January 10, 2022
Religious, spiritual and nonreligious observances Jan. 10-16
The President's Committee on Religious, Spiritual and Nonreligious Diversity publishes world observances each week for the campus community.
Jan. 10, Seijin no Hi | Shinto — Holiday honoring those who have or will reach the age of 20, the mark of adulthood, within the current year. This is an essential rite of passage for Japanese people.
Jan. 13, Lohri, Hindu and Sikh — Lohri is a festival of zeal and verve, marking the coming culmination of the chilly winter and welcome of longer days. Celebrated primarily in the Indian Subcontinent, the festival is celebrated by lighting bonfires, eating festive food, dancing, and collecting gifts. In houses that have recently had a wedding or childbirth, Lohri celebrations reach a higher pitch of excitement. It is usually celebrated a day before Makar Sankranti, also called Maghi in north India.
Jan. 14, Makar Sankranti | Hindu Celebration marking the turning of the sun toward the north; festival in reverence to deity Surya, god of the sun. One of the most significant features of this festival is to wear the color black, which is otherwise considered taboo to wear on festive occasions. Since Makar Sankranti marks the last day of the winter solstice, it is considered to be the coldest day of winter.
Sundown Jan. 16 to nightfall Jan. 17, Tu B’Shevat, Judaism — Tu BiShvat or Tu B'Shevat or Tu B'Shvat (Hebrew: ט״ו בשבט) is a Jewish holiday, beginning on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. It is also called "The New Year of the Trees" or (Hebrew: ראש השנה לאילנות, Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanot). The observance marks the beginning of a new year for the earliest blooming trees. Observers reflect upon this and that humans are also trees of the field. Fruit of specific trees identified in the Torah (first five books of the Jewish scripture and of the Old Testament (Christian). These fruits include grapes, figs, olives, dates, and pomegranate.
The president's committee welcomes those of all global faith, spiritual and nonreligious worldview commitments. We welcome any suggestions, additions and other comments. For further information, please see our website and/or contact Beverley Earles, chair, at earles@k-state.edu.