AY Honors/Christian Festivals/Answer Key

Christian Festivals

Skill Level

1

Year

2025

Version

02.01.2026

Approval authority

Australian Union

1

Define what a Christian festival is. List at least five Christian festivals celebrated around the world and explain their Biblical or historical significance.

This introductory requirement sets the foundation for the entire honor. It ensures that Pathfinders understand what a Christian festival is, why Christians celebrate certain days or seasons, and how these observances connect to the life of Jesus, the Bible, and the global church.

Many Christian festivals are rooted in:

• Key events from the life of Jesus (e.g. birth, death, resurrection)
• Church history (e.g. saints, missionary events)
• Biblical stories of God’s actions in human history
• The Church calendar (e.g. Advent, Lent, Easter, Pentecost)

Encourage participants to explore both biblical and cultural expressions of these festivals. For example, while Easter has deep scriptural roots, it is celebrated differently in Africa, South America, and Europe.

Definition of a Christian Festival
A Christian festival is a special day or season set aside by the Christian Church to remember, celebrate, or reflect on key events in the life of Jesus Christ, the early Church, or God’s relationship with humanity. These festivals are often celebrated with worship, storytelling, music, food, decorations, and acts of service or reflection.

They help Christians grow spiritually, share their faith, and feel connected to the wider Church community.

Examples of Christian Festivals (with Explanation)
You only need to list 5, but here are 10 you can use to allow for diversity:

Festival	Explanation and Biblical/Historical Significance
Christmas	Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 2:1–20). Central to the Christian story, Christmas reminds believers that God came to live among humans. Common traditions include nativity scenes, gift-giving, and carols.
Easter	Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24). It is the most important festival in Christianity, symbolizing hope, new life, and victory over death. Often includes sunrise services and special songs.
Good Friday	Commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus (John 19). A solemn day of reflection, often involving fasting, scripture reading, or re-enactments of the crucifixion.
Palm Sunday	Marks Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21). Celebrated with palm branches and songs of praise. Begins Holy Week.
Pentecost	Remembers the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples (Acts 2). Seen as the birthday of the Church. Celebrated with songs about the Spirit, flames, and joy.
Epiphany	Celebrated in January, it remembers the visit of the Magi to Jesus (Matthew 2:1–12). In some cultures, it marks the end of the Christmas season.
Advent	A season of waiting for Christ’s birth. The four weeks before Christmas are used for devotion, candle lighting, and preparing hearts for Jesus.
Lent	A 40-day period of reflection and repentance before Easter. Mirrors Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. Often includes fasting, prayer, and acts of kindness.
All Saints' Day	Honors Christians who have lived faithfully and died in Christ. It reminds believers of the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). Often linked with remembering loved ones.
Ascension Day	Celebrates Jesus ascending to heaven 40 days after His resurrection (Acts 1:9–11). A reminder of the promise that He will return.

Teaching Ideas

• Use a large timeline or wheel of the church year to show when each festival occurs.
• Use symbols for each festival (e.g. cross for Easter, star for Christmas, flame for Pentecost).
• Have groups match the festival with the scripture or cultural tradition.
• Compare Christian festivals to Jewish or secular ones — noting how each teaches values or tells a story.

2

Research and present (individually or in a group) on one Christian festival of your choice, including:

• The origin of the festival
• How it is celebrated in different cultures
• Key symbols or traditions associated with it

This task encourages deeper research, creativity, and cultural appreciation. Allow learners to choose a festival that interests them and present their findings using a method of their choice (poster, skit, slide deck, video, group mural, etc.).

Trainers should ensure each presentation covers:

1. Origin – Is it based on a biblical event, historical tradition, or church calendar observance?
2. Cultural Diversity – How do Christians from different backgrounds or countries celebrate it?
3. Symbols & Traditions – What items, foods, songs, or rituals are associated?

Encourage learners to:

• Interview a parent, church member, or missionary
• Use books, websites, and Bible references
• Compare secular vs sacred traditions (especially for holidays like Easter/Christmas)

Trainer Festival Reference Sheet

Here are Trainer Notes on each of the 10 festivals previously listed, to help guide or cross-check student presentations:

1. Christmas

• Origin: Commemorates the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1–20). Began as a Christian response to Roman pagan festivals.
• Celebrations:

» Western churches focus on December 25; Eastern Orthodox often celebrate in January.

