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See below for a sample of dates to observe, reflect, celebrate or promote throughout the university community. The full calendar is available on the website,

December 26
Death Anniversary of Zarathustra (ZO)
The anniversary of the death of Zarathustra, the founder of Zoroastrianism, once the dominant religion of Persia, was killed just three hundred miles to the northwest in Balkh, Afghanistan.
Boxing Day/Lendemain de Noel
Boxing Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, as well as many other members of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is based on the tradition of giving gifts to the less fortunate members of society. It is usually celebrated on December 26, the day after Christmas Day, but its associated public holiday can be moved to the next weekday if December 26 is a Saturday or Sunday.

December 26 – January 1
Kwanzaa (B/AC)
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States and also celebrated in the Western African Diaspora in other nations of the Americas. The Kwanzaa celebration is based on African harvest traditions. Kwanzaa means first fruits in Swahili. The celebration starts on December 26 and lasts for seven days. Created by Dr. Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community, and culture. The seven-day celebration is based on seven basic values of African culture. The seven principles in Swahili are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). Although the holiday is designed for the African-American community, Kwanzaa is a holiday for all.

December 31 – January 4
Ghambar Maidyarem (ZO)
This celebrates the creation of animals. Zoroastrians are encouraged to remember their practice of the equitable sharing of food during this observance.