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