Here are some significant Christian Major holidays celebrated by Christians around the world:
- Christmas: Celebrated on December 25th, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of joy, reflection, and giving, marked by traditions such as attending church services, exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, and sharing meals with loved ones.
- Easter: Easter is the most important Christian holiday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It typically falls on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox. Easter Sunday is preceded by the season of Lent, a period of fasting, repentance, and reflection, and includes observances such as Palm Sunday (commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem) and Good Friday (commemorating his crucifixion).
- Ash Wednesday: Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a period of forty days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. It is observed by many Christians, particularly in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions, with the imposition of ashes on the forehead in the shape of a cross as a symbol of repentance and mortality.
- Pentecost: Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus, as recounted in the Book of Acts. It is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday and is often associated with the birth of the Christian Church and the empowerment of believers for ministry.
- Ascension Day: Ascension Day commemorates the ascension of Jesus into heaven, forty days after his resurrection. It is observed on the fortieth day of Easter, and in some Christian traditions, it is a holy day of obligation, marked by special church services and celebrations.
- Epiphany: Epiphany, observed on January 6th, celebrates the revelation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. It is also known as Three Kings’ Day or Twelfth Night and is marked by various customs and traditions, including the blessing of homes, the exchange of gifts, and the commemoration of Jesus’ baptism.
All the holidays with dates for 2024
- Advent: December 3, 2023
- Feast of Christmas: December 25–January 5
- Feast of Epiphany: January 6, 2024
- The Baptism of the Lord: January 7, 2024
- Ordinary Time (After Epiphany): January 8–February 13, 2024
- The Presentation of Jesus Christ: February 2, 2024
- Transfiguration Day: February 11, 2024
- Ash Wednesday: February 14, 2024
- Season of Lent: February 14–March 30, 2024
- Palm Sunday: March 24, 2024
- Holy Wednesday: March 27, 2024
- Maundy Thursday: March 28, 2024
- Good Friday: March 29, 2024
- Holy Saturday: March 30, 2024
- Feast of Easter: March 31, 2024
- Easter Season: March 31–May 19, 2024
- Feast of Ascension: May 9, 2024
- Feast of Pentecost: May 19, 2024
- Feast of Trinity Sunday: May 26, 2024
These are just a few major Christian holidays celebrated by most Christians worldwide. Each holiday carries its significance and traditions, enriching believers’ faith and cultural heritage across denominations and traditions.