Religious Holidays

Buddhist Holidays

Think being called Buddha is just a reference to your beer belly? You're right couch potato, it is. For all you non-Buddhists it might be a derogatory term, but if you're in to Buddhism, you'd strive for the hard-to-earn name "Buddha". Learn what's so transformational about Buddhism, how being a realist is enlightening, and why you should walk around a temple three times on a Buddhist holiday.

Christian Holidays

Christian holidays? Chances are you know the biggies - Christmas and Easter. But Christianity isn't just about mangers and eggs. Learn about the Christian liturgical calendar with its seven seasons of worship, along with the role it plays in determining holidays and strengthening spirituality.

Hindu Holidays

What religion has a holiday (or two) for every day of the year? Hindu's do! Or so it is often said; the Oxford Concise Dictionary of Religions lists more than 1000 different Hindu celebrations. Hinduism can be somewhat mysterious to Westerners more accustomed to Christian traditions. Don't be afraid; learn how the oldest sacred texts in the world shape this religion and what a mantra can do for a celebration.

Islamic Holidays

In comparison to other religions, Islam has relatively few holidays. But don't let the numbers fool you, Muslim observances are just as important to Islam as other religious holidays are to their specific faith. Find out what observances take place in the Muslim world and how following a lunar calendar affects the date of Islamic holidays.

Jewish Holidays

What are you doing next Saturday? If you are a jew you might be observing the Sabbath (or Shabbat); the holy day of rest, one of the most important obervances in Judaism. Think a Saturday of relaxation for Jews might include playing games on the laptop or baking a cake? Think again. Find out why and learn what other observances are most important on the Jewish holiday calendar.

Neopagan Holidays

Neopagans… not to be confused with Neocons, although both are often vilified and seen as controversial. In reality, Neopagans have nothing to do with political parties, but are in fact the new age counterparts to ancient Pagans; spiritually oriented groups such as Wiccans, Witches, and Druids. And no, they don't worship the devil! Find out the truth about these nature lovers and the magical holidays they celebrate...

Religious Holidays Overview

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...but not everyone cares to have him stop at their house. Shocking as it may be to some, not everyone in the world celebrates Christian holidays. There are many religions the world over, each with it's own set of special days, rituals, feasts and fasts, and observances. Holidays are often an integral part of religious worship and knowing which days to celebrate, along with how to observe them, is key to proper practice. Ever heard of Buddha, Mother Nature, Shiva, Rama, or Muhammad?

Secular Holidays

Not all holidays are rooted in religion, some are just for fun or to commemorate a special person, thing, or event for secular purposes. But the word "holiday", ironically enough, does have religious ties. Find out the meaning of the word and where it doubles as a vacation...

Taoist Holidays

Most have heard of the Chinese New Year Celebration, complete with it's recognizable Dragon or Lion dance; the colorful, snake-like, puppet that festival participants hold as a group and animate above their heads while performing. But did you know this celebration is a Taoist holiday? Find out what else you didn't know about Taoist holidays and learn how large a role this religion (that is also a philosophy) plays in Chinese culture.

Syndicate content