Interfaith Calendar: Religious and Cultural Observances 2024

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A Global Source for More than a Decade

Holidays & Festivals expert Stephanie Fenton is internationally known for her reporting on major holidays, festivals and milestones that shape community life around the world. There are many other calendars that claim to provide this information at the click of a link or an app, but Stephanie is the leading journalist focused every week of the year on actively reporting about these milestones. That’s important, because dates and times and even the names of these observances vary—as well as the meaning of these observances in various countries and cultures. In her columns, Stephanie explains the fascinating stories behind these events, advises readers on newsy updates—and always provides an array of links to learn more about everything from the history of the holiday to DIY holiday-related crafts and tasty traditional recipes.

It’s simple to find these columns. Just go to the master year-long calendar via InterfaithHolidays.com

Got a question? Perhaps you’re questioning one of the listed dates—or you wish we would list an observance that particularly interests you. Please, contact us at [email protected]

Holidays and Festivals January 2024

JANUARY is named for Janus, the Roman god associated with beginnings and transitions. The many month-long observances in various parts of the world include a special focus on Alzheimer’s disease (Canada) and on combatting human trafficking and slavery (U.S.). Over the past two decades in the U.S., January also has been designated National Mentoring Month.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is January 15 in 2024.

1—Mary, Mother of God (Catholic Christian)

1—Feast of St. Basil (Orthodox Christian)

1—Shogatsu/Gantan-sai (New Year) (Shinto)

5—Twelfth Night (Christian)

6—Epiphany (Christian, but observed in some denominations on the nearest Sunday.)

6—Theophany (Feast of the Epiphany) (Orthodox Christian)

6—Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) (Christian)

7—Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christian, Julian calendar)

8—Baptism of the Lord (Christian)

13—Maghi Lohri (Sikh)

15—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (U.S.)

15—Makar Sankranti / Pongal (Hindu)

16—National Religious Freedom Day (established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1993)

17—Jayanti (birthday) of Guru Gobindh Singh (Sikh)

18—Lunar Bodhi Day (Buddhism)

18—Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins (Christian)

20—Timkat (Ethiopian Orthodox Christian)

20—Sundown, World Religion Day (Baha’i)

24—Sundown, Tu B’Shvat (Jewish)

25—Conversion of St. Paul (Christian)

25—New Year (Buddhist, Mahayana)

27—International Day of Commemoration in Memory of Victims of the Holocaust (UN)

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Holidays and Festivals February 2024

FEBRUARY is another echo of ancient Rome, where februum meant “purification.” Among February’s month-long observances are Library Lovers Month and Black History Month in Canada and the U.S. (October in the UK).

For Western Christians, Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 14, 2024, so the big Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans will begin around Friday February 9. Eastern Orthodox Christians will begin the Fast of Lent in March.

1—Feast of St. Brighid of Kildare (Celtic Christian)

1—Imbolc (Lughnassadh) (Northern/Southern hemisphere) (Wicca, pagan)

2—Candlemas (Presentation of Christ in the Temple) (Christian)

2—Groundhog Day

3—Four Chaplains Day (Interfaith)

6—Sundown, Lailat al Miraj (Isra Mi’raj) (Islam)

10—Chinese New Year

11—Our Lady of Lourdes (Catholic Christian)

13—Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) (Christian)

14—Ash Wednesday / Lent begins (Christian)

14—Vasant Panchami (Hindu)

14—St. Valentine’s Day (Christian, international holiday)

15—Parinirvana Day (Nirvana Day) (Buddhist, Jain)

19—Presidents’ Day (U.S.)

24—Magha Puja Day / Sangha Day (Buddhist)

24—Sundown, Lailat al Bara’ah (Mid-Sha’ban) (Islam)

25—Tridion begins (Orthodox Christian)

25—Sundown, Ayyam-i-Ha (Intercalary Days) begins (Baha’i)

29—Sundown, Nineteen-Day Fast begins (Baha’i)

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Holidays and Festivals March 2024

Most Muslims are expecting the fasting month of Ramadan to begin March 10 in 2024. Traditionally, the start of the fast depends on a sighting of the crescent moon.

