In keeping with my commitment to bring a helpful monthly dietary restrictions calendar to everyone, here are June dates to keep in mind as you plan menus for June events.
May 16th – June 14th
Observance & Dietary Restriction
Ramadan – is an observance in Islam. Muslims have significant work restrictions and fasting during the entire month. Not only are the usual religious dietary restrictions in place, but Muslims must refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Even smoking is prohibited as food and water particles passing through the nose and mouth are prohibited. Worshipers break the fasting each night with prayer, reading of the Qu’ran, and a meal called the iftar. In addition, many Muslims also attend night prayers at Mosques. A related observance, included below, is Eid al-Fitr, which is June 14th to 17th.
How to include participants
If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to employees, students, colleagues, and attendees who may be observing the worship schedules and added dietary restrictions. Because this time calls for extended fasting as part of their religious dietary restrictions, participants will have less stamina. Plan an evening event and provide halal compliant food after sundown to be as inclusive as possible.
For more about Ramadan, how it’s observed, and how to be inclusive, check out these articles:
- Ramadan: A Time for Fasting, A Time for Fast-Breaking
- Ramadan Mubarak (Happy Ramadan), An Important Primer
June 11th
Observance & Dietary Restriction
Lailat as-Qadr / Nuzulul Qur’an – from Islam is translated to “Night of Power.” It is celebrated during the final days of Ramadan, beginning at sundown on the previous day and commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE. Worship is a key practice during this time and there will be time spent at mosques.
How to include participants
To accommodate work restrictions, ask about worship times. Halal is the dietary reactions that should dictate menus during this day and the previous evening.
June 15th
Observance & Dietary Restriction
Eid al-Fitr – is an Islamic holiday with significant work restrictions. It means “break the fast” and is the last day of Ramadan, marking the end of a month of fasting. Muslims often pray, exchange gifts, give money to children, feast, and celebrate with friends and family.
How to include participants
Avoid scheduling important academic or work deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Employees will likely ask to take a vacation day, and that request should be granted if at all possible. If planning an evening event, provide halal compliant food accommodations.
June 16th
Observance & Dietary Restriction
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan – This is a Sikh observance. It’s a time of remembrance for those who have suffered for their faith. Guru Arjan Dev Ji was tortured and sentenced to death after refusing to stop preaching his message. The day is observed with Guru Granth Sahib readings
How to include participants
Sikhs are not bound to a meat-free diet. The choice is a personal one that must be respected. In general, all Sikh are lacto-vegetarian. Ensuring there is food available that meets their religious dietary restrictions is a year-round requirement, but be particularly aware that on holy days and observances, religious dietary restrictions are of particular importance.
June 24th
Observance & Dietary Restriction
Litha / Midsomer / Alban Hefin / Summer Solstice – Recognized by Pagans, Wiccans, Druids, and more, this is a celebration of the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. This is one of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. The most common ways to celebrate are bonfires and watching the sun rise.
How to include participants
Typically celebrated with festivals, there are no prescribed work restrictions. To be inclusive, keep work to daytime hours so early morning and evening festival activities can be observed. Revelers also appreciate meals that represent a good harvest. Fruits in season and late spring vegetables are best for inclusive menus.
June 29th
Observance & Dietary Restriction
Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul – is a Roman Catholic observance in honor of the martyrdom of the apostles in Rome. It serves as a reminder of religious significance of the bishops’ work and symbolizes the unity of the church.
How to include participants
There are no work restrictions, but on holy days, including days of liturgical feasts, it is best to observe christian religious dietary restrictions. Many devout christians will also choose to observe the day with meat-free food, although this is typically vegetarian, not vegan.
For more about religious deitary restrictions, including the christian faith, check out this article on Religious and Cultural Practices
June 29 – July 3rd
Observance & Dietary Restriction
Maidyoshahem Gahambar – is a Zoroastrian festival. There are six Gahambars (five-day festivals) spread throughout the year. This midsummer feast celebrates the summer solstice. Each of the six Gahambars is a period to focus on worship and those celebrating will perform only necessary work.
http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/gahambar/
How to include participants
There are some work restrictions that dictate only absolutely necessary work be completed. That means, if possible, schedule events and meetings around these dates. In the Indian tradition, a common dish for fahambar is “papeta ma gosht,” which is meat-in-potatoes. There is a recipe available HERE. In the Iranian tradition a common dish called, aush is a soup, typically accompanied by fried bread called, sirog. A soup recipe for aush can be found HERE.
