Religious observances allow the university to reflect on and practice the values that we as a campus community openly espouse, including sensitivity and respect for all cultures and religions. We are a community that embraces our diversity and encourages the celebration of multicultural traditions.
This resource includes dates, descriptions and information about some of the many religious holy days celebrated by faculty, staff and students at St. Cloud State. Also included with many are recommended accommodations to assist with planning classroom activities and other academic and co-curricular events.
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Yule / Midwinter / Alban Arthan / Winter Solstice (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) - December 22, 2024 |
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Description: In most traditions, Yule is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Some pagans consider Yule to be the beginning of the new year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. General Practices: Burning the yule log is an act of faith and renewal that, indeed, the light, and the warmth will return. |
Future Dates: December 22 (annually) |
Christmas - (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant) - Dec. 24-25, 2024 |
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Description: Christmas is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah whose message and self-sacrifice began the Christian religion. General Practices: Many celebrate this holiday by giving gifts, attending church services, decorating Christmas trees and visiting family. Date details: Begins at sundown on Dec. 24 annually and continues with all day celebration on Dec. 25. Recommended Accommodations: This is a national holiday in the United States, so special accommodations are likely not required. |
Future Dates: December 24-25 (annually) |
Hanukkah / Chanukah (Jewish) - December 25, 2024-January 2, 2025 |
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Description: Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights, and lasts for eight days. Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish struggle for religious freedom. The celebration commemorates, which begins at sundown the first day, a miracle in which a sacred temple flame burned for eight days on only one day’s worth of oil. General Practices: On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jewish families light an additional candle of the menorah candelabrum until all eight candles are lit. Jews celebrate with food and song, as well as exchanging gifts for eight days. Recommended Accommodations: Academics and work permitted, not a work holiday. |
Future Dates: December 14-21, 2025 December 4-12, 2026 |
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