MARCH‘s name recalls Mars, yet another Roman deity. This year, the moveable season of Lent begins in March for the majority of Christians around the world. Among March’s month-long observances are National Social Work Month and Women’s History Month, which includes International Women’s Day.

1—St. David of Wales (Christian)

8—Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)

10—Meatfare Sunday (Judgment Sunday) (Orthodox Christian)

10—Daylight Saving Time begins

10—Mothering Sunday (UK)

10—Sundown, Ramadan begins (Islam)

13—Birthday of L. Ron Hubbard (Scientology)

17—St. Patrick’s Day (Christian, international holiday)

St. Patrick’s Day is March 17.

17—Cheesefare Sunday (Forgiveness Sunday) (Orthodox Christian)

18—Clean Monday / Great Lent begins (Orthodox Christian)

19—St. Joseph’s Day (Christian)

19—Vernal (spring) equinox (Northern Hemisphere)

19—Ostara (Mabon) (Wicca, pagan) (Northern/Southern hemisphere)

19—Sundown, Naw-Ruz (Baha’i)

20—Nowruz (Zoroastrian)

21—International Day of Nowruz

21—Fast of Esther (Jewish) (Note: As the date of the Fast of Esther would fall on Shabbat in 2024, it is transferred to the preceding Thursday)

23—Sundown, Purim (Jewish)

24—Palm Sunday (Christian)

24—Lord’s Evening Meal (Jehovah’s Witness Christian)

24—Feast of Orthodoxy / Sunday of Orthodoxy / Orthodox Sunday (Orthodox Christian)

24—Holika Dahan (Hindu)

25—Holi (Hindu)

25—Hola Mohalla (Sikh)

26—Robert Frost Sesquicentennial

28—Maundy Thursday (Christian)

29—Good Friday (Christian)

30—Black (Holy) Saturday (Christian)

31—Easter (Christian)

31—Easter Sunday (Christian).

Holidays and Festivals April 2024

APRIL‘s origin is debated by scholars but its name may reflect aperire, which means “to open.” Among April’s month-long observances are Arab American Heritage Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Passover begins April 22, 2024.

1—Easter Monday (Christian)

5/6—Sundown, Lailat al-Qadr (27th night of Ramadan) (Islam)

8—Annunciation of the Lord (Christian)

(Note: In 2024, this is moved from March 25, since March 25 is the Monday of Holy Week)

9—Ugadi / Gudi Padwa (Hindu)

9—Sundown Ramadan ends (Islam)

10—Eid al-Fitr (Islam)

13—Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) (Sikh)

17—Swaminarayan Jayanti (Hindu)

17—Rama Navami (Hindu) (Note: Some Hindus begin reading the Ramayana nine days prior to the start of Rama Navami)

19/20—Sundown, First Day of Ridvan (Baha’i) (Note: Global sources currently vary on the timing of Ridvan 2024, with a one-day discrepancy. Stay tuned to our weekly online magazine for an update closer to the season)

21—Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) (Sikh)

22—Fast of the Firstborn (Jewish)

22—Sundown, Pesach (Passover) begins (Jewish)

22—Earth Day

23—Hanuman Jayanti (Hindu)

24—New Year (Buddhist, Theravada)

27—Lazarus Saturday (Orthodox Christian)

28—Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christian)

27/28—Sundown, Ninth Day of Ridvan (Baha’i) (Note: Global sources currently vary on the timing of Ridvan 2024, with a one-day discrepancy. Stay tuned to our weekly online magazine for an update closer to the season)

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Holidays and Festivals May 2024

MAY‘s name also comes from an ancient deity, in this case associated with fertility. Among May’s month-long observances are special devotions to Mary in Catholic communities, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month and Military Appreciation Month.

If you see a bonfire in a Jewish community this month, it may be a community commemoration of Lag B’Omer.

1—Beltane (Samhain) (Wicca, pagan) (Northern/Southern hemisphere)

30/1—Sundown, Twelfth Day of Ridvan (Baha’i) (Note: Global sources currently vary on the timing of Ridvan 2024, with a one-day discrepancy. Stay tuned to our weekly online magazine for an update closer to the season)

2—National Day of Prayer (U.S.)

