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World Religions
Table of Contents
Unit 11 Overview: Christianity: Branches and Core Beliefs
11.1 Major Christian Denominations
11.2 Christian Theology and Beliefs
11.3 Christian Worship and Sacraments
11.4 Christian Holidays and Traditions

Christian holidays and traditions form the backbone of the faith's annual cycle, marking key moments in Jesus' life and the Church's history. From Christmas to Easter, these observances provide structure and meaning to Christian worship and community life.

Liturgical seasons like Lent and Advent offer periods of reflection and preparation, while other observances like Ash Wednesday and All Saints' Day connect believers to ancient practices. These rituals and celebrations help Christians deepen their faith and connect with their spiritual heritage.

Major Christian Holidays

Celebration of Jesus' birth and resurrection

  • Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, and is observed on December 25th
    • Festivities often include gift-giving, decorating Christmas trees, attending church services, and spending time with family
    • The holiday has both religious and cultural significance, with many non-Christians also participating in secular traditions (Santa Claus)
  • Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion and is considered the most important Christian holiday
    • Occurs on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25, depending on the lunar calendar
    • Common traditions include attending church services, decorating eggs, and participating in Easter egg hunts (symbol of new life)

Pentecost and Good Friday

  • Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the birth of the Christian Church, occurring 50 days after Easter
    • Marks the beginning of the Christian mission to spread the gospel and is often associated with the color red (symbolizing the Holy Spirit)
    • In some traditions, Pentecost is considered the "birthday" of the Church
  • Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday
    • Solemn day of reflection, prayer, and fasting for many Christians
    • Some churches hold special services or reenactments of the Stations of the Cross (depicting Jesus' journey to his crucifixion)

Liturgical Seasons

Lent: A time of spiritual preparation

  • Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection leading up to Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday
    • Represents the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness and is a time for Christians to focus on spiritual discipline and growth
    • Many Christians choose to give up a luxury or vice during this period as a form of sacrifice and self-denial
  • Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent, commemorating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem
    • Worshippers often carry palm branches in processions, recalling the branches laid before Jesus as he entered the city

Advent: Anticipating Christ's birth

  • Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation leading up to Christmas, typically beginning four Sundays before December 25th
    • Symbolizes the waiting and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ, both his first coming (birth) and his second coming (end times)
    • Many churches use Advent wreaths with four candles, lighting one each Sunday to mark the progression of the season
  • Advent calendars are popular traditions, featuring doors or pockets that are opened each day to reveal a small gift or devotional message

Other Notable Observances

Ash Wednesday and All Saints' Day

  • Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is observed by many Western Christian denominations
    • Worshippers receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of repentance and mortality
    • Ashes are typically made by burning palm branches from the previous year's Palm Sunday celebrations
  • All Saints' Day, observed on November 1st, honors all saints, known and unknown, of the Christian Church
    • Celebrates the spiritual bond between the living and the deceased faithful
    • Some cultures (Mexico) merge this observance with pre-Christian traditions, resulting in unique celebrations like Día de los Muertos

Key Terms to Review (24)

