Juneteenth (June 19)
What it is. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas. It announced that all enslaved people there were free. That was two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Freedom on paper had to wait for someone to enforce it. It became a federal holiday in 2021.
What people do. Cookouts, parades, church services, family reunions and, in some towns, readings of the order.
What to say. “Happy Juneteenth.”
Don’t. Don’t treat it as just a day off. It’s a celebration, and a reminder of how long freedom took.
Eid al-Adha
What it is. The “Festival of Sacrifice,” the second major Muslim festival of the year. It honors Abraham’s willingness to give up his son, and the ram God provided instead (Qur’an 37:102-107, summarized). It falls during the Hajj pilgrimage, so its date moves each year too.
What people do. Prayers, new clothes and visiting. Families who can afford it sacrifice an animal and share the meat, including with people in need.
What to say. “Eid Mubarak!”
Don’t. Don’t schedule the big meeting that morning if you can help it.
Rosh Hashanah
What it is. The Jewish New Year, usually in September or October. It opens the Days of Awe, ten days of reflection and repentance.
What people do. Synagogue services, the blowing of the shofar (a ram’s horn), and apples dipped in honey for a sweet year.
What to say. “Shanah tovah” (a good year) or “Happy New Year.”
Don’t. Don’t call it the Jewish version of New Year’s Eve. There’s less confetti and more soul-searching.
Yom Kippur
What it is. The Day of Atonement, ten days after Rosh Hashanah. It’s the most solemn day of the Jewish year.
What people do. Many Jews fast for about 25 hours, with no food or water, and spend much of the day in prayer.
What to say. “Have an easy fast,” or “Have a meaningful fast.” Not “Happy Yom Kippur.”
Don’t. Don’t invite your Jewish coworkers to a lunch meeting that day.
Diwali
What it is. The five-day festival of lights, in October or November. Many Hindus remember Rama’s return home after defeating the demon king Ravana, and honor Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas at the same time, and Jains mark the liberation of Mahavira.
What people do. Light rows of small oil lamps called diyas, draw colorful rangoli designs, share sweets and set off fireworks.
What to say. “Happy Diwali!”
Don’t. Don’t call it “Hindu Christmas.” It’s been Diwali for a very long time.
Día de los Muertos (November 1 and 2)
What it is. The Day of the Dead, mostly from Mexico, honors loved ones who have died.
What people do. Build an ofrenda, an altar with photos, candles, water, favorite foods and orange marigolds called cempasúchil, whose color and scent are believed to guide spirits home.
What to say. “Feliz Día de los Muertos,” or simply ask who they’re remembering.
Don’t. Don’t call it “Mexican Halloween.” It’s a family reunion where some guests are remembered, not feared.
Try it on
Which of these days have you treated as just a date on the calendar? Did you see the people keeping it?