Celebrating a Year with Christ
A Liturgical Calendar Created by Alisa Davis
What is a Liturgical Calendar?
A liturgical calendar is used to track celebratory seasons and feasts, which started with the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. This year, Alisa has been working on designing a calendar for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, to help you and your family explore major Christian holidays, important dates in Church history, as well as biblical feasts and festivals celebrated by our Jewish brothers and sisters. Many members of our community have been working to integrate biblical traditions like Passover, or the Feast of Trumpets into their annual practices and family traditions, because they bring a special spirit into their home. You will notice that many of these events tend to overlap!
January
1 – The Holy Name
The Feast of The Holy Name is a holiday celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church, as well as several Anglican churches. This day is to celebrate the Jesus’s naming and circumcision ceremony. This is a great opportunity to ponder the names of Jesus.
2 – President Thomas S. Monson
Thomas S. Monson was the 16th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. To review his teachings and General Conference messages, click here.
5 – Last Day of Christmas
6 – Epiphany
Epiphany is the celebration of the Wise Men arriving to meet the baby Jesus. Common celebration ideas include: A Three Kings Cake (a French Tradition), read Matthew 2:1-15, singing songs like ‘What Child is This,’ or ‘We Three Kings’, telling stories of the Magi, and having a special dinner.
8 – Baptism of the Lord
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a celebration of Jesus’s baptism. To celebrate, you can read Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:1-10, Luke 3:15-22, John 1: 25-34, talk about the ordinance of baptism or reminisce baptism days in your family.
15 – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day honoring the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his work to obtain civil rights for African-Americans.
18 – President David O. McKay
David O. McKay was the 9th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. Some of his teachings are available in the ‘Teachings of the Presidents of the Church’ Manuel.
19 – Revelation for the Baptism of the Dead
Day to recognize the blessing of offering baptism to our deceased ancestors. Celebration ideas include: reading Doctrine and Covenants 127:5-12, and Doctrine and Covenants 128, or performing baptisms for family names.
23 – Conversion of St. Paul
Day to celebrate the conversion of the apostle Paul. Celebratory ideas include: reading Acts 8 & 22.
27 – Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe
This day honors early Christian women found in Acts, who interacted with the Apostle Paul. To celebrate, you can read about these women in Acts 16: 14-40 (Lydia), Acts 9:36-43 (Dorcas), Romans 16:1-2 (Phoebe).
29 – President Gordon B. Hinckley
Gordon B. Hinckley was the 15th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. To review some of his teachings and General Conference talks, click here.
February
2 – Presentation of the Lord
4- “Mormon Migration” from Nauvoo Begins
Saints begin to exit Nauvoo, Illinois, heading west. Ideas for honoring this day is to review pioneer stories as a family, or learn about pioneer ancestors.
14 – St. Valentine
St. Valentine was a 3rd century Roman saint, who was martyred for helping soldiers marry despite laws against it at the time. Valentine traditions originate with letters he sent while in prison, signed ‘Your Valentine.’
14 – Organization of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The anniversary of the reorganization of the Quorum of the Apostles in the latter-days.
16 – Revelation on the Degrees of Glory
Anniversary of the revelation for the degrees of glory, read Doctrine and Covenants 88.
18 – Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a German priest, and a leader during the Protestant Reformation. To learn more about his influence on Christianity, you can read his biography or his 95 Theses that started the Reformation.
24 – Martyrdom of Mattias
The apostle Mattias replaced Judas after Pentecost. There are several theories as to how Mattias was martyred, including stoning and crucifixion. Mattias was a faithful disciple with Jesus from the times of His baptism.
27 – Revelation of the Word of Wisdom
Anniversary of the revelation regarding to the Word of Wisdom. Some ideas to honor this day could include reading Doctrine and Covenants 89, or planning a healthy menu for this week.
March
3 – Wesley Brothers
5 – Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins)
13 – Purim (The Feast of Lots) begins
17 – St. Patrick
17 – Organization of the Relief Society
Many wards will have Relief Society Birthday celebrations to memorialize the organization of the Relief Society. Additional celebration ideas include: researching the history of the Relief Society, studying patterns of righteous women in the scriptures, reading family history stories of women in your family, or reading/listen to ‘Consider Your as Eve‘ to study the female pattern of spiritual ascension.
19 – St. Joseph
St. Joseph is Jesus’s earthly father, who was married to His mother, Mary. Celebrations often include: a meal, Italian foods and treats (as this holiday originated in Sicily), personal prayer, meditation, and setting intentions.
27 – Dedication of Kirkland Temple
Anniversary of the dedication of the Kirkland temple. Consider reading the dedicatory prayer (Doctrine and Covenant 109), or attending the temple.
