|
|
|
NONRELIGIOUS Worldview Absent holy days (there are none), persons may nevertheless engage in festivities and commemorations (see typical examples, below). In the United States, freethinkers may commemorate “Freethought Day,” the anniversary date of a ruling by the colonial governor of Massachusetts that outlawed use of spectral evidence, thereby helping bring to an end the Salem Witch trials. Other examples include: 1) Seasonally mark the equinoxes and solstices of the solar cycle with celebration of certain aspects of life and living, 2) Commemorate human advancements of reason over superstition and milestones in severance of church and state [a birthday of a scientist like Darwin or a rationalist like Thomas Paine may be celebrated, for instance]; and 3) Observe anniversaries of certain other significant historical events, such as the martyrdom of Hypatia, or of Giardano Bruno. BUDDHISM Wesak celebrates the life of the historical Buddha. Dhammacakka celebrates the Buddha's first sermon where he taught the principles of Buddhism. CHRISTIANITY The main festivals celebrate the life of Jesus Christ: Christmas, celebrating his birth, Easter, marking his death and resurrection; Ascension Day, celebrating his return to Heaven. Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit onto the Disciples. HINDUISM There are many festivals, of which the main ones are: Mahashivaratri celebrating Shiva; Holi, the harvest festival in honor of love and of Krishna; Divali, celebrating the New Year and Rama and Sita, central figures of The Ramayana, a Hindu epic. ISLAM The Muslim calendar is lunar and moves eleven days earlier each year, compared with the Western solar calendar. Ramadan is the month of fasting; Eid ul Fitr (Idul-Fitr) marks the end of Ramadan and the giving of the Qur'an to Muhammad; Eid ul Adha (Idul-Adha) is the time of the Haj, the pilgrimage to Mecca and celebrates the obedience of the Prophet Ibrahim. JUDAISM Passover or Pesach celebrates the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt (the seder meal in the home is observed); Shavuot marks the giving of the Law to Moses; Rosh Hashanah is the New Year festival, and Yom Kippur, the day of repentance, Chanukah (Hanukkah) celebrates the survival of the Jews. SIKHISM Baisakhi celebrates the foundation of the Khalsa; other major festivals include the Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, the birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism; the Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur; and the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh. TAOISM There are hundreds of local festivals. The main festivals: Chinese New Year; Ching Ming, for the veneration of the dead; the Hungry Ghosts' festival for the release of the restless dead; and the Moon Festival, celebrating the harvest moon. DEISM (of historical interest) None extant.
|
|
Instructional Systems, 163418 Fort Sutter Station, Sacramento, CA 95816 Email: OABITAR@aol.com Last updated 8/18/2006 OABITAR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. All materials developed by Instructional Systems are copyright © 2002,3,4,5,6. Please contact I.S. to arrange for free duplication privileges. |
