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Holidays and Cultural Observances

This guide provides information about diverse cultural celebrations and religious holidays. It links to the Council of Religious Advisors at Arizona State University calendar and provides brief descriptions of religious events.

Alphabetical listing of major observances

Descriptions taken from www.interfaith-calendar.org/

Wiccan/Pagan Holidays and Observances

Individuals may require time away from campus for travel and observance.

Beltane — celebration of the conjoining of the goddess with the energy of the god in the sacred marriage which is the basis of all creation.

Imbolc -- reflection on the power of the gods from which physical and spiritual harvest will come.

Litha -- celebration of the sacred marriage in which energy of the gods is poured into the service of life.

Lughnasadh — Wicca/neo pagan observance of first harvest of the year involving agricultural festivals and prosperity magic. The Christian name of Lammas is sometimes used.

Mabon — observance of the autumnal equinox when day and night are of equal length. A harvest festival time.

Ostara -- welcoming of spring and the goddess-as-maiden.

Samhain — celebration of endings and beginnings and of remembering the dead. Revering of elders is also observed. 

Yule —  a Norse pagan celebration of the winter-born king, symbolized by the rebirth of the sun. A present day Wicca event. 

For more information:

Credits

This guide is produced in partnership with the ASU Committee for Campus Inclusion (CCI), and The Council of Religious Advisors  (CORA).  The Committee for Campus Inclusion is an advisory group to the provost, promoting a positive, harmonious campus environment that celebrates individual and group diversity, promotes individualism, provides information to the campus community, and resolves issues in such a manner as to respect all persons and their dignity. For more information, please visit our website at https://inclusion.asu.edu/cci. Questions or additions to this resource can be submitted at cci@asu.edu..

The Council of Religious Advisors is comprised of campus ministries and faith-based organizations that represent a diverse variety of faiths, traditions, and beliefs. Despite the differences in faiths that exist between them, the group works peacefully and diligently on behalf of the university community to provide religious services, spiritual counseling, education, support, and opportunities for involvement.

This page owes a great thanks to: 

 

Holly Hubenschmidt

Director, Library Instruction & Research Services

Webster University Libraries

Ms.  Hubenschmidt created the original LibGuide and template on which this guide is based.