Supporting Cultural Diversity
Susquehanna University provides this list of holidays to help faculty, staff and students better understand the diversity of observances by students. Please note that individual practices may vary.
Use the list for planning co-curricular activities, being mindful of observances or learning more about the rich religious and cultural diversity that exists at Susquehanna.
If a student anticipates a religious/spiritual observance may conflict with academic obligations such as attending class, taking examinations or submitting assignments, work directly with your professor to make reasonable arrangements. Should you require additional support or guidance, reach out to the Religious and Spiritual Life Office or SU Jewish Life.
This calendar is not an exhaustive list of religious traditions, cultural heritage holidays or all days observed by Susquehanna. If you would like to recommend a religious tradition or holiday of significance be added or offer a correction, contact the Religious and Spiritual Life Office for consideration.
In Wicca/Paganism, the Spring or Vernal Equinox, celebrating the equivalence of light and dark and the arrival of Spring.
The Holy Month of Ramadan is the month of fasting during which Muslims who are physically able do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset in honor of the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad. The evening meal is celebrated with family. Begins at sundown on March 22 and ends at sundown on April 21. (Note: dates change every year)
It is traditional to fast from sunrise to sunset. Sensitivity to the needs of fasting students is appropriate.
Passover commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for eight days with special prayers and symbolic foods at home, starting with the Seder, a ritual meal that re-enacts that ancient deliverance and emphasizes the freedom of the Jews under the guidance of God. Begins at sundown on April 5 and ends at sundown on April 13. (Note: dates change every year)
Some student have religious obligations the first evening and the first two days and last two days.
Christian commemoration of the institution of the Lord’s Supper/the Eucharist by Jesus prior to his arrest and execution. “Maundy” is derived from the Latin text of John 13:34, in which Jesus gives a mandatum novum (“new commandment”). (Note: dates change every year)
Christian commemoration of the Passion of Jesus Christ (his death by crucifixion).
Some students attend religious services during the day.
Celebrates the resurrection from death of Jesus Christ. It is the oldest and most important festival in the Christian year and initiates the 50-day period culminating in Pentecost. (Note: dates change every year)
Baisakhi, also spelled Vaisakhi, one of the most important festivals for the Sikh religion, is an ancient spring harvest festival. Sikhs mark the occasion by going to Gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship, for a service, involving singing, bhangra dancing and Sikh martial arts called gatka.
Some students travel home to celebrate with family.
Celebrates the resurrection from death of Jesus Christ. It is the oldest and most important festival in the Christian year and initiates the 50-day period culminating in Pentecost. Orthodox Christians holidays are celebrated about two weeks later than Roman Catholic and Protestant holidays because of their use of the Julian calendar as opposed to the Julian calendar in the West. (Note: dates change every year)
Memorializes the six million Jews who died as victims of the Nazis during World War II and emphasizes respect for human dignity. Its observance is not limited to Jews. Begins at sundown on April 17 and ends at sundown on April 18. (Note: dates change every year)
Also known as the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. One of the two main Islamic festivals (the other is Eid al-Adha), this day celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It comes on the first day of the next lunar month, Shawal. Begins at sundown on April 21 and ends at sundown on April 22. (Note: dates change every year)
Some students travel home to celebrate with family.
A federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Also called Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day and Black Independence Day.
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