Nearly every religion sets aside particular days to celebrate, remember or reflect upon aspects of their faith. Here are some of the holidays that occur in the second third of the year from May through August.
The 12-day Ridvan festival celebrates
Baha'u'llah's claim to prophethood. Of these days, the first, ninth and twelfth days are official holy days during which work is to be suspended by
Baha'is.
May 9 - Original publication date of Dianetics (Scientology)
Dianetics was the first publication by Scientology-founder L. Ron Hubbard explaining some of the founding beliefs of
Scientology practices. Hubbard went on to publish many more books expanding upon Scientology belief, but Dianetics was the first, and so its original publication date is recognized as a holiday by believers.
May 23 - Declaration of the Bab (Baha'i)
The Bab was a religious leader and a forerunner to Baha'u'llah, founder of the Baha'is. This holiday celebrates the day the Bab first shared his divine mission with others.
May 29 - Ascension of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i)
May 29 marks the day Baha'u'llah passed away in 1892. As a
Manifestation of God, his essence immediately returned to God.
(Second Sunday in June) - Race Unity Day (U.S. Baha'i)
The Baha’i-sponsored observance promotes racial harmony and understanding and the essential unity of humanity. It was established in 1957 by the Baha’is of the U.S.July 9 - Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha'i)
Baha'is honor the sacrifice made by the Bab on this day in 1850, when he was executed for for his faith.July 23 – Emperor Selassie’s Birthday (Rastafari)
Rastas consider Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974, to be the Messiah. As such, the day of his birth is recognized as a religious holiday.
August 17 – Marcus Garvey’s Birthday (Rastafari)
Marcus Garvey was a pro-African, Jamaican activist who espoused many of the beliefs that came to be adopted by Rastas, who consider him a prophet.
