The holiday season is coming closer and closer, and thoughts of celebrating, feasting, and commemorating fill our heads. Coming are the times of loud, raucous parties and quiet, heartfelt solitary contemplations; religious observations and services, and customary gatherings of the faithful. The months before the end of the year are special to us because so many religious holidays, celebrations, and commemorations occur during this countdown to end the year 2009. The collections in the Penn State Libraries are “resplendent” with “wisdom” offerings of these last special days of the year 2009, and we offer these books, many for children, as gateways toward learning about and understanding the many faiths on this planet earth.
We begin on October 17th with Diwali, the Festival of Lights, when Hindus celebrate the individual’s choice of goodness and light over evil and darkness. For Jains, this festival marks the attainment of nirvana by their saint Lord Mahavira.
Heiligman, Deborah. Celebrate Diwali BL1239.82.D58H45 2006
Rosen, Steven. Essential Hinduism BL1202.R55 2006
On November 24th, Sikhs remember the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom by the Moghul Emperor in India. A day of commemoration.
Dusenbery, Verne A. Sikhs at large : religion, culture, and politics in global perspectiveDS432.S5D87 2008
Mandair, Arvind-pal Singh. Sikh religion, culture and ethnicity BL2018.S4663 2001
From November 25th-28th (7-12th days of month of Dhu al-Hajja). Muslims participate in The Hajj -- a pilgrimage to Mecca. Waqf al Arafa - Hajj Day (November 25th) is the Islamic day of forgiveness and mercy. The Hajj concludes with Eid ul Adha (November 28th), the Islamic Feast of Sacrifice, a three-day festival recalling Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, and Allah’s mercy on Abraham and replacing his son with a ram.
Wolfe, Michael. The Hajj [videorecording] BP187.3.H2 1997 DVD
Peters, F. E. (Francis E.) The Hajj : the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca and the holy places BP187.3.P475 1994
On November 28th, Baha’is celebrate of the ascension of the spirit of Abdu'l-Baha to the heavenly dwelling.
Smith, Peter. An introduction to the Baha'i faith BP365.S655 2008
Adamson, Hugh C. Historical dictionary of the Bahá'í Faith BP327.A33 2007
On December 8th, Buddhists observe Bodhi Day (aka Rohatsu), the time when Prince Siddhartha Gautama sat under the Bodhi tree and attained supreme enlightenment.
Mitchell, Donald W. (Donald William) Buddhism : introducing the Buddhist experience BQ266.B48 2008
Nishitani, Keiji. On Buddhism BQ4055.N5713 2006
From December 12th-19th, Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, commemorates the Maccabean recapture and rededication of the Jerusalem Temple in 165-164 b.c.e. and the eight candle menorah is lighted.
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. The best Hanukkah ever Picture Books G65353bes 2007
Heiligman, Deborah. Celebrate Hanukkah BM695.H3H445 2006
Winter Solstice, December 21st. A time for pan-religious celebrations. A day sacred to many religions both modern and ancient. Ancient Egyptians, Norse, Persians, Romans, Greeks, Incans; Pueblo and Hopi; modern day Druids, Wiccans, and even vampyres.
Pfeffer, Wendy. The shortest day : celebrating the winter solstice GT4995.W55P44 2003
Telesco, Patricia, 1960 A charmed life [electronic resource] : celebrating Wicca every day Online Resource
On December 25th, Christians celebrate of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Heiligman, Deborah. Celebrate Christmas BV45.H425 2007
Gardner, Horace John Let's celebrate Christmas: partie, plays, legends, carols, poetry, stories GT4985.G3 1950
On December 26th, Zoroastrians commemorate the anniversary of the death of their Prophet Zarathusthra.
Boyce, Mary. Zoroastrians, their religious beliefs and practices BL1525.B695 1979
Zaehner, R. C. (Robert Charles) The Dawn and twilight of Zoroastrianism BL1571.Z3 2002
From December 26th – January 1st, 2010, we close out the year with Kwanzaa, a celebration of Black heritage, family, community, and culture.
Otto, Carolyn. Celebrate Kwanzaa GT4403.O88 2008
Harewood, Dorian. The Celebration of Kwanzaa [videorecording] : Echoes of Africa GT4403.C45 1996
