Christianity is believed to have been founded sometime in the First Century A.D. It follows the principals laid down by Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God who was fully divine and human at the same time.
- 1. January 06, 2016 (Wednesday) Epiphany – Celebrated on the twelfth day post Christmas, this is the say when the Christians believe that the three wise men (Magi) visited baby Jesus after He was born to bring Him gifts. This day also known as the “Three Kings’ Day” or the “Twelfth Day”. Feasting and merriment mark the occasion for God Messiah was finally on Earth to save humanity.
- 2. March 17, 2016 (Thursday) St. Patrick's Day – This day is believed to have been celebrated since the seventeenth century. This is the day when Christians believe that St. Patrick introduced the principles of Christianity to Ireland.
- 3. March 20, 2016 (Sunday) Palm Sunday – According to the Catholic belief, the Canonical Gospels mention this day to celebrate the victorious entry of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem. This day is the Sunday prior to Easter, and is about a week preceding His Resurrection.
- 4. March 24, 2016 (Thursday) Maundy (Holy) Thursday – This is the day when the Christians celebrate the occasion of the Last Supper that Christ had with the Apostles. The event is known as the Maundy, and it is commemorated on the Thursday prior to Easter. This event also finds mention in the Canonical Gospels, and is considered to be the fifth auspicious day of the Holy Week. This day is also referred to as the Sheer Thursday, Thursday of Mysteries, Covenant Thursday, Holy Thursday etc.
- 5. March 25, 2016 (Friday) Good Friday – Christians observe this day very somberly as it marks the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and his consequent death in the Cavalry. This event also finds mention in the Canonical Gospels, and people participate in special prayers to commemorate the occasion. This day is also referred to as the names of Great Friday, Black Friday, Holy Friday, or Easter Friday.
- 6. March 27, 2016 (Sunday) Easter – This is a joyous occasion for the Christians for this day marks the Resurrection of Christ, three days after He was crucified. This is also the day that marks the end of the Lent period. Lent is a period of forty days when observant Christians practice fasting and self discipline.
- 7. March 28, 2016 (Monday) Easter Monday – Celebrated on the Monday post Easter Sunday, this is a joyous occasion when Christians visit friends and family often carrying them sweets.
- 8. May 05, 2016 (Thursday) Ascension of Jesus – Observed on the fortieth day after Easter, Christians regard this day to be holy as Christ made bodily ascent to Heaven on this day in presence of His eleven Apostles.
- 9. May 15, 2016 (Sunday) Pentecost – This is observed on the fiftieth day after Easter. On this day, the Holy Spirit is believed to have descended upon the eleven apostles and also on the followers of Jesus Christ. At that time, the Law of Sinai was handed over to Moses (religious leader).
- 10. May 22, 2016 (Sunday) Trinity Sunday – This is the first Sunday after Pentecost, and on this day, the Christian faith in the doctrine of Trinity is uphold. This is also known as the mystery of Christian faith and preaches to find God in every person – the Father (God), the Son (Jesus, the son of God), and the Holy Spirit (the third divine person).
- 11. May 26, 2016 (Thursday) Corpus Christi – Also known by the name of the Feast of Corpus Christi, and also Corpus Domini, this is commemorated on the Thursday after the Trinity Sunday. This day upholds the Christian institution of Eucharist – the Christian faith that proclaims that the Eucharist consists of His Real Presence in the form of the body and blood.
- 12. August 15, 2016 (Monday) The Assumption of Mary – Also known as the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a Christian when Virgin Mary passed on to the “Eternal Life”.
- 13. October 31, 2016, 2016 (Monday) All Hallows Eve (Halloween) – This festival originated from the pagan Celtic observances in honor of Harvest. Later however this day became one when people paid tribute to the souls of the deceased. This also became the day when one celebrated the martyrs and departed Saints. Modern day celebrations however revolve around everything that is haunted and spooky. Theme parties are rampant where people dress up in costumes and go for trick-o-treat.
- 14. November 01, 2016 (Tuesday) All Saints' Day – This day is observed in honor of all Saints – whether they are still on Earth or have been received in Heaven. This is especially observed in honor of those Saints who do not have any Feast assigned specially in their name.
- 15. November 02, 2016 (Wednesday) All Souls' Day – This solemn Christian feast honors all souls that have deceased, but have not yet been accepted in Heaven. Christians believe that when a person departs, the soul suffers punishments as a cleansing process for all the sins that were committed during their tenure on Earth, before they are given entry to Heaven.
- 16. November 27, 2016 (Sunday) Advent - First Sunday – As per traditional Christian belief, this is the day that marks the beginning of the traditional Christian New Year. This is actually the time when people start gearing up to celebrate Christmas. It is a common tradition to wear purple vestments to commence this day; for purple is known to represent royalty as well as penance; and is thus selected to welcome Jesus whom Christians consider to be the King of the World.
- 17. November 30, 2016 (Wednesday) St. Andrew's Day – This is the day to commemorate the patron Saint of Scotland, St. Andrew, and to remember his life and services.
- 18. December 06, 2016 (Tuesday) St. Nicholas Day – This is the day that honors the noble Saint Nicholas of Myra. It is based on him that the Santa Clause came to being; and no Christmas is complete without Santa Claus bringing gifts for those children who have been nice all round the year; while those who have not been so get only coal.
- 19. December 24, 2016 (Saturday) Christmas Eve – This day is very important as per Christian traditions because it is at night of this day that Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, was believed to have been born. There is special midnight mass organized at churches to commemorate this occasion. Apart from religious consequence, this day is celebrated all across the globe for in many countries this marks the beginning of the Annual Holiday Season.
- 20. December 25, 2016 (Sunday) Christmas – As per Christian tradition this day is celebrated with much pomp and glory for it marks the birth of Jesus Christ who Christians consider to be the Son of God. This is a joyous occasion of fun and feasting. There are special prayers organized at Churches. However Christmas has transcended religious barriers at modern times and has gone on to turn it into an occasion to spread goodwill to all and sundry. During this time people decorate their homes beautifully with lights and other ornaments. In modern times it is a common practice to decorate a “Christmas Tree”. Gifts are exchanged as a mark of love and goodwill. It is also believed that Santa Claus brings gifts to children for this occasion – but only those children who have been good receive gifts, while others just get coal.