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Advent
- Christian time of preparation
for observing the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent begins on the
Sunday nearest November 30 and is the beginning of the Christian
worship year. Advent is observed with the lighting of
advent candles, display of wreaths, and special ceremonies.
Advent also anticipates the coming again to earth of Jesus
Christ. The season continues through December 24.
- Christian time of preparation
for observing the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent begins on the
Sunday nearest November 30 and is the beginning of the Christian
worship year. Advent is observed with the lighting of
advent candles, display of wreaths, and special ceremonies.
Advent also anticipates the coming again to earth of Jesus
Christ. The season continues through December 24.
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All Hallow's Eve -
Halloween
- Christian
celebration combining prayers and merriment involving children
and families. It is a prelude to All Saint's Day.
- Christian
celebration combining prayers and merriment involving children
and families. It is a prelude to All Saint's Day.
- All Saints Day
- Christian
day for honoring saints, known and unknown. A Holy Day of
Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church where saints have
special formal status. In general, saints are persons with
reputation for unusual lives of holiness and devotion to God.
- Christian
day for honoring saints, known and unknown. A Holy Day of
Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church where saints have
special formal status. In general, saints are persons with
reputation for unusual lives of holiness and devotion to God.
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All Souls Day
- Christian day of prayers of
intercession for the dead. Prayers of the faithful are seen as
helping to cleanse the souls for the vision of God in heaven.
- Christian day of prayers of
intercession for the dead. Prayers of the faithful are seen as
helping to cleanse the souls for the vision of God in heaven.
- Annunciation of
the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Christian
celebration of Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary the coming
birth of Jesus
.
- Christian
celebration of Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary the coming
birth of Jesus
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Ascension of
Jesus
- Christian
recognition of the departure of Jesus from earth after the
resurrection. It is perhaps the earliest observed celebration in
Christianity. It is observed with worship including prayers and
music.
- Christian
recognition of the departure of Jesus from earth after the
resurrection. It is perhaps the earliest observed celebration in
Christianity. It is observed with worship including prayers and
music.
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Ash Wednesday
- Christian
observance to begin the 40 day season of
Lent. Ashes are marked
on worshippers as a sign of penitence.
Calculate the date of Easter and the other major feasts
- Christian
observance to begin the 40 day season of
Lent. Ashes are marked
on worshippers as a sign of penitence.
Calculate the date of Easter and the other major feasts
- Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Roman Catholic
Christian observance commemorating the belief that the Blessed
Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of
her earthly life.
- Roman Catholic
Christian observance commemorating the belief that the Blessed
Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of
her earthly life.
- Baptism of Jesus
- Christian
commemoration of the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus.
- Christian
commemoration of the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus.
- Beheading of
John the Baptist
- Christian
remembrance of the death of John who is known for preparing the
people so they would recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
- Christian
remembrance of the death of John who is known for preparing the
people so they would recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
- Candlemas
- Christian celebration of the presentation of young Jesus in the temple to the aged Simeon. New beginnings are recognized. Candles are lighted.
- Wicca (pagan) celebration of
the return of the sun and lengthening of days.
- Christ the King
- Christian
celebration of the preeminence of Jesus over all earthly
authorities.
- Christian
celebration of the preeminence of Jesus over all earthly
authorities.
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Christmas
- A season of the Christian year
following Advent and preceding Epiphany.
- A season of the Christian year
following Advent and preceding Epiphany.
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Christmas Day
- Christian
celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers,
exchanging of gifts, and family parties.
- Christian
celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers,
exchanging of gifts, and family parties.
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Christmas Eve
- Christian
celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for
for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship, candle
lighting, manger scenes and festive meals.
- Christian
celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for
for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship, candle
lighting, manger scenes and festive meals.
- Christmas Fast
- Orthodox
Christian fasting period in preparation for the celebration of
the Nativity of Jesus Christ.
- Orthodox
Christian fasting period in preparation for the celebration of
the Nativity of Jesus Christ.
