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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Imbolc / Candlemas (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) - February 1-2, 2024 |
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Description: Also referred to as the Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of Waxing Lights and Oimele, Celebrates the coming of spring and recovery of the Earth Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God at Yule. For many traditions, a time for initiations, re-dedication and pledges for the coming year. One of the four "greater Sabbats." General Practices: Activities might include making candles, reading poetry and telling stories. |
Future Dates: February 1-2 (annually) |
Setsubum-sai (Shinto) - February 3, 2024 |
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Description: Setsubum-sai marks the beginning of spring, and is known as the “bean-throwing festival. The faithful scatter roasted beans to bring good luck to the new season. |
Future Dates: February 3 (annually) |
Chinese New Year (Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist) - February 9-15, 2024 |
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Description: This is the most important of traditional Chinese holidays. General Practices: Families gather together to spend the evening preparing boiled dumplings and festive meals and giving of money to children in red envelopes. Date details: Corresponds to the New Moon in Aquarius, which can fall from late January to mid-February. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Many Chinese employees will probably request this day off. |
Future Dates: January 28-February 3, 2025 February 16-February 22, 2026 |
Ash Wednesday (Christian / Roman Catholic and Protestant) - February 14, 2024 |
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Description: This is the first day of Lent, the period of forty days before Easter in which many Christians sacrifice ordinary pleasures to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. General Practices: On this day, there are special church services, and the faithful wear a cross of ashes marked on foreheads. Most Christians abstain from meat on this day. |
Future Dates: March 5, 2025 February 18, 2026 |
Magha Puja Day (Buddhist) - February 26, 2024/February 24 (Thailand) |
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Description: Magha Puja Day commemorates an important event in the life of the Buddha, in which the four disciples traveled to join the Buddha. |
Future Dates: February 13, 2025 March 3, 2026 |
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