| CHAPTER 19 | |
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Reporting Seasonal Coverage and the Calendar |
SEASONAL REPORTING
There is a cyclical nature to our lives, and much of that cycle is based on the calendar. Some of it’s based on religion, some based on historical events, and some on the seasonal nature of weather. people who live in cold climates spend more time outside in the summer; our major shopping of the year comes in late November and December because of Christmas and Chanukah.
Our nonbreaking news coverage tends to mirror those cycles. Every year, we do stories on New Year’s resolutions, major holidays, groundhog day, Daylight Saving Time, the busiest travel and shopping days, and so on.
The listings in this chapter will help remind you to plan for seasonal, holiday and religious coverage.
SOLAR AND LUNAR AND THE WORLD’S MAJOR RELIGIONS
The calendar in this section lists the major holidays celebrated in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In addition to the important Christian holidays, the major Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu holidays are included.
Unlike the Roman, solar-based calendar, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu calendars are lunar-based, and all have 354 days in a year (rather than 365). However, the Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu calendars add a month periodically (about every three years) which keeps the calendar generally in line with the seasons. That’s why Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu holidays will always occur at the same general time of the (solar) year—but on varying days. The Muslim calendar, however, stays at 354 days. That means that, over time, Muslim holidays will cycle through the entire solar calendar. That’s why they’re listed separately at the end.
CALENDAR HOLIDAYS
JANUARY
1 New Year’s Day: LEGAL HOLIDAY. If it falls on a Saturday, it is observed on Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on Monday.
6 Epiphany: Observed by many Christians worldwide, although not necessarily on the same date as in the United States.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: LEGAL HOLIDAY. Observed on the third Monday in January.
Chinese New Year: January 21–February 19 depending on the moon.
Sarasvati Puja: (sehr AH swah tee POO jah). Hindu festival honoring Goddess Sarasvati, who represents wisdom, intellect and knowledge, as well as inspiration, arts and music.
FEBRUARY
2 Groundhog Day
5 Constitution Day: Observed in Mexico.
12 Lincoln’s Birthday
14 Valentine’s Day
Presidents Day: LEGAL HOLIDAY. Observed on the third Monday in February.
22 Washington’s Birthday
Ash Wednesday: Seventh Wednesday before Easter.
Lent: Forty days from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). Lent starts 42 days before Easter in Orthodox Eastern Church.
29 Leap Day: Every four years (2004, 2008, etc.).
Maha Shiv Ratri: (MAH hah shihv rah TREE). Hindu fast, night vigil and feast for God-Goddess Shiva-Shakti (union of will and power), who dances to create, destroy and re-create the universe. Observed in February or March, depending on the lunar year.
MARCH
Daylight saving time starts: In the United States, except Arizona and Hawaii, clocks are set forward one hour at 2 A.M. on the second Sunday in March. DST used to start on the first Sunday in April, but the law was changed in 2005—effective in 2007. Worldwide observance is variable.
21 usually the first day of spring: (Some years the first day of spring will be March 20). The vernal equinox.
21 Benito Juarez’s Birthday: Observed in Mexico.
Palm Sunday: The Sunday before Easter.
Good Friday: The Friday before Easter.
Easter Sunday: The first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after March 21 (March 22–April 25).
Passover: One week occurring in March or April after the first full moon occurring on or after March 21 (14–21 in the Hebrew month of Nisan).
Magha Puja Day: (mahg POO jah). Fourfold Assembly or “Sangha Day.” Observed to commemorate a special honor in the life of Buddha. On the full moon day of the third lunar month.
Hindu New Year: This doesn’t actually mark the beginning of a new calendar year, but usually marks the beginning of spring, although it is different in different parts of the country.
Holi: (HOE lee). Hindu festival celebrating the courting of God Shiva by Goddess Parvati, and the efforts on her behalf by Kama (God of Love) and Fati (Goddess of Passion).
APRIL
1 April Fools’ Day
8 Buddha’s Birthday: Observed in Korea and Japan.
14 Pan American Day
15 Income Tax Due
Ram Navmi: (rahm NOE mee). Birthday of Hindu God Rama (avatar of Vishnu).
MAY
1 May Day/Labor Day: Observed in Latin America, most of Europe, Russia and the countries of western Asia.
Mother’s Day: The second Sunday in May.
Victoria Day: The first Monday before May 25. Observed in Canada.
Memorial Day: LEGAL HOLIDAY. The last Monday in May. May 30 was the original Memorial Day.
Vesak or Visakah Puja: (WEH sock POO jah; note that Vesak and Visakah are pronounced the same). Buddha Day. This major Buddhist festival of the year celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death on one day. Observed on the day of the first full moon in May.
JUNE
14 Flag Day
Father’s Day: The third Sunday in June.
21 usually the first day of summer: (Some years the first day of summer is June 22). The longest day of the year with the most sunlight. Summer solstice.
