Candlemas - February 2nd
Marks the day when Jesus was presented in the Temple. Candles for use in churches are usually blessed on this day.

Shrove Tuesday - February 12th
This is the day before the period of lent begins - a time to remember Jesus' time in the wilderness. Lent is a long period of fasting and abstinence, but in many countries Shrove Tuesday is known as 'Mardi Gras' (French - 'Fat Tuesday') - a time of feasting before the fast.

Ash Wednesday - February 13th
Begins the forty weekdays of Lent. In some churches, ash is used to mark a small cross on Christians' foreheads as a symbol of penitence.

Palm Sunday - March 24th
Begins Holy Week and is a day to remember Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, welcomed by crowds waving palm leaves.

Maundy Thursday - March 28th
Commemorates the Last Supper Jesus ate with his disciples, celebrated by Christians sharing bread and wine.

Good Friday - March 29th
This was the day when Jesus was executed on a cross. It is said to be 'good' because Jesus showed love, obedience to God's will and forgiveness.

Holy Saturday - March 30th
Many churches hold midnight services on this day, re-lighting Paschal candle. As Jesus taught his followers: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness".

Easter Day - March 31st
Gifts of eggs are often exchanged today as symbols of new life.

Ascension Day - May 9th
This marks the day when Jesus is believed finally to have left the earth and ascended to God.

Pentecost/Whitsuntide - May 19th
This is the time when, gathered together, Jesus' disciples were touched by the Holy Spirit in the form of tongues of flame, and were inspired to spread the message of Jesus' teaching throughout the world. This is a traditional occasion for baptism, and some people decorate their homes with the white paper doves as a symbol of the Holy Spirit touching Jesus at his own baptism.

Advent - Begins December 1st
This is a four-week time for preparation for the symbolic birth of Christ.

Christmas Eve - December 24th
Begins the period of Christmas and is a time when Christians remember the birth of Jesus, nearly two thousand years ago. Although Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem, Christians believe him to be 'Christos', the 'saviour of the world' promised in Jewish Scripture.

Christmas Day - December 25th
On this day there are thanksgiving services at churches, gifts are exchanged and a special meal is eaten.