Calendars

Interfaith Calendar

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.

May 2023

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Beltane (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid) - May 1, 2023

Description: The fire festival that celebrates the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.

General Practices: Jumping the balefire and dancing the MayPole.

Future Dates:

May 1 (annually)

Buddha Day / Visakha Puja (Buddhist) - May 5, 2023

Description: This holiday is traditionally known as Buddha’s birthday. It is the major Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.

General Practices: Buddhists often decorate their homes and visit their local temples. Observers are encouraged to refrain from slaughtering and to avoid eating meat on this date.

Future Dates:

May 22, 2024

Shavuot (Jewish) - May 25-27, 2023

Description: Commemorates receipt of the Torah on Mount Sinai (two of three pilgrimage festivals)

General Practices: Evening of devotional programs and studying the Torah, lighting of Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the second night of Shavuot.

Future Dates:

June 11-13, 2024

June 1-3, 2025

Ascension of the Bahaullah (Bahai) - May 29, 2023

Description: Commemorates the death of the founder of the Baha’i faith; Baha’llah died on May 29, 1892.

General Practices: Devotional programs and reading from the scriptures

Future Dates:

May 29 (annually)

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