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Christmas

Observed annually on December 25, Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, marking the incarnation of God on Earth. It is known for family gatherings, festive meals, light displays, music, worship, and gift-giving. The tradition of giving is also linked to Saint Nicholas of Myra, a bishop known for his generosity, which inspired the modern figures of Santa Claus and Father Christmas.

Christmas is commonly known as a time of joy and connection. Join us in support of all members of our campus community who celebrate this holiday and honour its spiritual and cultural significance. We can do this by centering kindness, extending support to those in need, and creating space for celebration and togetherness.

Chanukah

Beginning at sundown on December 14 and ending on December 22, Jewish people in Canada and globally celebrate Chanukah, also known as the “Festival of Lights.” Chanukah is an eight-day celebration, and the word Chanukah means “dedication” and symbolizes the light that shines in the world and in each of us, even during dark times. The lighting of each candle on the Chanukah Menorah represents the triumph of good over evil. Chanukah is also a reminder of the importance of perseverance and, above all, hope. This commemorates the revolt of the Maccabees, a revolt that led to the liberation of the Jewish people. During this celebration, Jewish people gather with family and friends, to enjoy food, socialize, and exchange gifts.

At Durham College, we honour the traditions of our Jewish community and recognize the importance of cultural and spiritual observances in building an inclusive campus. Let’s show support for our Jewish community by learning about the meaning of Chanukah, participating in campus or local events, and embracing the values of light, hope, and perseverance that this festival represents.  

Advent Sunday/Advent

Beginning this year on Sunday November 30th, Advent Sunday (or Advent) is a significant four-week period before Christmas, where Christians in Canada and globally reflect and prepare to celebrate the arrival (“advent”) of Jesus Christ’s Nativity at Christmas time. In addition to the reflection on the past, many Christians around the world take this time to meditate on Christ’s expected return in the Second Coming. Each week of Advent focuses on a different theme: hope, peace, joy and love. Christians from all denominations and backgrounds observe and celebrate Advent in a variety of ways including the lighting of candles, preparing wreaths, attending church services, and reading biblical scriptures. 

Bandi Chhor Divas

Bandi Chhor Divas, or the “Day of Liberation,” is a religious holy day, observed this year on October 21st by Sikhs in Canada and globally. It is a tribute to Guru Hargobind Sahib, who, in 1619, saved the lives of 52 princes imprisoned in Gwalior, India without the use of violence. After Guru Hargobind Sahib arrived in Amritsar, the Harmandar (also known as the “Golden Temple”) was lit with hundreds of lamps to celebrate his return. Thus, the day came to be known as the “Bandi Chhor Divas” (“prisoner release day;” “freedom day”). Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated as a triumph of good over evil. To celebrate this holy day, Sikhs globally use lights, lamps and candles; and exchange gifts and feast with family and friends. Bandi Chhor Divas is a period where many Sikhs travel to Sri Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple).

 

At Durham College, we recognize Bandi Chhor Divas as a time to reflect on the values of liberation and compassion. Let’s take this day to learn more about Sikh history, engage in meaningful dialogue, and show solidarity with our Sikh community either through attending a local celebration or sharing the story. By honoring this day, we foster an inclusive campus environment where every member of our community feels a sense of belonging.  

Diwali

Diwali is celebrated by many Canadians, who join with millions of people around the world to participate in the five-day Festival of Lights. Over the five days of Diwali, people take part in festive gatherings, fireworks displays, feasts, and prayer. Diwali is commonly celebrated globally by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. It occurs in October or November each year and is based on Panchangam, or the Hindu calendar. The day is dedicated to different Gods within different places and traditions, including the Goddess Kali in Bengal and Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, in the rest of India.

 

Durham College is committed to creating an environment where our students and employees feel seen, valued and supported. Let’s celebrate Diwali together as a campus community by joining the festivities and learning about the stories and symbolism used to commemorate.

Sukkot

Sukkot is a holiday celebrated by Jewish people beginning on Monday, October 6 and ending at nightfall on Monday, October 13. Sukkot celebrates the gathering of the harvest and commemorates the protection that God provided for the children of Israel when they left Egypt. Historically, Sukkot was celebrated by dwelling in a special hut called a sukkah, and incorporating four species of symbolic plants: the etrog (citron fruit), the lulav (palm frond), the hadass (myrtle branches), and the aravah (willow branches). A blessing is recited over these plants and then they are waved in six directions (right, left, forward, up, down and backward). As a part of Sukkot, holidays known as Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are observed and celebrated.  

 

Dussehra

October 2 will be the 10th day of the Navratri festival, Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami. This significant Hindu festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil, marking Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and the goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura.  

As a campus community let’s take a moment to learn about the stories and symbolism behind Dussehra, through conversation, celebration or quiet reflection, and to appreciate the diverse cultural heritage that enriches our campus.

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur begins on Wednesday, October 1 at sunset and ends on Thursday, October 2 at nightfall. Yom Kippur is also known as the Day of Atonement and is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. The central themes of Yom Kippur are atonement and repentance. Jewish people traditionally observe this holy day with a day-long fast and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.  

It is important to be mindful and honour this sacred time in support of our Jewish community, by offering flexibility, consideration, and respect in our efforts towards creating an inclusive space where we all belong.

Latin American Heritage Month

October marks Latin American Heritage Month in Canada! This is a time to honour the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Latin American communities across the country. Officially recognized in 2018, this month celebrates the diverse backgrounds of people from over 20 nations who have helped shape Canada’s social, cultural, and economic landscape.

This year let’s take time to learn about Latin American traditions, support Latinx-owned businesses, and amplify Latin American voices in our communities. Whether through music, food, literature, or conversation, Latin American Heritage Month is a time for all of us here at Durham College to learn more about Latin American history and heritage. Together, let’s honour the past, embrace the present, and build a more inclusive future. 

Rosh Hashanah

Beginning at sunset on Monday, September 22 and lasting until nightfall on Wednesday, September 24. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and is observed by Jewish people here in Canada and globally. During Rosh Hashanah, Jewish people participate in personal reflection, hearing the shofar (an instrument made from a ram’s horn) and eating traditional food like challah, apple, honey, and pomegranates. Many Jewish people spend a significant portion of the day in prayer and at the synagogue.