Christians around the world celebrate many special days during the year as holidays. These festive days commemorate important events in Christian history and significant spiritual landmarks. From the birth of Jesus to the death and resurrection of Christ, each of these occasions marks a unique and meaningful point along the journey of faith.
The winter holiday season is one of the most widely celebrated markers on the Christian calendar. It includes Christmas, a global holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, plus three other important days. This article will explore the holidays of Christianity and provide insights into their significance.
Advent
Advent is a powerful spiritual journey for Christians. Spanning the four weeks before Christmas, it is a waiting period that helps to cultivate hope and anticipation in the heart. During that time, people focus on the coming of Christ in a special way, remembering the humble beginnings of Christ’s life on earth. Advent has its own series of customs and traditions such as lighting the advent wreath or taking part in advent readings and carol services in the lead up to Christmas Day.
Christmas
Christmas is the most widely known Christmas celebration of Christianity. It is an ancient holiday that has its roots in the ancient Roman Saturnalia festival. The holiday marks the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Popular religious traditions on this day include attending midnight Mass, exchanging Christmas gifts, and attending religious gatherings with family and friends.
Churches often decorate the church with holly and ivy, symbolizing the eternal life of Jesus. The traditional Christmas carol, ‘Silent Night’, is a popular hymn sung during the festive season. Traditional foods such as mince pies, mulled wine and other sweet treats are enjoyed by many during the holiday.
Epiphany
Epiphany celebrates the revelation of God to the world in the form of the baby Jesus. The day signifies the moment when Jesus was revealed to the world in a special way – when the three Wise Men visited him to deliver gifts. It is believed to be the day when Jesus’ divinity was revealed for the first time.
Epiphany is usually celebrated 12 days after Christmas Day on 6th January. At this time of year, churches will celebrate with special services and it is common to bake special cakes that contain a hidden token such as a coin or a baby figure, to mark the occasion.
Easter
Easter is a major holiday that celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is not only the most important religious holiday of Christianity but also a popular cultural and commercial celebration that encompasses many countries. Easter Sunday falls on a Sunday in March or April and is celebrated with great fanfare and joy.
Common customs and traditions of Easter include decorating Easter eggs, attending Easter Mass or services, and exchanging gifts with friends and family. The consumption of sweets such as hot cross buns, eggs and chocolate is especially beloved by children during Easter.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day is a festival of the ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven, according to Christian belief. The holiday is celebrated on the fortieth day after Easter Sunday, and is a time of solemn reflection and worship. Ascension Day is a special time when Christians reflect upon the teachings of Jesus and remember his instruction and love.
The holiday is observed with special services at churches or in small communities. It is also a day when, according to some traditions, the church bells are rung forty times in honor of Jesus’s ascension, and the choir sings a special hymn.
Pentecost
Pentecost is the final event in Christianity’s major holidays. It commemorates the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus’s Apostles and gave them the ability to spread Christianity and knowledge of Jesus across the world. Pentecost is usually celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter.
Many people observe Pentecost by attending Mass, and it is also traditional to wear red clothes on the day (in honor of the Holy Spirit). Special red candles are lit at Mass, and special readings, prayers and hymns are said. Livestock and crops are blessed, and a special bread called ‘striftly’ is shared at communal meals.
Holy Week
Holy Week marks the week leading up to Easter. It is a time of spiritual reflection and solemnity as Christians remember and honor the life and death of Jesus Christ. The week consists of seven days of special worship services and activities, and it culminates with Easter Mass on Sunday.
People can observe Holy Week by attending special services, participating in reenactments of Jesus’s last days and laying a wreath on the cross or crucifix at a local church. Some churches also organize special prayer services and hold special retreats for people to reflect and meditate on the life of Jesus.
Trinity Sunday
Trinity Sunday marks the celebration of the Christian Trinity – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The day is significant as it marks the beginning of the liturgical year in Christianity, and it is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost. Many religious services and Masses are held in celebration of the Trinity on this day.
Trinity Sunday is celebrated in different ways. Churches usually decorate with a special banner featuring the symbols of the Trinity – a dove, a lamb and a cross. Special prayer services are held, and special services for children are also often included. Processions, spiritual readings and special hymns are popular too.
Feast of Saints
Christians remember and honor their special Saints and martyrs on the Feast of Saints. This holiday marks the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving God and their faith. Special Saints such as Saints Peter and Paul are often honored on this day, and churches will often have special services in recognition of these beloved figures.
Many churches hold special services and ceremonies to honor these Saints. During the services, descriptions and stories of their work are shared and hymns are sung in their memory. Statues of their likeness are placed outside the churches, and special prayers are said to honor the martyrs.
All Souls’ Day
All Souls’ Day marks the celebration of the dead in Christianity and is observed on November 1st. The day is dedicated to listening to the prayers of those who have passed away, and offering comfort and support to grieving families. People often light candles and place them in their windows as a sign of hope and a way to remember their dearly-departed loved ones.
Churches observe All Souls’ Day with special Masses and services, where special prayers are said and songs and hymns are sung in remembrance of the deceased. Often, people will visit their loved ones’ graves and lay flowers and remembrances on them.
Feast of the Transfiguration
The Feast of the Transfiguration commemorates the occasion when Jesus was transformed in glory as he spoke with Elijah and Moses on the mountaintop. The day is celebrated by special services and masses in churches and is considered to be a sacred time that commemorates the spiritual power of Jesus.
On the Feast of the Transfiguration, special readings and prayers are shared, and songs and hymns are sung about Jesus. The day is a time for Christians to reflect on the glory of Jesus and to remember and celebrate his divine accomplishments.
