Christian Celebrations

Christian Holidays

Santa Claus and Easter bunnies are often seen in schools at Christmas and Easter. Such "mythical symbols" have been added by society to represent themes of generous giving and hope for new life. These themes are related to Christmas and Easter but often "symbols" and "materialistic motives" replace a resurrected Jesus, the center of these two holidays.

In addition to the listed holidays, specific Christian denominations celebrate days related to portions of scripture they emphasize or days related to work of significant individuals.

A teacher needs to know the religious significance of Christian holidays.

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Advent

Beginning of the ecclesiastical year - Season before Christmas - In Western Christendom, four Sundays are included. In Eastern Christendom, the season is longer and begins in the middle of November.

Some references commonly used - Matthew 1:18-25; 3:1-12; 11:2-11; 21:1-11; 24:37-44; Mark 11:1-10;13:33-37; Luke 1:39-55; 3:1-18; 19:28-40; 21:25-36; John 1:6-8,19-28

First references to celebration in the West - From the latter half of the 6th century.

A time of preparation for Christmas and the Second Coming of Christ as Judge on the Last Day.

Christmas

Christmas Eve - December 24

Christmas Day - December 25

References - Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 2

Birth of Jesus

Epiphany

January 6

References - Matthew 2:1-12

From Greek epiphaneia, meaning manifestation.

Originated in the East where it celebrated Jesus' baptism and nativity. In the West it became associated with Christ being made known to the Gentiles and the coming of the Magi.

The Baptism of Jesus

First Sunday after Epiphany

References - Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:4-11; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

The Baptism of Jesus

The Presentation of Jesus

February 2 - Forty days after Jesus' birth. Required by Jewish Law - Leviticus 12:1-4

References - Luke 2:22-39

Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Lent

Forty days of preparation before Easter

References - Those about Jesus' suffering and death.

Period of forty days mentioned in Canons of Nicaea in A.D. 325. May have started as a fast prescribed for baptismal candidates.

A time for penance, fasting, giving, and religious study.

Holy Week

The week before Easter

References - To Jesus' suffering and death

Jesus' suffering and death

Ash Wednesday

The first day of Lent

References used - Psalm 51:1-13; Joel 2:12-19; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2

A time for general penance - Ashes placed on forehead as sign of mourning and penitence.

Palm or Passion Sunday

The Sunday before Easter

References - Matthew 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19

Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem

Maundy Thursday

Thursday preceding Easter - Traditional English name. Name came from the first antiphon or song sung by two choirs at the ceremony of the washing of the feet. (mandatum novum -John 13:34)

References - Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:15-20; John 6:51-58

Celebration of the Passover meal and institution of the Lord's Supper

Good Friday

Friday of Holy Week

References - Matthew 27:33-56; Mark 15:22-41; Luke 23:33-49; John 19:17-27

Crucifixion of Jesus

Easter

Date determined by Paschal Full Moon - Between March 21 and April 25

References - Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-11; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18

Jesus' resurrection from the dead

Ascension Day

Sixth Thursday or fortieth day after Easter

References - Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:44-53

Jesus' Ascension into heaven

Pentecost

Fiftieth day after Passover

References - Leviticus 23:15-21; Acts 2

Holy Spirit came to believers

The Holy Trinity

First Sunday after Pentecost

References used - Matthew 28:16-20; John 3:1-17; John 16:12-15

Unity of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

The Transfiguration of Jesus

August 6

References - Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36; 2 Peter 1:16-18

Jesus' transfiguration and appearance with Moses and Elijah. Seen by Peter, James and John.

All Saints' Day

November 1

References used - Psalm 34:1-10; Isaiah 26:1-4,8-9, 12-13, 19-21; Revelation 21:9-11, 22-27 (22:1-5);

Matthew 5:1-12

Celebrates all the Christian saints, known and unknown

Christ the King

Last Sunday before the beginning of Advent

References used - Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 23:35-43; John 18:33-37; Revelation 1:4-8

Celebrates the authority and Kingdom of Christ