Staff and student members of our community hold a wide range of spiritual beliefs and adhere to a range of faith backgrounds. This April, our Muslim colleagues will be observing Ramadan, our Christian colleagues will be celebrating Easter, and our Jewish colleagues will be celebrating Passover (Pesach).
Ramadan
This year, Ramadan began in the evening of Wednesday 22 March and will end on Friday 21 April.
During Ramadan, Muslims come together to fast from dawn to sunset. It is an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and connecting with family, friends and loved ones.
Eid takes place at the end of Ramadan. The name "Eid al-Fitr" translates as "the festival of the breaking of the fast”.
Easter
For Christians, Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus three days after his death by crucifixion. It is a celebration of hope and new life, and the belief that peace and joy triumph over death.
This year, Easter Sunday falls on 9 April. It is preceded by Good Friday, where Christian church services remember Jesus's suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith.
On Easter Sunday itself, churches hold special services and communions. Children often paint hard-boiled eggs as a symbol of the resurrection.
Passover (Pesach)
Passover (or Pesach in Hebrew) is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish year. It is a Spring festival that commemorates the liberation of the Children of Israel who were led out of Egypt by Moses.
This year, Passover begins on the evening of Wednesday 5 April and ends the evening of Thursday 13 April.
At the beginning of Passover in the evening, family and friends will get together for a meal and a special service called a Seder. Families also read the Haggadah - a book that tells the Passover story - with songs and blessings.
Find out more
The University’s Chaplaincy service aims to provide a focal point where we can celebrate and explore the wealth of nationalities, cultures and beliefs represented here at Edinburgh Napier and is a place where you’ll always find a friendly face and someone to listen.
The team is made up of a diverse group of Honorary Chaplains and Belief Contacts including representatives from the Muslim faith, Church of Scotland and other local churches, the Edinburgh Roman Catholic Chaplaincy, the UK University Jewish Chaplaincy, and contacts from Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Humanist, Orthodox, and Sikh communities. The Chaplaincy also works in close partnership with Friends International – a Christian based charity that works to build community amongst international students from all faith backgrounds.
You can contact the Chaplaincy by emailing chaplaincy@napier.ac.uk.