April
3 – Restoration of Priesthood Keys from Elijah & Moses
Anniversary of the restoration of the gathering and sealing power. Commemoration ideas include: studying what these powers are, researching why these keys are important, and read Doctrine and Covenants 110.
4 – President George Albert Smith
6 – Organization of the Latter-day Church
12 – Passover begins
Passover is the celebration of God’s miracles bringing the Children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. This is celebrated every year in Jewish and many Christian homes. Dinner items are symbolic of different parts of the story, and the story is retold through dinner in a ceremony called Seder. Passover is seven days. Many people also refrain from working or doing other activities the first and last two days of the holiday.
13 – Palm Sunday
14 – First Vision
Day honoring the first vision of Joseph Smith, and the beginning of the Restoration. Celebration ideas include: watching ‘Joseph: Prophet of the Restoration’, reading Joseph Smith History 2-20, reading the other first vision accounts.
17 – Maundy Thursday
Day to remember the Lord’s Last Supper. ‘Maundy’ means commandment. Celebrations often include having a family dinner, washing family members feet, reading Luke 22:1-38, Matthew 26:1-35, Mark 14: 1-24, and John 13-17.
18 – Good Friday
19 – Holy Saturday
A day to remember Christ’s time in the tomb. Ideas for honoring this day include: resting, praying, meditating, cleaning, read scriptures, prepare for Easter.
20 – Easter
The last day of Holy Week, and a day to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Celebration ideas include: a celebratory dinner, telling the Easter story, reading Mark 16, Matthew 28, Luke 24, and John 20, and other family traditions.
25 – Martyrdom of Mark the Evangelist
26 – Restoration of the Name of the Church
Anniversary of the Lord naming the Church as found in Doctrine and Covenants 115:4.
May
3 – Martyrdom of James and Phillip
8 – Julian of Norwich
Mother Julian, was an anchoress at a church in Norwich, England in the 14th Century. We don’t know a lot about her life besides she lived through the Black Plague epidemic. During her illness she received several visions of the Savior’s death which she wrote about in her book, ‘Revelation of Divine Love.’
14 – President Heber J. Grant
Heber J. Grant was the 7th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. To review some of his teachings you can check out ‘Teachings of the President of the Church’.
15 – Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood
Anniversary of the Restoration of the Aaronic as given by John the Baptist, as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 13. Commemorative activities are often planned in wards and stakes, but additional ideas could include: studying what is the Aaronic Priesthood? What laws are associated with this priesthood? How are these preparatory laws and ordinances helping me to spiritually ascend?
18 – Ascension Day
A Christian day celebrating Jesus’s ascension into heaven after His resurrection. Traditional celebrations include: singing, games, dancing, celebratory meals, sending or gifting flowers, and horse races.
24 – Restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood
Restoration of the Melchizedek priesthood as given by Peter, James, and John, as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 27:12. Commemorative activities are often planned in wards and stakes, but additional ideas could include: studying what is the Melchizedek Priesthood? What laws are associated with this priesthood? How are these sanctifying laws and ordinances helping me to spiritually ascend and become closer to Christ?
30 – Joan of Arc
Day to honor Joan of Arc. Joan lived in France during the Hundred Years War. She started receiving visions at a young age, and was guided to join the army despite the fact that women were not allowed to be in the military at that time. Joan eventually led the army of France against England until her capture, where she was burned at the stake for heresy. Traditional celebrations include: recommitting yourself to Christ and your personal mission, praying for desired blessings, and eating French delicacies such as croissants or creme brulee.
30 – President Ezra Taft Benson
Ezra Taft Benson was the 7th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. To review some of his teachings or General Conference talks, you can listen/read here.
June
1 – Revelation Lifting Priesthood Ban
Anniversary of revelation given to Spencer W. Kimball to instructing the brethren that the Lord wished for all worthy men to receive the Priesthood as recorded in Official Declaration 2.
6 – Miracle of the Gulls
Day to remember how the Lord sent seagulls to eat the crickets destroying the Saint’s crops their first spring in the Salt Lake valley. More of the story is available here. Celebration ideas could include: retelling or reenacting the story, making a list of your families blessings/miracles.
8 – Pentecost
Celebration of the Holy Ghost descending on the disciples after Christ’s ascension into heaven. Traditional celebrations include: reaffirming your faith, participating in missionary work, wearing red, decorating with red decor, reading Acts 2, do a project as a family, and having a special dinner.
11 – Martyrdom of Barnabas
Barnabas was a disciple of Christ who traveled with the Apostle Paul. Barnabas was martyred in 61 AD by stoning.
18 – Translation of the Book of Mormon Completed
Anniversary of Joseph Smith completing the translation of the Book of Mormon.
