It’s no surprise that Christianity is one of the oldest and most well-known religions in the world. As the largest religion, it’s estimated that over two billion people practice Christianity, making up around 31 percent of the world’s population. It has a rich history and culture which is celebrated throughout the year in festivals, making it a great time for Christians to share their faith, come together, and celebrate. Christianity believes in the power of prayer and its festivals often include religious observances, acts of generosity, and reflections of devotion to its followers.
There are a variety of festivals that Christians celebrate to commemorate Sacred History, traditions, and holy days observed by the church. The most commonly known festival is Easter, celebrated across the globe in recognition of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Other major festivals include Christmas, a time of reflection and celebration of the arrival of Jesus, and Pentecost, which is the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles. Other important religious times include Good Friday and All Saints Day.
A great way to learn about Christian festivals is to attend Mass and participate in devotional activities. Spending time in prayer opens us up to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to show a deeper commitment to His teachings. Aside from religious observances, there are more simple and traditional activities associated with festivals, such as feasts and get-togethers, which can be just as meaningful and special.
In addition to celebrating festivals, Christians also recognize the days within the liturgical year. This is an important part of Christian culture, although the specific days vary for each Christian denomination. Generally speaking, Sundays are celebrated as the Sabbath and as feasts commemorating the resurrection of Jesus. Additionally, there are days dedicated to particular saints. These days are often celebrated with special masses, and with prayers and offerings made by Christians.
For many Christians, festivals provide a time of celebration, reflection and a sense of togetherness. Through prayer and worshipping together, Christians can maintain their connection to the Lord and reaffirm their commitment to Him. Festivals celebrations strengthen the bond between the members of a faith, enhancing their sense of community. Celebrating festivals together within a church family helps to bring devotees closer to one another, as well as to their faith.
Holy Week
Holy Week is a significant time of observation and recollection for Christians. It takes place in the week leading up to Easter Sunday, available a few days before the beginning of Lent, with Palm Sunday and Holy Thursday. Holy Week commemorates important events in Jesus’s life, focusing on his journey toward the cross and resurrection. Traditionally, the first day of Holy Week is marked by palm Sunday, the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which is then followed during the week by the commemoration and celebration of his journey to the cross and resurrection.
Holy Week is marked by several services, and rituals, such as foot washing and the Last Supper, which help to remind Christians of the importance of this time, and instill in them a deep understanding of their faith and Savior. Other common rituals for Holy Week include the Way of the Cross, which commemorates Jesus’s journey to Calvary, and the Stations of the Cross, a Catholic tradition which guides participants in prayer and reflection.
This week is also filled with passionate readings, prayers and sacred music. Participating in observances and prayers like this honors the sacrifice Jesus made throughout his life and allows Christians to come together to reflect on what it means to be held in the love of Jesus Christ.
Christmas
Christmas is one of the most well-known Christian festivals, celebrated annually around the world on December 25th. A time of celebration and joy, the holiday recalls the birth of Jesus. On this day, families gather around the Christmas tree, considered a symbol of Jesus’s birth, and exchange gifts in remembrance of the presents the wise men brought to the baby Jesus as a sign of homage.
Though celebrations vary from country to country, there are certain customs that are exemplified. In most places, the festive preparations often start months in advance, with decorations, parties, foods and special feasts. Christmas also typically includes church services, carol singing, and traditional Christmas Masses, when Christian congregations gather to recall the arrival of Jesus and celebrate what Christmas is all about.
In addition to these Christian festivities, there is also a long-standing tradition of exchanging greetings, with plenty of opportunities for giving and celebrating the generosity of giving. While Christmas may be celebrated with great joy, the season is also time for reflection. On this special day, Christians come together to remember Jesus’ message of peace, love, and mercy, and to spread goodness and hope throughout the world.
Pentecost
Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, which marks the beginning of the Christian church. It occurs 50 days after Easter Sunday and is one of the most important Christian festivals, standing as the birthday of the church. Churches often celebrate Pentecost with special services and large celebrations, complete with decorations and traditional practices.
The day typically includes prayer, reading of the Scriptures, preaching and singing, followed by Holy Communion. Special readings, prayers, and baptisms are common during Pentecost due to its importance as the “birthday of the church”, while the gift of the Spirit is also celebrated. Its particular emphasis on the Spirit is also expressed through music, dance, and other forms of artistic expression.
The day is also often a reminder for Christians of the immense power of the Holy Spirit, and its capacity to reshape and renew them and the church. For many, the profoundly sacred nature of Pentecost is both powerful and exciting, and the day brings forth a spirit of great joy and anticipation of the work the Spirit can do in individuals and communities.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a time of solemn reflection for Christians all over the world. It is the day of Jesus’s death and is observed annually to commemorate his crucifixion and his ultimate sacrifice for the world. During this particular observance, congregations are called to remember the day that Jesus was crucified and the understanding of his death and resurrection.
In some Catholic and Protestant churches, sermons are conducted and they are generally activities that evoke feelings of sorrow, repentance and gratitude. In the evening, churches typically hold vigils and processions with the Stations of the Cross, a reflection of Jesus’s journey to the cross and his suffering. Other activities may include sermon readings, films and interactive dramas.
One of the best ways to observe Good Friday is by prayer. Taking time for prayer and to reflect on Jesus’s sacrifice can bring about a deep appreciation and understanding of His unconditional love. We can also practice acts of love and mercy, the same way he has been merciful to us. By giving a little time and effort, we can help let his sacrifice be remembered forever.
All Saints Day
All Saints Day is a time for Christians to remember the life and legacy of widely admired saints as well as lesser-known figures in the faith, who have all been recognized for their exemplary representation of the church’s teachings. Held annually on the first Sunday after Pentecost, All Saints Day was established to honor the lives of these venerated figures, who embodied the spirit and values of Christianity.
Tradition dictates that those observing All Saints Day should wear white robes, the traditional costume of a faithful early Christian. Although attendance of religious services are now uncommon, it is customary to take a moment during the day to remember our departed loved ones and pray for their souls. It is also a time to remember the sacrifice of those before us and how they continue to shape our lives in the present day.
By taking a few moments to remember our departed ones, we are reminded of their own noble battles and their commitment to the Christian faith. All Saints Day is a time for us to honor their legacy and to reflect on their teachings, which can often still be found in our spiritual practices today.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has become a beloved holiday for many Christians, who take the time to give thanks for all the abundance in their lives. The traditional Thanksgiving holiday, celebrated in many countries, reflects both religious and secular aspects, but the most important part is the reminder to practice gratitude and thankfulness.
Christian tradition has emphasized the power of thanksgiving and prayer, with the day typically celebrated by attending church services and praying to God in gratitude for all the blessings received. During the service, families typically bring with them a dish or a small donation to be shared with those in need, a reminder to thank God for abundance, but also to share the blessings with those less fortunate.
At home, Christians often hold special dinners complete with traditional holiday dishes, giving thanks together for all the wonderful gifts and moments they have been given. Through these traditions, we remember how true blessings come from God, and we show Him our love, appreciation and gratitude.
