The Roman Catholic Church has some similarities with Christianity. Catholic holidays are a combination of church rites and folk traditions. As has been the case since ancient times, the main events were celebrated and timed to coincide with the onset of the next season. The church sought to combine public holidays with the church calendar and saints' remembrance days. So there were Catholic holidays.
A church calendar consists of dates that are permanent or rolling. The main holiday among Catholics is Easter. It is celebrated in the spring, but in different numbers. This date is calculated on the lunar calendar. Depending on what date this day falls on, the date of other passing events is changed.
The church year is reckoned from the Advent. It begins exactly four weeks before the celebration of Christmas. This is a time of prayer, repentance, and the memory of saints: December 6 is St. Barbara, December 6 - St. Nicholas. December 8 is one of the main days on which the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary took place. These holidays fall on the Catholic post. What follows is one of the most significant dates in the church calendar.
Catholics have Christmas on December 25th. This is the day of the birth of the son of the Virgin Mary Jesus Christ. Four liturgies are held in honor of this holiday. The first liturgy is held the night before, then at night, morning and afternoon.
On this day, the church is decorated with compositions that depict scenes from the Bible that characterize the moment of the birth of Christ. They are sure to have a manger. Over time, they began to install in front of houses.
Christmas is a celebration celebrated in a family setting. It is preceded by a dinner consisting of lean dishes. Then all Catholics go to church for worship. On Christmas Day, people eat meat dishes. Fasting ends. It is believed that well-being in the new year depends on how richly the table is set. On Christmas, it is customary to present others with various gifts. Christmas celebrations last 12 days. At this time, commemorate the Innocent Babies Day (December 28), St. Sylvester (celebrated December 31), the day dedicated to the Virgin Mary (January 1) and the Epiphany Day (falls on January 6). These Catholic holidays are included in the Christmas cycle.
January 17th is St. Anthony. This is the patron saint of animals and therefore livestock is blessed on this church holiday. This tradition is especially revered in France.
February 2 - The Presentation of the Lord, when the candles were holy and, lighting them, they went around fields and streets.
February 3 celebrate St. Blaza is a celebration of winemakers and farmers.
The beginning of Lent usually falls on Ash Wednesday, the day when they sprinkle ashes on their heads, forgiving sins. At the time of fasting there is a holiday dedicated to the Virgin Mary - the Annunciation.
The last seven days before Easter is called "Holy Week." At this time, services are held in churches. The first day of this period is celebrated Palm Sunday. Houses and churches are decorated with branches of palm, willow, boxwood or olive.
On Easter Eve, the celebration of this great event begins in the evening. Divine services are held in all churches and candles are lit. On the holiday itself, people treat each other with eggs painted for the holiday, have fun, play games and set rich tables.
On the fortieth day after Easter, the day of the Ascension of the Holy Cross is celebrated. This is a holiday whose date is changing.
Christmas St. John the Baptist falls on June 24th. This is one of the most popular holidays among Catholics.
August 15 is the day of the Assumption of the Virgin. On this day, Mary ascended to heaven after her death.
Among the major Catholic events, one can note the Triumph of All Saints (November 1) and the date of commemoration of the dead (November 2).
Catholic holidays are similar to Orthodox. Sometimes discrepancies relate only to dates, due to its calculation on different calendars.