Following Christmas, the weeks that follow are about more than just indulging in holiday leftovers.
This period is steeped in history, as various churches have designated specific days to honor important events and figures in the Christian faith.
The days after Christmas hold particular significance, filled with rich commemorations and celebrations.
Feast Days and Their Significance
Different church traditions interpret the meaning of feast days and the celebration of saints in unique ways.
For instance, Catholic, Lutheran, Orthodox, and certain segments of the Anglican Church follow a liturgical calendar, spotlighting particular saints and key moments from Christ’s life throughout the year.
The practice of recognizing feast days originated in the early Christian community, where the anniversaries of martyrs’ deaths were celebrated—these were seen as their “heavenly birthdays.” By the third century, the scope expanded to include other esteemed Christians, leading to a vast array of traditions that evolved over the centuries.
Important Days After Christmas
The observance begins on December 26, when the church honors St. Stephen, recognized as the first martyr for Christ. St. Stephen’s Day falls just after the celebration of Jesus’s birth and pays tribute to his profound faith and community service, as depicted in the biblical accounts found in Acts 6 and 7.
His ministry, noted for performing miracles and spreading the Gospel, invited significant opposition, ultimately resulting in his death by stoning—a moment witnessed by St. Paul before his own conversion.
In many cultures, this day coincides with Boxing Day traditions, which often involve visiting neighbors.
As December continues, December 27 focuses on St. John the Apostle.
While not as widely celebrated, this feast highlights John’s crucial role in the early church, particularly his teachings on the divine nature of Christ, despite his Gospel not recounting the Nativity.
On December 28, the Feast of the Holy Innocents takes place, commemorating the tragic murder of young boys ordered by King Herod.
This dark moment in the Nativity narrative reminds us of the innocent lives lost to violence today, including issues like abortion.
Interestingly, in Ibi, Spain, this day features a lively festival with military reenactments and a playful flour fight, showcasing a unique cultural celebration.
As the year winds down, the church reflects on various early Christian figures. St. Thomas Becket, a prominent Archbishop of Canterbury, is honored on December 29.
He is well-known for his disputes with King Henry II, which ultimately led to his assassination by the King’s supporters.
December 31 marks the remembrance of St. Sylvester, a fourth-century church leader, which is why some cultures refer to New Year’s Eve as Silvester.
The Celebration of Epiphany
Twelfth Night, celebrated on January 5 or 6, heralds the eve of Epiphany.
Once a time for festive cake and caroling, this celebration has its roots in earlier customs that prioritized singing after Christmas.
Notably, Shakespeare’s play “Twelfth Night” is thought to have been inspired by these celebrations.
On January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated, with its significance varying across different denominations and traditions.
While it largely commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus—a moment underscoring Christ’s mission to the gentiles—it may also connect to His first miracle in Cana and His baptism.
The council of Tours in 567 AD formalized the sequence of Advent and Christmas festivities leading up to this feast.
Today, people often exchange gifts, celebrate women, and organize musical performances to mark the occasion.
Candlemas, observed on February 2, diverges from the earlier holidays in its contemporary recognition as a Christmas celebration.
This day recalls the presentation of Jesus at the Temple, as narrated in Luke 2.
During this event, Simeon offered pivotal prophecies about Jesus’s future, hinting at both acceptance and adversity.
The term “Candlemas” comes from the tradition of carrying beeswax candles during church ceremonies.
Historically, especially in Tudor England, this day signified the end of the Christmas season, prompting families to take down decorations.
Source: Christian Today