3—Holy Friday (Orthodox Christian)

4—Holy Saturday (Orthodox Christian)

5—Great and Holy Pascha (Easter) (Orthodox Christian)

5—Cinco de Mayo

5—Sundown, Yom HaShoah (Jewish)

9—Ascension of the Lord (Ascension of Jesus) (Christian)

(Note: Observed in some denominations on nearest Sunday, May 12, in 2024)

10—Akshaya Tritiya (Hindu, Jain)

12—Mother’s Day (U.S.)

12—Sundown, Yom HaZikaron (Jewish)

13—Sundown, Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Jewish)

19—Pentecost Sunday (Christian)

20—Whit Monday (Christian)

22—Sundown, Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i)

23—Vesak (Buddha Day) (Buddhist)

(Note: Observance dates vary)

25—Sundown, Lag B’Omer (Jewish)

26—Trinity Sunday (Christian)

27—Memorial Day (U.S.)

27—Sundown, Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i)

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Holidays and Festivals June 2023

JUNE brings a wide range of festivals and summer-themed observances in communities around the Northern Hemisphere. In the U.S., Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots in June 1969 and the birth of the gay-rights movement.

June brings the feast of St. Columba, who established a Christian community on Iona island off the northwest coast of Scotland. To this day, pilgrims consider Iona holy and continue to travel to the tiny island.

2—Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) (Catholic Christian)

7—Sacred Heart of Jesus (Catholic Christian)

9—St. Columba of Iona (Christian)

11—Sundown, Shavuot (Jewish)

13—Holy Ascension / Feast of the Ascension (Orthodox Christian)

14—Flag Day (U.S.)

14—Sundown, Hajj begins (Islam)

15—Sundown, Waqf al Arafa (Day of Arafat) (Islam)

16—Father’s Day (U.S.)

16—Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib (Sikh)

16—Sundown, Eid al-Adha (Islam)

19—New Church Day (Swedenborgian Christian)

19—Juneteenth

20—Summer solstice (Northern Hemisphere)

21—Litha (Yule) (Wicca, pagan) (Northern/Southern hemisphere); Midsummer

23—Pentecost (Orthodox Christian)

24—St. John the Baptist (Christian)

29—Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul (Christian)

30—The Sunday of All Saints (Orthodox Christian)

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Holidays and Festivals July 2023

JULY‘s name honors Julius Caesar, who was born in this month. More summer-time festivals are sprinkled around the Northern Hemisphere, including National Hog Dog Month and National Ice Cream Month in the U.S. That’s appropriate since this is the month of American Independence Day.

“Wagons, ho!” If you’re planning to visit Utah this year, don’t miss the festivities leading up to Pioneer Day.

4—Independence Day (U.S.)

7—Sundown, Hijri (New Year) (Islam)

8—Sundown, Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i)

15—Obon (Ullambana) (Buddhist) (Note: This observance is Shichigatsu Bon; Hachigatsu Bon / Kyu Bon, or “Old Bon,” commences in August)

16—Sundown, Ashura (Islam)

20/21—Asalha Puja Day (Dharma Day) (Buddhist)

23—Birthday of Haile Selassie (Rastafari)

23—Fast of Tammuz 17; The Three Weeks begins (Jewish)

24—Pioneer Day (Mormon)

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Holidays and Festivals August 2023

AUGUST was named after another Roman emperor, Augustus. Among the month-long observances are Happiness Happens (no kidding!) and National Immunization Awareness Month, which is promoted by the CDC in the U.S.

The festival of Obon (or simply “Bon”) is marked at various times around the world, sometimes depending in the U.S. on a convenient date for a local community to come together. Whenever Obon is observed, you are likely to see candle-lit lanterns.

1—Lammas (Christian)

1—Lughnassadh (Imbolc) (Wicca, pagan) (Northern/Southern hemisphere)

1—Dormition Fast (Orthodox Christian)

6—Feast of the Transfiguration, Transfiguration of the Lord (Catholic Christian, Anglican Christian, Orthodox Christian)

12—Sundown, Tisha B’Av (Jewish)

13—Obon (Ullambana) (Buddhist) (See note in July Obon entry) (Note: This date may differ among regions of Japan. Obon in Okinawa will fall on August 28-30 in 2024)

15—Dormition of the Theotokos (Orthodox Christian)

15—Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christian)

18—Sundown, Tu B’Av (Jewish)

19—Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)

26—Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)

31—Paryushan Parvarambha begins (Jain)

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Holidays and Festivals September 2023

SEPTEMBER‘s name is a remnant of the fact that Romans once had 10 months and this was the seventh, hence “sept.” A whole series of cancer-awareness observances have been clustered in September, including special efforts to highlight childhood cancers, gynecologic cancers, leukemia, lymphoma, ovarian cancer and thyroid cancer.

