Easter (Western)
Christianity observes its most important holidays of the year between March 30th – April 1st for
the Western/Gregorian calendar.
Holy Thursday commemorates the institution of the Lord's Supper by Jesus prior to his arrest,
Good Friday his submission to death by crucifixion, and Easter Sunday celebrates the
resurrection of Jesus. Easter is considered to be the oldest and most important festival in the
Christian year, as the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus is meant to renew a Christian's
commitment to living a life of truth, justice and love.
Many Christians will mark Easter by attending Church services over the weekend, and for some,
this includes a midnight mass and candlelight vigil on Saturday. Families often gather together
for dinner on Sunday to celebrate the resurrection.
The symbols that are associated with the holiday in North America are taken from ancient roots.
In fact, the work "Easter" derives from the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess known as "Eostre." The
custom of dyeing eggs, symbols of new life, goes back to the ancient Egyptians, Persians and
Romans. These popular symbols, however, are by no means common to all Christian peoples. In
addition, many of these customs and symbols have counterparts in non-Christian celebrations of
spring.
Thursday 29 March 2018
Passover – March 31 – April 7
Passover – March 31 – April 7
Pesach/Passover Passover or Pesach, the Jewish Festival of Unleavened Bread (Matzah) commemorates the departure of the Israelites from Egypt.
Passover is celebrated for eight days with special prayers and symbolic foods at home. It is a "festival of Freedom" to remind Jews of how God released their ancestors from slavery and brought them to freedom in a Promised Land. Passover begins at sundown on March 30th.
Passover is celebrated by more Jews than any other holiday on the Jewish calendar - perhaps because it is so essentially and uniquely a family holiday. The Seder (SAY-der) -- the traditional meal held on the first night of this eight day holiday -- is often attended by complete extended families. In Canada, many families also have a Seder on the second night. Also, because charity and community are such important elements of the holiday, it is common for families to invite to their seder people who, for whatever reason, are not able to have one of their own.
Pesach/Passover Passover or Pesach, the Jewish Festival of Unleavened Bread (Matzah) commemorates the departure of the Israelites from Egypt.
Passover is celebrated for eight days with special prayers and symbolic foods at home. It is a "festival of Freedom" to remind Jews of how God released their ancestors from slavery and brought them to freedom in a Promised Land. Passover begins at sundown on March 30th.
Passover is celebrated by more Jews than any other holiday on the Jewish calendar - perhaps because it is so essentially and uniquely a family holiday. The Seder (SAY-der) -- the traditional meal held on the first night of this eight day holiday -- is often attended by complete extended families. In Canada, many families also have a Seder on the second night. Also, because charity and community are such important elements of the holiday, it is common for families to invite to their seder people who, for whatever reason, are not able to have one of their own.
Tuesday 27 March 2018
Wednesday 21 March 2018
You are Invited to a Town Hall Meeting by YRDSB Trustees
Please contact Ms. Yeates or Mr. Innes if you would like to attend. Thank you for your support.
Tuesday 20 March 2018
Naw Ruz – Baha’i/Iranian New Year
Naw Ruz ("New Day") is the Baha'i and Iranian new year, which falls on the date of the vernal
(spring) equinox and symbolizes the renewal of the world after winter.
For most Iranians, Naw Ruz is the first day of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian solar year. Since ancient times, it has been the great national holiday of Iran, the only holiday celebrated by more than one religious group. During this day people join in making a fresh start, full of joy and hope for the coming year. Families and friends may gather at a celebratory dinner wearing new clothes and offering gifts to the children present. The table is decorated with fruit, coloured eggs, sweets, as well as symbolic objects such as holy book and a mirror.
The festival embodies a wealth of ancient rites and customs, and is part of the traditions of various groups. Naw Ruz is celebrated where ever Iranian culture has spread, particularly among the Zoroastrians of India, as well as amongst some of the peoples of Afghanistan, India, Syria and Turkey.
For people of the Baha'i faith, Naw Ruz is the "Day of God." Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i tradition, declared this day to be one of feasting following a religious fast. Naw Ruz is one of the nine Baha'i holy days on which work is to be suspended. The day is often marked by prayer and celebration.
We extend best wishes to all staff, students, and community members celebrating Naw Ruz.
For most Iranians, Naw Ruz is the first day of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian solar year. Since ancient times, it has been the great national holiday of Iran, the only holiday celebrated by more than one religious group. During this day people join in making a fresh start, full of joy and hope for the coming year. Families and friends may gather at a celebratory dinner wearing new clothes and offering gifts to the children present. The table is decorated with fruit, coloured eggs, sweets, as well as symbolic objects such as holy book and a mirror.
The festival embodies a wealth of ancient rites and customs, and is part of the traditions of various groups. Naw Ruz is celebrated where ever Iranian culture has spread, particularly among the Zoroastrians of India, as well as amongst some of the peoples of Afghanistan, India, Syria and Turkey.
For people of the Baha'i faith, Naw Ruz is the "Day of God." Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i tradition, declared this day to be one of feasting following a religious fast. Naw Ruz is one of the nine Baha'i holy days on which work is to be suspended. The day is often marked by prayer and celebration.
We extend best wishes to all staff, students, and community members celebrating Naw Ruz.
Thursday 8 March 2018
International Women’s Day
Today, we acknowledge International Women’s Day. The Government of Canada has declared #MyFeminism as this year’s theme. #MyFeminism celebrates the activists, advocates and allies who inspire others through their determination to make a difference. I encourage everyone to take time today to recognize those who have helped pave the way towards equality.
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