» Common customs: Nativity plays, candlelight services, carols, gift-giving.

» In the Philippines: “Simbang Gabi” (night Masses); in Germany: Advent calendars and markets.

• Symbols: Star (Bethlehem), manger, angels, gifts, candles.

2. Easter

• Origin: Celebrates Jesus’ resurrection (Luke 24). Rooted in Jewish Passover; seen as the most important Christian festival.
• Celebrations:

» Sunrise services, church choirs, dramatic re-enactments.

» In Ethiopia: All-night vigils and feasting.

» In Latin America: Street processions with statues and flower carpets.

• Symbols: Cross, empty tomb, lilies, eggs (new life), butterflies.

3. Pentecost

• Origin: Acts 2 — 50 days after Easter, when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples.
• Celebrations:

» Churches may use red decor and flame imagery.

» In Italy: Rose petals are dropped from church ceilings (“Pentecost rain”).

» In Ghana: Outdoor prayer meetings and dancing.

• Symbols: Fire, wind, dove, tongues, red clothing.

4. Good Friday

• Origin: Commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion (John 19).
• Celebrations:

» Solemn church services, fasting, quiet reflection.

» In the Philippines: Some take part in processions and real-life crucifixions.

» In Australia: Often observed with hot cross buns and silent services.

• Symbols: Cross, black cloth, crown of thorns, nails.

5. Palm Sunday

• Origin: Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey; people wave palm branches (Matthew 21:1–11).
• Celebrations:

» Palm processions, singing “Hosanna”.

» In Latin America: Weaving palm leaves into intricate shapes.

» In Africa: Drumming and dancing during processions.

• Symbols: Palms, donkey, cloaks on the road.

6. Epiphany

• Origin: Matthew 2:1–12 — The Magi visit Jesus. Symbolises Jesus revealed to the Gentiles.
• Celebrations:

» January 6th, marking the end of the Christmas season.

» In Spain: “Three Kings Day” includes parades and gifts.

» In Orthodox countries: Celebrations include blessing water.

• Symbols: Star, gold/frankincense/myrrh, crown, water.

7. Advent

• Origin: Means “coming” — a time of preparation for Jesus’ birth.
• Celebrations:

» Begins 4 Sundays before Christmas.

» Families light candles weekly on an Advent wreath.

» In Scandinavia: St. Lucia’s Day with candlelight parades.

• Symbols: Advent wreath, purple/pink candles, calendar doors.

8. Lent

• Origin: Based on Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11).
• Celebrations:

» Period of self-denial, prayer, and reflection before Easter.

» Begins with Ash Wednesday (ashes on forehead).

» In Brazil: Carnival occurs just before Lent as a “last feast”.

• Symbols: Ashes, sackcloth, fasting, purple.

9. All Saints’ Day

• Origin: Honours faithful Christians who have died.
• Celebrations:

» November 1 in Western churches; the Sunday after Pentecost in Eastern churches.

» In Mexico: Linked with “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) — altars and flowers.

» In Europe: Candle-lighting in cemeteries.

• Symbols: Halo, candle, white robes, cloud of witnesses.

10. Ascension Day

• Origin: Acts 1:9–11 — Jesus ascends to heaven 40 days after the resurrection.
• Celebrations:

» Observed on the 40th day of Easter.

» In some African and European countries, it’s a public holiday.

» Worship often focuses on the Great Commission.

• Symbols: Clouds, Jesus rising, open hands, globe (missions).

Trainer Tips

• Let Pathfinders pick from this list or choose a local tradition if relevant (eg. Indigenous Christian celebration).
• Provide visual aids, eg photos of celebrations in different countries.
• Encourage creative presentations — cooking, crafts, posters, or drama.
• Reinforce that Christianity is global — different cultures express faith in different, beautiful ways.

3

Interview a church leader, family member, community elder, or someone from another culture about their experience with a Christian festival. Record their thoughts on its meaning and how it has changed over time or across culture.