Ganesh is one of the most popular expression of the divine in Indian culture.

1—Ecclesiastical New Year (Orthodox Christian)

2—Labor Day (U.S.)

7—Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)

7/8—Samvatsari Parva begins (Jain)

8—Nativity of the Virgin Mary/Theotokos (Christian)

11—Patriot Day (U.S.)

11—Enkutatasch (Ethiopian New Year) (Rastafari, Ethiopian Orthodox)

15—Sundown, Mawlid an-Nabi (Islam)

22—Mabon (Imbolc) (Wicca, pagan) (Northern/Southern hemisphere)

22—Autumnal (fall) equinox (Northern Hemisphere)

27—Meskel (Ethiopian Eritrean Orthodox Christian)

29—Michael and All Angels (Michaelmas) (Christian)

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Holidays and Festivals October 2023

OCTOBER retains its old reference to this being the eighth month in the old Roman system, thus “oct.” One of the biggest cancer-awareness campaigns—Breast Cancer Awareness Month—takes place each October. This also is National Bullying Prevention Month.

The Jewish High Holidays are in October in 2024.

2—Sundown, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)

3—Navaratri (Hindu)

4—St. Francis Day (Blessing of the Animals) (Catholic Christian)

11—Sundown, Yom Kippur (Jewish)

12—Daesara, Dussehra (Hindu)

14—Columbus Day (U.S.)

14—Indigenous Peoples Day

14—Thanksgiving (Canada)

16—Sundown, Sukkot (Jewish)

18—St. Luke, Apostle and Evangelist (Christian)

23—Sundown, Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)

24—Sundown, Simchat Torah (Jewish)

31—Reformation Day (Protestant Christian)

31—All Hallows Eve (Christian)

31—Samhain (Wicca, pagan)

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Holidays and Festivals November 2023

NOVEMBER was named for novem or “ninth,” continuing the ancient Roman custom of numbering months. This is Native American History Month, We’ve got books: Dancing My Dream as well as The Flavors of Faith, among others. November also is National Family Caregivers Month and National Hospice Month.

Americans know that November means Thanksgiving—but did you know that Canadian’s celebrate the holiday in October?

1—All Saints (Christian)

1—Diwali (Deepavali) (Hindu, Jain, Sikh)

1—Sundown, Birth of the Bab (Baha’i)

2—All Souls’ Day (Catholic Christian)

2—Sundown, Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i)

3—Daylight Saving Time ends

11—Veterans Day (U.S.)

15—Nativity Fast begins (Orthodox Christian)

24—Christ the King (Christian)

24—Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib (Sikh)

24—Sundown, Day of the Covenant (Baha’i)

26—Sundown, Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (Baha’i)

28—Thanksgiving (U.S.)

30—St. Andrew’s Day (Christian)

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Holidays and Festivals December 2023

DECEMBER, with dec for “ten,” wraps up the old Roman system of numbering months.

Everyone knows December brings Christmas, but millions of Catholics around the world also anticipate this month for the annual Feast or Our Lady of Guadalupe.

1—First Sunday of Advent (Advent begins) (Christian)

6—St. Nicholas Day (Christian)

8—Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) (Buddhism)

9—Immaculate Conception of Mary (Catholic Christian) (Note: This Solemnity is moved from December 8 in 2024, as December 8 is the Second Sunday of Advent)

12—Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Catholic Christian)

16—Posadas Navidenas begins (Hispanic Christian)

21—Yule (Christian, Wicca, pagan)

21—Winter solstice (Northern Hemisphere)

25—Christmas (Nativity) (Christian)

25—Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christian)

25—Sundown, Hanukkah (Chanukah) begins (Jewish)

26—Kwanzaa begins

26—Feast of St. Stephen, the First Martyr (Christian)

28—Holy Innocents (Christian)

29—Feast of the Holy Family (Catholic Christian)

31—Watch Night (Christian)

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NOTE TO READERS

We continue to update this list, month by month. As you read the list, you may discover we have missed a fascinating observance or detail. If so, please email us at [email protected].

