1. Significant Religious Holidays

2. Rosh Hashanah “The head of the year” The Jewish New Year (Judaism)
Falls on the 1st of the month of Tishrei
September-October)

3. Yom Kippur “The day of atonement”
One of the most holy and culturally significant holiday in Judaism
Observed with a 25 hour period of fasting and intense prayer
The purpose is to pray for forgiveness for wrongdoings

4. Christmas The birth of Jesus Celebrated December 25th
Revolves around the belief that the birth represents God coming into the world.
Associated with the symbolic act of gift giving.

5. Easter
The resurrection of Jesus and him ascending to Heaven after his crucifixion
The most important holiday in Christianity
Linked to the Jewish Passover
Always celebrated on a Sunday
Associated with the Easter bunny and hunting eggs

6. Ramadan 9th month of the Islamic calendar
Believed that Muhammad received his first divine revelation during this time
Observed by fasting from food, drink, impure thoughts, etc.
Alms tax is due
Ends with a 3 day festival called Eid-al Fitr
means, “The feast of the breaking of the fast”

7. The Hajj
The lifetime fulfillment of the 5th pillar of Islam involving a visit to sites associated with Muhammad in Mecca.
The journey must be taken during the month of Dhu’l Hajjan
People must walk 25 miles for 5-6 days.
They must meditate during their walk and fast
Primary holiday in the Islamic calendar
The main gift giving holiday
Ends with the feast of sacrifice called Eid-al Adha