A number of religious celebrations will be taking place in the coming weeks and Good Shepherd will be marking them in a few ways.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid-al-Fitr means ‘festival of the breaking of the fast’. It is one of the biggest celebrations in the Islamic calendar, marking the end of Ramadan – holy month where Muslims refuse food and drink between dawn and sunset to focus on their faith.
Traditions for Eid Al-Fitr include wearing new clothes, eating sweet things and setting time for Prayer. ‘Eid Mubarak’ – Blessed Feast – is a term used by Muslims all over the world as a greeting to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
Good Shepherd will be providing sweets to families on Tuesday 1st April to commemorate this celebration.
Vaisakhi
Vaisakhi is the most important festival in Sikhism, celebrating the founding of the Sikh Community (the Khalsa) in 1699.
On Vaisakhi, Sikhs go to the Gurdwara in the morning for a service. Afterwards, they have a procession through the streets with lots of singing, chanting and colourful clothes. In the evening, Sikhs have a special meal with family and friends.
On Monday 14th April, we’ll have some Vaisakhi decoration in the dining room and will be serving a vegetarian meal. Staff are encouraged to wear orange – the colour of Joy in Sikhism.
Easter
Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar. It celebrates Jesus rising from the dead, three days after he was executed. Easter Sunday is on 20 April. The week leading up to Easter is called Holy Week.
For Christians, Easter eggs are used as a symbol for the resurrection of Jesus and new life and Good Shepherd will be distributing Easter Eggs during Holy Week.
One of the Good Shepherd’s core values is hospitality and we hope marking these different religious celebrations will help welcome the diverse communities of Wolverhampton.