Religious holidays

Religious holidays are very important in foreign countries. Knowing these religious observances is a way of respect to your friends and business associates worldwide. (The date of religious holidays generally keeps changing since it falls on religion's own calendar day)

March 2
Makha Puja -- Buddhist observance.

This date commemorates the sermon given by Buddha to 1,250 young disciples. During this sermon, Buddha forecasted his Parinirvana (His return to Earth after His death). It is one of the holiest Buddhist holidays and it always falls on the full moon of the third lunar month.

March 2
Purim -- Jewish observance.

Purim occurs, according to the Jewish calendar, on the 14th day of Adar (Jewish month). Purim, also known as the Feast of Lots, is a celebration of survival. In the Book of Esther, at Purim, Jewish people rejoiced at Queen Esther's and her cousin Mordecai's defeat of Haman, the Persian King Ahaseurus's adviser who plotted to exterminate all the Persian Jews.

March 12
Holi -- Hindu observance

This day celebrates the advent of Spring. According to the Hindu calendar, this date is celebrated on the 15th day of Phalguna (Hindu month). Holi is one on the major Hindu festivals. It was once a fertility festival of undetermined aboriginal origin, and it still retains its ancient characteristics. The ceremonies include the lighting of bonfires (which Holi is also referred to as Hutasani, "fire-consuming") during which all evils are symbolically burnt. The distinguishing feature of this festival is the throwing of colored powders and sprinkling of colored liquids at people. Holi, as the day is known in India, is named Fagu Purima in Nepal, Phagwa in Suriname, and Phagwah in Guyana. Watch for celebration of this holiday throughout all of the Far East.

March 19
St. Joseph's Day -- Catholic Christian observance

This day recognizes the husband of the Virgin May, foster father of Jesus. Observed throughout South America. Colombia observes this date as a holiday on March 23.

March 22
Saka New Year -- Hindu New Year

Celebrated on the first day of the Hindu month called Caitra. Also called Nyepi Day in Indonesia. The Saka Era, has been a way of dating in the Far East, especially India, since AD 78. Known to have been used by rulers in Western India, it is also present in Sanskrit inscriptions in Southeast Asia. It has been used alongside the Western Calendar by the Indian Government since 1957.

March 28
Palm Sunday -- Christian observance

The Sunday before Easter, celebrates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where palm branches were spread before Jesus to honor his entrance into the city.

March 28. 29, 30
Id-al-Adha -- Islamic observance.

This day commemorates the Feast of the Sacrifice. Islams throughout the world pay tribute to Abraham's obedience to God in sending his son Ismael into the desert. Ishmael is considered to be the forefather of the Islamic people. The day begins a service in the mosque and continues with the sacrifice ceremony. The feast is observed for 2-3 days.

Much time has gone into researching and verifying the information that we provide. Thanks to all for letting us know changes in holidays that your country may observe. If you would like to respond to me personally, my email address is listed below.

Religious Holidays

EVERYTHING ABOUT KWANZAA...

DEFINITION OF KWANZAA Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance. Since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has come to be observed by more than15 million people worldwide, as reported by the New York Times. Celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, it is based on Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance:

• Umoja (OO-MO-JAH) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."

• Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.

• Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.

• Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.

• Nia (NEE-YAH) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.

• Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.

• Imani (EE-MAH-NEE) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.
  

• CELEBRATING KWANZAA As it is always better to get an early start, I suggest that you begin the first week in December by making a check list for the following items: A Kinara (candle holder); Mkeka (placemat preferably made of straw); Mazao (crops, i.e., fruits and vegetables); Vibunzi (ears of corn to reflect the number of children in the household); Kikombe cha umoja (communal unity cup); Mishumaa saba (seven candles, one black, three red, and three green); and Zawadi (gifts that are enriching).

• It is important that the Kinara not be confused with the menorah. The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles which are the foundation of Kwanzaa, while the menorah is a Jewish religious symbol that holds nine candles. If you don't have a Kinara and don't know where to get one, it is suggested that you use "kuumba" (creativity) and make one. A 2x4 or a piece of driftwood will do just fine, and screw-in candle holders can be purchased in most hardware stores. The Mkeka (place mat) shouldn't present a problem. While straw is suggested because it is traditional, cloth makes an adequate substitute. If cloth is used, one with an African print is preferred. The other symbols are easy to come by and warrant no further discussion other than to caution against placing the Mazao (crops)in a cornucopia which is Western. A plain straw basket or a bowl will do just fine. One last note, even households without any children should place an ear of corn on the place mat to symbolize the African concept of social parenthood. All seven symbols are creatively placed on top of the place mat, i.e., the symbols should be attractively arranged as they form the Kwanzaa centerpiece.

  DECORATING THE HOME The Kinara along with the other symbols of Kwanzaa should dominate the room, which should be given an African motif. This is easily achieved and shouldn't result in too much expense. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. This should be kept in mind when decorating the home. Black, red and green streamers, balloons, cloth, flowers, and African prints can be hung tastefully around the room. Original art and sculpture may be displayed as well.

  GIFTS Kuumba (creativity) is greatly encouraged. Not only is Kuumba one of the seven principles, it also brings a sense of personal satisfaction and puts one squarely into the spirit of Kwanzaa. Therefore, those symbols that can be made, should be made. The giving of gifts during Kwanzaa should be affordable and of an educational or artistic nature. Gifts are usually exchanged between parents and children and traditionally given on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa. However, gift giving during Kwanzaa may occur at any time.

  THE KWANZAA FEAST OR KARAMU The Kwanzaa Karumu is traditionally held on December 31st (participants celebrating New Year's Eve, should plan their Karamu early in the evening). It is a very special event as it is the one Kwanzaa event that brings us closer to our African roots. The Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort. Ceremonies and cultural expressions are highly encouraged. It is important to decorate the place where the Karamu will be held, (e.g., home, community center, church) in an African motif that utilizes black, red, and green color scheme. A large Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the karamu will take place. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food should be placed creatively and made accessible to all for self-service. Prior to and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program should be presented. Traditionally, the program involved welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing, concluded by a farewell statement and a call for greater unity.

  Below is a suggested format for the Karamu program, from a model by Dr. Karenga.

  Kukaribisha (Welcoming)
  Introductory Remarks and Recognition of Distinguished Guests and All Elders.

  Cultural Expression (Songs, Music, Group Dancing, Poetry, Performances, Unity Circles)

  Kuumba (Remembering)
  Reflections of a Man, Woman and Child.
  Cultural Expression

  Kuchunguza
  Tena Na Kutoa Ahadi Tena (Reassessment and Recommitment)
  Introduction of Distinguished Guest Lecturer and Short Talk.

  Kushangilla (Rejoicing)
  Tamshi la Tambiko (Libation Statement)