GUIDE TO RELIGIONS
Major Holidays and Suggested Accommodations
The holidays and accommodations section of this guide is provided to faculty, staff, and student leaders as an educational resource for the myriad of religious holy days celebrated at Mizzou. Not only does this section offer crucial information about dates and practices, 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. Questions about reasonable accommodations for religious holy days may be sent to the director of MU Equity at equity@missouri.edu.
Points to Remember
- Dates are assembled from several calendars and begin with the academic year (August through September). Lunar calendars can vary based on region and practice.
- 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.
| Holiday and Recommended Accommodations | Date(s) Observed |
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Ramadan (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. 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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Eid al-Fitr (Islamic)
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Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)This two-day festival celebrates the birth of Krishna, a widely-worshiped Hindu god. Krishna is considered to be a warrior, hero, teacher, and philosopher. General Practices: During this festival, Hindus are likely to forgo sleep in order to sing bhajans, traditional Hindu songs. Many Hindus also fast during the first day of the festival. Dances, songs, and plays depicting the life of Krishna are common. Date Details: The first day is called Krishan ashtami or Gokul ashtami. The second day is known as Kaal ashtami or more popularly Janam ashtami. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines on this day, since it is likely that students will be operating on very little sleep. |
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Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)
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Yom Kippur (Jewish)
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Sukkot (Jewish)
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Mabon / Autumnal Equinox (Pagan, Wiccan)Also referred to as Harvest Home, the Feast of the Ingathering, and Meán Fómhair. Mabon is the second celebration of the harvest, a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth, and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and the God during the coming winter months. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: At Mabon, day and night are in equal balance. It is a time to offer gratitude for the blessings of the harvest and also to begin to prepare for turning inward. Making dishes with apples, squash and pumpkins as part of ritual celebration is customary. |
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Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)
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Simchat Torah (Jewish)
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Navratri (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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Eid al-Adha (Islamic)
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Birth of Bahá'u'lláh (Baha’i)
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Samhain (Pagan, Wiccan)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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Diwali (Hindu / Buddhist / Sikhism / Jainism)
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Hanukkah / Chanukah (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 of prior 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 / Winter Solstice (Pagan, Wiccan)Also known as Alban Arthan; 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. 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 (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant)
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Gantan-sai (Shinto)
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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)
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Imbolc / Candlemas (Pagan, Wiccan)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)
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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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Purim (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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Magha Puja Day (Buddhism)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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Ostara / Spring Equinox (Pagan, Wiccan)Also known as Eostre or Alban Eilir. 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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Naw Ruz (Baha’i)This is the Baha’i New Year, a traditional celebration in Iran adopted as a holy day associated with Baha’i. It is a celebration of spring and new life. General Practices: Festive music dancing, prayers, meetings, meals |
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Palm Sunday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant)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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Pesach / Passover (Jewish)
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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)
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Yom HaSho’ah (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. If the date falls on a Friday, Israel observes Yom Hashoah on the preceding Thursday. When the date falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. 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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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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Palm Sunday (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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Beltane (Pagan, Wiccan)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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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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Pascha / Easter (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
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Shavuot (Jewish)
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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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Litha / Midsomer / Summer Solstice (Pagan, Wiccan)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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Tisha B’Av (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, fast deferred because of the Sabbath. Recommended accommodations: Plan limited activities after a fast. |
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Lammas / Lughnasadh (Pagan, Wiccan)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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