JULY
1 Canada Day: Canadian national holiday.
4 Independence Day: LEGAL HOLIDAY. If it falls on a Saturday, it is observed on Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on Monday.
Asalha Puja Day: (AHS lah POO jah). “Dharma Day.” Commemorates Buddha’s first teaching. Observed on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month.
AUGUST
15 Assumption Day: Observed in Catholic countries.
Janmastami: (juhn muhst MEE). In Hinduism, this holiday celebrates the birth of Krishna, believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu and the author of the Bhagavad Gita, the most important book of the Mahabarata. Observed in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar.
Ganesh Chaturthi: (guhn EHSH cha toor THEE). Hindu festival honoring God Ganesha (son of Goddess Parvati and God Shiva) as the challenger/ creator and remover of obstacles. Observed in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar.
Saradhas: (shrahd). Hindu festival in which offerings are made for departed ancestors. Observed in August or September, depending on the lunar calendar.
SEPTEMBER
Labor Day: LEGAL HOLIDAY. The first Monday in September.
Grandparents Day: The first Sunday in September.
23 usually the first day of fall: (Some years the first day of fall is September 22). Autumnal equinox.
Rosh Hashanah: (rah shih SHAH nah). Jewish New Year. In September or October (1, 2 in Hebrew month of Tishri).
Yom Kippur: (YOHM kih PUUR). Jewish Day of Atonement. In September or October (10 in Hebrew month of Tishri).
NavRatri/Durga Puja: (NAHV rah tree/DUHR gah POO jah). Hindu festival of Great Goddess Maha Devi as Durga, protector of the powerless, celebrating her destruction of evil and the restoration of cosmic order. Observed in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar.
Dashera: (dahsh heh RAH). Recounts the rescue of Hindu Goddess Sita (avatar of Lakshmi) by God Rama (avatar of Vishnu) from an evil demon. Observed in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar.
OCTOBER
Columbus Day: LEGAL HOLIDAY. The second Monday in October. October 12 was the original Columbus Day.
Canadian Thanksgiving: The second Monday in October.
Pavarana Day: (pah WEHR nah). In Buddhism, it marks the conclusion of the rains retreat (Vassa) during the rainy season, which corresponds to the monsoon season in Asia-usually the end of October.
NOVEMBER
1 All Saints’ Day: Observed primarily by Catholics in most countries.
2 All Souls’ Day: Observed primarily by Catholics in most countries. Observed as the Day of the Dead in Mexico.
Daylight saving time ends: In the United States, except Arizona and Hawaii, clocks are set back one hour at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November. Until 2007, DST used to end on the last Sunday in October. Worldwide observance is variable.
Election Day: The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
11 Veterans Day
20 Anniversary of the Revolution: Observed in Mexico.
Thanksgiving Day: LEGAL HOLIDAY. The fourth Thursday in November.
Advent: The Sunday nearest November 30 marks the start of the Christmas season.
Chanukah: (KHAH nu kah). Jewish Feast of Dedication. Eight days in November or December (starting on 25 in the Hebrew month of Kislev). Various spelling.
Kathina Ceremony: (kah THEE nah). Robe offering ceremony. In Buddhism, the laity gather to make formal offerings of robe cloth. Observed on a convenient date within one month of the conclusion of the Vassa Retreat.
Anapanasati Day: (UHN puhn uhs TEE). At the end of one rains retreat (Vassa), the Buddha presents his instructions on mindfulness of breathing (Anapanasati). This marks the end of the fourth month of retreat.
DECEMBER
8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Observed in most Catholic countries.
Nine Days of Posada: Observed in Mexico during the third week in December.
22 usually the first day of winter: (Some years the first day of winter is December 21). Day of the year with the least daylight. Winter solstice.
25 Christmas: LEGAL HOLIDAY. If it falls on a Saturday, it is observed on Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on Monday.
26 Boxing Day: Observed in Canada.
26 Kwanzaa: Observed through January 1.
Buddhist Holidays
Some Buddhist holidays are celebrated at differing times of the year depending on the country. Take the Buddhist New Year, for example. In Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Laos, the new year is celebrated for three days starting with the first full moon day in April. In China, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, Nepal, Indonesia, and parts of rural Japan, the new year starts on the first full moon day in January, but the celebration can be in late January or even later, depending on the country. Most of Japan celebrates the new year for at least three days, most often starting on January 1.
Uposatha: (uu poh SAH thah). Observance Day. Four monthly holy days, every month: the new moon, full moon and quarter moon days.
Hindu Holidays
Hindus celebrate many religious holidays, but the diversity of the religion leads different parts of the country and different sects to celebrate different holidays. The dates (above) represent the major Hindu holidays and approximate month in which they occur.
Muslim Holidays
Muharram 1: (moo hah RAHM). Muslim New Year.
