Christian Holy Days

Symbols via Noun Project

Zoroastrian & Pagan – Pierre TORET
Jain – André Luiz Gollo
Islam – anbileru adaleru
Christian – Nick Kinling
Buddhist – Rene Ramsey-Passmore

 HolidayFall 2022 Spring 2023

Fall 2023 Spring 2024

ChristianAssumption of Blessed Virgin Mary – Catholic ChristianAug 15Aug 15
Christian

Dormition of the Theotokos – Orthodox Christian

The Orthodox Christian commemoration of the death and burial of the Virgin Mary.

Aug 15Aug 15
Christian

Passion of St. John the Baptist – Catholic Christian

Christian remembrance of the death of John who is known for preparing the people so they would recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

Aug 29Aug 29
Christian

Ecclesiastical year begins – Orthodox Christian

The way a Christian Church arranges a calendar of time and sets dates of special importance.

Sept 1Sept 1
Christian

Nativity of Mary – Christian

A Christian celebration of the birth of the Virgin Mary.

Sept 8Sept 8
Christian

Holy Cross Day – Christian

A Christian day of recognition for the Cross on which Jesus was crucified as a central symbol of the Christian religion.

Sept 14Sept 14
Christian

Meskel – Ethiopian Orthodox Christian

Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christian commemoration of the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Eleni (St. Helena) in the 4th century a.d.

Sept 27Sept 27
Christian

Saint Francis Day – Christian

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.

Oct 4Oct 4
Christian

Saint George Day – Christian

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.

Oct 23Oct 23
Christian

Reformation Day – Protestant Christian

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 Wittenbeg Church door. The date of public observation is the Sunday before October 31.

Oct 25Oct 25
Christian

Milvain Bridge Day – Christian

Christian day of solemn reflection on the relationship of the spiritual community and the powers of civil government. On October 28, 312 c.e., Emperor Constantine prevailed in a battle and proceeded to make Christianity the legal religion of the Roman Empire.

Oct 28Oct 28
Christian

All Hallow’s Eve – Christian

Christian celebration of mystery combining prayers and merriment involving children and families. It is a prelude to All Saint’s Day.

Oct 31Oct 31
Christian

All Saints Day – Christian

Christian day for honoring saints, known and unknown. In general, saints are persons with a reputation for unusual lives of holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith. A Holy Day of Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church where saints have special formal status.

Nov 1Nov 1
Christian

All Souls Day – Catholic Christian

Christian day of prayers of remembrance and intercession for the dead. Prayers of the faithful are seen as helping to cleanse the souls for the beatific vision of God in heaven.

Nov 2Nov 2
 Nativity Fast Begins – Orthodox ChristianNov 15Nov 15
Christian

Christ the King – Christian

Christian celebration of the preeminence of Jesus over all earthly authorities.

Nov 22Nov 22
Christian

Advent – Christian

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.

Nov 29Nov 29
ChristianSaint Andrew’s Day – ChristianNov 30Nov 30
Christian

Saint Nicholas Day – Christian

Christian celebration of the birth of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children and role model for gift giving. Many churches are named for this saint who is also the Dutch version of Santa Claus.

Dec 6Dec 6
 Christian

Immaculate – Catholic Christian

Catholic Christian day of celebrating the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was peserved from original sin all of her life. A day of obligation and required church attendance.

Dec 8Dec 8
 Christian

Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe – Catholic Christian

Catholic Christian honoring of a legendary appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531 c.e.

Dec 12Dec 12
Christian

Posadas Navidenas – Christian

Hispanic Christian feast of the Lodgings commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in preparation for the birth of Jesus.

Dec 16 – 25Dec 16 – 25
Christian

Yule – Christian

A Norse Pagan celebration of the winter-born king, symbolized by the rebirth of the sun. A present day Wicca event.

Dec 21Dec 21
 Nativity Fast Ends – Orthodox ChristianDec 24Dec 24
Christian

Christmas Eve – Christian

Christian celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship, candle-lighting, manager scenes and festive meals.

Dec 24Dec 24
 Christian

Christmas – Christian

Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties.

Dec 25Dec 25
Christian

St. Stephen’s Day – Christian

A day of remembrance of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

Dec 26Dec 26
 Christian

Holy Innocents – Christian

Christian day of solemn memory of male children killed by King Herod in the attempt to destroy Jesus.

Dec 28Dec 28
Christian

Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – Catholic Christian

A celebration of the holiness of Mary as the chosen bearer of Jesus.

Jan 1Jan 1
Christian

Epiphany – Christian

End of the 12 days of Christmas; celebrates visit of the three kings to baby Jesus; especially important to Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics.

Jan 6Jan 6
Christian

Clean Monday (Lent Begins) – Orthodox Christian

Period of preparation for Easter, usually 40 days before. Clean Monday signifies the beginning of the Lenten period.

Mar 7Mar 7
Christian

Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins) – Christian

Begins Christian Lent; name derives from symbolic use of ashes to signify penitence.

Mar 2Mar 2
 St. Valentine’s Day – Christian Catholic – Interfaith USAFeb 14Feb 14
ChristianSt. Patrick’s Day – Catholic ChristianMar 17Mar 17
Christian

Palm Sunday – Christian

Celebrates the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem during Passover. Usually reenacted by the waving of palm branches and the singing of songs. This also commemorates the beginning of Holy Week.

Mar 10April 10
Christian

Maundy Thursday – Christian

Also known as Holy Thursday, this day celebrates the institution of the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) at Jesus’ Last Supper.

April 14April 14
Christian

Good Friday – Christian

The Friday of Jesus’ crucifixion.

April 15April 15
Christian

Easter – Christian

Celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

April 17April 17
Christian

Easter – Orthodox Christian

Celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

April 24April 24
Christian

Ascension Day – Christian

Celebrates Jesus’ ascent into heaven.

May 26May 26
Christian

Pentecost – Christian

Fifty days after Easter, this time celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon early Christians following the ascension of Jesus.

June 5 
ChristianTrinity Sunday – Protestant ChristianJune 12June 12
Christian

Corpus Christi – Catholic Christian

This is a feast in honor of the institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper.

June 16June 16