This task builds interpersonal, reflective, and historical-thinking skills. It encourages Pathfinders to:

• Connect with older or experienced Christians
• Hear real stories that may be culturally or personally unique
• Develop empathy and understanding of evolving traditions

This is a great opportunity to connect generations within a church community.

Participants should aim to:

• Ask open-ended questions
• Take notes or record (with permission)
• Summarise key ideas into a short write-up or share with the group

SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Encourage Pathfinders to choose from these or write their own. Questions are grouped to guide a meaningful and structured conversation.

Festival Background

• What is your favourite Christian festival, and why?
• What festivals did your family celebrate growing up?
• Which Christian festival has the most meaning to you personally?

Tradition & Change

• How have your church’s celebrations of this festival changed over time?
• Are there any traditions that your family no longer keeps?
• What do you miss from the way it was celebrated in the past?

Cultural & Community Aspects

• How do you think culture or location affects the way people celebrate?
• Have you ever celebrated a Christian festival in another country or with people from a different background?
• What role does community play in making the festival special?

Faith & Spiritual Reflection

• How does this festival help you grow in your faith?
• Is there a Bible story or verse that you think of during this celebration?
• What message or value do you think younger generations should learn from this festival?

Personal Memory

• What is one of your best or funniest memories of celebrating this festival?
• Is there a song, food, or object that always reminds you of the festival?

FOLLOW-UP TASK FOR PARTICIPANTS

After the interview:

• Write a short summary of what you learned.
• Include a quote or story from the person.
• Reflect on how their experience compares to your own, or how you might celebrate differently now.

Trainer Tips

• Allow flexibility in who is interviewed — grandparents, pastors, mentors, etc.
• If doing in groups, consider inviting a guest speaker to answer questions in class.
• Encourage respect and curiosity — not all traditions look the same, and that’s OK.
• Highlight how Christian festivals carry meaning across generations — and how God remains central even when customs evolve.

4

Choose one Christian festival and experience a related activity:

• For Christmas: Prepare a nativity scene or make a traditional Christmas decoration
• For Easter: Make unleavened bread or an Easter-themed craft
• For Pentecost: Write a short play or song about the Holy Spirit’s arrival
• For another festival of your choice: Create an appropriate hands-on activity

This requirement offers a creative and experiential dimension to the honour. It invites Pathfinders to go beyond research and reflection and actively participate in the expression of faith through celebration.

This can be done individually or in groups, in club meetings, Sabbath School, or home settings.

ACTIVITY OPTIONS AND GUIDELINES

Below are suggestions and trainer notes for each festival mentioned — as well as ideas for others.

Christmas Activity

Options:

• Build a nativity scene: Use craft materials, clay, recycled cardboard, LEGO, or fabric.
• Make a traditional decoration: Try making a star, angel ornament, or paper Advent calendar.

Trainer Tips:

• Encourage discussion of the biblical characters during setup.
• Link decorations to meanings (e.g. star = guidance, angel = message).
• Display nativity scenes in the church foyer, Pathfinder hall, or home.

Easter Activity

Options:

• Make unleavened bread: Simple flour-and-water flatbread like in Passover.
• Easter craft: Paper crosses, resurrection garden, or “empty tomb” models.

Trainer Tips:

• Discuss the symbolism of unleavened bread and its ties to Passover/Exodus.
• Use the activity to talk about resurrection hope and new life in Jesus.

Pentecost Activity

Options:

• Write a short play or skit based on Acts 2.
• Compose a simple song or chant about the Holy Spirit’s arrival and mission.

Trainer Tips:

• Encourage expressive arts: fire, wind, language diversity.
• Talk about the Holy Spirit’s role today in our lives and the church.

OTHER FESTIVAL ACTIVITY EXAMPLES

Advent:

• Create an Advent wreath or candle craft.
• Make a countdown calendar with daily verses or prayers.

Ascension:

• Create a “Jesus ascending” craft with clouds and figures.
• Write prayers of praise for Jesus’ eternal reign.

Harvest Festival:

• Build a “harvest basket” of local produce or donations.
• Create a gratitude mural or bulletin board.

