Vanderbilt will be taking Pagan days off

[rug]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Pagan and Wiccan holy days, which follow the changing seasons, are included among Vanderbilt University's list of religious holy days alongside other religious events like Ramadan and Passover.

University officials say the four days are not part of the academic calendar, but students may ask faculty for accommodations due to their religious beliefs. The Tennessean first reported on Wednesday that the pagan days were included in a calendar sent to faculty by the Office of Religious Life.

A pagan generally refers to a believer in a multi-god religion that often includes Wicca and other earth-based or nature religions. The four days listed in Vanderbilt's calendar are Samhain-Beltane around Nov. 1, Yule around Dec. 22, Ostara and Mabon on March 20, and Beltane-Samhain on May 1.

Elizabeth Latt, a university spokeswoman, said the pagan and Wiccan holidays were added last year and the dates are based on an international calendar of holy days, which also includes guidance on which holy days restrict work or labor due to religious tradition.

http://www.bnd.com/2011/08/20/1827033/vanderbilt-will-be-taking-pagan.html

[villager]

1. Blessed be!

;-)

[monmouth]

2. Ahhhhhhmen..n/t