EmbRACE Update – Worldwide Festivals – October & November

Feast of the Guardian Angels (Christian): October 2nd

Celebrated by Christians, the Feast of the Guardian Angels is a day dedicated to recognizing and honoring the belief in guardian angels. It is observed on a variety of dates depending on the region, but commonly celebrated on October 2nd.

Blessing of the Animals and Saint Francis' Day (Christian): Held on or around October 4th

 

The Blessing of the Animals is a Christian tradition associated with the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi. During this ceremony, animals are brought to churches to receive blessings as a way to honor Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment.

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah (Judaism) - October 7th and 8th:

 

Shemini Atzeret, meaning "the eighth day of assembly," is a Jewish holiday that follows Sukkot. It is a day of solemnity and reflection. Simchat Torah, meaning "Rejoicing in the Torah," immediately follows Shemini Atzeret and marks the completion and restarting of the annual Torah reading cycle. It is a joyous celebration filled with dancing, singing, and expressing gratitude for the teachings of the Torah.

Birthday of Guru Ram Das (Sikh) - October 9th:

Sikh devotees celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, on October 9th. Guru Ram Das is known for his humility, selfless service, and contributions to the Sikh community. Sikhs commemorate his birthday with prayers, kirtan (devotional singing), and community service.

 

Sharad Navratri begins (Hindu) - October 15th:

 

Sharad Navratri is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights and celebrates the divine feminine energy. It typically falls in the month of October and involves fasting, prayer, and the worship of various forms of the Goddess Durga. The festival culminates with Dussehra, a celebration of the victory of good over evil.

Birth of the Báb (Baha'i) - October 16th:

Baha'is observe the birth anniversary of the Báb, the forerunner and herald of the Bahá'í Faith, on October 16th. The Báb's teachings centered on spiritual renewal and preparing humanity for the coming of Bahá'u'lláh. Baha'is commemorate this day with prayers, readings from the Báb's writings, and gatherings.

Birth of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i) - October 17th:

Baha'is celebrate the birth anniversary of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, on October 17th. Bahá'u'lláh's teachings emphasize the unity of humanity, the elimination of prejudice, and the establishment of a peaceful and just world. Baha'is mark this occasion with prayers, devotional services, and acts of service to promote unity and social progress.

All Hallows' Eve (Christian) 31st:

All Hallows' Eve, commonly known as Halloween, is observed on October 31st. It is a Christian festival that precedes All Saints' Day. All Hallows' Eve has evolved into a cultural event celebrated with costumes, decorations, and activities such as trick-or-treating. It is believed to have originated from ancient Celtic harvest festivals and later integrated with Christian traditions.

Samhain (Halloween) - Beltane (Wicca/Pagan) 31st:

Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival celebrated on October 31st in the Northern Hemisphere (or April 30th/November 1st in the Southern Hemisphere). It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Samhain is considered a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual realms is thinnest, and it is associated with honoring ancestors and communicating with spirits. In Wicca and Pagan traditions, Samhain is often celebrated as the Wiccan New Year. In the Southern Hemisphere, this date corresponds with Beltane, a celebration of spring and fertility.

All Saints' Day - Christian - November 1st:

All Saints' Day is a Christian observance dedicated to honoring all the saints, known and unknown, who have attained heaven. It is a time for believers to reflect on the lives and virtues of these individuals and seek their intercession.

All Souls' Day - Anniversary of the Crowning of Haile Selassie - Christian, Rastafari November 2nd:

All Souls' Day is a Christian day of remembrance for all the faithful departed. It is an opportunity to pray for the souls of loved ones who have passed away. On the same day, Rastafarians commemorate the anniversary of the crowning of Haile Selassie I, the Ethiopian emperor revered as a spiritual figure.

 

Dedication of the Lateran Basilica - Catholic Christian - November 9th:

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica is a Catholic feast that commemorates the dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. It is considered the mother church of Catholicism and symbolizes the unity and spiritual significance of the Church.

 

Armistice Day - November 11th:

Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day or Veterans Day in some countries, honours the end of World War I. It is a time to pay tribute to the sacrifices of military personnel and reflect on the devastating impact of war.

Bandi Chhor Divas - Sikh

Diwali - Deepavali - Hindu, Sikh, Jain, November 12th:

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Sikhs also observe Bandi Chhor Divas, which marks the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib from imprisonment.

 

Remembrance Sunday and UK Interfaith Week begins - November 12th:

Remembrance Sunday is a day to honor and remember those who lost their lives in conflicts. It holds particular significance in the United Kingdom. Additionally, UK Interfaith Week commences, fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among different religious communities.

Nativity Fast begins - Orthodox Christian - November 15th:

The Nativity Fast, also known as Advent or Philip's Fast, is observed by Orthodox Christians in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and anticipation leading up to Christmas.

 

Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Sikh), 24th November,:

Sikhs commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur on November 24th. Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life to protect religious freedom and human rights. This day is observed with prayers, kirtan, and reflection on the teachings and courageous example set by the Guru.

Guru Nanak Dev (Sikh), 27th Birthday:

The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, is celebrated on November 27th. This day is marked with great reverence and joy by Sikhs worldwide. It involves special prayers, processions, kirtan, and langar (community meals) that reflect the teachings and values of Guru Nanak Dev.

Saint Andrew's Day (Christian): Saint Andrew's Day is celebrated on November 30^th

In honor of Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. It is a significant feast day in the Christian calendar, particularly in Scotland. The day is marked with religious services, parades, cultural events, and the recognition of Saint Andrew as the patron saint of Scotland.