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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Samhain (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) - Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2024 |
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Description: One of the four "greater Sabbats" and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the past year into the community, and reflecting on past relationships, events and other significant changes in life. General Practices: Paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died. |
Future Dates: October 31-November 1 (annually) |
All Saints Day (Christian / Roman Catholic) - Nov. 1, 2024 |
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Description: All Saints Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, Hallowmas, the Feast of All Saints, or Solemnity of All Saints, is a Christian festival celebrated in honor of saints known and unknown. General Practices: All Saints Day is a Holy Day of Obligation on the Catholic religious calendar, where practicing Catholics are required to attend Mass and have a day of rest. Date details: All Saints Day is a day on the General Roman Calendar, confirmed by the Liturgical Calendar for the Dioceses of the United States of America, which regulates the ceremonial cycle of the Roman Catholic churches in the United States. Recommended Accommodations: Academic accommodations may be required. Practicing Catholic students and employees may request this day off. |
Future Dates: November 1 (annually) |
Diwali (Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain) - November 1, 2024 |
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Description: Diwali- the Hindu “festival of lights”- is an extremely popular holiday for multiple religions throughout Southern Asia. Diwali extends over five days and celebrates the victory of good over evil. Fireworks, oil lamps and sweets are common. The lamps are lit to help the goddess Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes. General Practices: Lighting oil lamps and candles, setting off fireworks, and prayer. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees will likely request a vacation day on this date. |
Future Dates: October 20, 2025 November 8, 2026 |
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh (Baha’i) - November 2-3, 2024 |
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Description: This holiday celebrates the birthday of Bahá'u'lláh, one of the Baha’I faith’s most important figures. For Bahá'ís, the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh is a Holy Day celebrating the rebirth of the world through the love of God, just as Christmas is for Christians. Recommended Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events or activities on this date. (Baha’i employees will likely request to have this day off.) |
Future Dates: October 22-23, 2025 November 10-11, 2026 |
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