August Religious Dietary Restrictions
In keeping with my commitment to provide a helpful monthly calendar to everyone on religious dietary restrictions, here are August religious dietary restrictions dates to keep in mind this month.
August 1 — Fast in Honor of the Holy Mother of Lord Jesus
Observance & Dietary Restriction
The Fast in Honor of the Holy Mother of Lord Jesus is a two week fasting period observed by Eastern Orthodox Christians to commemorate the death and burial of the Virgin Mary. Beginning on August first, Eastern Orthodox Christians forgo most proteins including dairy products, red meat, chicken, and fish, as well as oils and wine. The fasting lasts until August 15th.
How to include participants
Although this holiday is predominantly celebrated in Europe be wary of planning large conferences or lunch outings during these first two weeks in August. If planning a conference, be sure to use a catering company that offers alternative dishes and vegetarian options for those observing the Fast in Honor of the Holy Mother of Lord Jesus.
August 6 — Transfiguration of the Lord
Observance & Dietary Restriction
The Transfiguration of the Lord is another Christian Holiday that commemorates Jesus becoming radiant in front of the apostles and first being dubbed Son by the voice of God. This holiday is celebrated by Christians of all denominations with a feast usually held at their local church.
How to include participants
Be cognizant of the fact that this event can take place during any day of the week and thus may affect attendance. If several people in your office or work space celebrate try not to schedule meetings on this date and be aware that there might be many requests off.
August 15 — Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Observance & Dietary Restriction
This date marks the end of the 14-day Fast in Honor of the Holy Mother of Lord Jesus. This day commemorates the taking of Mary’s body to heaven after she has died. This day is a public holiday in many countries across Europe, South America, and Africa. August religious dietary restrictions
How to include participants
This is another holiday that might have many people calling out of work. Like other days of the month that have the potential to be understaffed, make sure to not schedule any important meetings on this day if avoidable.
August 22 — Eid al Adha Islam
Observance & Dietary Restriction
The Festival of sacrifice is an Islamic Holiday that commemorates Ibrahim being willing to sacrifice his son to God. This is one of two Muslim holidays and is considered the holier of the two. On Eid al Adha, participants gather en mass to pray after the sun has fully risen, wear their best clothes, and, if able, sacrifice one of their animals. After sacrificing the animal, one third is given to the poor, one third is given to friends or family, and one third is kept to be eaten later in the day.
How to include participants
Although this is not a bank Holiday in the United States, it is still celebrated by Muslim communities. Participants will most likely request the day off in order to celebrate with their families. If a day off is not possible, try accommodating with allowing the individual the morning to complete prayers with their community. If there are meetings or catered lunches on this day, try and provide meat, as the meals on this holiday focus on meat eating. August religious dietary restrictions
August 19- 24 — Hajj
Observance & Dietary Restriction
Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that occurs during the last month of the Islamic calendar. Mecca is the holy city for Muslims and it is the duty of each practicing Muslim that is financially and physically capable to make the trip to Mecca at least once in their life.
How to include participants
This is a week that has the potential to have several people out of your office. Allow those who request to take the week off, as Hajj is considered one of the most important things a Muslim must do. If you do business with or in a lot of Islamic countries be aware that during this week communication will be spotty if not entirely stopped until Hajj is over.
August 25 — The Hungry Ghost Festival
Observance & Dietary Restriction
The Hungry Ghost festival is a tradition in many Asian countries used to honor the ghosts of their ancestors. On this day, it is believed that the gates of hell are opened and ghosts roam the earth seeking entertainment. Thus there are festivals and feasts put on in several countries around the world on this day. August religious dietary restrictions
How to include participants
Parades and festivities can occur during any time on this day, so there may be may requests off from work. In countries like Japan it is customary to return home to visit your ancestors grave sites to pay respect.
August 26 — Raksha Bandhan
Observance & Dietary Restriction
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu holiday in which participants tie charms or amulets around their wrists or ankles in order to protect from evil. The tradition is typically that a sister will tie the charm around their brother’s wrist, however it can also be given from priest to patron.
How to include participants
This holiday is celebrated on the Indian sub-continent as well as in America. There are no dietary restrictions associated with this day however it is customary that married women travel home to see their parents and brothers. Some families may request off on this day to travel home. August religious dietary restrictions
