Date(s) Observed
|
JUNE |
|
|
Shavuot (Jewish) Holiday with significant work restriction. Commemorates receipt of the Torah on Mount Sinai (two of three pilgrimage festivals). General practices: Evening devotional programs and studying the Torah, lighting Yahrzeit memorial coancle at sundown on the second night of Shavuot. Date details: Begins at sundown on the preceding day. Recommended accommodations: This is not a work holiday—academics and work are permitted. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
June 4-6, 2022 May 25-27, 2023 |
|
Litha / Midsomer / Alban Hefin / Summer Solstice / (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) A celebration of the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. Celebration of the the Goddess manifesting as Mother Earth and the God as the Sun King. For some Pagans the Summer Solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and see their union as the force that creates the harvest's fruits. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Lighting to bonfires and watching the sun rise |
June 24, 2022 June 24, 2023
|
|
JULY |
|
|
Tisha B’Av (Jewish) Commemorates a series of Jewish tragedies including the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem. General practices: Fasting and mourning. Date details: Begins at sundown on first day, fast deferred because of the Sabbath. Recommended accommodations: Plan limited activities after a fast. |
Aug. 6-7, 2022 July 26-27, 2023 |
|
Eid al-Adha - *begins at sundown (Islamic)
General Practices: Prayers, gift giving, prayers, and sometimes slaughtering of sheep, with a portion of the meat gifted to the poor. Date details: Lunar calendars can vay based on region and practice. Begins at sundown on the preceding day. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the first day. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). |
July 8-9, 2022 June 28-29, 2023
|
|
AUGUST |
|
|
Lammas / Lughnasadh (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) A celebration of the beginning of the harvest. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Making and consuming dishes with the first fruits of the harvest. |
Aug. 1, 2022 Aug. 1, 2023
|
|
Raksha Bandhan (Hindu) The Rakhi festivity falls in the holy month of Shravan; The origin and history of Rakhi can be dated back to the mythological Pouranik times. General Practices: A day to acknowledge siblings and their relationships. |
Aug. 11, 2021 Aug. 30, 2023
|
|
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Roman Catholic) Also known as the Assumption, celebrates the day when the Holy Virgin Mary ended her earthly life and was taken to heaven together with her soul and body. |
Aug. 15, 2022 Aug. 15, 2023
|
This guide is intended as an educational resource by including dates and practices of the diverse religious and spiritual observations celebrated by members of the University of South Dakota community that may impact one's school or work responsibilities. Possible academic and food accommodations are include for informational purposes, as well. We hope that the information will be valuable to those planning classroom activities and other academic co-curricular events.
Points to Remember
The following describes some of the indigenous religious ceremonies the Native Americans in South Dakota may be involved with.
Sweat Lodge (Inipi): Can be held at any time of year for individual's prayers and purification. May last several hours.
Vision Quest (Hanbleceya): Typically held in June or July as part of preparation for the Sun Dance but could be held other times for individual's prayers. Typically lasts 2-4 days.
Sun Dance (Wiwan Wacipi): Traditionally held around the summer solstice, typically held in July or early August. The more public portion of the ceremony begins with the Tree Day on which the Sun Dance tree is raised, followed by four days of dancing. The dancers also have purification days immediately before and after the four days of dancing.