/morsl/taxonomy/term/303/all en /morsl/article/interfaith-dialogue/intersection-astrology-and-spirituality <p>Most of us can remember a time when we've stared up at the night sky and become wrapped in a sense of peaceful awe by the beauty of the moon, but have you ever wondered about the connection between the moon and religious traditions? Throughout history, the moon has been a significant symbol in many cultures and religions. Lunar cycles have been used to track time and seasons, as well as to mark important religious holidays. In this article, we will explore the astrological significance of the moon for various religious celebrations.</p> Wed, 19 Apr 2023 19:20:21 +0000 MORSL 2539 at /morsl /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days/celebrating-vaisakhi <p>Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is a significant festival celebrated during springtime by Sikhs and Hindus in India and around the world. It marks the beginning of the new solar year, and it holds great significance for both Sikhs and Hindus. For Sikhs, it is a day of immense importance as it marks the formation of the Khalsa, a community of Sikhs who are dedicated to living their lives according to the principles of Sikhism.</p> Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:21:08 +0000 MORSL 2529 at /morsl /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days/how-i-celebrate-passover <p>Happy Passover! Passover (Pesah) is an important festival in Jewish communities, and it commemorates the departure of Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is observed over eight days, the first two and last two days are observed as holy days. The evenings of the first and second days begin with Seders, festive meals which involve the telling of the ancient Passover story. The final day of Passover marks the Israelites’ crossing of the Red Sea, as related in The Book of Exodus.</p> Wed, 12 Apr 2023 19:15:20 +0000 MORSL 2531 at /morsl /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days/celebrations-during-holy-week <p>Holy Week, celebrated from April 2nd to April 8th this year, is the most sacred week in the liturgical year in Christianity. It is the week preceding Easter, beginning on Palm Sunday and ending on Holy Saturday.?During Holy Week, Christians recall the events leading up to Jesus’ death by crucifixion and his Resurrection. The week includes five days of special significance.?</p> <p>At the start of Holy Week, Palm Sunday celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.?In many Christian churches, Palm Sunday is celebrated with a blessing and procession of palms.</p> Wed, 12 Apr 2023 19:55:16 +0000 MORSL 2532 at /morsl /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days/happy-naw-ruz <p>This year, March 21st marks the?Bahá'í new year. Bahá'ís celebrate Naw-Ruz, or New Year's day, on the annual vernal equinox. Symbolizing spring-time, change, and renewal, Naw-Ruz also marks the end of the 19-day?Bahá'í fast.</p> <p>Naw-Ruz usually entails singing, dancing, eating, and socializing. However, Naw-Ruz is more than just a party - it also reminds us of the oneness of all the messengers of God, and the spiritual springtime they each brought to humanity.?</p> Wed, 22 Mar 2023 17:30:54 +0000 MORSL 2516 at /morsl /morsl/article/shuni-e-ceremony-reflections-xiu-er-hui <p><i>Shuni-e?</i>(修二会) is a ceremony that takes place at (among other temples) the To?dai-ji temple in Nara, Japan, happening this year between March 1 - 14. It is also known as?<i>o-mizutori</i>?(お水取り), which is the name for the water ceremony on the final night.?<i>Shuni-e?</i>The ceremony involves many components that are not open to the public, but the most famous part, the fire ceremony, is.</p> Fri, 17 Mar 2023 17:08:28 +0000 Ryan Brown 2514 at /morsl /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days/celebrating-holi-festival-colours <p>Holi is one of the biggest celebrations in the Hindu tradition, and today Hindus all around the world will be celebrating with an abundance of colours, water balloons, and flowers. Holi represents the victory of good over evil, and the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha.?</p> Wed, 29 Mar 2023 20:12:13 +0000 MORSL 2523 at /morsl /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days/celebrating-shrove-tuesday <p>Shrove Tuesday, also known as "pancake day," might not be familiar, but its other name, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), likely is! How are these celebrations from the same religious tradition, and how are pancakes and shiny beads/partying related?</p> Wed, 29 Mar 2023 19:12:10 +0000 MORSL 2521 at /morsl /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days/how-i-celebrate-tu-bshevat <p>Beginning at sundown on February 5th and lasting until February 6th at nightfall, Tu B'Shevat is one of four New Year's days in Judaism. Tu B’Shevat (the 15th day of the month of Shevat) is the New Year's Day for Trees, and traditionally the first of the year for tithing fruit of trees. Nowadays, it is a day for environmental awareness and action such as tree planting.</p> <p>We asked Sophie Sklar of?<a href="https://www.facebook.com/chabadatmcgill/?__tn__=kK*F">Chabad at 平特五不中</a>?more on the details of this celebration in Judaism:</p> Wed, 25 Jan 2023 20:19:57 +0000 MORSL 2454 at /morsl /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days/how-i-celebrate-tet <p>January 22nd, 2023, marks one of the most important celebrations in Vietnamese culture,?Tet.?Tet celebrates the beginning of a new year and the coming of spring time. It is based on the lunar calendar, which is why Chinese New Year is generally celebrated around the same time. This year,?Tet marks the beginning of the Year of the Cat in the Vietnamese zodiac calendar.</p> <p>Here is a reflection from the 平特五不中 Vietnamese Students' Association - MVSA on how one can celebrate this special day:</p> Wed, 11 Jan 2023 19:58:30 +0000 MORSL 2430 at /morsl /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days/celebrating-pancha-ganapati <p>December 21st is a special day for many reasons, as it marks the beginning of Yule as well as the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. But did you know that this day also marks the beginning of Pancha Ganapati, a modern Hindu festival? Pancha Ganapati is celebrated for five days from December 21st to 25th. It was originally conceived as a Hindu alternative to December holidays such as Christmas and Chanukkah so that Hindu families (especially those living in the West) could find a meaningful way to participate in the holiday season without compromising their Hindu values.</p> Mon, 19 Dec 2022 19:47:29 +0000 MORSL 2417 at /morsl /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days-radix/me-and-my-advent-wreath <p>I grew up in a family of Lutheran background. Today, I still feel quite connected to my faith and traditions. Part of that tradition is the Advent Wreath; something one can find in many Christian homes and most churches in the month leading up to Christmas. As a child, I was always captivated by the Wreath, and as a young adult a lot of people ask me about its significance. The Wreath is symbolic in several ways, but also carries sentimental value for many individuals, including myself.</p> Thu, 15 Dec 2022 21:02:03 +0000 Christoph Sprecher 2413 at /morsl /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days/new-beginnings <p>The word "solstice" comes from the Latin word "solstitium", which is derived from two words: sol meaning "the sun" and sistere which means "to stand still". During the winter solstice, the axis of the Earth pauses, shifts, and changes direction. This change of direction can serve as a powerful metaphor for us, as we shift the direction and intentions of our own lives in the new year.?</p> Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:10:45 +0000 MORSL 2412 at /morsl /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days/spotlight-south-asian-celebrations <p>Amid all the buzz about Christmas and Chanukah, we turn our attention to the east, where many ancient spiritual traditions are celebrating significant holidays at this time of year.</p> Thu, 24 Nov 2022 20:58:15 +0000 MOSRL 2403 at /morsl /morsl/article/holidays-and-holy-days-radix/little-things <p>As another holiday season arrives, I take the time to reflect on what it means to me. I celebrate Christmas. My family is Catholic, but I'm not. I don't know what I believe religiously. All I know is that I love Christmas.</p> Tue, 29 Nov 2022 21:19:48 +0000 Emily Miller 2407 at /morsl