Tag: book displays

Winter Solstice and Yule

source: Wikimedia Commons / CC

Winter begins in the northern hemisphere on this, the shortest day of the year. In traditional pagan cultures, this time of the year represented darkness giving way to light, and death giving way to life. The dark and cold had reached its nadir. Henceforth the days would grow longer and warmer. Hope was restored. Many of the festivals and celebrations that take place at this time of year, from many different cultures, follow this theme.

For more on this and other winter observances and feasts, check out our display: Holidays and Holy Days.

Las Posadas

lasposadasThis 9 day festival is central to Navidad (Christmas) celebrations in Mexico. This is a neighbourhood festival that commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph, who could not find posadas, (Spanish for “lodging”) before the birth of Jesus. A procession, including people dressed as Angels, Saints and the Holy Family, marches through the neighbourhood, knocking on doors looking for a place to stay. Like Mary and Joseph, they are refused, until finally the parade ends at one home where they are welcomed in. Feasting ensues, including a pinata for the children.

Be sure to check out our display, “Holidays & Holy Days.”

Holidays and Holy Days

readingbuddieselfThe “Holiday Season” is upon us! In North America, the unofficial start to the Holidays is American Thanksgiving. As usual, in the school library we celebrate a month of  “Holidays and Holy Days!” We feature a “spectacular display” of materials (both online and in person!) related to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Bodhi Day. the Winter Solstice, New Year’s, Festivus and other wonderful feasts, festivals and observances.  Stay posted for more here on this site, and visit us in person as we celebrate “Holidays and Holy Days.”

Day of the Covenant

source: bahai.org

On November 26, people of the Baha’i faith celebrate the Day of the Covenant. This is a Holy Day on the Baha’i calendar, a celebration of Baha’u’llah’s appointment of his eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, as the Center of His Covenant.

As we enter season of “Holidays and Holy Days” we will look at the celebrations and festivals of Canadians, and people from around the world, who represent a wide variety of religions, beliefs and cultures.

For more on the Baha’i faith, including its festivals and holy days, check out some of the following links:

Baha’i Faith (International)

Baha’i Canada

Baha’i USA

Religious Tolerance