The University of Missouri has added eight Wiccan and Pagan holidays to its existing list of 'Guide to Religions: Major Holidays and Suggested Accommodations'.
These eight holidays accounts for 20 percent of the total holidays listed in the guide.
Among the 42 holidays, the existing list showcases 11 Jewish holidays, seven Christian holidays, and Hindu, Muslim, Baha'i, Shinto, Buddhist and Sikh holidays.
The guide was published last fall by the University's office of Diversity.
The University's guide helps lecturers not to schedule any exams or set deadlines for assignments around religious holidays as students are busy celebrating their respective festivities.
This guide also offers information on food and accommodation that is useful in planning classroom activities and other co-curricular events.
However, some critics allege that including each and every holiday of different beliefs is unnecessary.
"It almost seems as though we're looking for excuses for people to not have to take their commitments seriously. It's beyond political correctness; it's almost like an excuse to do nothing. It's like societal nihilism, where nothing matters," Tammy Bruce, radio host of the nationally syndicated 'Tammy Bruce Show' and Fox News contributor, told Fox News.
The dates for Wiccan, Pagan holidays are featured alongside famous holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu), Ramadan, Rosh Hashanah, Easter and Hanukah.
University of Missouri officials told Inquisitor that they are simply trying to include the beliefs of everyone studying at the university.
'Samhain', Oct.31, is one of the Wiccan and Pagan holidays, which is considered by some as the Wiccan New Year. On this day, concerned people pay respect to the dead; welcome new borns and are thankful for any significant event in the past which has changed their lives for the better.
This holiday coincides with Hanukah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights.
Other holidays pertaining to this belief are Alban Arthan (Dec.21); Feast of Pan; Alban Eilir (March); Beltane; Litha and Lammas.
Beltane is celebrated to mark the arrival of summer and wish for fertility in the coming year. People commemorate this day by jumping over a bale fire and dancing around the May Pole. On the other hand, Litha is celebrated by lighting bonfires and staying up all night to watch the sun rise.
