Religious Holy Days May 2021
1st
Beltane – Samhain * Northern and Southern hemispheres
Beltane is the celebration of the conjoining of the goddess with the energy of the god in the sacred marriage which is the basis of all creation. Samhain is the celebration of endings and beginnings and of remembering the dead. Revering of elders is also observed. Both celebrations note the beginnings, and they also contemplate creation and the cycle of life.
– Wicca/Neo Pagan
2nd
Last day of Ridvan *
The last day of the commemoration that in 1863 Baha’u’llah declared that he was God’s messenger for this age. Work is to be suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.
– Baha’i
Orthodox Pascha (Easter)
The most holy of Christian sacred days. The day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from his death by crucifixion. Observances include worship services beginning at sunrise, special music, feasting, and parades.
– Orthodox Christian
6th
National Day of Prayer – Canada
A day set aside for prayer, regardless of faith tradition. The date varies from country to country. This is the date for Canada this year. Interfaith organizations sometimes agree on a topic of prayer to encourage their faith groups to pray for, usually, a national or global issue.
– Interfaith
8th
Laylat al Kadr *
Night of Destiny. First revelation of Qur’an to Prophet Mohammed. Observed during the last ten days of Ramadan. Prayers to Allah for a good destiny.
– Islam
13th
Eid al Fitr – Ramadan ends *
Event marking the close of Ramadan. It is a festival of thanksgiving to Allah for enjoying the month of Ramadan. It involves wearing finest clothing, saying prayers, and fostering understanding with other religions.
– Islam
18th
Tish’a B’av *
A day of fasting in remembrance of the destruction of the Jerusalem Temples in 586 BCE, and 70 CE.
– Jewish
23rd
Declaration of the Bab *
Recognition of the declaration in 1844 by Ali Muhammed that he is the anticipated “Coming One” of all religions. Work is suspended.
– Baha’i
Pentecost
Observation of the day when God the Holy Spirit came to the disciples in the form of tongues of fire and rushing wind. Considered to be the actual birthday of the Christian church as on that day, the disciples of Christ no longer felt fear, but were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak with authority in the name of Jesus Christ.
– Christian
29th
Ascension of Baha’u’llah *
a holy day that commemorates the death of Bahá’u’lláh. It is observed on 12 ‘Aẓamat (29 May). Work is suspended on this day. The typical observance consists of devotional readings and is held at 3:00 AM, as Bahá’u’lláh passed away about 3:00 AM on 29 May 1892.
– Baha’i
30th
Trinity Sunday
A day of celebration of the Christian God. God is believed to be only one God, but consisting of three persons, The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This triune nature of God is a Christian mystery of faith.
– Christian
*Holy Days usually begin at sundown on the evening before this date
Adapted from https://www.interfaith-calendar.org/2021.htm