- Circumcision of
Jesus
- Christian
recognition of its Jewish foundations. The infant Jesus was
brought to the Temple for the ritual act of circumcision.
- Christian
recognition of its Jewish foundations. The infant Jesus was
brought to the Temple for the ritual act of circumcision.
- Conversion/Confession of St Peter
- Christian
recognition of the classic words of St Peter who responded to a
question by Jesus and described him as the long awaited messiah
.
- Christian
recognition of the classic words of St Peter who responded to a
question by Jesus and described him as the long awaited messiah
.
- Conversion of St
Paul
- Christian
observance of the experience of the Paul when he was confronted
by a vision of Jesus while on his way to persecute Christians
and became a leading presenter of Jesus. Observed at worship
services.
- Christian
observance of the experience of the Paul when he was confronted
by a vision of Jesus while on his way to persecute Christians
and became a leading presenter of Jesus. Observed at worship
services.
- Corpus Christi
- Christian
(Roman Catholic) celebration in recognition of the Eucharist -
the Blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ. The real
presence of the body and blood of Jesus is honored.
- Christian
(Roman Catholic) celebration in recognition of the Eucharist -
the Blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ. The real
presence of the body and blood of Jesus is honored.
- Dormition
(falling asleep) of the Theotokos
- Orthodox
Christian observance of the death, burial, resurrection and
transfer to heaven of the Virgin Mary.
- Orthodox
Christian observance of the death, burial, resurrection and
transfer to heaven of the Virgin Mary.
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Easter
- The
most holy of Christian sacred days. The day commemorates the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from his death by crucifixion.
Observances include worship services beginning at sunrise,
special music, feasting, and parades.
Calculate the date of Easter and the other major feasts
- The
most holy of Christian sacred days. The day commemorates the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from his death by crucifixion.
Observances include worship services beginning at sunrise,
special music, feasting, and parades.
Calculate the date of Easter and the other major feasts
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Epiphany
- Christian commemoration of the
manifestations of the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The homage
of the magi to the infant Jesus is honored by some. For others
the Baptism of Jesus is the remembered event. A season of the
Christian year from the close of Christmas to the beginning of
Lent.
- Christian commemoration of the
manifestations of the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The homage
of the magi to the infant Jesus is honored by some. For others
the Baptism of Jesus is the remembered event. A season of the
Christian year from the close of Christmas to the beginning of
Lent.
- Exaltation of
the Life-giving Cross
- Orthodox Christian celebration of
the finding by St Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, of the
Cross upon which Christ was crucified.
- Orthodox Christian celebration of
the finding by St Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, of the
Cross upon which Christ was crucified.
- Falling Asleep (Dormition)
of the Theotokos
- Orthodox
Christian observance of the death, burial, resurrection and
transfer to heaven of the Virgin Mary.
- Orthodox
Christian observance of the death, burial, resurrection and
transfer to heaven of the Virgin Mary.
- Fast in honor of
the Holy Mother of Lord Jesus
- Orthodox
Christian 14 day fasting period in preparation for the
celebration of the Great Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin
Mary..
- Orthodox
Christian 14 day fasting period in preparation for the
celebration of the Great Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin
Mary..
- Feast of the
Holy Apostles
- Christian
- The martyrdom of Saint Peter and Saint Paul recognized.
- Christian
- The martyrdom of Saint Peter and Saint Paul recognized.
- Feast of St
Basil
- Orthodox
Christian commemoration of St Basil t he Great, who wrote a
Eucharist Liturgy which bears his name.
- Orthodox
Christian commemoration of St Basil t he Great, who wrote a
Eucharist Liturgy which bears his name.
- Feast of our
Lady of Guadalupe
- Catholic
Christian honoring of a legendary appearance of the Virgin Mary
near Mexico City in 1531 c.e.
- Catholic
Christian honoring of a legendary appearance of the Virgin Mary
near Mexico City in 1531 c.e.
- Four Chaplains
Day
- Commemoration of the event in World War II when four Chaplains
of Jewish and Christian traditions (Catholic and Protestant)
gave their life jackets to others as a troop ship sank in the
Atlantic Ocean.
