Holy Days - August
Lughnasadh (Aug. 1): Lughnasadh {LOO-nuh-suh}, named after the god, Lugh, is the Gaelic harvest festival that falls halfway between the summer solstice and the fall equinox (in the northern hemisphere). It was traditionally marked by athletic competitions, dancing, and a feast of the first cut of corn/barley, berries, and a bull. Nowadays, it is often celebrated with fairs, hilltop pilgrimages, dancing/parades, and arts/crafts workshops.
Lammas (Aug. 1): Lammas {LAH-mahs} is the Christian version of Lughnasadh. Customs include bringing a loaf of bread (made from the first grain harvests) to the church where the offering would be blessed.
Click here to learn more about Lughnasadh/Lammas.
Hajj (Aug. 9-14): The Hajj {HOJ} is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. All Muslims who are able are required to participate in the hajj at least once in their lifetimes, and making the pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. Today, over 2 million people participate annually.Click here to learn more about the Hajj.
Tisha B’Av (Aug. 10-11): Tisha B’Av {TISH-uh buh-AHV} is a Jewish day of mourning that commemorates several tragedies, including the destruction of both the First Temple (in 587BCE) and the Second Temple (in 70CE). Customs include fasting, reading the Biblical book of Lamentations, and refraining from washing/bathing.Click here to learn more about Tisha B’Av
Krishna Janmashtami (Aug. 24): Krishna Janmashtami {jahn-mahsh-TAH-mee}, the birthday celebration of Lord Krishna, is widely-observed in the Sanatana Dharma (aka Hindu) tradition. Customs include telling stories about Krishna, re-enacting major events in Krishna’s life with dance-dramas, bathing Krishna statues with milk or honey, eating sweet treats, and visiting temples to bring offerings to Lord Krishna. Click here to learn more about Krishna Janmashtami
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This is a great craft for older kids (age 9-14) to teach them about Islamic mosques and the Hajj.
Here are the steps:
- Print a mosque coloring page onto lightly colored paper
- Let the kids cut out any windows and door using X-Acto-type knives.
- Turn the page over and tape small tissue paper squares over the openings.
- Cut around the mosque and attach it to black construction paper using a glue stick.
- Color/decorate the rest of the mosque image.
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Additional Reading
Book Recommendation:
The Magical Adventures of Krishna: How a Mischief Maker Saved the World by Vatsala Sperling and Pieter Weltevrede (Classic Indian Stories for Children, Book 7, 2009)
Blogs:
If you didn't see this Multifaith Mashup blog, on the Faith Seeker Kids website, it focuses on Lammas, Lughnasad, and First Fruits Across Faith Traditions.
News you can use:
Vicki Garlock is now an editor for Multicultural Kid Blogs! She will review and edit blog posts written by other contributors every other week. Her term runs from July-December.
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Interfaith Made Easy Unit #1 Peace, Preschool - Kindergarten (Hard Copy)
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$69.99
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