Three Kings Day, or Epiphany, or Theopany, is the official end of the Christmas season in many Christian communities around the world. It’s the 12th day after Christmas, and celebrates the visit of the three Magi, or wise men, to the infant Jesus. It’s also called the Epiphany for the Greek word for ‘manifestation’ or ‘appearance’ because of the sense of wonderment the wise men experienced upon meeting Jesus.
The holiday is celebrated in Spain with parades of floats carrying people dressed as the three wise men, and in some countries in Latin America it’s when children open their Christmas presents. Members of the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches celebrate by blessing water, and that holy water is believed to have protective and healing powers. Many Eastern churches focus on the baptism of Jesus on that day by John the Baptist. Some Christians plunge into icy lakes and rivers to retrieve crucifixes in a ritual to symbolize being freed from evil spirits.
Also observed in January:
• New Year’s Day – 1/1
• Emancipation Proclamation Day –1/1
• World Braille Day – 1/4
• National Human Trafficking Day –1/11
• Korean American Day – 1/13
• Old/Orthodox New Year – 1/14
• National Day of Racial Healing –1/21
• Poverty in America Awareness Month
• Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
>Fateymiyeh
>Martin Luther King Jr. Day
>Kwanzaa
>Three Kings Day
>Hannukah
>Makar Sankranti
>Feast of Seven Fishes
>Mahayana New Year
>International Holocaust Remembrance Day
>Int’l Day for the Abolition of Slavery
>Lunar New Year
>World AIDS Day
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Day is a U.S. federal holiday celebrated every year on the third Monday in January. The holiday honors Martin Luther King Jr., a social activist and Baptist minister who played an instrumental role in the American Civil Rights Movement. He was a driving force for major events, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 1963 March on Washington – events that undoubtedly served as a turning point in bringing about landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act Reverend King was named TIME Magazine’s “Man of the Year” in 1963 and was the youngest person (at the time) awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Dr. King was tragically assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, TN. Dr. King’s legacy lives on through his place as a global symbol of the continued fight for human rights and justice.
Montgomery Bus Boycott
In December of 1955, Rosa Parks, who served as the secretary for her local chapter of the NAACP, was arrested for refusing to relinquish her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, AL. In response, local activists coordinated a 381-day boycott of the local bus system. Dr. King served as the protest’s leader and spokesman. Under his leadership, the community was able to sustain the boycott for over a year, despite personal hardships and inconveniences due to more limited transportation. The Montgomery Bus Boycott ultimately led to a Supreme Court ruling in November 1956 stating that segregated seating on buses was unconstitutional.
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
In 1957, Dr. King and other civil rights activists founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). In his role as SCLC president, Dr. King traveled across the country and the world, giving lectures on nonviolent protest and civil rights as well as meeting with religious figures, activists and political leaders. King and his SCLC colleagues were key players in many of the most significant civil rights battles of the 1960s, including the Birmingham campaign in 1963, where Dr. King was ultimately arrested for his involvement and penned his famed Letter from Birmingham Jail.
March on Washington
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, held on August 28, 1963, drew over 250,000 people to Washington, D.C. Organized by a coalition of civil rights, labor, and religious groups, including Dr. King, the march aimed to advocate for civil rights legislation, economic equality, desegregation, and voting rights. The mass event culminated in Dr. King’s infamous "I Have a Dream" speech, which is one of the most famous and celebrated orations in human history.
Martin Luther King Jr. remained steadfast in his commitment to nonviolent resistance despite facing constant threats and acts of violence. Dr. King urged his followers to reject retaliation and instead embrace peaceful protest. He emphasized the moral and strategic power of nonviolence, inspired by his Christian faith and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. King believed that responding to hatred with love and refusing to escalate violence would ultimately expose the injustice of segregation and win broader support for the Civil Rights Movement. His unwavering commitment to nonviolence, even when experiencing it himself, became a defining principle of his leadership and a cornerstone of the movement.
Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival marking the transition of the Sun into Capricorn (Makar) on its celestial path, signaling the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. Typically falling on January 14th each year, it is one of India’s most ancient festivals, tied to agricultural cycles and sun worship. Historically, it symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and the triumph of light over darkness.
