Holidays and Cultural Observances: Christian Holidays and Observances

All Saints' Day — Christian day for honoring saints, known and unknown.  In general, saints are persons with reputation for unusual lives of holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith.  A Holy Day of Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church where saints have special formal status. 

 Ash Wednesday -- Christian observance to begin the 40 day season of Lent. Ashes are marked on worshippers as a sign of penitence.

   Many Christians abstain from meat on this day. Provide food accommodation as requested.

 Christmas Day — Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties.

 Easter — The most holy of Christian sacred days. The day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from his death by crucifixion. Observances include worship services beginning at sunrise, special music, feasting, and parades.

   Individuals may require time away from campus for travel and observance.

Epiphany — Christian commemoration of the manifestations of the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The homage of the magi to the infant Jesus is honored by some. For others the Baptism of Jesus is the remembered event. A season of the Christian year from the close of Christmas to the beginning of Lent. 

Good Friday — Christian remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus and related events.

   Fasting and abstaining from meat is practiced by some denominations. Provide food accordingly. Individuals may require time away from campus for travel and observance.

Palm Sunday — Christian celebration of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The day begins Holy Week. It is observed by worship celebrations and parades using palm branches.

Pentecost -- Christian observation of the day when the God the Holy Spirit came to the disciples in the forms of tongues of fire and rushing wind. It is a traditional day for baptism and confirmation of new Christians.

This guide is produced in partnership with the ASU Committee for Campus Inclusion (CCI), and The Council of Religious Advisors  (CORA).  The Committee for Campus Inclusion is an advisory group to the provost, promoting a positive, harmonious campus environment that celebrates individual and group diversity, promotes individualism, provides information to the campus community, and resolves issues in such a manner as to respect all persons and their dignity. For more information, please visit our website at https://inclusion.asu.edu/committee-campus-inclusion. Questions or additions to this resource can be submitted at https://inclusion.asu.edu/contact-committee-campus-inclusion.

The Council of Religious Advisors is comprised of campus ministries and faith-based organizations that represent a diverse variety of faiths, traditions, and beliefs. Despite the differences in faiths that exist between them, the group works peacefully and diligently on behalf of the university community to provide religious services, spiritual counseling, education, support, and opportunities for involvement.

This page owes a great thanks to: 

Holly Hubenschmidt

Director, Library Instruction & Research Services

Webster University Libraries

Ms.  Hubenschmidt created the original LibGuide and template on which this guide is based.