Our UC Davis community is made up of people from all over the globe, representing many cultures, customs, and experiences. In support of our diverse community we will recognize some of the observances happening each month (presented in no particular order). 

You don't have to be a member of a particular community to participate in celebrating many of the observances.  If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to connect with campus programs, attend events, and ask questions.

If you are observing/celebrating this month we hope the experience is joyful and meaningful.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 to October 15. Hispanic Heritage Month is intended to recognize the contributions, achievements, and influence of Latinx people whose heritage connects them to countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America, as well as Mexico and Spain. Hispanic Heritage Month brings focus to the history of Latinx people in the U.S., which includes oppression and struggle, as well as activism and contributions to social justice.

The umbrella terms Hispanic and Latinx/o/a are used to describe a very diverse U.S. population and there is no collective agreement on which term is most representative. Latin Americans’ heritage represents 20 countries, each with cultural, ethnic, and language diversity. Hispanic includes people with heritage from Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries but excludes Brazil. Latino/a/x includes people with heritage in Latin America but not Spain. There are also terms like Chicanx/o/a used by some with Mexican heritage and many prefer to use the nationality of their heritage, like Cuban or Mexican American. Preference for one or more of these terms is quite individual.

Test your knowledge of the contributions of UC-affiliated Hispanic and Latinx Americans by taking this quiz.

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah will begin at sundown on September 15 and ends on September 17. It is the Jewish new year and one of the holiest days in the Jewish faith because it celebrates the creation of the world. Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the 10-day period that ends with Yom Kippur. Special prayers are added to religious services during Rosh Hashanah and the shofar—a hollow ram’s horn—is blown to invite introspection.

Rosh Hashanah is a significant time for prayer, service, reflection, and atonement for observing Jews. Work is not permitted on this holy day and much of the day may be spent in synagogue. The Jewish new year is often used to reflect on the past year and plan for changes in the upcoming year.

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur will take place from September 24-25. Yom Kippur—known as the Day of Atonement—is the holiest day in the Jewish faith. Yom Kippur honors ancient Jewish tradition. It is a day to atone for the sins of the past year with the hope of obtaining Divine favor, as it is believed that God judges all in the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

The holy day is observed by abstaining from eating and drinking, refraining from various activities, and spending time in synagogue. In preparation for the 25+ hours of fasting, families gather for a feast the eve of Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is a time for contemplation, charity, prayer, and repentance. It is also a time of great joy for observing Jews.

Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival (also called Mooncake Festival) will be observed on September 29. Historically, it has been the most important Chinese celebration after the Chinese New Year and is celebrated by Asian communities around the world. It originated as a practice in which the moon was worshiped in gratitude for the harvest.

Today the Mid-Autumn Festival is often celebrated with gatherings of family and friends, festivals, moon-viewing parties, prayer, lighting lanterns, and gifting mooncakes. Mooncakes are round like a full moon and have intricate designs. They are symbolic of completeness and togetherness/reunion. Mooncakes are intended to be shared and so, they are cut into wedges and eaten while drinking tea and admiring the moon.