Equality and Diversity Calendar 2017 This calendar highlights significant days and festivals during 2017. You can use this calendar to plan your work activities around important events. It is important to remember that people practice their faith in different ways and it is best not to make assumptions. For example: There are a wide variety of Christian churches and organisations all of which have their own specific needs, rituals and observations. Some Jewish holy days have specific observations such as people not working, driving, writing, or switching on or off electric devices. In some Muslim and Baha i homes running water is required for prayer. Information in this calendar may be useful for staff to consider when visiting or working in customer s homes and to note when home visit may not be appropriate. Remember though religious and cultural observances vary so, if in doubt it s best to ask! We have highlighted in grey days which may be significant when managing staff. For example, days when staff may be fasting or request leave.
January National Braille Literacy Awareness Month 1 st New Years Day (Bank Holiday) 4 th World Braille Day 5 th Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Sikh 6 th Epiphany Christian This is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the son as a human being in Jesus Christ. 7 th Christmas Day Rastafarian Rastafarians worldwide celebrate Christmas on this day to coincide with Christmas celebrations in Ethiopia. 8 th Fast of the 10 Tevet 11 th Human Trafficking Awareness Day 12 th 15 th Mahayana New Year - Buddhism 14 th Makar Sankranti Hindu One of the most important festivals of the Hindu calendar. Sankranti marks the termination of winter season and beginning of a new harvest or spring season. 15 th World Religion Day Baha i 19 th Timkat Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 2 Bank Holiday 3 Bank Holiday (Scotland) 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 1 New Year s Day 21 st Saint Agnes Day Christian 25 th Robert Burns Night Robert Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is an internationally acclaimed literary genius and political radical and is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated worldwide on this day. 27 th Holocaust Memorial Day (Yom Ha Shoah) (Multifaith) Anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. 28 th Chinese New Year 31 st Birthday of Guru Har Rai - Sikh 23 24 25 26 27 28 Chinese New Year 30 31 Many Christians have congregational prayer on a Sunday. Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Fridays and ends at sunset on Saturdays. It is a day of rest and prayer. The Muslim day is from sunset to sunset, Friday is a day of congregational prayer (usually after noon). 29
Live without seeing, but be what you are. Louis Braille
February Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Month 1 st Vasant Panchami Hindu 2 nd Candlemas Christian 4 th World Cancer Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 11 th Tu B Shvat (New Year for Trees) 14 th Saint Valentine s Day Christian Saint Valentine s Day has its origin from the February fertility festival celebrated in pagan times during mid-february. Later, the feast turned into a Christian celebration and named Valentine s Day to honour the date of the martyrdom of Saint Valentine. 15 th Parinirvana Buddhist, Jain This is a Mahayana Buddhist festival that marks the death of the Buddha. It is also known as Nirvana Day. Buddhists celebrate the death of the Buddha, because they believe that having attained Enlightenment he achieved freedom from physical existence and its sufferings. 20 th World Day of Social Justice 20 th 26 th LGBT Adoption week 24 th Maha Shivaratri Hindu Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the god Shiva. 25 th Intercalary Days (start) - Baha'I 28 th Shrove Tuesday Also called Pancake Day and Mardi Gras. The British name of "Pancake Day" comes from the tradition of making pancakes to use up all the food that could not be eaten during Lent. 28 th Intercalary Days (end) Baha i 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Buddhist 20 21 22 23 24 Hindu 27 28 16 17 18 19 25 26 Many Christians have congregational prayer on a Sunday. Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Fridays and ends at sunset on Saturdays. It is a day of rest and prayer. The Muslim day is from sunset to sunset, Friday is a day of congregational prayer (usually after noon).
Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another's uniqueness. - Ola Joseph
March International Women s History Month 1 st Ash Wednesday The first day of Lent for Western Christian churches. Lent is the season marking the time Jesus spent in the wilderness. 1 st Saint David's Day Christian Day to commemorate the patron saint of Wales. 1 s 19 th Nineteen Day Fast Baha i Adult Baha'i is a fast from sunrise to sunset for 19 days. It is a time of spiritual preparation and regeneration for new year's activities. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 Baha i Fast begins 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 5 th Saint Piran s Day Christian 8 th International Women s Day 9 th Fast of Esther Judaism 12 th Purim Judaism 12 th Magha Puja (Sangha Day) - Buddhism 13 th Holi Hindu The colourful festival is celebrated in February end or early March. It celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'bad'. 13 th Hola Mohalla Sikh 17 th Saint Patrick's Day Christian The patron saint of Ireland. It is celebrated with parades, "wearing of green, music and songs, Irish food and Drink. 13 Hindu/Sikh 20 New Year Baha i / Zoroastrian 14 15 16 17 18 19 Baha i Fast ends 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 th Spring Equinox 20 th Naw-Ruz (New Year) - Baha i 20 th Norooz (New Year) - Persian/Zoroastrian 21 st International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination This day aims to remind people of racial discrimination's negative consequences. 26 th Mothering Sunday 28 th Khordad Sal - Zoroastrian 27 28 29 30 31 Many Christians have congregational prayer on a Sunday. Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Fridays and ends at sunset on Saturdays. It is a day of rest and prayer. The Muslim day is from sunset to sunset, Friday is a day of congregational prayer (usually after noon).
A gender-equal society would be one where the word 'gender' does not exist: where everyone can be themselves. - Gloria Steinem
April National Autism Awareness Month 2 nd World Autism Awareness Day 5 th Ram Navami Hindu 7 th World Health Day 8 th Lazarus Saturday Orthodox Christian 9 th Palm Sunday Christian/Orthodox This is the Sunday before Easter. This commemorates Christ s triumphal entrance to Jerusalem. 10 th 18 th Pesach (Passover) Judaism (May not work on the first two and the last two days of Passover). This is when Jewish people commemorate the liberation of the Children of Israel who were led out of Egypt by Moses. 11 th Theravada New Year Buddhism 11 th Hanuman Jayanti Hindu 11 th Lord s Evening Meal Jehovah s Witness Christian Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Christian/ Orthodox 10 Jewish 11 12 13 14 Christian, Sikh 15 16 Christian 13 th Maundy Thursday Christian 14 th Good Friday Christian/Orthodox 14 th Vaisakhi New Year Sikh 17 Christian 18 19 20 Baha i 21 22 23 16 th /17 th Easter Sunday/Monday Christian, Orthodox Christian 20 th Ridvan Festival begins Baha i (may not Work on the 20 th, 28 th and 1 st ). Commemorating the prophet Baha u llah s proclamation as god s messenger. From sunset 20 th to sunset 1 st May. 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 rd Saint George s Day Christian 24 th Yom HaShoah Judaism 24 th Lailat al Miraj Islam 28 th Akshaya Tritiya Hindu, Jain Many Christians have congregational prayer on a Sunday. Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Fridays and ends at sunset on Saturdays. It is a day of rest and prayer. The Muslim day is from sunset to sunset, Friday is a day of congregational prayer (usually after noon).
Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.
May Mental Health Awareness Month 1 st Beltane Wicca/Pagan Pagans celebrate Beltane with maypole dances, symbolizing the mystery of the Sacred Marriage of Goddess and God. 1 st Twelfth Day of Ridvan Baha I 1 st Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) 2 nd Yom Ha Atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 Bank Holiday 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 th World Ovarian Cancer Day 10 th Vesak (Buddha Day) Buddhism The most important day in the Buddhist calendar celebrated on the full moon in May, Buddha's birthday and some believe the day of his enlightenment and death. 8 9 10 Buddhist 11 12 13 14 11 th Lailat al Bara ah Islam 14 th Lag B Omer Judaism 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 17 th International Day against Homophobia 21st World Cultural Diversity Day The Day will provide us with an opportunity to deepen understanding of the values of Cultural Diversity and to learn to live together better. 22 23 Baha i 24 25 26 27 Islam 28 23 rd - Declaration of the Báb - Baha'I 25 th Ascension Day Christian/Orthodox 27 th Ramadan begins Islam Starts the most significant month of the year for Muslims. A time of fasting from dawn to sunset and greater devotion to Allah. Start date may vary as it is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. 28 th Ascension of Baha'u'llah - Baha'i 29 Bank Holiday 30 31 Jewish 29 th Bank Holiday 31 st - 1 st June Shavuot (Pentecost) - Judaism (may not work on these days) Many Christians have congregational prayer on a Sunday. Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Fridays and ends at sunset on Saturdays. It is a day of rest and prayer. The Muslim day is from sunset to sunset, Friday is a day of congregational prayer (usually after noon).
Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again. Nelson Mandela
June Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 4 th Pentecost Christian/Orthodox 5 th World Environment Day 5 th Whit Monday Christian 11 th Trinity Sunday Christian 11 th All Saints Orthodox Christian 12 th 18 th Carers Week Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 Jewish 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 th World Blood Donor Day 15 th Corpus Christi - Catholic Christian 16 th Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev - Sikh 18 th Father s Day Father s Day is a day honouring fathers, celebrated on the third Sunday of June. 20 th World Refugee Day This marked the 50th anniversary of the convention relating to the status of refugees. Each year activities take place raising awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Islam 21 st Summer Solstice Wicca 21 st Litha Yule Wicca/Pagan 21 st Laylat-al-Qadr - Islam 23 rd Sacred Heart of Jesus - Catholic Christian 23 rd Quds Day Islam 25 th Eid al-fitr (Ramadan ends) - Islam Eid is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The Holiday symbolises the breaking of the fasting period. People mark the end of Ramadan with morning congregational prayer, visiting friends and family and making charitable donations. 29 th Feast of Saints Peter and Paul - Christian 26 27 28 29 30 Many Christians have congregational prayer on a Sunday. Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Fridays and ends at sunset on Saturdays. It is a day of rest and prayer. The Muslim day is from sunset to sunset, Friday is a day of congregational prayer (usually after noon).
"We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Without diversity life would be very boring."
July National Ice Cream Month 5 th Birthday of Guru Hargobind - Sikh 9 th Dharma Day Buddhism Commemorates Buddha's first teaching to the five ascetics. Dharma day is usually celebrated with readings from the Buddhist scriptures, and is an opportunity to reflect deeply on their content. 9 th Martyrdom of the Bab - Baha i (May not Work) Commemorates the Báb's execution in 1850, after which his teachings continued to spread. 11 th Fast of 17 Tammuz Judaism 11 th Saint Benedict Day - Catholic Christian 13 th Obon (Ulambana) Buddhist/Shinto Obon is an annual Japanese and Buddhist- Confucian event for remembrance and commemoration of one s ancestors. 16 th Disability Awareness Day 22 nd Feast Day of Saint Mary Magdalene - Christian 23 rd Birthday of Haile Selassie - Rastafari A holy day of commemoration for Rastafarians. Haile Selassie, who claimed to be a direct descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, is the object of veneration in the religion of Rastafarianism. Selassie was also known as "The Lion of Judah" and "King of Kings. 23 rd Birthday of Guru Har Krishan - Sikh Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Buddhist Baha i 10 11 12 13 Buddhist 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Rastafari 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 24 th Pioneer Day - Mormon Christian 25 th Saint James the Great Day - Christian 30 th International Friendship Day Many Christians have congregational prayer on a Sunday. Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Fridays and ends at sunset on Saturdays. It is a day of rest and prayer. The Muslim day is from sunset to sunset, Friday is a day of congregational prayer (usually after noon).
