|
Review Holidays and Christianity
Holidays, feasts and fasts
are a significant part of Christian religious practice. The feast days celebrate joyous historical events, such as the birth
and resurrection of Christ, while the fast days provide a special opportunity to focus on self-reflection, self-discipline,
and repentance. Some Christian holidays have come to have a considerable impact on western culture and traditions.
| Brief History
Holidays have been a part of Christianity from the beginning, with Easter being the oldest. |
| Mardi Gras
Celebrated on the last day before Lent, this is a day to enjoy one last feast before the 40-day fast. |
| Advent
The season of Advent (adventus, "coming") marks the beginning of the church year and the approach
of Christmas. |
| Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the sixth Sunday of Lent and the last Sunday before Easter. It commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus
into Jerusalem. |
| Ash Wednesday
The first day of Lent, a period of fasting that leads up to Easter. Its central ritual is placing of ashes on the forehead.
|
| St. Andrew's Day
St. Andrew's Day marks the martyrdom of the apostle Andrew, brother to Saint Peter, and is especially associated
with Scottish identity. |
| Boxing Day
Celebrated in Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, this was when servants and the poor were traditionally
given gifts. |
| St. Patrick's Day
The Catholic feast day that honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is celebrated worldwide by the Irish, those
of Irish descent, or "Irish for a day." |
| Christmas
The celebration of the birth of Jesus. The English word "Christmas" derives from the old English Christes
maesse, or "Christ's mass." |
| Sunday
In Christianity, the day of the week devoted to rest and worship is Sunday, or the "Lord's Day." |
| Easter
Easter is a spring festival that celebrates the resurrection of Christ. It is the oldest Christian holiday and the most
important day of the church year. |
| Thanksgiving
Celebrates a shared meal between Christian Pilgrims and Native Americans. It is not a religious holiday, but
has an interesting, semi-religious history. |
| Epiphany
The celebration of Epiphany (epiphaneia, "manifestation") recalls the visit of the Magi, symbolizing
Christ's manifestation to Gentiles. |
| Twelfth Night
Made famous by the Shakespearean play, this marks the end of the Christmas season. |
| Lent
Lent is a 40-day period of fasting and repentance in preparation for Easter. |
| Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is a celebration of romantic love. Although associated with a saint, modern Valentine's Day
is a non-religious holiday. |
 
|
