The first day of the calendar year is celebrated in the Catholic Church as a Marian major feast, honoring Mary as the "Mother of God (Theotokos)" (Mother of God). ghth day after Christmas (Octave Day), and recalls the circumcision of the infant Jesus and his naming (Luke 2:21).
The major feast is a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church — though some bishops' conferences have abrogated this obligation when January 1 falls on a Saturday or Monday. It usually falls on or around January 1 (fixed).
It is especially important in Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran traditions. Browse Christian holidays — browse options on Eden.
At a glance
Type
solemnity
Date type
Fixed (same date every year)
Regions
Global
Themes
Mary, Birth of Christ
Liturgical colour
White
Holy Day of Obligation
Yes (Catholic)
Common questions
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is observed on January 1 (fixed). Moveable feasts shift each year; fixed feasts stay on the same calendar date.
The first day of the calendar year is celebrated in the Catholic Church as a Marian major feast, honoring Mary as the "Mother of God (Theotokos)" (Mother of God). It is also the eighth day after Christmas (Octave Day), and recalls the circumcision of the infant Jesus and his naming (Luke 2:21). The major feast is a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church — though some bishops' conferences have abrogated this ob
It is associated with Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran. It falls in the Christmas season of the liturgical year.