Supporting Cultural & Spiritual 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, or you would like to recommend additions or corrections to the calendar, reach out to the Center for Spirituality & Meaning.
The list below displays upcoming holidays through the end of the academic year. It is refreshed at the start of each fall semester.
Period of four weeks in which Christians prepare for Christmas and meditate on the end of all time. In Western churches, the first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year.
Note: date changes every year
The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews’ victory over occupying forces in 165 BCE, which re-established for a time their religious and political freedom. Begins at sundown on December 7 and ends at sundown on December 15.
Note: date changes every year
University Closed for Winter Break
In Wicca/Paganism, Yule or Winter Solstice, celebrating the longest night and the blessings of darkness as well as the rebirth of the sun god. Begins at sundown.
University Closed for Winter Break
Celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Jesus.
University Closed for Winter Break
An annual celebration of African American culture and based on the Seven Principles of Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
University Closed for Winter Break
Celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Jesus. Orthodox Christian 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 Gregorian calendar in the West.
Students may have to travel home to celebrate with family.
Celebrated in East and Southeast Asia, marking the beginning of the new year based on the lunisolar calendar.
Note: date changes every year
Some students travel home to celebrate with family.
A special day of repentance observed by Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians to mark the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance, and self-denial preceding Easter. The name derives from the practice of marking of the faithful with ashes to signify penitence.
Note: date changes every year
Some students don ashes on their forehead.
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 10 and ends at sundown on April 9.
Note: date changes every year
It is traditional to fast from sunrise to sunset. Sensitivity to the needs of fasting students is appropriate.
In Wicca/Paganism, the Spring or Vernal Equinox, celebrating the equivalence of light and dark and the arrival of Spring.
Celebrates Jewish tenacity and survival through the reading of the Book of Esther. This political farce uses a story about Jews in ancient Persia using subterfuge and faith to overturn a plot to destroy them. Purim is a joyous holiday, celebrated by wearing of costumes, giving gifts to friends, giving to the poor, and socializing. Begins at sundown on March 23 and ends at sundown on March 24.
Note: date changes every year
Students may have religious obligations the first evening and morning.
A joyous spring Hindu festival that is dedicated to Krishna in some parts of India; in other parts of India, it is dedicated to Kama, the God of Pleasure. People throw colored water or colored powder in celebration.
Note: date changes every year
Students may have to travel home to celebrate with family.
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: date changes every year
Christian commemoration of the Passion of Jesus Christ, i.e., his death by crucifixion.
Note: date changes every year
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: date changes 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 9 and ends at sundown on April 10.
Note: date changes every year
Some students travel home to celebrate with family.
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.
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 22 and ends at sundown on April 30.
Note: date changes every year
Students may have religious obligations the first evening and the first two days and the last two days.
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 May 4 and ends at sundown on May 5.
Note: date changes every year
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 Christian 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 Gregorian calendar in the West.
Note: date changes every year