Religion Holiday
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Lady of Aparecida Day (Brazil)
Our Lady of Aparecida Day honors Nossa Senhora Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil. The day commemorates the 1717 discovery of a small clay statue of the Virgin Mary by fishermen in the ParaĂba River, which became a symbol of hope and faith. Over centuries, devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida grew into one of Brazil’s most cherished traditions. Millions of pilgrims visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Aparecida, one of the largest churches in the world, to pay tribute.
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Theophany
Theophany, celebrated primarily in Orthodox Christianity, is a feast that commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. It emphasizes the revelation of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) at the baptism.
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Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated predominantly by the Tamil community worldwide.Thaipusam is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the deity of youth, power and virtue, who is widely revered in Tamil culture.
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Navam Full Moon Poya Day
Navam Full Moon Poya commemorates the Buddha's appointment of his chief disciples Sariputta and Moggallana, and the establishment of the Vinaya (monastic code). In Sri Lanka, it is marked by religious observances and the grand Navam Perahera at Kelaniya temple, a spectacular cultural procession with monks, dancers, drummers and decorated elephants.
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St. Brigid's Day
St. Brigid's Day grew out of Imbolc, an ancient Celtic spring festival, and became tied to St. Brigid of Kildare after the spread of Christianity. Today, it honors both traditions and stands as a day of renewal, creativity and protection.
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St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day
St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day is a feast day celebrated in honor of the Apostles to the Slavs, Saints Cyril and Methodius. It commemorates their missionary work, cultural contributions and role in spreading Christianity among the Slavic peoples. This day is significant in both Catholic and Orthodox traditions, as well as in many Slavic countries.
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Maha Shivaratri Day
Maha Shivaratri Day, rooted in Vedic traditions and enriched through the Puranas, commemorates major legends of Lord Shiva, including his marriage to Parvati, the drinking of poison during the cosmic churning, and his Tandava dance.
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Shrove Monday
Shrove Monday is part of the Christian pre-Lenten period known as Shrovetide. While less well-known than Shrove Tuesday, it historically held significance in certain Christian traditions, especially in Europe and the UK.
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Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the end of the pre-Lenten season known as Shrovetide. It is traditionally a day of feasting, confession and preparation for the 40-day Lenten season.
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Mardi Gras Day
Mardi Gras Day, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a vibrant and festive celebration that takes place the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent in the Christian calendar. It’s a day of indulgence, feasting, and revelry before the solemnity of the Lenten season.
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Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is a significant day in the Christian liturgical calendar, marking the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and repentance leading up to Easter. It is observed in Western Christianity including Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and some Protestant traditions.
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Awal Ramadan
Awal Ramadan, which translates to the beginning of Ramadan, is the commencement of the holy month in the Islamic calendar. This marks the start of a month-long period of fasting, worship and spiritual growth for Muslims around the world.