Emersonians,
As we approach the close of the fall semester, we hope the weeks ahead offer you time with loved ones, space to reflect upon and embrace the accomplishments of the year, and an opportunity to imagine all that is possible in the coming months.
The months of December through February contain important times of worship, celebration, and observance across many traditions. Below are a few we wish to share with the Emerson community, and resources where you can learn more.
These are only a fraction of the range of holidays and observances, both solemn and joyous, that can be found across religions, faiths, spiritualities, and cultures during these months.
Whether you are traveling in the weeks ahead or staying near to current surroundings, we wish you comfort, joy, and peace.
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Hanukkah (Jewish)
- Sundown on Thursday, December 7 – Sundown on Friday, December 15.
- Hebrew for “dedication,” also known as the Festival of Lights.
- Learn More: Hanukkah 101.
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Winter Solstice and/or Yule (Pagan)
- Thursday, December 21.
- Winter Solstice: A solar holiday in the Northern Hemisphere, the longest night of the year.
- Yule: originally celebrated by the Norse and Scandinavian peoples.
- Learn More: Discover Winter Solstice and Yule.
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Joseph Smith’s Birthday (Latter Day Saints)
- Saturday, December 23.
- Celebration of the birthday of the founder of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
- Learn More: Joseph Smith’s Birthplace.
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Christmas (Christian, Buddhist)
- Monday, December 25, 2023. (Orthodox Christians celebrate Monday, January 8, 2024.)
- Annual observance of the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Learn More: How 25 Christmas Traditions Got Their Start and Do Buddhists Celebrate Christmas?
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Kwanzaa (African-American, Pan-African)
- Tuesday, December 26, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024.
- Week-long celebration of African thought, practice, community, culture and heritage.
- Learn More: Official Kwanzaa Website.
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Pongal (Hindu)
- Monday, January 15, 2024 – Thursday, January 18, 2024.
- A multi-day festival celebration to thank the Sun, Mother Nature, and farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest.
- Learn More: What is Pongal?
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Losar (Buddhist)
- Saturday, February 10, 2024 – Monday, February 12, 2024.
- Tibetan New Year festival, falls on the first day of the first month of the Tibetan lunisolar calendar (in February or March), as determined by astrologers.
- Learn More: Tibetan New Year.
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Ayyám-i-Há (Baháʼí)
- Monday, February 26, 2024 – Thursday, February 29, 2024.
- Celebration devoted to charity, gift-giving and festivities prior to the annual Nineteen Day Fast.
- Learn More: An Introduction to Ayyam-i-Ha.
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We encourage you to learn more by syncing with the Multifaith Observance Google Calendar or revisiting the detailed list of these dates at the Multifaith Holidays through Academic Year 2027 spreadsheet. This resource from the Center of Spiritual Life continues to provide vital information. Please remember that our Religious Observance Policy exists so that holidays can be recognized wholly by members of our community.