Be the change you want to see in the world Mohandas Gandhi
August 1 st Lammas - Christian 1 st Lughnassadh - Imbolc - Wicca/Pagan 1 st Tish'a B'Av (Fast of 9 Av) - Judaism Tisha B'Av is an annual fast day in Judaism which commemorates the anniversary of a number of disasters in Jewish history, primarily the destruction of both the First Temple by the Babylonians and the Second Temple by the Romans in Jerusalem. 6 th Transfiguration Sunday - Orthodox Christian 7 th Raksha Bandhan - Hindu 9 th International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 12 th International Youth Day 15 th Krishna Janmashtami - Hindu 17 th Birthday of Marcus Garvey Rastafarian Rastafari has its roots in the philosophy of Marcus Garvey. Born on the 17th of August 1887, in Jamaica. His teachings of black selfempowerment are credited as being the sources behind the founding of the religion. 18 th Paryushana-Parva - Jain This is the most important annual holy events for Jains and is usually celebrated in August or September. It lasts 8 10 days and is a time when Śrāvakas (lay people) increase their level of spiritual intensity often using fasting and prayer/meditation to help. 19 th World Humanitarian Day 23 rd International Day for the Remembrance of Slave Trade and its Abolition 25 th Ganesh Chaturthi - Hindu 25 th Samvatsari - Jain 31 st Waqf al Arafa (Hajj Day) - Islam Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 7 Bank Holiday (Scotland & ROI) 14 15 Hindu 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 18 Jain 21 22 23 24 25 Hindu Jain 28 Bank Holiday 29 30 31 19 20 26 27 Many Christians have congregational prayer on a Sunday. Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Fridays and ends at sunset on Saturdays. It is a day of rest and prayer. The Muslim day is from sunset to sunset, Friday is a day of congregational prayer (usually after noon).
A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. James Dent.
September Older Persons Month 1 st Eid al Adha - Islam Eid-al-Adha is one of the most important Islamic holidays and commemorates Ibrahim s (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son to God. 5 th International Day of Charity Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 Islam 2 3 5 th Kshamavani - Jain 8 th International Literacy Day 10 th World Suicide Prevention Day 11 th Ethiopian New Year - Rastafari Both Ethiopian New Year's Day and the Feast of Saint John the Baptist. The day is called 'Enkutatash' meaning the "gift of jewels. 20 th 22 nd Rosh Hashanah Jewish Rosh Hashana is celebrated as the Jewish New Year among many Jewish communities worldwide. It starts 163 days after the first day of Passover. Rosh Hashana lasts for up to two days in many communities. Rosh Hashana is a day of rest and prayer so Jewish people are limited from performing many activities that are regarded as work. 4 5 6 7 8 9 Islam 11 12 13 14 Islam 18 19 20 Jewish 21 22 Islam 10 15 16 17 23 24 21 st International Day of Peace 21 st World Alzheimer's Day 21 st - 29 th Navaratri - Hindu 22 nd Autumn Equinox Wicca 22 nd Al-Hijra/Muharram - New Year - Islam 25 26 27 28 29 30 Jewish 24 th Fast of Gedaliah - Judaism 30 th Yom Kippur Jewish (may not work) Yom Kippur, the most sacred and solemn day of the Jewish year brings the Days of repentance to a close. On Yom Kippur, God makes the final decision on what the next year will be like for each person. Many Christians have congregational prayer on a Sunday. Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Fridays and ends at sunset on Saturdays. It is a day of rest and prayer. The Muslim day is from sunset to sunset, Friday is a day of congregational prayer (usually after noon).
As we grow older, we must discipline ourselves to continue expanding, broadening, learning, keeping out minds active and open. Clint Eastwood.
October Black History Month 1 st Ashura - Islam Ashura is a solemn day of mourning the martyrdom of Hussein in 680 AD at Karbala in modern-day Iraq. It is marked with mourning rituals and passion plays re-enacting the martyrdom. 1 st International Day of Older Persons 2 nd Feast of the Guardian Angels - Christian 2 nd International Day of Non-Violence 4 th 11 th Sukkot (Tabernacles) - Judaism Commemorates the years that the Jews spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, and celebrates the way in which God protected them under difficult desert conditions. Sukkot begins at sundown and work is not permitted on the first two days. 12 th Shmini Atzeret - Judaism Shmini Atzeret is a Jewish holiday and begins at sundown on Wed, 11 October 2017. Work is not permitted on this day. 13 th Simchat Torah - Judaism Simchat Torah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. Work is not permitted on this day. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 2 3 4 Jewish 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 8 Jewish 16 17 18 19 Hindu, Sikh, Jain 13 Jewish 1 Islam 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 17 th International Day for the Abolishment of Poverty 19 th Bandi Chhor Divas Sikh 19 th 23 rd Diwali - Hindu, Sikh, Jain Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn in the northern hemisphere 19 th New Year - Jain 20 th Birth of the Báb - Baha'i 31 st All Hallows' Eve (Halloween) - Christian 31 st Samhain Pagan 30 31 Many Christians have congregational prayer on a Sunday. Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Fridays and ends at sunset on Saturdays. It is a day of rest and prayer. The Muslim day is from sunset to sunset, Friday is a day of congregational prayer (usually after noon).
