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.

Lent (Christian)

• Began Wednesday, February 14, ends either on Maundy Thursday (March 28) or Holy Saturday (March 30) depending on denomination. 
• Forty days long to mark the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert. Easter occurs at the end of the Lenten season.
• Learn More: When is Lent in 2024? A Complete Guide to It’s Start, End, and Key Dates.

Nineteen Day Fast (Bahá’í)

• Evening of Thursday, February 29 – Tuesday, March 19. 
• Sunrise to sunset fasting; a time of prayer and respite.
• Learn More: Stories On Baháʼí Nineteen-Day Fast.

Mahashivaratri (Hindu)

• Friday, March 8.
• Spiritually significant, honoring Lord Shiva on the 14th night after a new moon, when there is strong planetary alignment creating upsurge of energy.
• Learn More: Why Mahashivratri is Celebrated and the Significance of Mahashivratri.

Ramadan (Muslim)

• Sunday, March 10 – Tuesday, April 9 (depending on new moon).
• The ninth month of the Islamic calendar; when the Holy Qur’an was shared with Prophet Muhammad.
• Sunrise to sunset fasting.
• Learn More: Ramadan 2024: Fasting hours and iftar times around the world’s Birthplace.

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.

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.

Holi (Hindu)

• Monday, March 25.
• Celebrates the triumph of good over evil; festival of color, with dyed powders representing different positive meanings.
• Learn More: Holi 2024 Date: When Is Holi? All You Need To Know About The Festival Of Colours.

Easter (Christian)

• Sunday, March 31.
• One of the most sacred holidays in the Christian calendar; homage to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Learn More: The Origins and Practices of Holidays: Easter.

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.

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.

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.