The festival is observed with diverse regional traditions across India: flying kites in Gujarat, preparing sweets made from sesame and jaggery (a type of sugar) in Maharashtra, and ritual bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganges. It also celebrates community through feasting, prayers, and cultural activities.
In the U.S., families may honor Makar Sankranti by performing prayers to the Sun God and reflecting on the festival's themes by donating to those in need or volunteering. Makar Sankranti can be celebrated by attending cultural events, flying kites, and preparing traditional foods like tilgul (sesame-jaggery sweets) or pongal (sweet or savory rice dish). People also harvest rice as a token of gratitude for light, warmth & life on earth. In line with this, the Indian Association of Greater Boston (IAGB) is collecting Indian Rice (Basmati or Sona Masoori) throughout the month of January with drop off locations in Ashland and Lexington, MA. Please see this link for more details.
Sharing the festival's significance with others fosters cultural awareness, making it a meaningful occasion even far from its origins.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 27th, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945, is a time to commemorate the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims and survivors of Nazi persecution.
The Holocaust, known as the Shoah in Hebrew, was the systematic, statesponsored persecution and murder of approximately six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators during World War II During this time, the Nazi regime also targeted millions of others, including Roma peoples, people with disabilities, Polish and Soviet civilians, political dissidents, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others considered "inferior" by Nazi ideology.
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International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a time to pay tribute to the millions of people who lost their lives and endured unimaginable suffering, educate the public about the atrocities committed due to hate and prejudice, and reflect on ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism, racism, and xenophobia. Click here to learn more about the Holocaust and its legacy.
In an ongoing effort to recognize May Institute’s diverse population, we are seeking YOUR help! Please share celebrations and observances that are important to you.
Mahayana New Year
The term "Mahayana" means "Great Vehicle," and it refers to various Buddhist practices and philosophies. Buddhism is commonly practiced in Northeast Asia, including countries such as China, Japan, and Taiwan. Another major branch of the religion, Theravada Buddhism, is practiced in Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. According to Buddhism's teachings, enlightenment can be attained during a person's lifetime. It's not only for monks but also for everyone. The objective is to help fellow Buddhists realize their potential and achieve nirvana.
The significance of the Mahyna New Year varies depending on the country and tradition. For instance, some Buddhists observe it on December 31, while others mark it on January 1. The first full moon of the year occurs in the middle of January. During this time, Buddhists honor and pray to their gods. The statues of Buddha are usually bathed in a show of respect. In addition, religious songs are offered to the deities. Buddhists visit a nearby temple and light candles to wish the new year a happy and prosperous journey.
Buddhists believe the new year signifies the beginning of a new journey and the ability to improve from their mistakes. They also believe that giving gifts and buying new items can help improve their luck. Moreover, they prepare elaborate feasts with sweet treats, fireworks are held at the end of the festival, and the house is cleaned.
Lunar New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional festival in China and among various other East Asian countries. Celebrated on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, typically falling between January 21 and February 20, it marks the beginning of a new year and a new cycle.
The origins of Lunar New Year can be traced back over 4,000 years, rooted in ancient agricultural practices. Initially, it was a time to honor ancestors and deities while celebrating the harvest. The festival is rich with myths and traditions, one of the most famous being the legend of Nian, a mythical beast that would terrorize villagers. To scare Nian away, people used loud noises, fireworks, and the color red traditions that continue today. Lunar New Year is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, representing renewal, family reunification, and hope for prosperity in the coming year. Each year is associated with one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, which influences the characteristics of that year and the people born in it. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, representing wisdom, elegance, and mystery The snake is often seen as a symbol of transformation and adaptability.
The celebration lasts for about 15 days, with various customs and rituals observed:
1. **Reunion Dinner:** Families gather on New Year's Eve for a lavish meal, often featuring dishes that symbolize abundance and good fortune.
2. **Red Envelopes (Hongbao):** It's customary to give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
3. **Lion and Dragon Dances:** These vibrant performances are believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.
4. **Fireworks:** Loud firecrackers are set off to scare away Nian and other malevolent entities.
5. **Visiting Relatives:** The first few days are often spent visiting family and friends, exchanging greetings of prosperity and health.
While traditional customs remain strong, modern adaptations have emerged. In cities, public celebrations include large parades, cultural performances, and exhibitions. Lunar New Year transcends mere festivities; it is a vital expression of cultural heritage and familial bonds.