- Commemoration of the event in World War II when four Chaplains
of Jewish and Christian traditions (Catholic and Protestant)
gave their life jackets to others as a troop ship sank in the
Atlantic Ocean.
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Good Friday
- Christian remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus and related events. Calculate the date of Easter and the other major feasts
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Learn
about the Stations of the Cross
- Holy Cross Day
- A Christian
Day of recognition for the Cross on which Jesus was crucified as
a central symbol of the Christian religion.
- A Christian
Day of recognition for the Cross on which Jesus was crucified as
a central symbol of the Christian religion.
- Holy Family of
Jesus, Mary, Joseph
- Catholic
Christian celebration of the love between the family of Jesus.
- Catholic
Christian celebration of the love between the family of Jesus.
- Holy Innocents
Day
- Christian day
of solemn memory of male children killed by King Herod in the
attempt to destroy Jesus.
- Christian day
of solemn memory of male children killed by King Herod in the
attempt to destroy Jesus.
- Holy Pascha
- Orthodox
Christian feast day of the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ.
- Orthodox
Christian feast day of the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ.
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Holy Thursday
- Christian observance of the final meal that Jesus observed with his disciples. It is usually observed with the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
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Learn
about the Stations of the Cross
- Holy Saturday
- Christian
observance of the Saturday before
Easter - a time meditation on
the mystery of Jesus Christ.
- Christian
observance of the Saturday before
Easter - a time meditation on
the mystery of Jesus Christ.
- Holy Week
- Christians observe the week before Easter with solemn ceremonies based on events in Jesus' life, especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
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Learn
about the Stations of the Cross
- Immaculate
Conception
- Roman Catholic
(Christian) day of celebrating the belief that Mary, mother of
Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life. A day of
obligation and required church attendance.
- Roman Catholic
(Christian) day of celebrating the belief that Mary, mother of
Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life. A day of
obligation and required church attendance.
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Lammas Day
- In English-speaking countries, August 1 is Lammas Day (loaf-mass day), the festival of the first wheat harvest of the year.
Lazarus Saturday
- Orthodox Christian celebration of
the resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus, celebrated on the eve of Palm
Sunday; revealing that Jesus in "the resurrection and life" of all
mankind.
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Lent
- A Christian time of reflection and preparation for Holy Week and Easter. A forty day time of intense devotion, it is observed by fasting, frequent worship and acts of charity. The season begins on Ash Wednesday.
- Calculate the date of Easter and the other major feasts
-
Learn
about the Stations of the Cross
- (The) Lord's
Evening Meal
-
Jehovah's
Witness (Christian) primary annual celebration taking place in
the evening.
-
Jehovah's
Witness (Christian) primary annual celebration taking place in
the evening.
- Martyrdom of
John the Baptist
- Christian
observance to remember the beheading of John who challenged the
moral life of King Herod.
- Christian
observance to remember the beheading of John who challenged the
moral life of King Herod.
- Mary, Mother of
God
- Catholic
Christian - a celebration of the mother of Jesus.
- Catholic
Christian - a celebration of the mother of Jesus.
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Maundy Thursday
- Christian observance of the first Lord's Supper during Holy Week.
- Calculate the date of Easter and the other major feasts
-
Learn
about the Stations of the Cross
- Meatfare (Judgment)
Sunday
- Orthodox
Christian observance, two weeks before the start of the Great
Lent, preparing the faithful for the celebration of the
resurrection of Christ. This is the last day for eating of meat
before the Great Lent.
- Orthodox
Christian observance, two weeks before the start of the Great
Lent, preparing the faithful for the celebration of the
resurrection of Christ. This is the last day for eating of meat
before the Great Lent.
- Milvian Bridge
Day
- Christian day of solemn reflection on the relationship of the
spiritual community and the powers of civil government. On Oct
28, 312 c.e., Emperor Constantine prevailed in a battle and
proceeded to make Christianity the legal religion of the Roman
Empire. For further information go to Milvian Bridge event.
