When does the Christmas season really end in the Church?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jas84173
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
J

jas84173

Guest
I’ve heard some say the Epiphany, others the Baptism of the Lord the following day, and others still Candlemas( the presentation at the temple). Is it cultural or is there a set time? I know in the older rite the Epiphany was it’s own season in it’s own right. Has it changed since the calendar was changed?
 
I’m not sure if there is an official official ruling. Maybe there is, but I will draw Christmas out as long as possible.

I think this year I shall celebrate Epiphany for two weeks. 🙂 Then perhaps, it is time to move to the next season. 🙂
 
The reality is that the old Rite allowed a confluence of themes to co-exist within the liturgical texts, and sometimes this included when seasons began or ended. In one context, Christmas ended with the octave of Epiphany, while in another, it extended through Candlemas. No simple answer there. In the ordinary form today it ends with the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord.
 
jas84173 said:
I’ve heard some say the Epiphany, others the Baptism of the Lord the following day, and others still Candlemas( the presentation at the temple). Is it cultural or is there a set time? I know in the older rite the Epiphany was it’s own season in it’s own right. Has it changed since the calendar was changed?
Click to expand...
Byzantine Catholic:
The feast of the Nativity is preceded by a preparatory fast of 40 days, which begins on the evening of November 14.
December 20 through 23, prefest of Nativity
December 24 Solemn vigil (day of strict fast - traditional)
December 25 Nativity
December 26 through December 31 are the “post-feast” of Christmas.
Click to expand...
January 1 Feast of Circumcision and St. Basil the Great
Click to expand...
January 2 through 4, prefest of Theophany
January 5 Paramony or Vigil of Theophany (if weekday, day of strict fast - traditional)
January 6 Theophany
January 7 through January 14 are the “post-feast” of Theophany.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
When the Christmas decorations get taken down at all the Catholic churches. If not, why are they still up?
 
Based on the calendars distributed at our parish (which I presume are USCCB-compliant), Jan. 8, The Baptism of the Lord, ends the Christmas season (this year).
(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)
 
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/christmas/

Christmas is one of the most important days of the Church year, second only to Easter itself. It is the feast of the incarnation, the feast of God becoming flesh (the Latin “in carne” means “enfleshment”). It is a uniquely Christian teaching, the Divine choosing to become one of us. Because of this belief,God is not only Transcendent, but also wholly Immanent, Emmanuel (God-with-us). While remaining Transcendent (meaning we must rise above our present condition to reach Him), He is at the same time Immanent (meaning He is with us as we rise toward Him). Every Eucharist is like Christmas where the bread and wine are transformed into His flesh, His Body and Blood, and, in a sense, He is born anew on the altar.

The liturgical season of Christmas begins with the vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. During this season, we celebrate the birth of Christ into our world and into our hearts, and reflect on the gift of salvation that is born with him…including the fact that he was born to die for us.

The Christmas tree and the Nativity scene are popular symbols of the season and a tradition in many Christian homes. It is also traditional to exchange Christmas gifts with family and friends as a way to honor God the Father’s gift of his only son to the world. Having received the gift of Christ, we naturally want to pass that gift along to our loved ones.

Below, you will find links to blessings and other content to help you celebrate this season of joy and hope for salvation.
 
jas84173 said:
I’ve heard some say the Epiphany, others the Baptism of the Lord the following day, and others still Candlemas( the presentation at the temple). Is it cultural or is there a set time? I know in the older rite the Epiphany was it’s own season in it’s own right. Has it changed since the calendar was changed?
Click to expand...
I’m sure you are asking about the Liturgical Season, which others have given varying opinions on, none being wrong.

However, if we are just discussing when the Christmas season in general ends in the Church, I would submit to you that the answer is NEVER.

Each time the Gloria and the Creed(s) are sung, chanted, or professed at the Mass, Christmas (the incarnation) is recalled and celebrated:

“Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace and good will toward man!”

I believe in Jesus Christ, "Who, for us men for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man;"

May the joy and peace of Christmas be with each of us, every day!
 
When I was a kid they told us Epiphany, but EWTN says Candlemas

I just like to say the word, “Candlemas” because it’s all medieval and old timey

And then I think the Carnivale season is between Candlemas and Ash Wednesday?
 
Last edited:
I think it is a bit unclear. I personally celebrate until Candlemas.
 
Here is the need for words to be taken in their strict sense.

The Christmas season ends with Evening Prayer II on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. You can tell because the vestments change to green the next day.

The Christmas Cycle, however, was a concept in the older calendar that ran from Advent to just before Septuagesima, when the Easter Cycle started. Candlemas is the last Feast of the Lord within the Christmas Cycle, so in the popular mind, it ends the Chtistmas ‘season’. But in truth, the liturgical season ended with the Feast of the Baptism. Again, the ferial and Sunday vestment colours are the best hint.
 
(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)
I keep the Christmas decorations up until Easter.
 
We have this!

Only ours is I think an older version because the angel looks different…
 
The Christmas season ends when my CAF avatar becomes green.

Assuming I am not suspended at the time.
 
Last edited:
There were loads of kids yesterday asking why the tree was still up. It’s confusing these days as the secular world seems to consider New Years day the end of the Christmas season and even people who get Christmas at work off go back at this point. Seeing a tree and singing carols does feel out of place.
 
The USCCB says: "The liturgical season of Christmas begins with the vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. "

QED
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top