Table of Contents
Christians celebrate many special days and seasons throughout the year. These festivals and fasts (not eating food for some time) help Christians remember important events in Jesus’ life and in Christian history. They also provide times for special worship, celebration, and reflection.
1. Easter and Holy Week #
Easter is the most important Christian festival. It celebrates Jesus’ resurrection (coming back to life) after his crucifixion. The week leading up to Easter is called Holy Week, which remembers the last week of Jesus’ life.
Palm Sunday #
- What it celebrates: Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when people welcomed him by waving palm branches
- Customs: Church processions with palm branches; giving out palm crosses
- Meaning: Marks the beginning of Holy Week and points to the events ahead
Maundy/Holy Thursday #
- What it commemorates: The Last Supper (Jesus’ final meal with his disciples) and his betrayal in Gethsemane
- Customs: Special Communion services; foot-washing ceremonies (recalling how Jesus washed his disciples’ feet)
- Meaning: Remembers Jesus’ example of service and the institution of Communion
Good Friday #
- What it commemorates: Jesus’ crucifixion (death on the cross)
- Customs: Solemn church services; Stations of the Cross (walking and praying through 14 scenes of Jesus’ suffering); fasting
- Meaning: A solemn day remembering Jesus’ sacrifice and death
- Atmosphere: Quiet, reflective, somber
Holy Saturday #
- What it represents: The day Jesus’ body lay in the tomb
- Customs: Easter Vigil ceremonies (waiting for Easter); lighting new candles for Easter
- Meaning: A time of waiting between Jesus’ death and resurrection
Easter Sunday #
- What it celebrates: Jesus’ resurrection from the dead
- Customs: Joyful church services; sunrise services; processions; special meals; exchanging eggs (symbols of new life)
- Meaning: Celebrates Jesus’ victory over death and the hope of eternal life
- Atmosphere: Joyful, celebratory, triumphant
Religious Reasons for Easter #
- Origins: Based on the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ death and resurrection
- Purpose: To remember and celebrate the central event of Christianity – Jesus’ defeat of death
- Symbolism: Light overcoming darkness; life defeating death; hope overcoming despair
Social Significance of Easter #
- Family gatherings: Easter brings families together for special meals
- Community celebrations: Churches often hold community events
- Cultural traditions: Easter eggs, Easter bunnies, special foods
- Commercialization: Many shops sell Easter eggs, cards, gifts
2. Christmas #
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It remembers the Incarnation – when God became human in the form of Jesus.
Main Aspects of Christmas #
- What it celebrates: The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
- Church celebrations: Midnight Mass (Mass is a Church service in the Catholic church); Christmas Day services; Carol services (signing Christam carols)
- Religious meaning: God becoming human to save humanity
- Social significance: Family gatherings; gift-giving; special meals; seasonal decorations
3. Other Important Christian Festivals #
Epiphany #
- When: January 6th
- What it celebrates: The visit of the Magi (Wise Men) to baby Jesus; the revelation of Christ to the world
- Customs: King cake; chalking the doors of homes
Ascension #
- When: 40 days after Easter
- What it celebrates: Jesus going up to heaven after his resurrection
- Customs: Special church services; extinguishing the Paschal (Easter) candle
Pentecost #
- When: 50 days after Easter
- What it celebrates: The coming of the Holy Spirit to Jesus’ followers
- Customs: Wearing red (symbol of the Holy Spirit); special prayer services
- Significance: Often called the “birthday of the Church”
4. Christian Fasting Periods #
Lent #
- When: 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays)
- Purpose: Preparation for Easter; remembering Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness
- Practices: Fasting; giving up luxuries; prayer; charitable giving
- Beginning: Starts with Ash Wednesday, when some churches mark foreheads with ash crosses
Advent #
- When: Four weeks before Christmas
- Purpose: Preparation for Christmas; also looking forward to Jesus’ Second Coming
- Practices: Prayer; reflection; Advent calendars and candles
- Meaning: A time of waiting and preparation
5. Changes to Traditional Festivals #
In the modern world, many Christian festivals have changed from their traditional forms.
Modern Changes #
- Commercialization: Focus on gifts, cards, decorations rather than religious meaning
- Secularization: Non-religious aspects like Santa Claus or Easter Bunny becoming more prominent
- Cultural celebrations: Some people celebrate the cultural aspects without the religious meaning
Different Christian Views on Changes #
- Traditional view: Concerned about loss of religious meaning; emphasize keeping focus on Christ
- Progressive view: Adapting traditions to modern times while keeping core message
- Missionary view: See cultural celebrations as opportunities to share the real meaning