- Christian day of solemn reflection on the relationship of the
spiritual community and the powers of civil government. On Oct
28, 312 c.e., Emperor Constantine prevailed in a battle and
proceeded to make Christianity the legal religion of the Roman
Empire. For further information go to Milvian Bridge event.
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Mothering Sunday
-
Mothering Sunday in the United Kingdom falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent (typically March or early April); it is commonly called "Mother's Day" but has no direct connection to the American practice. It is believed to have originated from the Christian practice of visiting ones mother church annually, this meant that most families would be reunited on this day. Most historians believe that young apprentices and young women in servitude were released by their masters that weekend in order to visit their families.
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- Mother's Day
(not a Christian Holyday)
Mother's Days are celebrated on various days of the year in different countries because they have a number of different origins. One school of thought claims this day emerged from a custom of mother worship in ancient Greece. Mother worship — which kept a festival to Cybele, a great mother of gods, and Rhea, the wife of Cronus — was held on March 15 to March 18 around Asia Minor.
Nativity of Mary, the Mother of God
- Orthodox Christian celebration
of birth of the Virgin Mary.
- Orthodox Christian celebration
of birth of the Virgin Mary.
- Nativity of St
John the Baptist
- Christian
celebration of the role of John in baptizing Jesus. Continues a
pre Christian Midsummer's Day celebration. Special interest for
Hispanic tradition.
- Christian
celebration of the role of John in baptizing Jesus. Continues a
pre Christian Midsummer's Day celebration. Special interest for
Hispanic tradition.
- New Church Day
- Swedenborgian
Christian (Church of the New Jerusalem) annual commemoration of
the vision document, "The True Christian Religion", by Emanuel Swedenborg in 1770.
- Swedenborgian
Christian (Church of the New Jerusalem) annual commemoration of
the vision document, "The True Christian Religion", by Emanuel Swedenborg in 1770.
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Palm Sunday
- Christian celebration of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The day begins Holy Week. It is observed by worship celebrations and parades using palm branches.
- Calculate the date of Easter and the other major feasts
-
Learn
about the Stations of the Cross
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Pentecost
- Christian
observation of the day when the God the Holy Spirit came to the
disciples in the forms of tongues of fire and rushing wind. It
is a traditional day for baptism and confirmation of new
Christians.
- Christian
observation of the day when the God the Holy Spirit came to the
disciples in the forms of tongues of fire and rushing wind. It
is a traditional day for baptism and confirmation of new
Christians.
- Precious Blood
of Jesus
- Christian
(Roman Catholic) veneration of the life giving power of the
blood of Jesus.
- Christian
(Roman Catholic) veneration of the life giving power of the
blood of Jesus.
- Presentation of
Jesus
- Christian
remembrance of the infant Jesus being brought to the temple in
Jerusalem. His Godly presence was recognized. Celebrate at
worship services.
- Christian
remembrance of the infant Jesus being brought to the temple in
Jerusalem. His Godly presence was recognized. Celebrate at
worship services.
- Reformation Day
- Protestant
Christian anniversary of their tradition and its emphasis on the
place of the Bible and religious freedom. On October 31, 1517
c.e. Martin Luther posted a belief statement on Wittenberg
Church door.
- Protestant
Christian anniversary of their tradition and its emphasis on the
place of the Bible and religious freedom. On October 31, 1517
c.e. Martin Luther posted a belief statement on Wittenberg
Church door.
- Saint Andrew's
Day
- Christian observance of the
coming of Christianity to the area now know as Scotland. The
martyrdom of St Andrew is remembered as the season of Advent is
about to begin.
- Christian observance of the
coming of Christianity to the area now know as Scotland. The
martyrdom of St Andrew is remembered as the season of Advent is
about to begin.
- Saint Benedict
Day
- Catholic
Christian recognition of the father of the The Benedictine
Order. It was the first Order of the Western Church Monastic
tradition.
- Catholic
Christian recognition of the father of the The Benedictine
Order. It was the first Order of the Western Church Monastic
tradition.
- Saint Brighid of
Kildare
- Christian
recognition of Brighid who displayed unusual compassion. She was
brought up as a Druid and became Christian.
