The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a significant feast day and teaching in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and some Protestant churches. It commemorates Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven without undergoing corruption after death. The idea has been debated for centuries, but Pope Pius XII declared it infallible in the mid-20th century. The celebration of this event is important in many countries and is related to belief in an afterlife and the reunion between Christ and his mother.
The Assumption of the Virgin Mary or the Dormition of the Theotokos is both an important feast day and a teaching in the Roman Catholic church and many Eastern Catholic or Orthodox churches. It can also be celebrated to some extent and with some differences in Anglican and some other Protestant churches. It commemorates the concept that Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, was bodily assumed/assumed into heaven, without undergoing the bodily corruption that follows death and which is part of the punishment for original sin. There are discussions among denominations as to whether this assumption occurred before or after Mary’s death
There aren’t many scriptural references to the death or Assumption of the Virgin Mary, although the idea has been debated for centuries. It has also been a basic teaching of the many denominations celebrating this period and a matter of concern to theologians dating back to AD 400. Much of the discussion of whether this was true teaching centered on whether Mary died before she was assumed, but around the seventh century the celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was common in a number of churches.
While this celebration was accepted over a number of years, an interesting turn occurred in Roman Catholicism in the mid-20th century. Pope Pius XII declared that the teaching was absolutely correct and infallible. This meant that, at least in the Roman Catholic faith, the Assumption of Mary is not just a teaching, but part of the spiritual faith. To some extent, fully believing that Mary was taken up into heaven is as important as believing in Christ’s resurrection. Pius XII did not answer the question of whether Mary died earlier, and the question is still open to debate.
The pope’s statement made the Assumption of the Virgin Mary one of the most important days in the Catholic calendar and is designated a holy day of precept, meaning people must attend church under most circumstances. The celebration of the event in Eastern Orthodox churches when observed can be even more involved. The dormition (death or sleep) of the Theotokos (mother of God) may be preceded by two weeks of fasting or abstaining from most meat and dairy products. A feast follows on August 15 and, as in Roman Catholicism, Mary’s assumption into heaven is greeted with enthusiasm rather than sorrow, as she and her child are the promise to all people that life does not end with death. One important difference, however, is that Orthodox churches tend to believe Mary died and was resurrected on the third day fully in heaven.
The tradition of celebrating August 15 in most of Europe predates Christianity. This date was a harvest festival honoring the Roman gods, particularly Diana, who in some interpretations watched over the harvest. Replacing an old vacation with a new one that bears some slight relation to it is certainly not a new convention. Other holidays such as Easter and Christmas also have pagan antecedents.
A number of countries do more with this day than simply calling it a holy day. It can still be called a holiday by heads of state, and this tradition is found in several European countries, in South American countries and in some African countries. Some towns or cities hold elaborate festivals.
Many non-Christians wonder why this particular teaching in all its incarnations is so important. As mentioned before, it is the promise of Jesus’ teachings fulfilled. Belief in the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is related to belief in an afterlife, that Jesus “truly went and prepared a place for you” (John 14:3). Also, many feel emotionally attached to this day because it represents the reunion between Christ and his mother.
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