s Day, a religious
festival of light in Scandinavia and
26—January 1 Kwanzaa, an
African-American holiday started
December 2023
died of AIDS and acknowledges the Italy commemorating the by Maulana Karenga in 1966 to
need for continued commitment martyrdom of St. Lucia, a young celebrate universal African-
to all those affected by the Christian girl who was killed for her American heritage.
HIV/AIDS epidemic. faith in 304 CE. She secretly took
food to persecuted Christians in
Rome while wearing a wreath of 27 St. John the Apostle and
3 International Day of Persons candles on her head so both her Evangelist Day, feast day for St.
with Disabilities, designed to hands would be free. John, celebrated by Christian
raise awareness regarding persons denominations.
with disabilities in order to improve
their lives and provide them with 16–24 Las Posadas, a nine-
equal opportunity. day celebration in Mexico 28 Feast of the Holy Innocents,
commemorating the trials Mary a Christian feast in remembrance
and Joseph endured during their of the massacre of young children
3–24 Advent, a Christian season journey to Bethlehem. in Bethlehem by King Herod the
of celebration leading up to the Great in his attempt to kill the CHRISTMAS
birth of Christ. infant Jesus.
21 Yule Winter Solstice,
celebrated by Pagans and Wiccans.
7–15 Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday The first day of winter and shortest 30 Feast of the Holy Family, a
that is celebrated for eight days day of the year represents a liturgical celebration in the Catholic
and nights. Hanukkah celebrates celebration focusing on rebirth, Church in honor of Jesus, his
FEAST OF OUR LADY
HANUKKAH the victory of the Maccabean, renewal, and new beginnings as mother, and his foster father, St.
OF GUADALUPE leaders of the Jewish people, over Joseph, as a family. The primary
the sun begins to move farther
the Greek-Syrian ruler, Antiochus, away from Earth. purpose of this feast is to present
approximately 2,200 years ago. the Holy Family as a model for
Christian families.
25 Christmas Day, the day that
8 Immaculate Conception of many Christians associate with
Mary, celebrates the solemn Jesus’ birth. 31 Watch Night, a day for
celebration by various Christian Christians to review the year that
denominations of belief in the has passed, make confessions, and
Immaculate Conception of the 26 Boxing Day, a secular holiday then prepare for the year ahead by
Blessed Virgin Mary. celebrated in the United Kingdom, praying and resolving.
Canada, Ireland, Australia, New
Zealand, Hong Kong, and South
8 Bodhi Day, a Buddhist holiday Africa.
that commemorates the day the
historical Buddha, Siddhartha
Gautama (Shakyamuni), 26 St. Stephen’s Day, a day
WORLD AIDS DAY
experienced enlightenment; to commemorate St. Stephen,
also known as Bodhi in Sanskrit the first Christian martyr, or
and Pali. protomartyr.
SERAMOUNT EVENTS:
10 International Human Rights 26 Zartosht No-Diso (Death of
1 DBP Member Conference • Day, established by the United Prophet Zarathushtra), a day of
Nations in 1948 to commemorate remembrance in the Zoroastrian
7 CDOC Web Seminar ◊ the anniversary of the Universal religion. It commemorates the
Declaration of Human Rights. anniversary of the death of the
prophet Zoroaster, or
Zarathushtra.
12 Feast of Our Lady of
◊ = CDOC Members
KWANZAA
Guadalupe, a religious holiday in
Mexico commemorating the
• = DBP Members appearance of the Virgin Mary near
Mexico City in 1531.
©2022 by EAB. All Rights Reserved. seramount.com 38266You can also read
