Malaysia : public and bank holidays, closure of banks, stock exchanges, school vacations

Catholic or protestant : Since pre-historic times in Europe, festivities (bonfires, offrerings) were marking the beginning of longer hours of daylight with fires and ritual. The Roman festival of Saturnalia lasted several days in December (gambling and offerings). Germanic tribes also celebrated mid-winter (drinking and rituals). The Bulgarian (with Koleduvane) and the Polish (with Gwiazdka) perpetuate this tradition. Jesus of Nazareth was probably born in springtime (Reformists favour autumn). But in the 4th century, December 25th was chosen for the celebration of his birth by Pope Julius I (Bishop Liberus is also mentioned in 354 A.D.). Thus, a Christian element was introduced in the long-established mid-winter festivals. Before 1582, the Papal States and other Italian city states celebrated New Year’s Day on Christmas Day.

Secular holiday : The world's most widely celebrated holiday, New Years was set on January 1 by Julius Caesar because that was the date the Roman consuls took over their duties. Paid holiday when falling on Saturday or Sunday

Secular holiday : At New Year during the night, the Jade Emperor conveyed all animals. Only 12 showed up. To thank them, Buddha dedicated one symbolic year per visitor. Each new born would inherit the relevant animal's characteristics. Paid holiday when falling on Saturday or Sunday

Secular holiday : At New Year during the night, the Jade Emperor conveyed all animals. Only 12 showed up. To thank them, Buddha dedicated one symbolic year per visitor. Each new born would inherit the relevant animal's characteristics. Paid holiday when falling on Saturday or Sunday

cards/flowers : In 2005, a National Fatwa Council issued an edict saying Valentine’s Day was forbidden in Islam because it has Christian elements that go against the teachings of Islam. But not all Muslim groups agree with this strict line.

School holidays : Www.moe.gov.my
Applies to Group B (Perlis, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Malacca, Johore, Pahang, Sabah, Sarawak, KL, Labuan, Putrajaya)
calendar issued by the Ministry of Education
no school on Saturday & Sunday
School uniform (for girls: baju kurung) required
QS Best Student Cities rating for Kuala-Lumpur: #28
University of Malaya ranking: Times Higher Education #59/QS ranking #114/Shanghai #401-500
University of Science, Malaysia ranking: Times Higher Education #601-800/QS ranking #264/Shanghai #401-500
University Putra Malaysia: Shanghai (2023): #801-900

We carry confirmed dates till Dec 2024

Please note that authorities may take last-minute decisions; please double-check if this information is vital to you
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Muslim, Sufi : End of Ramadan