Incarnation: Incarnation refers to the belief that God took on human form in the person of Jesus Christ, making it a foundational concept in Christian theology. This doctrine emphasizes the union of divine and human natures in Christ, asserting that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. The idea of incarnation plays a crucial role in understanding early Christian beliefs, shaping creeds, and influencing the development of the Christian church and its traditions.
Resurrection: Resurrection refers to the concept of coming back to life after death, a central tenet in Christianity that signifies the victory over sin and death. This concept is primarily illustrated in the New Testament with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which serves as a cornerstone of Christian belief, emphasizing hope for eternal life and the promise of salvation for believers. The event of resurrection is not only about physical revival but also carries profound theological implications concerning redemption and the nature of life after death.
Crucifixion: Crucifixion is a method of execution where a person is nailed or bound to a large wooden cross and left to hang until death. This brutal form of punishment is most famously associated with the execution of Jesus Christ, and it serves as a pivotal event in Christian history, symbolizing sacrifice, redemption, and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Matthew 2:1-12: Matthew 2:1-12 is a passage from the New Testament that narrates the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men, to the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem, following his birth. This event is significant in Christian tradition as it highlights the recognition of Jesus' importance by foreign dignitaries and symbolizes the universal significance of Christ's birth, which is celebrated during the Christmas holiday.
John 20:1-18: John 20:1-18 is a passage from the New Testament that describes the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary Magdalene and her encounter with the risen Jesus. This account is crucial for understanding the significance of Easter, highlighting themes of resurrection, hope, and transformation within Christianity.
Advent wreaths: Advent wreaths are circular garlands of evergreen branches used in the Christian tradition to symbolize the passage of the Advent season, which leads up to Christmas. The wreath typically holds four candles, each representing one of the four weeks of Advent, and a fifth candle, known as the Christ candle, which is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This practice serves as a visual reminder of the anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
40 days of fasting: The 40 days of fasting refers to a significant period observed in Christianity, particularly during Lent, when believers engage in fasting and penance to prepare for Easter. This tradition is rooted in the biblical account of Jesus Christ fasting for 40 days in the wilderness, symbolizing spiritual discipline and reflection. It serves as a time for Christians to connect with their faith, seek repentance, and grow spiritually.
Día de los muertos: Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, where families honor and remember their deceased loved ones. This vibrant celebration blends indigenous traditions with Catholic beliefs, showcasing colorful altars, offerings, and festivities that invite spirits back to the realm of the living for a brief reunion. The holiday reflects themes of life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence, connecting deeply to how various cultures observe remembrance in relation to their faith.
Christian Church: The Christian Church refers to the global community of Christians who gather for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth, centered around the teachings of Jesus Christ. It encompasses various denominations, traditions, and practices that shape the way Christians express their faith, including the observance of holidays and traditions that are integral to their religious life.
March 22 to April 25: March 22 to April 25 marks the period of Lent leading up to Easter in the Christian calendar, a time dedicated to reflection, penance, and preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This timeframe is crucial for understanding the liturgical practices and spiritual significance of this season, including the observance of Holy Week, which culminates in Easter Sunday.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity in Christian belief, representing God's presence and active force in the world. It is often associated with guidance, inspiration, and empowerment of believers, playing a critical role in Christian holidays and traditions, particularly in events like Pentecost, which celebrates the Holy Spirit's descent upon the apostles.
Easter Egg Hunt: An Easter egg hunt is a popular tradition during the Easter holiday where children search for hidden eggs, typically filled with candy or small toys, that are often decorated. This fun and festive activity symbolizes new life and rebirth, aligning with the themes of Easter as a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
All Saints' Day: All Saints' Day is a Christian festival celebrated on November 1st, honoring all saints, known and unknown, who have attained heaven. This day emphasizes the significance of the communion of saints, a core belief in Christianity that connects believers on Earth with those in heaven, highlighting the shared faith and the eternal life promised to all who believe.
Nativity scene: A nativity scene is a visual representation of the birth of Jesus Christ, typically depicting figures such as Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, angels, shepherds, and sometimes the Magi. These scenes are often set up during the Christmas season to celebrate the nativity story and convey its religious significance to Christians worldwide.
Good Friday: Good Friday is a significant Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, observed during Holy Week on the Friday before Easter Sunday. This day is marked by somber reflection, prayer, and various religious traditions, as it holds deep theological meaning concerning sacrifice and redemption in Christianity.
Palm Sunday: Palm Sunday is a Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Holy Week. This event is celebrated on the Sunday before Easter and is significant as it sets the stage for the events leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The day is characterized by the distribution of palm branches, symbolizing victory and peace, as well as the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah by the crowd.
Santa Claus: Santa Claus is a legendary figure associated with Christmas, known for bringing gifts to well-behaved children on Christmas Eve. This iconic character, often depicted as a jolly man in a red suit with a white beard, has origins that blend various cultural traditions, including St. Nicholas, folklore, and commercial influences, embodying the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
Ash Wednesday: Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day that marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection leading up to Easter. On this day, many Christians receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross, symbolizing penance and mortality. This practice is a reminder of the need for repentance and spiritual renewal as believers prepare for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.
Stations of the Cross: The Stations of the Cross is a Christian tradition that commemorates the events of Good Friday, specifically the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. It consists of 14 stations, or stops, that depict key moments in Jesus' journey from His condemnation to His burial, often presented in a series of images or crosses displayed in churches. This practice is significant in worship settings as it allows believers to meditate on Christ's sacrifice and reflects on themes of suffering, redemption, and compassion.
Advent: Advent is a liturgical season in Christianity that marks the beginning of the church year and is a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. It typically lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day, focusing on themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. The season encourages believers to reflect on their faith and prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ.
Christmas: Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrated on December 25th, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is marked by various worship practices, rituals, and cultural traditions that reflect the significance of Jesus' arrival in the world. The holiday fosters community and faith through both sacred and secular observances, making it a time for reflection, celebration, and connection among believers.
Lent: Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance observed by many Christians leading up to Easter. It commemorates the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert and is marked by reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual preparation for the celebration of Christ's resurrection. This period is often characterized by giving up certain luxuries or practices as a form of sacrifice and devotion.
Easter: Easter is a significant Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which is considered the cornerstone of the Christian faith. This celebration occurs on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25, following the spring equinox, and is preceded by a period of fasting and penance known as Lent. Easter symbolizes hope, renewal, and victory over sin and death, playing a central role in Christian worship practices and traditions.
Pentecost: Pentecost is a Christian feast that celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, occurring 50 days after Easter Sunday. This event is considered the birth of the Christian Church, marking a pivotal moment in the early Christian community's formation as it empowered the apostles to spread the teachings of Jesus.