Zongyuan Jie: Tao Ghost Festival

August 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20 (But Dates Vary): Over the past month, millions across Asia, especially Japanese and Chinese, observed Obon festivities—including Asian communities in the U.S. Now, as Chinese turn to the celebration of Zhongyuan Jie, alternatively known as The Ghost Festival, dates also vary. If you are looking for observances across the U.S., check local events listings. Some observances occur earlier than they do in China. Wikipedia has an overview of these traditions.

The origins of Zhongyuan Jie lie inTaoism, Chinese folk religion and the influence of Buddhism during “Ghost Month.” The focus often is on this one “Ghost Day.” While Chinese traditions suggest that the gates of hell open each year at the beginning of the seventh lunar month, it’s on the 15th day that these spirits are granted a major festival. The spirits return to their respective realm the following day.

CUSTOMS FROM EMPTY CHAIRS TO JOSS PAPER

During the recent Tomb Sweeping Day (Qingming Jie), the living paid respects to their deceased ancestors by visiting cemeteries and cleaning gravestones. Now, on Zhongyuan Jie, the ghosts and spirits return the favor by visiting the living. Chinese operas are performed before empty rows of chairs, so that spirits have a spot to sit; seats are left unoccupied at dinner tables, so that living and deceased family members can dine together; shops are closed so that the streets can be left empty for wandering ghosts. Burning incense and joss paper—often into the shape of houses, cars, boats and money—are common, as devotees hold that incense symbolizes prosperity and joss paper carries over material items into the world of the dead. Significant events like weddings and major investments are withheld until the end of Ghost Month.

Devotees of this festival believe that it is an auspicious time for the absolution of sins committed by their ancestors. Many perform rituals to further that spiritual goal. Buddhists and Taoists rites may include the throwing of rice in all directions, believed to aid suffering spirits. Families are also careful not to attract ill-mannered ghosts, paying tribute and offering food to unknown souls so as to appease them and not attract misfortune. On the final day, hungry ghosts are guided home with floating lanterns released onto nearby rivers and other bodies of water.

ZHONGYUAN JIE AROUND THE WORLD

With a general focus on ancestor worship, specific customs associated with Zhongyuan Jie differ in participating countries:

  • Singapore and Malaysia: Concerts and other performances are common during The Ghost Festival. Some older operas are slowly being transformed into pop concerts.
  • Taiwan: While ghosts allegedly haunt the island for the entire seventh lunar month, the mid-summer Ghost Festival is preceded by parades, offerings and the release of lanterns. Taiwan is home to a museum dedicated solely to the festival: the Keelung Mid Summer Ghost Festival Museum.
  • Vietnam: The release of birds and fish, along with prayer, is regarded a means to earn merit.

Asalha Puja: Seek the Dhamma; take cover for a Theravada rains retreat

July 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment

MONDAY, JULY 22: Monsoon season is looming and Theravada Buddhists are preparing to head indoors, but first, they celebrate Dhamma Day. Today is Asalha Puja, the anniversary of Buddha’s first public sermon. One of the most sacred festivals in Buddhism, Asalha Puja commemorates the day Buddha “set into motion the wheel of the dhamma” with his first public teaching. (Wikipedia has details.) The Great Discourse on the End of the Ultimate was delivered to five ascetics at Deer Park, in India, containing basic concepts that would be expanded upon in all future sermons. Following this first sermon, Buddha accepted his first disciple.

FROM THE BODHI TO DEER PARK

After having reached Enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, Buddha questioned whether anyone would understand what he had learned. Five ascetics came to mind that might benefit, and Buddha made his way to Deer Park to deliver a sermon to them. On that full moon day of the eighth lunar month, Buddha spoke to the ascetics of the Middle Path and the Four Noble Truths, explaining that neither extreme self-indulgence nor self-mortification was the way to Nirvana. The theory of Four Noble Truths explained that there is suffering; there are causes of suffering, including craving; suffering can be overcome when craving is mastered; and the path leading to the cessation of suffering—and Nirvana—is the Eightfold Path.

