Religious Calendars & Sacred Time
Explore religious calendar systems, liturgical cycles, and sacred time reckoning across traditions
Islamic Calendar
Purely lunar calendar of 12 months
Features
Basic Structure
Basis: Lunar observation
Year Length: 354 or 355 days
Months
- Muharram
- Safar
- Rabi' al-Awwal
- Rabi' al-Thani
- Jumada al-Awwal
- Jumada al-Thani
- Rajab
- Sha'ban
- Ramadan
- Shawwal
- Dhu al-Qi'dah
- Dhu al-Hijjah
Significance
- Ramadan - Month of fasting
- Dhu al-Hijjah - Month of pilgrimage
- Muharram - Islamic New Year
- Sacred months (4): Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qi'dah, Dhu al-Hijjah
Calculations
Methods
- Visual moon sighting
- Astronomical calculation
- Local vs global sighting
- Calculation controversies
Implications
- Festivals move through solar year
- Regional variations possible
- Different start dates globally
- Seasonal independence
Study Resources:
Islamic Calendar: Origins and Modern Practices
Comprehensive guide to Islamic time reckoning
Jewish Calendar
Lunisolar calendar with intercalation
Features
Basic Structure
Basis: Lunar months with solar adjustment
Year Length: 353-385 days
Months
- Nisan
- Iyar
- Sivan
- Tammuz
- Av
- Elul
- Tishrei
- Cheshvan
- Kislev
- Tevet
- Shevat
- Adar (I & II)
Significance
- Nisan - Month of redemption
- Tishrei - Month of judgment
- Adar - Month of joy
- Leap month Adar II added 7 times in 19 years
Calculations
Methods
- Metonic cycle
- Molad calculation
- Postponement rules
- Intercalation system
Implications
- Festivals align with seasons
- Complex mathematical system
- Historical development
- Modern standardization
Study Resources:
Understanding the Jewish Calendar
Detailed analysis of Jewish time reckoning
Buddhist Calendar
Various systems across traditions
Features
Basic Structure
Basis: Lunar or lunisolar depending on region
Year Length: Variable by system
Months
Significance
- Full moon days (Poya)
- Uposatha observance days
- Vassa (Rains retreat)
- Regional festival dates
Calculations
Methods
- Local lunar observation
- Regional variations
- Seasonal considerations
- Modern adaptations
Implications
- Cultural integration
- Practice scheduling
- Monastic timing
- Festival coordination
Study Resources:
Buddhist Time Calculation
Analysis of Buddhist temporal systems