The Department of Health Sciences is pleased to recognize the following observances and celebrations for the month of February:
Black History Month
February 1 – March 1, 2023
Each February, Black History Month serves as a celebration and shines a light on Black history. Learn more about the history of Black History Month.
Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)
February 18, 2023
Honoring Shiva, one of the Hindu deities. Common traditions include fasting, meditating, singing and all-night worshipping.
Ramakrishna (Hindu)
February 20-22, 2023
Honoring the birth of Ramakrishna, a Hindu mystic and saint.
Ash Wednesday (Christian)
February 22, 2023
Signifying the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period leading up to Easter, during which many Christians give up some of their common pleasures. Common traditions include wearing a cross of ashes on one’s forehead and attending church service.
Clean Monday (Eastern Orthodox)
February 27, 2023
Signifying the first day of Great Lent, the name refers to the leaving behind of sinful attitudes and non-fasting foods. The week following this holy day is often referred to as “Clean Week” and common practices include going to confession and consumption of shellfish and other fasting foods.
UNC-Chapel Hill provides a calendar of Holy Days and Observances as a resource for education and accommodation. The Department of Health Sciences will share monthly observances and recognitions as a part of its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.