Monks and nuns will remain indoors for three months starting July 23 this year, spending the rainy season in the temple as did Buddha and his nomadic disciples. (Learn more from the Ministry of Culture, Thailand.) Yet the day before “Buddhist Lent” commences, adherents make offerings to temples and gather to hear readings from Buddhist scriptures. Sermons are delivered in temples, and devotees clean their homes. The Buddhist flag is hoisted high.

IN THE NEWS: BANGKOK’S WEEK OF FESTIVITIES
& THE WORLD’S LARGEST RESCUE DIG

Asalha Puja is a government holiday in Thailand, but that’s just the halt of a joyous festival that began a week ago, on July 16. In the days leading up to Asalha Puja, Bangkok residents have attended candle molding ceremonies and mass prayer sessions; outside of Bangkok, robe offering ceremonies and meditation sessions were commonplace. (Thai News has the story.) All festivities were conducted in hopes that Buddhists would focus on the Dhamma, or truths taught by Buddha, during these special days.

The largest rescue dig in the world is commencing at Mes Anyak, an ancient Buddhist settlement near Kabul, in Afghanistan. The race is on to excavate the collection of monasteries, statues, frescoes and architectural treasures before a Chinese mining company destroys the area, several news sources have recently reported. China attests that the area may hold up to $100 million worth of copper; geologists report the city was a major Buddhist settlement and part of the ancient Silk Road. With time of the essence, archaeologists from around the globe are working at a frenzied pace to uncover what they can, using everything from ground penetrating radar and georectified photography to pickaxes to uncover the remains. It’s unclear whether any digging will be permitted after summer is over.

Obon: Buddhists, Japanese culture embrace ancestors and Bon dances

July 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment

MONDAY, JULY 15-SUNDAY, AUGUST 18: It’s Obon season! From China to Japan to Hawai’i and in Buddhist communities worldwide, temples are adorned with hundreds of paper lanterns; devotees honor the spirits of deceased ancestors; the Bon-Odori dance invites participants of every age; flavorful chicken teriyaki, steaming bowls of udon and juicy watermelon slices are the common fare.

The festival of Obon lasts just three days, but when the lunar calendar was changed to the Gregorian at the beginning of the Meiji area, localities reacted differently—and now, different regions mark Obon at widely varying times between mid-July and mid-August. (Wikipedia has details.)

Obon is a shortened version of the term Ullambana, which, in Buddhism, indicates great suffering. By praying for ancestors’ spirits, it’s believed that their suffering can be lessened; the Bon-Odori dance is a joyful recognition of the alleviation of suffering.

IT ALL BEGAN WITH: THE STORY OF BON ODORI

Japanese culture has embraced Obon for more than 500 years, but the story of Bon Odori begins much earlier, with a disciple of Buddha. According to legend, this disciple possessed supernatural powers that he used to look upon his deceased mother. The disciple saw that his mother had fallen into the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, and was suffering there. Deeply bothered, the disciple approached Buddha and asked how he might free his mother’s soul from the realm. Buddha instructed the monk to make offerings to Buddhist monks who had just completed their summer retreat, and when the monk did this, he saw his mother’s release. In joy, he also began to see his mother’s past unselfishness and the numerous sacrifices she had made for him. Now overjoyed, the monk danced the first “Bon Odori” dance. (The Shingon Buddhist International Institute has more.) Centuries later, adherents continue to recognize the sacrifices and goodness of their ancestors during the festival of Obon.

OBON: COTTON KIMONOS, DANCING, LANTERNS, FIREWORKS

Legend has it that the monk of Bon Odori called upon Buddha in the seventh lunar month, and as such, Obon has always been a summer festival. (Interested in a short documentary of a Japanese observation of Obon? Check out this one on YouTube.)

Lightweight, cotton kimonos are commonly worn by dancers and festival attendees, with carnivals in some areas and a mix of summer and traditional foods. Bon dances are as different as the regions that perform them, with some using accessories like fans or towels and others imitating the area’s history. (This press story interviews a 77-year-old woman who has been dancing traditionally since age 4.) Modern Bon dance music can be written to the beat of well-known songs or kids’ tunes, and often, steps are intentionally simple so that everyone can participate.

