Earthkeeping Calendar
Most of these
dates were taken from a longer list, which may be found on the
Web of Creation website: www.webofcreation.org.
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January |
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ca. January 4 |
Earth Perihelion |
The earth reaches its farthest distance from the sun today. |
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1st Monday after Epiphany |
Plow Monday |
This day looks ahead to spring planting by blessing farm implements. |
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February |
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February 2 |
Midpoint between winter solstice and spring equinox |
Also the day of the Presentation of Our Lord, or Candlemas. Many churches used to bless all the candles to be used during the year on this day. |
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Varies mid-Jan. To mid-Feb. |
Tu B'Shevat |
Fifteenth day of the Jewish month of Shevat. Jewish people celebrate the coming of spring, including planting of trees. |
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March |
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ca. March 21 |
Vernal Equinox |
The amount of light and dark is equal. Also the beginning of Spring. This day is necessary in determining the date of Easter. |
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March 22 |
World Day for Water |
Established by the United Nations in 1993, to address problems relating to drinking water supply and increase awareness about the importance of conservation, preservation, and protection of water resources and drinking water supply |
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April |
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Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Ascension |
Rogation Days |
Rogation Day was a response by Christians in early church to the Robigalia, a yearly procession intended to preserve wheat. |
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Closest Sunday to April 22 |
Earth Day |
Celebrated annually since 1970, Earth Day is an opportunity to celebrate Earth’s wonders and to reflect on and renew our commitment to the care of the environment.
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Last Sunday in April to first Sunday in May |
Soil and Water Stewardship Week |
A 44-yr.-old opportunity for congregations to reflect on our relationship with our soil and water resources. Materials are available from:
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Last Friday in April |
National Arbor Day |
National Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and tree care. Local observance dates are determined by the best tree planting times in each area, ranging from January to May. |
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May |
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1st week of May |
Be Kind to Animals Week |
The oldest and largest national week of its kind, celebrated consecutively since 1915. |
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May 1 |
May Day /Beltane |
Midpoint between the Spring equinox and the Summer solstice. In antiquity it was a time to recognize the fertility of the land. |
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May 3 |
Sun Day |
An occasion established by President Jimmy Carter to emphasize the uses of solar energy. |
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May 6 |
Shepherds' and Herdsmen's Day |
In Eastern Europe, this was a day to recognize the return of animals to pasture. |
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May 19 |
Well-Dressing Day |
A day in old English times dedicated to decorating wells with flowers to express gratitude for water. |
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Varies mid-May to mid-June |
Shavuot |
Also called the Festival of Weeks, this is an opportunity in which Jews celebrate the first fruits of the field as well as remember the giving of the Torah in the wilderness. |
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June |
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Sunday in the first week of June |
Environmental Sabbath |
This day is found on the Sunday closest to World Environment Day, organized by the United Nations.
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June 5 |
World Environment Day |
One of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. |
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June 7 |
Commemoration of Chief Seattle |
Seattle (c.1790), Chief of the Suquamish tribe and the Duwamish Confederacy, became a Roman Catholic in the 1830's. He is well known for his advocacy of peace and his eloquent expression of the need to love and respect the land on which we live. |
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ca. June 21 |
Summer Solstice |
The longest day of the year. Also the beginning of Summer. |
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July |
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ca. July 5 |
Earth Aphelion |
The Earth reaches its furthest distance from the Sun today. |
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August |
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Vacation Days |
Take a vacation and spend time in God’s creation! |
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September |
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September 8 |
Beginning of Down Driving |
Down driving was once the time when animals were brought to their winter pastures. This day also became the celebration of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. |
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ca. September 23 |
Autumnal Equinox |
The hours of light and dark are equal. Also the beginning of Fall. |
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October |
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October 4 |
Commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi |
Francis of Assisi (b. 1182) was born into a wealthy family, but gave up his position of privilege for a life of simplicity and ministry, founding the Franciscan monastic rule. Also remembered for his love of the creation, he believed in the presence of Christ in the creatures and inanimate elements of the natural world, which he sometimes referred to as "brothers and sisters." |
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November |
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4th Thursday of the month |
Thanksgiving Day |
A day to celebrate the abundance of the earth and harvest. |
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December |
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December 7 |
Feast of St. Ambrose |
St. Ambrose is the patron saint of domestic animals. |
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Ca December 21 |
Winter Solstice |
The longest night of the year. Also the beginning of Winter. |