Canada is a multicultural and multi- faith society, and Canadians as a whole follow a wide range of religious and spiritual beliefs. Respect for religious diversity is an essential element of any peaceful society, and religious freedom is a universal human right that all states have a responsibility to uphold (International Human Rights Commission). Both religion and spiritual differences have been used over time to discriminate against people for their beliefs. These differences have also been used as a point of contact for curiosity and understanding.
This April and May in Canada there will be a number of diverse celebrations. It gives us an opportunity to flex our empathy and respect muscles and learn more about others in our multicultural society and focus on inclusivity. We have highlighted a few of the religious observances that take place this month and next, as well as some general practices and some recommended accommodations.
We begin with April 10th, which in Christian faith is Palm Sunday. A commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as crowds lined his path with palm fronds. General practices: Prayer, distribution of palm leaves commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion.
April 15th to 23rd is Pesach, or Passover. This is a Jewish holiday with significant work restriction. Pesach is a week-long observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II (one of three pilgrimage festivals). The general practices associated with Pesach include family gatherings, ritualized meals called Seders, reading the Haggadah, and lighting of the Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the final evening. The recommended accommodations typically include avoiding scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday.
April 14th is Maundy Thursday, which is the Thursday before Easter, and it commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles. The general practices with this holiday include prayer, Communion (Eucharist), meals, and foot-washing ceremonies among some Christian denominations. The Friday before Easter is known as Good Friday in the Christian Faith, and it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; among some sects of Christianity and in many countries it marks a day of fasting. General practices include prayer, fasting, and noon or afternoon services in some Christian denominations. It should be noted that meat (fish not considered meat) is prohibited during meals for some. April 17, 2022 is Easter Sunday for those of the Christian faith. It is an annual commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. General practices typically include celebratory meals, family gatherings, distribution of colored eggs, baskets and chocolate bunnies. It is a celebration of renewal.
April 14th is Vaisakhi, which is the Sikh new year festival and commemorates 1699, the year Sikhism was born. Vaisakhi is also a long-established harvest festival. On this holiday there are often parades, dancing, and singing throughout the day. These celebrations involve music, singing, and chanting of scriptures and hymns.
April 27th to 28th is known as Yom HaSho’ah, or the Holocaust Remembrance Day; a day to remember the lives and names of Jewish victims and activists of the Holocaust. Ceremonies or events are held to remember Holocaust victims who died during World War II. Activities may include lighting memorial candles and reciting the Kaddish, which is a prayer for the departed. This commemoration begins at sundown.
April 2nd to May 2nd is Ramadan, which is an occasion to focus on faith through fasting and prayer and is one of the most important Muslim holidays. Ramadan is notable because the Qur’an was first revealed during this month, and Muslims see the Qur’an as the ultimate form of guidance for mankind. The night that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad is called Lailat ul Oadr, and standing in prayer this one night is thought to eclipse months of worship. Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan.
Muslims refrain from food and beverages during the daylight hours, and smoking and sexual relations are forbidden. Worshipers break the fasting each night with prayer, reading of the Qu’ran, and a meal called the iftar. In addition, many Muslims also attend night prayers at Mosques. Muslims also believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than any other time of the year, so almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan.
Following Ramadan is Eid-al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fast and takes place on Tuesday, May 3rd this year. On this day, which is celebrated by Muslims worldwide, there are prayers and celebrations, and those who honour this holiday greet each other with the phrase “Eid Mubarak,” meaning blessed festival.
These above-mentioned celebrations and observances are a few of the religious celebrations observed this April. They are just a sampling of religious and spiritual observances that happen every month in many parts of Canada and they provide an opportunity to expand our cultural diversity. It is important to find respectful ways to engage people from other faiths and beliefs, educate yourself, be mindful of the accommodations that may be required, and explore all the common connections we share.
Elen Winofsky, RSW
Walmsley EFAP