Lanterns are hung on the front of houses throughout Obon to guide ancestors’ spirits home, and on the last day of Obon, the paper lanterns are illuminated with a candle and floated down a river or body of water to symbolize the ancestral spirits’ return to the world of the deceased. (Make your own lanterns and teach kids about Obon with help from Circle Time Kids and In Culture Parent.) A grand fireworks display ends the ceremonies.

OBON SEASON: YOU SAY JULY; I SAY AUGUST

Though Obon is not a national holiday, many Japanese citizens take vacations during this time and return home for family reunions. (Get the scoop for 2013 in Japan at Japan-Guide.) Calendar interpretations vary widely, placing Obon in mid-July in Tokyo, in mid-August in China, and varying in other regions of Japan, such as Okinawa.

Outside of Japan, dates also vary in Brazil, which houses the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. Hawai’i follows suit, where Japanese-American events are prominent. (In San Jose, Japantown provides food and entertainment in mid-July; the Kauai Museum in Hawai’i is currently running a “Buddhist Temples of Hawaii” exhibit; in Ontario, a press story covers the deep-rooted history of its Buddhist temple.) Street festivals stocked with Japanese culture, art and cuisine are also popular during Obon season.

 

VESAK: Give and live by the Dharma on Buddha’s birthday

May 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment

SATURDAY, MAY 25: The word Dharma resounds around the world this week, as Buddhists, monks, non-Buddhists and international UN offices pause to observe Vesak. A Buddhist observance, Vesak recalls a trio of events: the birth, enlightenment and death of Guatama Buddha. Per the request of Buddha himself, devotees focus especially on carrying out the Buddha’s teachings by living kindly, giving generously and abiding by the Dharma (or Dhamma, spellings vary). In India—the birthplace of Buddhism—Vesak is observed today, as it is in Nepal and Indonesia; some countries commemorated Vesak yesterday, and still others will observe Vesak Week through Monday. Specific dates are determined by various lunar calendars.

Despite varying dates, Vesak celebrations across the globe begin the same way: with adherents gathered at their local temple, before sunrise, to watch the ceremonial hoisting of the Buddhist flag. Hymns of praise rise through the air, as attendees line up to offer flowers, candles and food. (Wikipedia has details.) A shared vegetarian meal with follow, but it’s in the flowers and candles that devotees understand the truth of Vesak: that life, as with all things, will wither away and decay. All that is eternal is the Dharma truth.

The World Fellowship of Buddhists tried to formalize the celebration of Vesak as Buddha’s birthday in 1950, although festivals of a similar fashion had been custom for centuries. Aside from parallel morning ceremonies, Vesak festivities vary around the world: In Sri Lanka, two days are set aside for Vesak and liquor shops, slaughter houses and casinos are closed; in Japan, a sweet Hydrangea tea is poured over statues. Nepalis can claim Lumbini as the birthplace of Buddha, and their holy temple—Swayambhu—is opened only one day per year, on Vesak. Since Vesak is a public holiday in Nepal, even non-Buddhists get into the spirit by donating and volunteering on this special day. Processions line the streets in many countries during daylight hours, while colorful lanterns light the skies at night. In 1999, the United Nations resolved to internationally observe Vesak at its headquarters and offices.

The government of Sri Lanka has selected “Live by the Dharma” as the theme for Vesak 2013.

Shinto: It’s Girls and Dolls for Hina Matsuri

March 3, 2013 by

Two little girls s how off their display of Hina Matsuri dolls. Photo released in public domain courtesy Wikimedia Commons.SUNDAY, MARCH 3: Girls take center stage in Japan today for the annual festival of Hina Matsuri. Also known as the Doll Festival, Hina Matsuri celebrates both girlhood and the ancient belief that dolls possess the power to contain evil spirits; both homes and public places abound with traditional seven-tiered doll displays. The girls in the photo, at right, only have a few dolls in their collection—but they are young. Long-time collectors have elaborate displays that can fill half a room.