- Christian
recognition of Brighid who displayed unusual compassion. She was
brought up as a Druid and became Christian.
- Saint Columba of
Iona
- Christian
recognition of Columba who began the famous community of Iona
off the coast of Scotland in 563.
- Christian
recognition of Columba who began the famous community of Iona
off the coast of Scotland in 563.
- Saint Francis
Day
- Christian recognition of service to
people and appreciation of the natural world, as practiced by St Francis and the Franciscan
Monastic Order which he founded.
- Christian recognition of service to
people and appreciation of the natural world, as practiced by St Francis and the Franciscan
Monastic Order which he founded.
- Saint George Day
- Christian
remembrance of a person who, in the 4th century, was a martyr
and became an ideal of martial valor and selflessness. Legend of
killing a dragon is connected with this patron saint of England.
- Christian
remembrance of a person who, in the 4th century, was a martyr
and became an ideal of martial valor and selflessness. Legend of
killing a dragon is connected with this patron saint of England.
- Saint James Day
- Christian
recognition of the martyrdom of the Apostle James the Great in
44 c.e
- Christian
recognition of the martyrdom of the Apostle James the Great in
44 c.e
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Saint Joseph Day
- It
is a feast day in Roman Catholicism, falling on 19 March. In the
Orthodox Church the Feast of Saint Joseph falls on the Sunday
after Christmas.
- It
is a feast day in Roman Catholicism, falling on 19 March. In the
Orthodox Church the Feast of Saint Joseph falls on the Sunday
after Christmas.
- Saint Michael
and All Angels
- Christian
celebration of angels as companions who help fight off the power
of evil and who are present at the hour of death
.
- Christian
celebration of angels as companions who help fight off the power
of evil and who are present at the hour of death
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Saint Patrick's
Day
- Christian
celebration of Patrick who brought Christianity to Ireland in
early days of the faith.
- Christian
celebration of Patrick who brought Christianity to Ireland in
early days of the faith.
- Saint Philip the
Apostle & St James the Less
- Catholic Christian remembrance of two disciples of Jesus.
Saint Stephen's Day
- Christian
remembrance of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
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Saint
Valentine's Day
- Christian
celebration of the love of God presented in Jesus and in the
lives of Christian believers. St Valentine was a 3rd century
martyr. This day is widely observed in the USA as a secular
celebration of love.
- Christian
celebration of the love of God presented in Jesus and in the
lives of Christian believers. St Valentine was a 3rd century
martyr. This day is widely observed in the USA as a secular
celebration of love.
- Shrove Tuesday
- Christian
carnival day on the eve of Ash Wednesday which begins Lent, a
time of fasting and devotions. Pancakes are often served. It is
also known as Fat Tuesday in some places. The day concludes the
season of Epiphany.
- Christian
carnival day on the eve of Ash Wednesday which begins Lent, a
time of fasting and devotions. Pancakes are often served. It is
also known as Fat Tuesday in some places. The day concludes the
season of Epiphany.
- Theophany
- Orthodox
Christian celebration of the Baptism of Jesus, at which time the
Trinity was revealed to the world.
- Orthodox
Christian celebration of the Baptism of Jesus, at which time the
Trinity was revealed to the world.
-
Transfiguration
of Jesus
- Christian
commemoration of the experience on Mt Tabor when Jesus' physical
appearance became brilliant as his connection with traditional
Jewish holy figures became evident to the disciples.
- Christian
commemoration of the experience on Mt Tabor when Jesus' physical
appearance became brilliant as his connection with traditional
Jewish holy figures became evident to the disciples.
- Trinity Sunday
or Day
- Christians
honor the belief in one God with a threefold nature.
- Christians
honor the belief in one God with a threefold nature.
- World Communion
Sunday
- Protestant
Christian observation of the unity of Christians in celebration
of the last supper of Jesus with the disciples.
Other Celebrated Holidays:
- Protestant
Christian observation of the unity of Christians in celebration
of the last supper of Jesus with the disciples.
- Thanksgiving
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