24 – Nativity of John the Baptist
Christian holiday honoring the birth of John the Baptist. Traditional celebrations include: bonfires, and study John the Baptist’s life in the scriptures.
27 – Martyrdom of Hyrum and Joseph Smith
Anniversary of Joseph and Hyrum Smith’s martyrdom at Carthage Jail.
29 – Martyrdom of Peter and Paul
Day to remember the martyrdoms of Peter and Paul. Both are believed to have been killed by Emperor Nero in Rome. Peter was believed to be crucified upside down, in respect to the Savior. (His wife is also suspected to have been martyred around this time.) Paul is believed to have been beheaded, because citizens of Rome were not allowed to be crucified.
July
2 – President Joseph Fielding Smith
Joseph Fielding Smith was the 10th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. To review his teachings and General Conference messages, click here.
8 – Revelation on the Law of Tithing
Anniversary of the Law of Tithing given to the Saints as found in Doctrine and Covenants 119.
11 – St. Benedict
St. Benedict was a monk in the 5th Century. He was dedicated to improving monastic communities, and helping people incorporate prayer more fully in their lives. Ways to honor this day could include: spending more time in prayer and meditation, researching the liturgy of hours, or reflecting on your personal prayer practices.
12 – Revelation on Eternal Marriage
Anniversary of the ability to be sealed to your spouse for eternity, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 131.
20 – Revelation on Location of Zion
Revelation that Zion, the Lord’ capitol in the Americas during the Millennium, will be in Jackson County, Missouri as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 97.
22 – Mary Magdalene
The Feast of Mary Magdalene is focused on her love and devotion to Christ, and divine mercy. Traditional celebrations include: lighting candles, making spiced foods (such as cinnamon treats), praying for those around you, have a special dinner with kid-friendly treats like ice cream.
24 – Pioneer Day
Anniversary of the Saints arrival in the Salt Lake valley.
25 – President John Taylor
John Taylor was the 3rd President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. To review his teachings and General Conference messages, click here.
25 – Martyrdom of James the Elder
Day to honor James the Elder, (son of Zebedee, one of the sons of thunder) one of the original twelve apostles who was martyred by Herod twelve years after Christ’s crucifixion. His death is recorded in Acts 12:1-2.
August
6 – Transfiguration of Jesus
Feast celebrating the Transfiguration of Jesus, where Elijah and Moses appeared to Peter, James, and John, and the Father confirmed that Christ is His son. Traditional celebrations include: lighting candles, hiking in the mountains, and eating grapes.
15 – Virgin Mary and Heavenly Mother
Feast honoring Mary, mother of Jesus, and motherhood. Celebrations typically include prayer, lighting candles, and honoring mothers.
24 – Martyrdom of Nathaniel
Day to honor the Apostle Nathaniel, one of the original twelve apostles. He was killed by flaying, in Armenia.
28 – St. Augustine
Augustine was a bishop in the 4th Century, and a prolific writer and theologian. Celebrations usually include: prayer, scripture reading, and traditional north African food such as couscous.
29 – President Brigham Young
September
2 – President Wilford Woodruff
Wilford Woodruff was the 4th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. To review his teachings you can read them ‘Teachings of the Presidents of the Church’.
5 – Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was a nun and a missionary for the Catholic Church in the 1940’s-early 2000’s. She focused most of her life teaching about the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, and serving the poor in India.
17 – Battle of Nauvoo
Anniversary of the Battle of Nauvoo, a battle between an Illinois mob, and about 150 residents in Nauvoo.
21 – Moroni Day
Anniversary of the Angel Moroni visiting Joseph Smith to tell him, and eventually present him with the gold plates. Celebration ideas could include: reading Joseph Smith – History: 27-53, or counting the blessings that have come to your life from the Book of Mormon.
21 – Martyrdom of Matthew
Matthew, the evangelist and one of the original twelve apostles, was martyred with a sword.
22 – Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets)
The ‘Feast of Trumpets’ celebrates the beginning of the Jewish new year. It lasts two days, which offer a time for reflection on the last year, and a repent from the year’s wrongdoings. It is filled with celebrations such as tossing items in water to let go of our old selves, and our sins to be cleansed. Traditional foods include: apples, honey, challah bread, and fish.
22 – Joseph Smith received the Gold Plates
Anniversary of the day Joseph Smith received the Book of Mormon.
29 – Michaelmas
Michaelmas is the celebration of Michael the archangel (Adam) and the defeat over the dragon (Satan). On this day, participants look for internal and external dragons to “fight” in the upcoming year. Traditions also usually include: small gifts for children, flowers (particularly daisies), decorating with gold and purple, and eating a special dinner.
