Holidays thanks to Jesus.

The Germans celebrated Winter Solstice and the Romans Saturnalia, the festival in honour of Saturn the god of light. Through Christianization these festivals were replaced by the celebration of Jesus’ birth. ​

What is Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day all about? A few astrologers (maybe three) saw an unusual star and traveled to Bethlehem to bring the newborn Jesus gifts. This is a holiday in many South-European countries.

The Catholic festival of Carnival starts on a Sunday and lasts until Ash Wednesday and is for many people a happy festival. With Ash Wednesday the time of Lent starts which lasts until Easter.

Christians celebrate that Jesus ascended up to heaven 40 days after his resurrection.

The 40 days from Carnival until Easter are called Lent. Forty days of reflection, looking forward to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Many Christians will live a more temperate lifestyle than usual.

10 DAYS AFTER ASCENSION DAY. On this day the Holy Spirit appeared, to strengthen the believers. This is also viewed as the beginning of the Christian church.

The last Sunday before Easter. At the beginning of Holy Week. The day that Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem as King. But within a week he was crucified.

On Good Friday, Christians worldwide commemorate that Jesus was sentenced to death and crucified at Calvary. Religious leaders asked the Roman leaders to arrest Jesus for blasphemy. The story ends when He is crucified and died on a cross, just outside of Jerusalem.

What is the Christian holiday Easter all about? It’s about a story of something that looked like it had ended, but started all over again!