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Beltane – Nature Traditions
September 15, 2015
Beltane celebrates the fertility and abundance of the earth.
Easter/Pascha – Orthodox Christian
September 15, 2015
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated with this feast in the Orthodox Christian church. It recognizes Christ’s power over death and the gift to Christians of restoration, transformation and life everlasting.
Pesach (Passover) – Jewish
September 15, 2015
Pesach, which means to pass through, commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and the Holy One passing over the Jewish homes when the first-born Egyptians were slain.
Mahavir Jayanti – Jain
September 15, 2015
Festival honoring Lord Mahavira on the founder's birthday. Shrines are visited and teachings are reviewed and reflected upon.
New Year – Hindu
September 15, 2015
This event celebrates the dawn of a new year and new beginnings. It is a spring festival marking the end of winter and looking forward to a time of expectation.
Lord's Evening Meal – Jehovah's Witness Christian
September 15, 2015
This was first observed by Jesus Christ on Jewish Passover in 33 C.E. It is observed only once per year. Celebrants partake of bread and wine which are symbols of Christ’s body and blood.
Easter – Christian
September 15, 2015
Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year and includes a joyous celebration of Mass or a Service of Christ’s Resurrection.
Good Friday – Christian
September 15, 2015
On this solemn day, Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross.
Holy (Maundy) Thursday – Christian
September 15, 2015
The Thursday before Easter commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles as described in the gospels. Mass or services may include the symbolic washing of feet.
Purim – Jewish
September 15, 2015
This merry holiday celebrates a time when Jewish people in Persia were saved from destruction. It is customary to hear the reading of the Book of Esther, eat, drink, and be joyful, give gifts of food and drink and gifts to charity, and hold carnival-like celebrations. This holiday begins at sundown on March 20 and ends at sundown on March 21.