October
1 – Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
4 – St. Francis of Assissi
Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, Francis was raised in a wealthy home in Italy. After he converted, he renounced wealth, and spent his money repairing the local church. Celebrations can include: blessing or celebrating pets, make bird feeders or ornaments.
6 – Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles)
Sukkot is a fall celebration of the harvest, and the blessings of the Children of Israel as they left Egypt that lasts seven days. Traditions include: building a ‘sukkah’ a tent, home-like structure (this could be a life-size or miniature one), inviting guests to dinner, and eating traditional foods.
6 – William Tyndale
William Tyndale was an influential figure leading up to the Reformation. He translated the bible into English from its traditional Latin and Greek, making it more accessible to people around Europe. His translation heavily influenced later translations such as the Bishop’s Bible, and the King James Version. He was arrested later by King Henry VIII and the inquisitors. He was sentenced to death.
10 – President Lorenzo Snow
Lorenzo Snow was the 5th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. To review his teachings you can read them ‘Teachings of the Presidents of the Church’.
15 – St. Theresa of Avila
Theresa was a nun and healer in Spain who wrote about Christian mysticism, including her own visions, and pondering on the ascension of the soul.
18 – Martyrdom of Luke the Evangelist
Luke the Evangelist, the author of the Gospel According to Luke was believed to be a doctor, and a possible member of the original seventy. He is believed to be martyred by hanging.
23 – James of Jerusalem
27 – Missouri Extermination Order
Anniversary of the extermination order in Missouri signed by Governor Boggs, that lead to the migration of the Saints to Illinois.
28 – Martyrdom of Simon and Jude
30 – Haun’s Mill
The anniversary of the Haun’s Mill massacre. More details are available here.
31 – All Hallow’s Eve
All Hallow’s Eve is the first day of a three-day period called ‘All Hallow’s Tide’. This time is meant to honor ancestors.
November
1 – All Saint’s Day / Dia de los Muertos
5 – President Spencer W. Kimball
Spencer W. Kimball was the 12th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. To review his teachings and General Conference talks, you can listen/read them here.
11 – Martinmas
Martin was a 4th century soldier, who had a vision of Jesus disguised as a beggar. He left the army, and became a bishop. Celebrations include children singing in the streets with homemade lanterns.
19 – Joseph F. Smith
Joseph F. Smith was the 6th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. To review his teachings they are available in ‘Teachings of the Presidents of the Church’.
30 – Advent I: Hope
30 – Martyrdom of Andrew
December
6 – St. Nicholas
7 – Advent II: Faith
Advent is a time to respond to Jesus’ love for us by faith. It’s also a time to remember that we are still waiting for our full redemption. Traditions include lighting candles, reflecting on our faith in Christ, and focusing on our community.
13 – St. Lucy
14 – Hanukkah begins
The Festival of Lights is an eight day festival in the Jewish community to remember the miracle of the lights, when God kept the lights on in the temple during a siege between the Greeks and the Maccabees. Families eat festive foods, play games (like the dreidel), give gifts, and light the menorah each day.
14 – Advent III: Joy
This week is dedicated to celebrating the joy of Jesus’s birth. Traditions include setting up a nativity scene, or spreading joy to your neighbors.
21 – Advent IV: Peace
This week focuses on the peace that Christ will bring to the world. Traditions include reading about Jesus’s peace (including Philippians 4:4-7, praying, and listing things we are thankful for.
21 – Martyrdom of Thomas
Thomas was one the twelve original apostles. There are many ideas of how he died, but many people believe that it was in modern day India.
24 – Christmas Eve
Celebration of the night before Christ’s birth.
25 – Christmas
Celebration of Christ’s birth.
26 – President Harold B. Lee
Harold B. Lee was the 12th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can find his bio here. To review his teachings and General Conference talks, you can listen/read them here.
26 – Martyrdom of Stephen
Stephen was an early disciple of Jesus. He was brought before the Sanhedrin for blaspheming God and Moses. He was stoned for his testimony of Christ.
27 – John the Evangelist
John the Beloved is the disciple of Christ still living out his earthly ministry. He is honored on this day. Celebrations include: cooking with healing herbs, picnics, bonfires, and treasure hunts.
28 – Holy Innocents
Day honoring the baby boys slaughtered at Jesus’s birth by Herod.
30 – Saints commanded to gather in Ohio
31 – John Wycliff
John Wycliff was a leader in the Reformation. He was a big promoter of the English translation of the Bible. He was later killed for his criticisms of the Catholic Church.
Resources
For a deeper dive into these holidays and celebrations, check out Discovering the Saints where Alisa shares more information into the Saints and festivals!
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