December 20, 2021
Weekly global religious, spiritual and nonreligious observance information
The President's Committee on Religion, Spirituality and Nonreligious Diversity presents the global observance information for Dec. 20-Jan. 2, 2022.
Dec. 21, Winter solstice — Wiccan/Pagan Yule is the time of greatest darkness and the longest night of the year. This time is celebrated as the “return of the Sun God” when He is reborn of the Goddess.
Dec. 23, Human Light, Humanist — a celebration of reason and human achievement; any time between the winter solstice and Christmas day, usually Dec. 23. Celebrated among families and those in a freethought community.
Dec. 24, Christmas Eve — Christian celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship, candle lighting, manger scenes and festive meals.
Dec. 25, Christmas — Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Dec. 26-Jan. 1, Kwanzaa — African American celebration of family, community and culture.
Dec. 26 — Zoroastrians mark the death of their founder, Zoroaster. The day of this observance depends on which calendar is being followed: Qadimi, Parsis, Shahenshai or Gregorian.
Dec. 28, Holy Innocents — Christian day of solemn memory of male children killed by King Herod in the attempt to destroy Jesus
The president's committee welcomes those of all global faith, spiritual and nonreligious worldview commitments.
For further information, please see our website and/or contact Beverley Earles, chair, at earles@k-state.edu.
The committee is looking for your input for observances to announce for the spring 2022 semester. If you have observances to contribute, please email earles@k-state.edu.