There are many Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter and there are many Jewish holidays such as Yom Kippur, Passover, and Hanukah. There are even American historical holidays such as Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. The Fourth of July is a celebration of obtaining our independence from England. Thanksgiving is a celebration of the pilgrims arriving in America from England after escaping religious persecution. The Jewish holidays usually celebrate the Jewish New Year, reflection, or some hard fought battle the Jews had won many centuries ago. The Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter are celebrations that center on Jesus. Christmas is thought to be Jesus’ birthday. Easter is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. The Virgin Mary is also a Christian figure in religious history. The Virgin Mary is credited with giving birth to Jesus even though she was known as the Virgin Mary. The birth of Jesus is known as the Immaculate Conception. In addition to Christmas and Easter, there is another Christian event called the Assumption of Mary. What is the Assumption of Mary? Well, let’s explore and answer that question.

Did you know that the Assumption of Mary has been a subject taken on by many artists for centuries? However, the focus here will be on the theological concept. According to Roman Catholic doctrine and the traditions of the Catholic Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary having completed the course of her earthly life was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. This means that Mary was transported into heaven with her body and soul united. The feast day recognizing Mary’s passage into heaven is celebrated as the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Roman Catholics. This doctrine was dogmatically and infallibly defined by Pope Pius the 12th on November first 1950 in his Apostolic Constitution. The Assumption of Mary is usually celebrated on August 15th. The Assumption of Mary is important to many Catholics because the Virgin Mary’s heavenly birthday which was the day that Mary was accepted into heaven. Her acceptance into heaven is seen by them as the symbol pf the promise made by Jesus to all enduring Christians that they too will be received onto paradise. The Assumption of Mary is symbolized in the Fleur-de-lys Madonna. Possibly the most famous rendition of the Assumption of Mary in Western Art was done by Titian Assunta.

The feast of the Assumption of Mary is considered a public holiday in many countries such Australia, Belgium, Chile, Italy, France, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Paraguay, and Malta. Also, this is the celebration of Mother’s Day in Costa Rica. In addition, in many other locations worldwide religious parades and popular festivals are held to celebrate the Assumption of Mary. Did you know that the prayer books of the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada mark August 15th as the Falling Asleep of the Blessed Virgin Mary? The Virgin Mary is considered a very important religious figure in history. Therefore, the Assumption of Mary is a very important holiday for most Catholics.