The Bible contains several holidays that are celebrated by people of faith. Each holiday has a unique significance and provides an opportunity for believers to come together, reflect, and give thanks to God. In this blog, we will provide a list of all biblical holidays in the Bible, along with information about when they are celebrated, how they are celebrated, and why they are celebrated.
- Passover - Celebrated in the spring, usually in March or April, Passover commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. During Passover, Jews abstain from leavened bread and eat unleavened bread (matzah). Passover is celebrated for seven days, with the first and last days being observed as full holidays.
How it's celebrated? Passover is observed by eating a special meal called a Seder, which includes the retelling of the story of the Exodus from Egypt.
Why it's celebrated? Passover is celebrated to remember the Israelites' redemption from slavery and the covenant they made with God at Mount Sinai.
Reference scripture in the Bible: Exodus 12:1-28
- Feast of Unleavened Bread - This holiday is celebrated immediately after Passover and lasts for seven days.
When it's celebrated? The Feast of Unleavened Bread is celebrated in the spring, usually in March or April.
How it's celebrated? During this holiday, Jews abstain from eating leavened bread and eat only unleavened bread.
Why it's celebrated? The Feast of Unleavened Bread is celebrated to remember the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt and the unleavened bread they ate during their journey.
Reference scripture in the Bible: Exodus 12:15-20
- Feast of Firstfruits - This holiday is celebrated on the day after the Sabbath following Passover.
When it's celebrated? The Feast of Firstfruits is celebrated in the spring, usually in March or April.
How it's celebrated? During this holiday, the Israelites would offer the first of their harvest to God.
Why it's celebrated? The Feast of Firstfruits is celebrated to thank God for the blessings of the harvest.
Reference scripture in the Bible: Leviticus 23:9-14
- Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) - This holiday is celebrated seven weeks after the Feast of Firstfruits.
When it's celebrated? The Feast of Weeks is celebrated in the spring or early summer, usually in May or June.
How it's celebrated? During this holiday, Jews offer the firstfruits of their wheat harvest to God.
Why it's celebrated? The Feast of Weeks is celebrated to thank God for the blessings of the harvest and to commemorate the giving of the Law to Moses at Mount Sinai.
Reference scripture in the Bible: Leviticus 23:15-22
- Feast of Trumpets - This holiday is celebrated on the first day of the seventh month of the Jewish calendar.
When it's celebrated? The Feast of Trumpets is celebrated in the fall, usually in September or October.
How it's celebrated? During this holiday, Jews blow trumpets (shofars) to call the people to repentance and to announce the coming Day of Judgment.
Why it's celebrated? The Feast of Trumpets is celebrated to announce the coming Day of Judgment and to call people to repentance.
Reference scripture in the Bible: Leviticus 23:23-25
- Day of Atonement - This holiday is celebrated on the tenth day of the seventh month of the Jewish calendar.
When it's celebrated? The Day of Atonement is celebrated in the fall, usually in September or October.
How it's celebrated? During this holiday, Jews fast and pray for forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.
Why it's celebrated? The Day of Atonement is celebrated to seek forgiveness for sins and to reconcile with God.
Reference scripture in the Bible: Leviticus 23:26-32
- Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) - This holiday is celebrated for seven days beginning on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the Jewish calendar.
When it's celebrated? The Feast of Tabernacles is celebrated in the fall, usually in September or October.
How it's celebrated? During this holiday, Jews build temporary shelters (booths) and dwell in them to commemorate the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.
Why it's celebrated? The Feast of Tabernacles is celebrated to remember the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and to thank God for the blessings of the harvest.
Reference scripture in the Bible: Leviticus 23:33-43
- Hanukkah (Feast of Dedication) - This holiday is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), but it is mentioned in the New Testament.
When it's celebrated? Hanukkah is celebrated in December.
How it's celebrated? During Hanukkah, Jews light a special nine-branched candelabrum (menorah) to commemorate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Why it's celebrated? Hanukkah is celebrated to commemorate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was desecrated by the Greeks.
Reference scripture in the Bible: John 10:22-23
- Purim (Feast of Lots) - This holiday is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), but it is mentioned in the Book of Esther.
When it's celebrated? Purim is celebrated in late winter or early spring, usually in February or March.
How it's celebrated? During Purim, Jews read the Book of Esther and participate in festive activities.
Why it's celebrated? Purim is celebrated to commemorate the salvation of the Jews from the evil Haman, as described in the Book of Esther.
Reference scripture in the Bible: Esther 9:20-32
In conclusion, the biblical holidays provide an opportunity for people of faith to come together, reflect, and give thanks to God. Each holiday has a unique significance and a rich history that is worth exploring. Whether you are Jewish or Christian, learning about these holidays can deepen your understanding of your faith and help you to connect with God in a meaningful way.