May 14, 2024
Weekly global religious, spiritual and nonreligious observance information
The President's Committee on Religion, Spirituality and Nonreligious Diversity presents the global observance information for May 13 to May 19.
Pentecost, also called Whitsunday — Sunday, May 19. Tradition: Christianity-Protestant, Christianity-Roman Catholic. The commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus following his ascension, Pentecost is considered the "birthday" of the Christian church, Acts 2:1-11. It comes 50 days after Easter.
Wesak, also called Buddha Day — Thursday, May 23. Tradition: Buddhism. The commemoration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment and parinirvana, celebrated on the day of the full moon of the sixth lunar month in Southeast Asian cultures; in Tibetan culture, Wesak commemorates only the the enlightenment and parinirvana. The dates of this celebration vary significantly among Buddhist cultures and communities.
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 chair, David Yetter, at dyetter@k-state.edu.