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? Most religions have one or more dieties, originators, enlightened sorts of beings, and volumes of spiritual knowledge which celebrations and observances are based off of. And then there are those holidays that are just for fun or in observance of something not directly linked to a specific religion, such as national independance days or recognition of national figures. So think outside your own holiday box and expand your knowledge of world religions and the special days they celebrate. We've organized some of the major ones and their associated holidays in to one area for your enlightening enjoyment!

• Secular Holidays - not all holidays have roots in religion, some are just for fun or commemorate a special person, thing, or event.
• Christian Holidays - many Christian celebrations occur on an annual basis and some have come to play a prominent role in Western cultures.
• Islamic Holidays - centered around the life of the prophet Muhammad (the founder of Islam) or observances he began.
• Jewish Holidays - serve to remind followers of important historical events, connect Jews to one another, allow for reflection, and ensure the continuation of traditions.
• Hindu Holidays - encompass a multitude of henotheistic religions groups and have an unlimited number of holidays and festivals.
• Buddhist Holidays - many holidays and festivals, most of which mark important events in the life of the Buddha or (for Mahayana Buddhist's) different Bodhisattvas.
• Taoist Holidays - nature, ancient spirits, and deities play a large role in the holidays of the polytheistic Taoist religion.
• Neopagan Holidays - celebrations centered around the Earth and seasons of the year and charted on a festival calendar.