The ritual of displaying dolls began during the Heian period in Japan, although the more specific rituals of Hina Matsuri began much earlier—with the ancient custom of hina-nagashi, or “doll floating.” Many people believed that dolls could draw away negative spirits, so Japanese families would set straw dolls on miniature boats, sending them—and the evil spirits they had removed—down rivers and out to sea. (Wikipedia has details.)

While that custom no longer exists, families continue to set up doll displays as early as February for Hina Matsuri. Girls and their families also partake in shirozake, a sake made with fermented rice, and hina-arare, small crackers flavored with sugar or soy sauce. Colored rice cakes, chirashizushi and clam soup are also popular dishes for Hina Matsuri.

Doll types range from homemade to collector quality (craft your own dolls with help from Crayola), but the way they are displayed for Hina Matsuri follows a specific pattern: Upon a red carpet, the top platform or tier holds two imperial dolls, an Emperor and an Empress; the second tier holds three court ladies, all holding sake equipment; the third tier displays five male musicians; the fourth tier holds two ministers, an orange tree and a cherry blossom tree; the fifth tier displays three helpers, or samurai, as protectors of the Emperor and Empress; the sixth and seventh tiers hold a myriad of miniature furniture, carriages and other tools and equipment.

DOLLS AND DINOSAURS FROM TOKYO TO GLASGOW

Hina Matsuri extends far beyond Japan. Around the world, these traditional dolls draw hundreds of thousands of admirers, while keeping ancient traditions at the forefront. Oregon’s Portland Japanese Garden held its 50th anniversary this year. Learn more at its site. There is widespread interest in the UK, too. One festival—known as Japanese Matsuri for Glasgow—draws thousands of visitors every year.

Meanwhile, a doll display from the Mitsui family collection returns to Japan this year for the first time since the Great East Japan Earthquake two years ago. In Tokyo, plastic dinosaur models (dressed up as hina dolls) will make their second annual debut in 2013, and the historic Tokyo Hall will display approximately 600 ornate hina dolls that drew upward of 70,000 onlookers last year.

Closing the Chinese New Year with a Lantern Festival

February 24, 2013 by

Chinese Lantern Festival at one of Taiwan’s largest public monuments.SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24: “The Lantern Festival ends the 15-day period of the Spring Festival. Traditionally, children went to the temples on this night carrying paper lanterns. Nowadays, cities in China and abroad hold elaborate festivals with glowing parade-float lanterns shaped like dragons and other large animals. People enjoy outdoor concerts and fireworks. There are thousands of smaller lanterns, too, either carried by people, or as in Taiwan, sent floating up into the sky. Many lanterns have riddles on them, with the solutions being wishes for good luck, family reunion, abundant harvests, prosperity and love.”

This vivid description is part of Deng Ming-Dao’s new The Lunar Tao: Meditations in Harmony with the Seasons, which ReadTheSpirit reviews today in another column. As Deng points out in his book, “Lighting a fire was one of the first things that primitive people learned to do.” In the Lantern Festival, the kindling of lights at night remind everyone of humanity’s shared roots. A lantern “welcomes the spirits, is brave in the darkness, welcomes people home. That light is the beginning of the human. It also represents spirituality: enlightenment.”

TAIWAN: RECORD-SETTING LANTERN DESIGNS

Deng is right to point readers toward Taiwan for this festival that closes the New Year holiday period. (See our earlier story about the Chinese New Year of the Water Snake.) Across Asia, millions of Chinese are preparing to head back to work, often in distant industrial cities far from their ancestral home towns. At such a bittersweet moment of the year, Taiwan’s night sky explodes in bright lights.

The Taipei Times reports on one spectacular lantern, this year, that will be 10-meters high and 70-meters wide, formed into a curved screen called the Ring of Celestial Bliss onto which images will be projected. “This will be the largest and most eco-friendly lantern in the world,” the newspaper reports. “The steel and bamboo used to build it can be recovered or recycled, and the recycled plastic used to make the inner projector screen will be transformed into 600 to 700 environmentally friendly bags at the end of the event. The Ring also uses 155 LED strips, which can save up to 80 percent of the energy used by more common halogen lights.”

Originally published at readthespirit.com, an online magazine covering religion and cultural diversity.