It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength. Maya Angelou
November Men s Health Awareness Month 1 st All Saints' Day Christian 1 st National Stress Awareness Day 2 nd Coronation of Haile Selassie - Rastafari Was the Emperor of Ethiopia. Rastas believe Haile Selassie is God, and that he will return to Africa members of the black community who are living in exile. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 Christian 2 3 4 5 2 nd All Souls' Day - Christian 4 th Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev - Sikh 11 th Remembrance Day/Armistice Day Commemorates the armistice signed between the allies of World War 1 and Germany. This day is a national holiday in many countries and is a time to remember those that have died in the many wars and conflicts around the world. 12 th Remembrance Sunday 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 th World Kindness Day 14 th World Diabetes Day 15 th Nativity Fast begins - Orthodox Christian 16 th International Day of Tolerance In 1996, the General Assembly invited Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance, with activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public. 19 th International Men's Day 20 th Universal Children s Day 25 th Day of the Covenant - Baha'I 25 th International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 27 th Ascension of Abdul'l-Baha - Baha'i 30 th Saint Andrew's Day - Christian 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Bank Holiday (Scotland) Many Christians have congregational prayer on a Sunday. Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Fridays and ends at sunset on Saturdays. It is a day of rest and prayer. The Muslim day is from sunset to sunset, Friday is a day of congregational prayer (usually after noon).
Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.
December Universal Human Rights Month 1 st World AIDS Day 1 st Mawlid al-nabi - Islam 2 nd International Day of the Abolition of Slavery This day is to remind people that modern slavery works against human rights. The day encourages people to put meaning to the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that "no one shall be held in slavery or servitude" through their actions. 3 rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities 3 rd Advent Sunday - Christian 6 th Saint Nicholas' Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 th Rohatsu (Bodhi Day) Buddhism 10 th Human Rights Day Commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). 12 th 19 th Chanukah - Judaism Adherents go to work as usual, but may leave early in order to be home to kindle the lights at nightfall. Marks the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE. 20 th International Human Solidarity Day 11 12 Jewish 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 21 st Winter Solstice 24 th Christmas Eve Christian 25 th Christmas Christian Christmas Day is an annual holiday celebrated on 25 December that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. The day marks the beginning of the larger season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days. 25 Christian 26 Bank Holiday 27 28 29 30 31 Hogmanay 28 th Fast of 10 Tevet - Judaism 31 st Hogmanay/ New Year s Eve Is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year. Many Christians have congregational prayer on a Sunday. Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset on Fridays and ends at sunset on Saturdays. It is a day of rest and prayer. The Muslim day is from sunset to sunset, Friday is a day of congregational prayer (usually after noon).
SEASON S GREETINGS FROM HDN
For more information or to make suggestions for the calendar please contact Carla Olfin at: carla@housingdiversitynetwork.co.uk Places for People Limited All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature without prior written permission, except for permitted fair dealing under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1998 or in accordance with the terms of any licence regarding the photocopying and/or reprographic reproduction. Application for permission for use of copyright material including permission to reproduce extracts in other published works shall be made to Places for People Homes Limited. Full acknowledgment of the authorship must be given. Warning: the doing of an unauthorised act in relation to a copyright work may result in both a civil claim for damages and/or criminal prosecution. This publication (and any materials supplied with it) contains confidential and proprietary information and is intended solely for the persons licensed to use it. Unauthorised disclosure of this publication [and material] may cause loss entitling Places for People Homes Limited to an injunction or other equitable relief.