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Holi – Hindu

September 15, 2015

This springtime festival of colors includes music, dancing, laughter and teasing.  It is a fun-filled, joyous celebration. This holiday begins at sundown on March 20 and ends at sundown on March 21.

Nirvana Day – Buddhist-Jain

September 15, 2015

Festival commemorating Buddha’s death at 80 when he attained Nirvana – the state at which all desires and afflictions are gone, and the cycle of death and rebirth ends.

Ash Wednesday – Lent Begins – Christian

September 1, 2015

In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day of the season of Lent, 40 days of preparation for Easter. Many Christians observe a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, and spiritual discipline.

Imbolc – Lughnassad – Nature Traditions

September 1, 2015

The second of four great fire festivals, Imbolc (meaning “in milk”) recognizes a time of awakening, promise and hope for the spring. This holiday begins at sundown on Feb. 1 and ends at sundown on Feb. 2.

 

Chinese New Year -Confucian/Taoist/Buddhist

September 1, 2015

The Chinese New Year remains the most important social and economic holiday in China. The holiday is a time to honor household and heavenly deities as well as ancestors, and includes feasting together as a family.

 

Christmas – Christian

September 1, 2015

Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. Christmas is preceded by 40 days of spiritual preparation called Advent. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ.