Greetings Students, Staff, and Faculty,
Although the weather hasn’t quite shifted toward warmer temperatures, we know that spring and the change of seasons is on its way. This transition brings an opportunity to find joy and comfort exploring spiritual, religious, and cultural traditions that occur during the months of March, April, and May.
Emerson is honored to have students, staff, and faculty who hold many faiths. During this time of growth, we celebrate the diversity of beliefs that make our community vibrant.
Learn more in the resources below, and sync the Multifaith Observance Google Calendar to your own account to add awareness and inclusion in your daily practices.
Wishing a season of peace and gratitude for our religious and spiritual community members, and all Emersonians this spring.
Nineteen Day Fast (Baháʼí)
- Evening of Friday, February 28– Wednesday, March19.
- Sunrise to sunset fasting; a time of prayer and respite.
- Learn More: Baháʼí Nineteen-Day Fast
Ramadan (Muslim)
- Evening of Friday, February 28–Saturday,March 29 (depending on new moon).
- The 9th month of the Islamic calendar; when the Holy Qur’an was shared with Prophet Muhammad.
- Sunrise to sunset fasting.
- Emerson’s Muslim Student Association and Bon Appétit are offering suhoor meal pick-up.
- Learn More: Ramadan 2025: Fasting hours and iftar times around the world
Lent (Christian)
- Begins Wednesday, March 5, ends either on Maundy Thursday (April 17) or Holy Saturday (April 19) depending on denomination.
- 40 days long to mark the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert. Easter occurs at the end of the Lenten season.
- Learn More: Video – Which Denominations Celebrate Lent?
Holi (Hindu)
- Friday, March 14.
- Marks the end of winter and start of spring, celebrates the triumph of good over evil, festival of color, with dyed powders representing different positive meanings.
- Emerson’s Sathi (South Asian cultural student organization) and Bon Appétit are offering a food station on March 19 featuring rose milk, channa masala, mango lassi, a paneer dish, and naan!
- Learn More: When is Holi 2025? Know Date and Significance
Ostara (Wiccan, Pagan)
Thursday, March 20 (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, new beginnings.
- Learn More: Ostara: Welcoming the Spring Equinox and the Dance of Renewal
Passover (Jewish)
- Evenin
g of Saturday, April 12–Sunday, April 20. - 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 from slavery to freedom.
- Learn More: Passover 2025
Easter (Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Christian)
Sunday, April 20 (can vary year-to-year by Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and Christian)- One of the most sacred holidays in the Christian calendar, pays homage to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Learn More: Why is Orthodox Easter on a different date than Western Christian Easter?
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.
