Page 25 - 2020 YMM Holiday Guide

LIFE & AR T S

Holidays

A R O U N D T H E C A L E N D A R

By Kiran Malik-Khan, YMM Contributor

n a year where finding joy has oftentimes ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS VAISAKHI
become a chore, the holidays welcome Orthodox Christmas celebrates The Sikh festival of Vaisakhi or
anticipation. Shopping for gifts, being with the birth of Christ on January 7 by Baisakhi happened on April 13,
family (yes, while being safe in a COVID Orthodox Christians. It is observed 2020. It is one of the most impor-
Iworld), and looking forward to some in accordance with the Julian calendar, tant holidays of the Sikh calendar and
needed downtime – are pretty much universal which pre-dates the Gregorian calendar. marks the start of the Punjabi New Year. Punjab
themes of the season. The Holiday Around is the northern province in India, which is home
the Calendar will take you around the world EASTER to Sikhs. Like many festivals, Vaisakhi, too, is a
for major events – some already celebrated Next year Easter falls on April 4, time to be with family and friends.
locally, some on the way. 2021. It is a festival and holiday
commemorating the resurrection of EID
CHRISTMAS Jesus from the dead. Celebrated by Muslims around the
Speaking of which, Christmas world, Eid-ul-Fitar was celebrated
celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ THANKSGIVING on May 12 and Eid-ul-Adha was held
on December 25, and it’s around Just wrapped up in October of this on July 19. Both festivals are three-
the corner, and as aforementioned year, Thanksgiving is the ultimate day Islamic holidays, and a time of giving,
anticipated around the world. Whether you are Canadian holiday, which brings praying and rejoicing with family and friends.
a last-minute shopper or done in October – this families and friends together. And, Eid-ul-Fitar marks the end of the holy month
time of giving brings out the best in all of us. is celebrated earlier by Canadians – our of Ramadan, and Eid-ul-Adha marks the end of
Also, charity is at an all-time rise during the neighbours in the United States celebrate it in Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.
season. According to Statistics Canada, $9.6 November.
billion were claimed in donations to charities by Kiran Malik-Khan is a freelance journalist
Canadian tax filers in 2019. So, it’s time to be HANNUKAH and a regular contributor for Your McMurray
holly and jolly for family, friends, and everyone. Happy Hannukah to our Jewish Magazine and YMM Parent featuring stories
readers. The eight-day festival, one on the community, human interest and
KWANZAA of the major ones of Judaism, began multiculturalism.
Kwanzaa begins on December 26 on December 10 this year and ends on
and ends on January 1, 2021. It is December 18. It is also known as the Festival MAJOR HOLIDAY DATES IN 2021*
celebrated by African Americans of Lights. It commemorates “an early victory • Easter: April 4, 2021
around the world and is a time to in the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid • Eid ul Fitar: May 13, 2021
commemorate the history and culture of Black Empire: the recapture of Jerusalem in the year • Eid ul Adha: July 20, 2021
families and communities. The first Kwanzaa 164 BCE and subsequent rededication of the • Thanksgiving:
was celebrated in 1966 in North America. The Second Temple.” — Canada - October 11, 2021
word Kwanzaa comes from the Ki-Swahili lan- — America - November 25, 2021
guage, spoken in East and Central Africa, and DIWALI • Hannukah: November 28-December 6, 2021
means “first fruits.” The biggest of all Hindu holidays - • Diwali: November 4, 2021
Diwali or Deepawali is the festival • Vaisakhi: April 14, 2021
NEW YEAR’S DAY of lights. It was celebrated on • Christmas: December 25, 2021
No matter how you celebrate it – November 14, 2020. The five-day festival • Kwanzaa: December 26, 2021
New Year’s Day is a fresh start. Are symbolizes the victory of good over evil. While • New Year’s Day: January 1, 2021
you going to the gym or wanting to different regions of India celebrate it for differ-
start that book or desire to be a bet- ent reasons, the common theme is a time of *Dates may vary. Source: Q++Studio
ter you? New Year’s Day on January 1 is a day festivities with family and friends.
of resolutions. The question remains – are you
still as resolute on January 20?

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