February is full of religious feasts and observances. This
is a powerful week. It would be interesting to know what days some of
you will observe this week or what day or days you are drawn to.
For me, I always observe Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. I have strong Roman Catholic roots. The Chinese New Year is also important because we celebrate it in my Kung Fu Community.
For me, I always observe Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. I have strong Roman Catholic roots. The Chinese New Year is also important because we celebrate it in my Kung Fu Community.
February 10 - Chinese New Year - Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist - Begins a fifteen Day Festival for Chinese people of all religions. Family reunions with thanksgiving and remembrance of departed relatives take place. Traditionally a religious ceremony honors Heaven and Earth.
February 12 - Shrove Tuesday - Christian - carnival day on the eve of Ash Wednesday which begins Lent, a time of fasting and devotions. Pancakes are often served. It is also known as Fat Tuesday in some places.
February 13 - Ash Wednesday - Lent begins through March 23 - Christian - Christian observance to begin the 40 day season of Lent. Ashes are marked on worshipers as a sign of penitence.
February 14 - Nirvana Day ** - Buddhist - a regional observance of the death of the Buddha.
February 14 - St. Valentine's Day - Christian
February 15 - Vasant Panchami ** - Hindu - celebration dedicated to Saraswati, goddess of learning.
February 15 - Nirvana ** - Jain - means final release from the karmic bondage.
February 24 - Purim * - Jewish - Jewish celebration of the deliverance of the Jewish minority in Persia from genocide. Charity to the poor, sharing food with friends, and vigorous merrymaking mark the observance.
February 24 - Triodion begins - Orthodox Christian - Orthodox Christian time period leading up to Lent. The liturgy involves hymns, odes and scriptures.
An asterisk (*) indicates that the observance begins at sundown the prior evening
Written by Rev. Jay Speights, TNS
