Below is the calendar of holidays observed by Reform Taoists. This calendar is very new, and still in development; we are currently discussing potential ceremonies and activities with which these holidays might be observed. Ultimately, though, any such ceremonies or activities that we design will be completely optional, open to personal interpretation and customization, and they will be subordinate and complementary to the more fundamental disciplines of meditation and adherence to the Way.
Important notes:
- Reform Taoism employs the Gregorian/solar calendar.
- Dates of observance for equinoxes and solstices are assigned according to the time (UTC) at which these events will occur in the northern hemisphere.
2007
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Holiday / Celebration |
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February 1 |
Day of Unity
The Day of Unity is a time to reflect on the interdependence of all things, and on the essential oneness of existence within the Great Tao. This reflection allows us to look upon the Universe (and, of course, each other) with renewed and refreshed compassion, kindness, and respect.
Suggestions for Observance
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March 21 |
Vernal (Spring) Equinox
This is one of the two days each year when lightness and darkness occupy approximately equal parts of the day. The equinoxes represent the balance of yin and yang, the meeting of opposites. We are reminded of the eternal Tao, and comforted by its manifestation.
Suggestions for Observance
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April 10 |
Day of Awakening
As life reawakens from its winter dormancy, each of us celebrates our own spiritual awakening — the moment when we became aware of the larger reality and purpose that is the Great Tao. This is a time to look back fondly at our travels on the Path, and to rededicate ourselves to a life in harmony with the Way.
Suggestions for Observance
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May 19 |
Day of Nature
On this day, we take time to re-discover the natural world and to honor the Earth. We remember that we are a small but integral part of the Universe; as such, we meditate on our responsibility to follow the Way, to be humble and not disruptive, and to respect and nurture the ten thousand things.
Suggestions for Observance
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June 21 |
Summer Solstice
This is the longest day of the solar year in the northern hemisphere, and the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere. The solstices represent midpoints in the cycle of darkness and light, as yin and yang reach their apices and yield to one another. Like the equinoxes, the solstices remind us of the ceaseless flow of the Tao.
Suggestions for Observance
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August 3 |
Day of Sages
The Day of Sages is a time to reflect upon the teaching and insight of Laozi and Zhuangzi, the authors of our principal guiding texts and architects of ancient Taoism. It is also a time to remember the other sages that have walked among us — some whose names will be remembered by history, and some whose sagehood is known only by those closest to them — and be reminded of the wisdom that they have imparted.
Suggestions for Observance
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September 23 |
Autumnal (Fall) Equinox
This is one of the two days each year when lightness and darkness occupy approximately equal parts of the day. The equinoxes represent the balance of yin and yang, the meeting of opposites. We are reminded of the eternal Tao, and comforted by its manifestation.
Suggestions for Observance
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October 14
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Day of Ancestors
On this day, we seek to honor all of those who have come before us. Sir Isaac Newton once said, "If I have seen further [than certain other men] it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." We are wise to remember that our lives and our world have been inherited from our ancestors. We seek to demonstrate, to the spirits of our ancestors and departed relatives, our remembrance and respect for them.
Suggestions for Observance
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December 22 |
Winter Solstice
This is the shortest day of the solar year in the northern hemisphere, and the longest day of the year in the southern hemisphere. The solstices represent midpoints in the cycle of darkness and light, as yin and yang reach their apices and yield to one another. Like the equinoxes, the solstices remind us of the ceaseless flow of the Tao.
Suggestions for Observance
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