Mawlid an-Nabi: (MOU lid). Celebrates the birth of Mohammed (the 12th day of the 4th month).
Ramadan: (RAH mah dahn). Holy month of fasting for Muslims (9th month of the Islamic year).
’Id al-Fitr: (EED ahl Fah tr). Shawwal 1. The Muslim celebration at the end of Ramadan (the 1st day of the 10th month).
’Id al-Adha: (EED ahl AHD hah). Dhul-Hijjah 10. Biggest day of celebration in Islam. Pilgrimage day for Muslims (the 12th and last month of the Muslim calendar).
STATE HOLIDAYS
Along with the national holidays of New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day/Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, listed below are any other holidays when state offices close.
In most states, a holiday that falls on Saturday is observed the previous Friday, and a holiday that falls on Sunday is observed the following Monday. There are also discretionary holidays for state workers—frequently including the day after Thanksgiving and the day before or after Christmas.
ALABAMA
Robert E. Lee Day is observed with Martin Luther King Day in January.
Confederate Memorial Day: Fourth Monday in April.
Jefferson Davis’s Birthday: Observed on the first Monday in June.
ALASKA
Seward’s Day: Observed on the last Monday in March.
Alaska Day: Observed October 18.
ARKANSAS
Robert E. Lee Day: Observed on the third Monday in January with Martin Luther King Day.
CALIFORNIA
Cesar Chavez Day: Observed on March 31.
CONNECTICUT
Good Friday: Observed on the Friday before Easter.
DELAWARE
Good Friday: Observed on the Friday before Easter.
Election Day.
GEORGIA
Robert E. Lee Day: Observed on the day after Thanksgiving.
Confederate Memorial Day: April 26 but observed on a Friday or Monday.
Washington’s Birthday: Observed the day after Christmas.
HAWAII
Good Friday: Observed on the Friday before Easter.
Kuhio Day: Regatta Day. Observed March 26.
Kamehameha Day: Hawaii hero who unified the islands under a monarchy. Observed on June 11.
Statehood Day: Observed on the third Friday in August.
General Election Day.
ILLINOIS
Lincoln’s Birthday: Observed February 12.
General Election Day.
INDIANA
Good Friday: Observed on the Friday before Easter.
Election Day.
Lincoln’s Birthday: Observed the day after Thanksgiving.
Washington’s Birthday: Observed the day after Christmas.
KENTUCKY
Spring Holiday: Observed on the Friday before Easter.
General Election Day.
LOUISIANA
Mardi Gras Day: Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Good Friday: Observed on the Friday before Easter.
Election Day.
MAINE
Patriots Day: Observed on the third Monday in April.
MARYLAND
Election Day.
MASSACHUSETTS
Patriots Day: Observed on the third Monday in April.
MICHIGAN
Election Day.
MISSISSIPPI
Robert E. Lee Day: Observed on the third Monday in January with Martin Luther King Day.
Confederate Memorial Day: April 26 but observed on the last Monday in April.
Jefferson Davis’ Birthday: Observed the last Monday in May with Memorial Day.
MISSOURI
Lincoln’s Birthday: Observed on February 12.
Truman Day: Observed on May 8.
MONTANA
Election Day.
NEBRASKA
Arbor Day: Observed on the last Friday in April.
NEVADA
Nevada Day: Observed on the last Friday in October.
Family Day: Observed on the Friday after Thanksgiving in November.
NEW JERSEY
Lincoln’s Birthday: Observed on February 12.
Good Friday: Observed on the Friday before Easter.
Election Day.
NEW MEXICO
President’s Day: Observed the day after Thanksgiving.
NEW YORK
Lincoln’s Birthday: Observed on February 12.
Election Day.
NORTH CAROLINA
Good Friday: Observed on the Friday before Easter.
Confederate Memorial Day: May 10 but observed on Friday or Monday.
NORTH DAKOTA
Good Friday: Observed on the Friday before Easter.
RHODE ISLAND
Victory Day: Observed on the second Monday in August.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Confederate Memorial Day: May 10 but observed on a Friday or Monday.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Native American Day: Observed on the second Monday in October.
TENNESSEE
Good Friday: Observed on the Friday before Easter.
TEXAS
Confederate Heroes Day: Observed January 19.
Texas Independence Day: March 2.
San Jacinto Day: Observed April 21.
Emancipation Day in Texas: June 19.
Lyndon Baines Johnson Day: August 27.
UTAH
Pioneer Day: Observed on July 24.
VERMONT
Town Meeting Day: The first Tuesday in March.
Bennington Battle Day: Revolutionary War battle: August 16 but observed on Friday or Monday.
VIRGINIA
Lee-Jackson Day: Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and “Stonewall” Jackson: January 16 but observed on Friday or Monday.
WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia Day: June 20 but observed day after Thanksgiving.
WISCONSIN
Good Friday: Observed on the Friday before Easter.
Election Day.