When did the Vigil of Assumption Day start?
About Vigil of Assumption Day Holiday
The Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or Assumption Day, is an important Christian holiday celebrated annually on August 15. It commemorates the dogma of the Assumption of Mary, the belief that after her death, Mary was taken bodily into Heaven. The Vigil of the Assumption is held the day before the holiday, on August 14, and typically includes special prayers and religious services. It is considered one of the most important holy days in Christianity and serves as a time of spiritual reflection, prayer, and worship for Christians around the globe. It is observed as a holy day of obligation in some countries, such as Italy, and as a public holiday in other countries, such as Spain.
The Vigil of Assumption Day Holiday – Introduction
The Vigil of Assumption Day is an important holiday observed around the world. It marks the day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Jesus’ mother, into heaven. It is celebrated in many different ways in different countries, all reflecting the significance of the event.
History
Assumption Day is also known as the Dormition or Falling Asleep of the Theotokos (Mother of God), and is commemorated in the Christian tradition. According to the Bible, after a three-day period of prayer and mourning, the Virgin Mary was assumed into heaven body and soul on the 15th of August. This is significant because it is considered by Christians to be a type of ‘second death’, with Mary being reunited with her son Jesus after all the suffering she had endured. It is also seen as a symbol of hope for all Christians, as it denotes that they will also eventually join Jesus and Mary in the afterlife.
The event itself is a mystery, as it does not appear in any canonical scripture. Rather, it was adopted into the mainstream Christian tradition centuries later by the Catholic Church. The first reference to it can be found in a sermon given by St. John of Damascus in the 8th century.
Celebrations Around The World
Indonesia
In Indonesia, the holiday is seen as a time of joy and quiet contemplation. During the day, mass is held at the church with special hymns and prayers dedicated to The Virgin Mary. Afterwards, the day is marked by a feast, and family and friends gather to share food, stories, songs, and prayers.
Italy
In Italy, the day is celebrated in many different ways. In the city of Rome, a large mass is held in Saint Peter’s Square, attended by both the Pope and pilgrims from around the world. In the regions of Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, and Umbria, a procession is held during which a statue of the Virgin Mary is carried through the streets, accompanied by traditional songs and prayers.
In many parts of the country, a local tradition known as the ‘toppole’ is observed. This is where a large wooden pole is adorned with local flowers and foliage and carried through the streets as a remembrance of the Virgin Mary’s Assumption.
France
In France, the day is marked with processions, fireworks, and parades. In some parts of the country, the day is also seen as an excuse for a day off work, with many businesses and shops closed for the day.
In the town of Pontmain in Normandy, a festival is held during which a huge procession passes through the town center, followed by a fireworks display. This is also celebrated in other towns across the country, such as Bresse-en-Chartreuse and Bourron-Marlotte.
Greece
In Greece, the holiday of Assumption Day is known as ‘Panagia’ or ‘All Saints Day’. On this day, mass is held in churches across the country, with special prayers and hymns dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Afterwards, a procession of locals follow the icon of the Virgin Mary, known as a ‘panagia’, through the streets.
In some towns, such as in the city of Athens, the procession features a ‘pottery chariot’, which has been a feature of the procession for hundreds of years. It is decorated with colorful icons of Mary, grapes, flowers, and other symbols of the Virgin Mary. In the town of Vronta on the island of Crete, the day is celebrated with a huge feast and fireworks are also set off during the night to mark the event.
Conclusion
Assumption Day is an important holiday commemorated around the world. It is a day dedicated to the Virgin Mary and her assumption into heaven, and is observed in different ways in different countries. In all of them, however, the same message of hope and resilience that Mary exemplified in her life is celebrated.
How to Say "Vigil of Assumption Day" In Different Languages?
- Dutch
- Avondvigilie (nl-BE)
- French
- Vigile de l'Assomption (fr-FR)
- German
- Vigilienabend (de-DE)
- Greek
- Επίμαχο της Επιπλέοντος Παρασκευής (el-GR)
- Hebrew
- קנדה (he-IL)
- Italian
- Vigilia dell'Assunzione (it-IT)
- Polish
- Wigilia Uroczystości Wniebowzięcia Najświętszej Maryi Panny (pl-PL)
- Romanian
- Paste (ro-RO)
- Russian
- Тридцатилетняя вечеря Вознесения Пресвятой Богородицы (ru-RU)
- Spanish
- Vigilia de la Asunción de la Virgen (es-ES)
- Ukrainian
- Тридцятилітня вечірка Вознесення Пресвятої Богородиці (uk-UA)
Vigil of Assumption Day Also Called
The Feast of the Assumption or the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.Countries where "Vigil of Assumption Day" is celebrated:
- :: Europe
- :: Andorra
- :: Austria
- :: Belgium
- :: Croatia
- :: Cyprus
- :: France
- :: Greece
- :: Italy
- :: Lithuania
- :: Luxembourg
- :: Malta
- :: Poland
- :: Portugal
- :: Romania
- :: San Marino
- :: Slovenia
- :: Spain
- :: Vatican City State
- :: Central America
- :: Guatemala
- :: Middle East
- :: Lebanon
- :: North America
- :: Costa Rica
- :: South America
- :: Chile
- :: Colombia
- :: Ecuador
- :: Paraguay
FUN FACT:
In year 8th century, Vigil of Assumption Day is celebrated on August 15 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
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