your month ahead – June

15-21, Refugee Week 

Held annually since 1998, Refugee Week is a cultural and arts festival celebrating the impact and contribution of refugees. It aims to increase understanding of the challenges faced by people fleeing conflict or persecution in their pursuit of a safe home, achieving this via a nationwide programme of events, activities and exhibitions. This year’s theme is Courage, in recognition of the bravery needed to seek safety, but also in reference to the Latin word for heart, cor, which the word courage is derived from. 

21, Litha (summer solstice), Wicca and Pagan

Litha marks the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, making this the longest day of the year and therefore the shortest night. The day has meaning for many of us, as a marker of the passing seasons and beginning of summer. For Pagans and Wiccans, it has spiritual significance, marking the end of the Oak King’s reign and the beginning of the Holly King’s reign, as the days start to grow shorter. Traditionally, the evening is celebrated with bonfires and, for many, staying up to watch the sun rise. 

June’s dates at a glance

Religious/cultural

4 –      Eid Al-Ghadir, Islam
4 –      The Feast of Corpus Christi, Catholic Christian
8 –      The Apostles’ Fast begins, Orthodox Christian
12 –    Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Catholic Christian
14 –    Rohini Vrat, Jain
14 –    Rice Planting Festival (Otaue Matsuri), Shinto
16 –    Islamic New Year, Islam
16 –    Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, Sikh
21 –    Litha, Wicca and Pagan
24 –    Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, Christian
25 –    Day of Ashura, Islam
29 –    Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Christian
29 Jun-3 Jul – Maidyoshahem Gahambar, Zoroastrian
30 –    Guru Hargobind Jayanti, Sikh

Awareness and Events

4 –          International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
12 –        World Day Against Child Labour
14 –        Race Unity Day
15 –        World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
15-21 –   Refugee Week
15-21 –   Men’s Health Week
18 –        Autistic Pride Day
20 –        World Refugee Day
21 –        Summer Solstice
21 –        Father’s Day
22 –        UK Windrush Day
22-26 –   School Diversity Week