Religious Observances

Calendar of Select Religious Observances

The Coastline student body is diverse, representing many cultures, customs, and religions. This calendar is intended for educational and planning purposes only; it is not intended as a comprehensive listing. If you have questions or recommendations on the dates and observances below, email studentequity@coastline.edu.

* Indicates that the observance begins at sundown.

** Indicates that fasting or dietary restriction is associated with the observance.

Note: The Julian Calendar is utilized by Orthodox Christian traditions. Differing calendars and interpretations may also adjust dates of observances for other faiths.

Descriptions of Select Religious Observances

• Ashura - (Muslim) Shi'a Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, Muhammad's grandson. According to Sunni Muslims, Muhammad fasted and asked others to do so on this day as well.
• Ash Wednesday - (Catholic/Protestant Christian) This day marks the beginning of Lent, a six-week period of prayer and fasting in anticipation of Easter.
• Bodhi Day - (Buddhist) Also called Rohatsu or Buddha's Enlightenment Day. The day many Buddhist traditions celebrate the enlightenment of the Buddha.
• Christmas - (Christian) The celebration of Jesus being born.
• Dia De Los Muertos / Day of the Dead - Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration.
• Diwali - (Hinduism/Jainism/Sikhism/Buddhism) The 'Festival of Lights' is a major festival lasting five days, celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika.
• Easter - (Catholic/Protestant Christian) Known as Pascha in Eastern Christianity, it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.
• Eid al-Adha - (Muslim) Festival of Sacrifice. Commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael. God provided a sheep to sacrifice in Ishmael's place.
• Eid al-Fitr - (Muslim) Marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and the holiest month in Islamic tradition. It literally means "breaking the fast."
• Good Friday - (Catholic/Protestant Christian) The commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus.
• Hanukkah - (Jewish) Commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple.
• Holi - (Hindu) Festival of Spring or Festival of Colors. This day is typically celebrated by families in India, Nepal, and other parts of Asia by partaking in various regional traditions.
• Passover - (Jewish) The eight-day "Feast of Unleavened Bread" celebrates Israel's deliverance from Eqyptian bondage.
• Ramadan - (Jewish) The ninth month of the Islamic lunar year and is the time in which Muslims observe fast from sunrise to sunset.
• Rosh Hashanah - (Jewish) The Jewish New Year is the beginning of a ten-day period of introspection and reflection.
• Sukkot - (Jewish) The week-long "Feast of Booths" commemorates the 40-year wandering of the Israelites in the desert on the way to the Promised Land.
• Vesak Day - (Buddhist) There are a variety of cultural traditions celebrating Buddha's birthday. Many Buddhist cultures celebrate the birth, Awakening, and death of the Buddha on Vesak Day.
• Yom Kippur - (Jewish) The "Day of Atonement" marks the end of the Ten Days of Penitence that begin with Rosh Hashanah.