Graphic illustration of flowering vines in a light mauve leading to a diamond-shaped design of intersecting lines in a gradient of mauve to teal purple leading to a cluster of butterflies Text in teal: Emerson College
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Spiritual Seasonal Observances – Spring 2024

Greetings Students, Staff, and Faculty,

The thaw and warmth of spring ushers in a time of significant religious, spiritual, and seasonal celebrations. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Spring or Vernal Equinox occurs on March 19, when the Sun is directly above the Equator and we experience equal lengths of day and night. During this time, several observances occur over a series of days, and others include elements of fasting or work restrictions.

We support our colleagues and peers from different faith and spiritual traditions, and we encourage you to sync the Multifaith Observance Google Calendar to your own account, and to visit the Center for Spiritual Life’s Multifaith Holiday Spreadsheet to ensure inclusion and understanding within your living, learning, and working environments.

As we shift into a time of newness and possibilities, we offer acknowledgement and celebration of our vibrant Emerson community, and wish you all a season of intention and growth in the days and weeks ahead.

May these be times of community, peace, and comfort as you honor your religious and spiritual heritage.

Single flower among a field of with a sunrise and hills in the background.

__________

A wooden cross with a blue sky and clouds in the background.Lent (Christian)

 

A Baha'i place of worship viewed from the sky to show a circular building with nine sides and nine pathways.Nineteen Day Fast (Baháʼí)

 

A tall statue of Lord Shiva, who sits with his legs crossed and eyes closed. The status is white and Shiva wears pants, with a snake draped around his neck along with other symbolic adornments.Mahashivratri (Hindu)

 

Wooden cutout of Ramadan lantern against a royal green table.Ramadan (Muslim)

 

Crowd of celebrators covered in colorful powders celebrating Holi, the festival of color.Holi (Hindu)

 

A bible open with short vase of pink flowers.Easter (Christian)

 

Bouquet of yellow and blue flowers with wooden squares spelling the word Passover.Passover (Jewish)

  • Monday, April 22 – Tuesday, April 30.
  • Honors the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt. A seder (feast at the beginning of the holiday) occurs on the first night in a ritual order honoring the transition of slavery to freedom.
  • Learn More: Passover 2024.

 

A collection of multicolored lanterns with detailed cutouts and colorful lights.Eid al-Fitr (Muslim)

  • Sundown on April 9 or 10 – Sundown on April 11 or April 12.
  • A major Muslim holiday, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan by breaking of fast in shared community. Resources are shared through charity so all can participate.
  • Learn More: Global Highlights -Eid al-Fitr 2024.

 

Flowering tree branches with pink blossoms against a blue sky and bright sun.Ostara (Wiccan, Pagan)

  • Tuesday, March 19 (Northern Hemisphere).
  • Also known as the Spring Equinox, a time when the sun is exactly above the Equator and day and night are of equal length, themes of balance, renewal and rebirth.
  • Learn More: Ostara – Spring Equinox Rituals and Traditions.

 

A plate of baked goods, fruit, and nuts, with a bounded bunch of grass in the background.Naw-Rúz (Baháʼí)

  • Evening of Tuesday, March 19 – Wednesday, March 20.
  • Bahá’í and Persian New Year, coincides with the date of the Vernal (Spring) Equinox.
  • Learn More: Naw-Ruz – Baha’i New Year.

 

Please remember that our Religious Observance Policy exists so that holidays can be recognized wholly by members of our community. For questions about any of these holidays or to learn more about recognition of them at Emerson, please contact the Center for Spiritual Life at spiritual_life@emerson.edu.

Screenshot of the Multifaith Observance Google Calendar. Text: Click to Add - Multifaith Observance Google Calendar - bit.ly/multifaithcal