Zartosht No-Diso

On this important day (Zartosht No-Diso), Zoroastrians mark the death anniversary of the prophet Zoroaster, founder of their faith. Falling on the 10th of the month of Dae, it is a solemn occasion. Believers attend special services at the fire temple with prayers, lectures and discussions on the prophet’s life and works. Sourced from https://theguibordcenter.org/zoroastrian-holy-days-and-observances/

Wounded Knee Massacre (Day of Reflection)

Wounded Knee Massacre, (December 29, 1890), the slaughter of approximately 150–300 Lakota Indians by United States Army troops in the area of Wounded Knee Creek in southwestern South Dakota. The massacre was the climax of […]

Maidyarem

The midwinter festival of Maidyarem celebrates the evolution of animals. The fifth Gahambar falls on days 286 through 290, typically December 31 to January 4. Zoroastrians observe six seasonal festivals that celebrate the sanctity of God’s universal creations. Each Gahambar lasts five days and honors the five material creations: earth, water, plants, animals and humans. […]

Feast Day of St. Basil

Saint Basil the Great, (born AD 329, Caesarea Mazaca, Cappadocia—died Jan. 1, 379, Caesarea; Western feast day January 2; Eastern feast day January 1), Early church father. Born into a Christian family in Cappadocia, he studied at Caesarea, Constantinople, and Athens and later established a monastic settlement on the family estate at Annesi. He opposed Arianism, which […]

New Year’s Day

In many countries the New Year begins on January 1. However, this wasn’t always the case. In fact, for centuries, other dates marked the start of the calendar, including March 25 and […]

World Braille Day

Each year, we work to get Braille into the hands of more blind people. January 4 marks World Braille Day in celebration of its creator, Louis Braille. Every day, thousands of […]

Indian Self-Determination Act of 1975

Indian Self-Determination is the ability for tribal communities to shape their own destinies, unencumbered by external forces which may undermine their authority. In the years following the disastrous policy of […]

Maghi

Sikhs and Hindus, especially in India’s Punjab region, both observe the first day of the month of Magh. In Sikhism, Maghi honors the martyred Chali Mukte (40 Liberated Ones), killed as they resisted an attack on Guru Gobind Singh. The battle took place on 30 Poh (December 29), 1705 in Muktsar, Punjab. The fallen were cremated […]

José Martí’s birthday (Cuba)

José Martí (born January 28, 1853, Havana, Cuba—died May 19, 1895, Dos Ríos) was a Cuban poet and essayist, patriot and martyr, who became the symbol of Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain. His […]