It's felt like an exceptionally long and cold winter, but spring has finally arrived.
And along with the blossoming of flowers and plants, is an abundance of religious holidays that are providing a light for many communities. While Easter may be regarded as the most widely known holiday of spring, there are many other ways communities celebrate the season of renewal and resilience.
READ MORE: Restaurants that have tables left for Easter Sunday
Below is a list of some of the ongoing and upcoming religious holidays observed by people of varying belief systems during Spring 2022.
The holidays that have already been celebrated so far
Holi
On March 18, the two-day Hindu festival of Holi took place throughout the world, also known as the festival of colours. Holi serves to symbolise the arrival of spring after a lengthened period of winter, as during the first day of Holi, bonfires are lit and religious rituals are performed on the evening of the Full Moon Day- which signifies the victory of good over evil.
Meanwhile, this joy-filled two-day celebration, also known as the festival of colors, signifies the arrival of spring after a long winter. During the first day of celebration, which takes place on the evening of the Full Moon Day, bonfires are lit and religious rituals are performed, signifying the victory of good over evil.
Meanwhile, worshippers who throw coloured powder or dyed water into the air are aimed to demonstrate new beginnings, while joining families and friends to sing songs, dance and enjoy meals as a unit.
Nowruz
On March 20, Nowruz or the Persian New Year took place which celebrates new beginnings, as well as a new life.
This year, Nowruz fell on March 20. Its etymology traces to the Persian word ‘now’ meaning new and ‘ruz’ meaning day. Broadly, it is a celebration of new life and new beginnings.
Nowruz is typically celebrated in Iran and the Persian diaspora, as many dress in traditional attires, while decorating their homes with lights and extravagant meals.
Nowruz celebrations also consist of musical performances, bonfires, feasts and more.
Vaisakhi
Recently, Sikhs have come together for Vaisakhi on April 13- where they honour the creation of the Khalsa Panth, which is a special group of initiated Sikhs that are devoted to serving the One Creator.
While regarded as an ancient harvest festival prior to 1699- Sikhs now observe Vaisakhi as a cultural and religious holiday.
The holidays that are happening right now
Lent: March 2-April 16
Many practising Christians are currently observing Lent, which marks 40 days before Easter, where worshippers give up something that mirrors the sacrifice of Jesus during a 40 day span.
Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent continues through until Good Friday, which signifies the day of Jesus' crucifixion, while Easter Sunday denotes the day of Jesus’ resurrection, according to Christian belief.
Ramadan: April 2-May 1
Ramadan is currently observed by Muslims, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when many partake by fasting from dawn until sunset.
As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting symbolises complete devotion to their faith devote themselves through closeness to Allah, while learning patience and virtue.
The end of Ramadan will be followed by one of two major religious festiviities in the Muslim calendar- Eid al-Fitr.
The observances occurring next
Passover: April 15-23
In Judaism, Passover is the holiday which commemorates the Hebrews’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and the “passing over” of the firstborn of the Israelites.
Beginning on April 15, the celebration of Passover is partaken by consuming unleavened bread called matzo, as Passover is also known as the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
Meanwhile, on the first night of Passover, family and friends gather together for a special family meal called the Seder, serving symbolic foods, while performing prayers, recitations and traditional music.
Easter: April 17
Christians will be celebrating Jesus' birth and resurrection, three days after Jesus’ crucifixion, on the first Sunday after the first full moon that is followed by the northern spring equinox.
While also celebrated secularly through commercial Easter fashions such as purchasing Easter baskets and chocolate bunnies, it is also observed by attending church services and traditional meals.
Eid ul Fitr (approximately after May 1)
The exact date of the first Islamic celebration of the year, Eid al-Fitr, varies each year, relying on the Islamic calendar.
What is known, however, is that Eid ul Fitr always falls on the first day of Shawwal, after the end of Ramadan. Estimated to begin either on May 2 or 3 on the Gregorian calendar, the Feast of Breaking the Fast celebrates the end of a month of fasting.
Eid is observed through partaking in Eid prayers, donning new and colourful clothes, eating food, exchanging gifts, and best of all- spending time with your loved ones.
Also, many Muslim households offer food and charity to the poor or collect money as as a form of Zakat al-Fitr, so that they can participate in the Eid holiday, as well.
Vesak Day (Buddha Day): May 15
On May 15, Vesak, or also known as Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima and Buddha Day, honours the life and death of Siddhartha Gautama and commemorates the crucial milestones of the Buddha's spiritual journey.
For Buddhists, it is a day of reflecting the Buddha’s teachings and what it truly means to be Buddhist, by visiting their local temple, meditation, and sharing food with people.
Families may also decorate their homes with lanterns, while wearing special white clothes as they take part in processions to mark the occasion.
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