The University of Hartford campus community is enriched by the diverse cultures and religions represented by students, faculty, and staff. Respecting cultural and religious diversity is integral to the University’s commitment to creating and fostering an inclusive, welcoming campus. We encourage our community to be mindful and respectful of the many different religious holidays, cultural celebrations, and practices that occur during this time of year. Learn more about holidays and customs outside of your own practice and be conscious of how celebrations may impact people of other faiths and cultures on campus.
In continuing to raise awareness and to support the vast array of religious holidays and cultural celebrations practiced by our campus members, the Office and Inclusive Excellence and Belonging have compiled a list of some of the religious holidays and cultural celebrations observed in December and early January. An understanding of these dates helps to support the success of students and employees, while advancing our efforts of inclusive excellence throughout the campus.
Bodhi Day
- December 8, 2024
- Buddhist Holiday
- Bodhi Day celebrates the day in which Siddhartha Gautama sat underneath the Bodhi tree and attained enlightenment. This one defining moment would become the central foundation upon which Buddhism has been built upon for the last 2,500 years. It is a day on which followers can renew their dedication to Buddhism; reaffirm themselves to enlightenment, compassion, and kindness to other living creatures; and understand the relevance of this religion as it applies to the modern world (source).
Gita Jayanti
- December 11, 2024
- Hindu Celebration
- Gita Jayanti Mahotsav possesses huge significance and importance as it is regarded as the birthday of Bhagavad-Gita which is considered as the most pious and influential scriptures of Hindu mythology. It comprises political, spiritual, psychological, practical and philosophical values. Thus, to commemorate the sacred day when Lord Krishna offered his philosophical teachings to King Arjuna during the battle of Kurukshetra, people celebrate Gita Jayanti (source).
Yule/ Winter Solstice
- December 21, 2024
- Pagan and Wiccan Celebration
- The longest night of the year followed by the sun's "rebirth" and lengthening of days. In most traditions, Yule is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Some pagans consider Yule to be the beginning of the new year (source).
Soyal
- December 21, 2024
- Hopi (Native American tribe) Ceremony
- The Hopi People, inhabitants of northern Arizona for over a thousand years, celebrate December as when the Kachinas come down from their home in the San Francisco Peaks to bring the sun back to the world. The Katsinam or Kachinas, spirits that guard over the Hopi, dance at the winter solstice Soyal Ceremony (Soyaluna or Soyalangwul), understood to mean “Establishing Life Anew for All the World” (source).
Christmas
- December 25, 2024
- Christian Holiday
- Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion (source).
Orthodox Christmas Eve and Christmas
- January 6, 2025 and January 7, 2025
- Christian Holiday
- Orthodox Christmas Eve, marked primarily on January 6th, stands as a significant religious observance for millions of Orthodox Christians around the world. This eve, preceding the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on January 7th, is steeped in rich traditions (source).
The difference in dates between Orthodox Christmas and December 25 Christmas stems from a calendar difference.
Hanukkah
- December 25, 2024- January 2, 2025
- Jewish Holiday
- Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and the re-dedication of the Second Temple at the start of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. This holiday is also known as Chanukah and is often referred to as the Festival of Lights (source).
Kwanzaa
- December 26, 2024- January 1, 2025
- African American and Pan African Holiday
- Kwanzaa is a holiday tradition based on the “first harvest” celebrations in Africa. While many of these first-fruit celebrations may differ from one society to another, they all have a few principles in common. These principles include people gathering together to celebrate, acknowledging the creator and thanking him for his blessings, a commemoration of the past, a re-commitment to African cultural thought, and a time to celebrate community (source).
Questions, comments, or suggestions? Contact Christine Grant, Assistant Vice President, Inclusive Excellence and Belonging (cgrant@hartford.edu; 860-768-4220) or Jordan Brown, Inclusive Excellence and Belonging Coordinator (jorbrown@hartford.edu; 860-768-4932)