December 4, 2023
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. 4 to Dec. 10.
Advent — Sunday, Dec. 3, through Sunday, Dec. 24. Tradition: Christianity-Protestant, Christianity-Roman Catholic. Period of four weeks in which Christians prepare for Christmas and meditate on the end of all time. In Western churches, the first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year.
Hanukkah — Thursday, Dec. 7, through Friday, Dec. 15. Tradition: Judaism. The Feast of Lights, or Feast of Dedication, is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the temple following the Jews' victory over occupying forces in 165 BCE, which re-established for a time their religious and political freedom.
Bodhi Day — Friday, Dec. 8. Tradition: Buddhism. In the northern tradition, this is the anniversary of the Buddha's Enlightenment, ca. 596 BCE. In the southern tradition, the Buddha's enlightenment is celebrated during Wesak. The dates and names of Buddhist celebrations vary significantly among cultures and communities.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception — Friday, Dec. 8. Tradition: Christianity-Roman Catholic. A feast day that celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was born without sin.
Human Rights Day — Sunday, Dec. 10. Tradition: World Pantheist Movement.
Nativity Fast — Thursday, Nov. 15, through Sunday, Dec. 24. Tradition: Christianity-Orthodox, new calendar. Period of ascetic discipline in preparation for the celebration of Christmas, the Feast of the Nativity.
The President's Committee on Religious, Spiritual and Nonreligious Diversity welcomes those of all global religious, spiritual and nonreligious commitments. Further, we welcome any suggestions, questions or other comments. Please contact the committee's interim chair, David Yetter, at dyetter@k-state.edu.