![Interfaith Inspirations](images/SiteButtons/InspirationsI1.png)
Some Interfaith July Inspirations:
For Native Americans, July marks the season of the Mountain Spirit Dances for the Mescalero Apache people of New Mexico; the Hopi Snake Dances, marking a sixteen-day ritual of purification; the Green Corn Ceremony or Stomp Dance, performed by Seminole and other Oklahoma tribes as a time of renewal and purification; and the Sun Dance, observed by Plains peoples (Arapaho, Cheyenne, Shoshone, Arikara, Crow, Sioux, and others) as a time of penitence and sacrifice.
It is also known as Xmaay, the season of big berries when summer fruit is ripe for harvesting.
Zoroastrianism Jashn-e Tirgan ~ July 3
The festival of water.
Zoroastrianism Ghambar Maidyoshem Ends ~ July 3
Ending the celebration of the creation of water, the sowing of the summer crops,
and the harvesting of grain.
Baha'i Martyrdom of the Bab ~ July 9
The Bab, Ali Mohammed was executed in 1850 by Persian political and religious powers.
Observed by abstaining from commerce and work.
Catholic Christianity ![Christianity](SiteGraphics/Prayer/Religions/ChristianA.jpg) Feast Day of Saint Benedict ~ July 11 ~
Celebrating the life of St. Benedict of Nursia (480 – 547 C.E.), the founder of Western Christian monasticism whose Rule is still widely read and practiced even now.
Baha'i Kalimát ~ July 12
The beginning of the seventh month of the Bahá’í year, meaning “words.”
Shinto Buddhist Obon ~ July 13-15
Sikh time of remembering those who have suffered for the faith.
Observed by reading the Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Arjan Dev was the fifth Sikh Guru
and the first Sikh martyr. He also compiled all of the past Gurus' writings into one book,
which is now the Sikh holy scripture: the Guru Granth Sahib.
Catholic Christianity & Native American ![Christian](SiteGraphics/Prayer/Religions/Christian2A.jpg) ![Native American](SiteGraphics/Prayer/Religions/NativeA.jpg)
Feast Day of Kateri Tekakwitha ~ July 14 ~
Celebrating the life and ministry of Kateri Tekakwitha (1656 – April 17, 1680),
a Mohawk-Algonquin woman who is the first Native American to be canonized by the
Roman Catholic Church. She was so recognized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012,
over three hundred years after her death.
Hinduism and Jainism Chaturmas ~ July 17
This day marks the beginning of a four-month period (ending in November) during which time devotees observe some form of vow. Penance, fasting, and other religious observances mark this period.
It is considered an inauspicious time for weddings or thread ceremonies.
Buddhist Asalha Puja Day ~ July 20 ~
Asala ~ turning of the wheel. Buddhist observance of the day when Gautama Buddha made his first public proclamation to five ascetics at Deer Park, Banares. He taught the middle way,
the noble eight-fold path and the four noble truths:
- Dukka - life means suffering.
- Tanha - origin of suffering is attachment.
- Cessation of suffering is attainable.
- The way to cessation is via the eightfold path.
Also called Dharma Day, this day commemorates the historical Buddha’s first sermon, called “Turning of the wheel of Dharma (Dhamma),” following his own enlightenment. The following day marks the beginning of the three-month Vassa or “Rains Retreat” for Theravadin Buddhist monks and nuns.
This period is a time for training in Dharma studies, meditation practice,
and giving religious services to the people.
Catholic Christianity ![Christianity](SiteGraphics/Prayer/Religions/ChristianA.jpg) Feast of St. Mary Magdalene ~ July 22 ~
Celebrating the woman some call the 'Bride Of Christ'. Mary Magdalene followed Jesus after he healed her and Jesus said of her that she could love deeply because of all that had been forgiven her. Mary Magdalene was at Jesus' crucifiction along side the mother Mary and Mary Magdalene was with a few other women discovering Christ had risen on Easter. The Feast Of Mary Magdalene is considered one of the most mystical celebrations, in part due to the mysteries of the woman herself. No one knows where she is buriedNo one knows where she is buried though there are several theories.
Of all the saints, her love is counted the sweetest and strongest.
Mormon Christianity Pioneer Days ~ July 24 ~
Mormon observation of arrival of first settlers at Great Salt Lake, USA, on July 24, 1847.
Christianity St. James the Great Day ~ July 25 ~
Christian recognition of the martyrdom of the Apostle James the Great in 44 c.e
Shinto Oharai-taisai ~ July 30
A purification ceremony to cleanse believers from any offences committed in the first half of the year. A large wreath of woven grasses is placed at the entrance of Shinto shrines; followers walk through as a symbol of inner purification.
Baha'i Kamál ~ July 31
The beginning of the eighth month of the Bahá’í year, meaning “perfection.”
|