Christmas - is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. Although the precise date of his birth is unknown, December 25th was most likely selected because it coincided with a pagan mid-winter festival. The ‘Twelve Days Of Christmas” mark the days between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6th), which was the day of the wise men’s visit.
Easter - is the most important day in the Christian calendar, because it celebrates Christ’s Resurrection, which gave / gives Christians the hope of salvation and eternal life. Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal (Spring) equinox, which is on 21st March.
Shrove Tuesday - (Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday) was originally a day of penance, but is now marked by merrymaking. It is the day before the beginning of Lent.
Ash Wednesday - is derived from the marking of a cross on the forehead of believers with the ashes from the burnt palms used on Palm Sunday.
Lent - 40 days of atonement and fasting
Palm Sunday - the Sunday before Easter, celebrates the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, where palms were strewn on the road before him.
Maundy (Holy) Thursday - the day of the Last supper.
Good Friday - is the day of Christ’s crucifixion.
Holy Saturday - is the day before the Resurrection.
The Annunciation - March 25th is celebrated by Catholics as the day that Archangel Gabriel told Mary about her impending pregnancy.
Trinity Sunday - is celebrated by some denominations in honour of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. It was declared part of the holy calendar in 1334 by Pope John XII.
Corpus Christi - Catholics remembers the presence of the body of Christ on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.
All Saints Day - this mainly Catholic remembrance is on November 1 and honours all Christian saints.
Advent - a religious season that starts on the Sunday nearest to November 30 and lasts until Christmas Day. It celebrates the birth of Jesus and anticipates his Second Coming. It was once a period of fasting, but now no longer.
Holy Days Of Obligation - are feast days in the Catholic calendar marked by attendance at mass and the avoidance of unnecessary work. There are six in the USA: Solemnity of Mary - January 1: Christ’s circumcision, ie his first shedding of blood Ascension - 40 days after Easter Assumption - August 15: Mary is accepted into Heaven All Saints’ Day - November 1 Mary’s Immaculate Conception - December 8 Christmas Day - December 25.
Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with Franklin Covey planner refillss If you have an interest in calendars, organizers or promotional calendars, please go over to our website now at Promotional Desk Calendars
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