Rejoice and Renew: Spring Holidays
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Christmas? You probably think of a overflowing presents under the tree and the colorful lights; while the religious meaning of the holiday takes the backburner. This also applies to spring holidays such as Easter, Passover, Holi and Ramadan, which arguably have more religious significance. These holidays contain profound historical and religious meanings that go beyond the contemporary public perception. It is important to recognize the real meaning of the holidays you celebrate so that you don’t accidentally celebrate something you don’t believe in or truly understand.
Jewish Muslim Alliance Club Co-President Rana Kurt (’26) talks about why she thinks it’s important to have cross-cultural knowledge of different holidays.
“A crucial aspect of culture is holidays, and by teaching another culture about the holidays you celebrate," Kurt said. "You are giving them a deeper understanding of important aspects of your community, valuable memories, and personal traditions."
Ramadan, which starts on March 10 and goes through April 9, is an Islamic tradition considered the holy month of fasting. This time signifies the period in which Muhammad received the first revelations composing the religious text of Islam, the Quran. Although Ramadan is most widely known for its practice of fasting, practicing Muslims celebrate through that activity in addition to prayer, reflection and community.
One of the most known and celebrated spring holidays in Western society is Easter, which has been celebrated since the second century. This year, the holiday falls on March 24. When people think of Easter they usually think of springtime, pastel colors, the easter bunny and large egg hunts with kids running around trying to be the first to find the golden egg. Traditionally, Easter is a Christian holiday that recognizes the resurrection of Jesus on the third day following his Crucifixion. Easter concludes the “Passion of Christ,” a sequence of holidays that starts with Lent, includes Holy Week and Good Friday, and finally ends with Easter Sunday. Remembering this event is a way for many to renew daily hope that we have victory over our sins.
On March 25, the day after Easter, people all across India and the world will get together and throw colored water and powder at each other in celebration of Holi. The festival happens every Spring and is commonly known as “The Festival of Colors.” On this day, all social rankings regarding age, gender, status and caste are ignored as everyone is equal and allowed to be covered in the brightly colored water and powder. In a more religious context, Holi celebrates the eternal love and support of the deities Radha and Krishna, as well as emphasizing the triumph of good over evil relating to the victory of Vishnu as Narasimha over Hiranyakashipu.
Passover, or “The Festival of Unleavened Bread,” is a Jewish holiday that starts on April 22 and ends on April 30. In celebration of Passover, people usually participate in large meals and special prayer services. Passover acknowledges the Hebrews' release from slavery in Egypt. During this week or so, all leaven (anything containing yeast) is prohibited, and only matzo is allowed to be eaten. When the Hebrews’ fled from Egypt, they did not have time to leaven their bread which is why matzo, or unleavened bread is eaten to acknowledge this time of hardship in Jewish history.
Jewish Muslim Alliance Club Co-President Sadie Gryczman (’26) discusses her opinions on how the real meanings of holidays are often overlooked.
“I think that holidays that are more commercialized than others are obviously more popular," Gryczman said. "Holidays that have true religious meaning but aren’t as commercialized may be overlooked. I think it’s all about how the media perceives and publicizes them.”
Although these various spring holidays all have their origins, many people don’t understand their true religious meaning and the reasons they are celebrated. What students are taught in school or by their parents doesn’t always line up with the historical significance of holidays. These religious celebrations with highly complex backstories are typically obscured with more superfluous events with gifts, food and fun springtime activities. Although any opportunity to gather with family and loved ones is positive, it is still important to understand the real meanings and backstories of these highly significant holidays to better connect with history and celebrate generations of ancestors.
