Global Gatherings
Festivities abound this month. Here in the U.S. and worldwide, a cornucopia of celebrations occur starting with Día de los Muertos. Other observances include Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti, International Education Week, and Thanksgiving. These observances have significant cultural differences, but they share a tradition of reflection with friends and loved ones.
Bountiful Harvests
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a two-day ceremony of reverence and love for departed loved ones that has its origins in Aztec and Toltec traditions honoring the dead. As part of this tradition, many people make offerings to loved ones at gravesites or through colorful ofrendas (home altars) that contain photos of the deceased, flowers, food, and items that are part of important memories. Students, faculty, and staff are building altares that will be displayed on campus through the beginning of this month.
On November 4, we observe India’s biggest holiday, Diwali, also known as the Sanskrit Deepavali, part of a five-day festival that celebrates the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness. This festival of lights occurs annually post-monsoon season in India, representing a time of harvest. Hindus associate the holiday with Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu and goddess of prosperity and good fortune.
Those of other faiths who live in India – Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists – recognize Diwali. Celebrants prepare for the festival by cleaning and decorating their homes and sometimes leave their windows and doors open so Lakshmi can enter and bless them with wealth. To show her their respect, many build Lakshmi a small altar and bedeck it with money.
A few weeks after Diwali, Sikhs also commemorate the holiday of Guru Nanak Jayanti to recognize the birth of the first Sikh Guru Nanak Sahib, who is credited as the founder of Sikhism. To honor Guru Nanak on and around his birthday, Sikhs attend parades, community lunches with loved ones, and participate in evening prayer sessions remembering his message of equality and community engagement.
A Season of Thanks
Mid-month is International Education Week, which recognizes the benefits of international education and the significance of cultural and global competency. Regardless of one’s origins, education serves as a passport to a more enriched life. Here in the College, we appreciate culturally diverse perspectives and experiences and continually strive to cultivate our students to engage in our complex, ever-changing world.
Cal Lutheran will host several events for International Education Week this year, where students, faculty, staff, and administrators can learn about the plethora of cultures on campus and how they enhance our community.
A week after International Education Week, fall break takes place. This time gives us a long weekend to reflect on gratitude with friends and families - of origin and chosen. Some of us will return home for Thanksgiving dinner with relatives; others will gather with acquaintances on or off campus to enjoy a meal or two together before the fall semester ends.
Observances
Native American Heritage Month
Veterans Day – Nov. 11
International Education Week – Nov. 15-19
Transgender Day of Remembrance – Nov. 20
Thanksgiving – Nov. 25
More
- Endings and Beginnings
December 1, 2021A Time of Reflection
- Global Gatherings
November 1, 2021Celebrating Humanity and Harvest Time
- Bienvenidos a Casa
October 1, 2021Returning to a Familiar Place
- Sister of Mercy
September 1, 2021Celebrating Heritage and Hope
- Building More Equitable Curricula
August 4, 2021Culturally relevant curriculum better serves all students.
- Reflecting on Change, Community, Liberty, and Equality
July 3, 2021The process of reflection involves contemplation about events or activities that impact us collectively and individually.
- Hope Rising
June 2, 2021Light at the end of the COVID tunnel.
- An Attitude of Gratitude for the Cal Lutheran Community
April 30, 2021We remain immensely thankful for the individuals who contribute to the College’s success not only on Cares Day but throughout the year.
- Bridging Divides, Transforming Our World
April 1, 2021Seeking unity and understanding through embracing diversity.
- Wonder Women
March 4, 2021As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the pioneering women who questioned the status quo and paved the way for significant changes to benefit humanity. These brave individuals confronted societal restrictions and led movements to advance the rights of women and communities of color.