Before the new month begins,
it can be helpful to take stock
of upcoming holidays/holydays,
so we’re ready to approach them
with more intentionality.
Here’s a partial list of major observances* in MAY 2022:
Tue. 4/2/22 – Mon. 5/2/22: Continuation of Ramadan – Muslim celebration of the initial revelation of scripture to Muhammad, observed via fasting, prayer, charity, and community gatherings
Sun. 5/1/22 – Mon. 5/2/22: Eid al-Fitr – Muslim celebration at the end of Ramadan, observed via feasting, prayer, charity, and community gatherings
Sun. 5/1/22: Beginning of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
Sun. 5/1/22: Beginning of Jewish American Heritage Month
Sun. 5/1/22: Beginning of Older Americans Month
Sun. 5/1/22: Beltane – Celtic name for the multicultural celebration of halfway point between Spring Equinox & Summer Solstice
Thu. 5/5/22: Cinco de Mayo – U.S. and Mexican celebration of Mexican and Mexican American culture and heritage (not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day on Sep. 16)
Sun. 5/8/22: Mother’s Day – U.S. celebration of mothers and mother figures
Mon. 5/30/22: Memorial Day – U.S. day of remembrance for those who’ve died while serving in the U.S. military
It can also be helpful to look at
common themes and reflection and conversation prompts,
to provide more of a center for our spiritual experience.
May we learn to hold these questions in our hearts,
not just this month, but all year long.
For the month of MAY, one theme might be ELEVATION
Many of us have recently concluded a month, or months, full of heightened recognition of the Sacredness in our lives. It’s a great time now to recuperate, but also to “level up” our awareness. The months and seasons keep turning, the holiness of the year keeps evolving, and we can recalibrate, re-attune to the continuous stream of invitations for reverence.
Some of these invitations are offered by perspectives that often get overlooked, yet have a greater impact than we may appreciate. We can all gain a lot by remaining vigilant, paying attention to neglected voices.
I offer some reflection questions and conversation starters:
What are some things you sense are coming to a close for you during this time? What new things are opening up or asking you to shift your attention?
How can you honor the inspirational cultural contributions of the Asian and Pacific American Diaspora to our world?
How can you honor the inspirational cultural contributions of the Jewish American Diaspora to our world?
How can you honor the inspirational cultural contributions of the Mexican American Diaspora to our world?
How can you better recognize the active presence of elders in your community and in your life?
How can you better recognize the active presence of mothers and mother figures in your community and in your life?
How can you honor the historical contributions of U.S. service-members to peace in our world?
May we all remember ELEVATION in our lives!
*In this series, A Holyear of Holydays, I focus only on major religious and U.S. civic holidays/holydays that are not named after any one person. This is for the sake of cross-cultural relevance and avoiding unwieldiness.
Comments