Viewing other religions and comparing them to our own, we frequently use the Holy Days or holidays to separate religion by religion. Frequently Holy Days are either commemorating a birthday, an event from the past, or a special day in nature.
For example, these are some Holy Days commemorating the Birth of the Founder of the religion:
– Mawlid is the Islamic commemoration of the birth of Muhammad
– The Birth of Baha’u’llah is the Baha’i commemoration of the Brith of the /Prophet/Founder of the Baha’i Faith
– birth of Guru Nanak in the Sikh religion
– Ganesha Chaturthi — a celebration of the birth of Ganesha, son of Shiva in Hinduism
While other Holy Days commemorate historical events in religion.
– Passover — Marks the liberation from Egypt for Jews
– Festival of Ridvan in the Baha’i Faith, celebrating Baha’u’llah’s announcement of his Divine Revelation
– Christmas – Celebration of the birth of Jesus
– Magha Puja Day — Commemorates the date when the four disciples traveled to join the Buddha
And other Holy Days commemorate nature:
– Lughnasadh (Lammas) — A harvest festival and one of the Pagan festivals of Celtic origin which split the year into four.
– Spring Equinox (Easter) — This day commemorates the coming of Spring.
– Summer Solstice (Litha)— The longest day of the year.
– Yule — A celebration of the Winter Solstice and one of the oldest winter celebrations worldwide. Celebrations start at sunset on the previous day.
– Holi — Festival of Colors. The celebration of spring FOR Hindus
– Naw Ruz – Baha’i celebration of the First day of spring as the New Year
Interfaith dialogue is based on the premise that there is more that unites than divides us. Recognizing these themes of Holy Days can bridge the gaps between religions we see when we look around us. In sharing my religion with others, I feel that I understand more about my religion and why I believe it. And as I learn about others’ faiths, I learn the appreciation of their histories and beliefs. Of course, there can be difficulties when interfaith dialogue occurs – someone insisting their faith is the ‘true’ faith or ‘only’ faith or insisting something is a sin that is something done by another group. But being humble and respectful in my beliefs and others’ can bridge many of those difficulties.
Serene Erby
President