Passover:

• Make a symbolic Seder plate with labelled foods.
• Discuss what Jesus did during the Last Supper.

REFLECTION PROMPT AFTER THE ACTIVITY

Ask participants to reflect (verbally or in writing):

• What did you learn about the festival through this activity?
• What symbols stood out to you? Why?
• How does this celebration help people grow closer to God?

Trainer Materials Needed (Suggested)

• Craft supplies: paper, glue, scissors, markers, cardboard, fabric
• Simple food ingredients (for bread or symbolic items)
• Audio/music tools (if composing)
• Bibles and reference sheets
• Photos or examples of global festival symbols

5

Discuss as a group or write a reflection on how Christian festivals help people strengthen their faith and community bonds.

Trainer Overview

This requirement focuses on personal and group reflection. It encourages Pathfinders to think deeply about the purpose and impact of Christian festivals beyond the surface-level celebration — focusing instead on:

• Faith-building
• Relational connections
• Cultural continuity

It is also a great opportunity to draw together insights from the previous activities.

Teaching Objectives

By the end of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Recognise how festivals remind us of core Christian beliefs (e.g., Jesus’ birth, resurrection, the gift of the Spirit).
• Understand how shared celebrations foster unity, identity, and belonging in the church.
• Reflect on how their personal faith has been influenced by participating in such events.

Discussion Questions for Group Settings

You can lead this as a Sabbath School-style discussion, small group chat, or family table conversation. Here are some guiding prompts:

FAITH

• How do Christian festivals help you remember God’s story?
• Which festival most strengthens your personal connection with Jesus?
• Are there parts of a celebration that make you feel close to God — such as music, food, story, or prayer?

COMMUNITY

• How does your family or church celebrate Christian festivals?
• What role do shared meals, songs, or decorations play in making people feel included?
• How could our club use a Christian festival to serve or bless others?

CHALLENGES

• What are some ways we can make sure the focus stays on Jesus, not just gifts or fun?
• Have any festivals felt “empty” or too commercial to you? How could they be more meaningful?

Individual Reflection (Written Option)

If done as a personal reflection (journal-style), ask Pathfinders to include:

• A festival they’ve celebrated
• What they liked or found spiritually meaningful
• Who they shared it with
• What they might do differently next time
• One way it helped their faith or friendships grow

You can optionally provide a worksheet page with sentence starters like:

• “One thing I learned about Jesus during this festival is…”
• “I felt connected to others when we…”
• “Next time I celebrate, I want to include…”

Trainer Tips

• Provide example stories from your own life to get discussion going.
• Use a quiet and respectful atmosphere to encourage honesty.
• Affirm all responses, especially those that explore doubt or change.
• Consider pairing this session with a light activity, such as tea and biscuits, a short candle-lighting, or music.

Spiritual Tie-In Verse Suggestions

You can optionally read one or more of these together before reflecting:

• Deuteronomy 16:14-15 – Joy in festivals together before the Lord
• Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity”
• Acts 2:46 – Early Christians celebrated and shared meals together with glad hearts
• Zechariah 14:16 – Nations gathering to worship the King during a festival
• Luke 2:41-43 – Jesus’ family participating in Passover together

6

Explore how Christian festivals have influenced modern secular holidays. Provide examples and discuss how some traditions have changed over time.

This requirement encourages critical thinking about the intersection of faith and culture, exploring how deeply rooted Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter have been transformed — especially in Western countries — into more commercial, secular, or even non-religious events.

It invites Pathfinders to think about:

• What is preserved from the biblical festival roots
• What has changed or been added
• How Christians can still find meaning in modern versions of these holidays

This is an opportunity to combine history, culture, and theology, and to help youth understand how to navigate faith in a changing world.

Teaching Objectives

By the end of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Identify how at least two major Christian festivals influenced secular traditions
• Compare past (biblical/historic) vs. present (secular/popular) elements of holidays
• Discuss ways Christians can honour God during modern celebrations

Example Comparisons

Here are four key festivals you can use as illustrations, with talking points:

Christmas

• Christian Origin: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, focus on incarnation, hope, and light in darkness (Luke 2).
• Secular Influence: Santa Claus, reindeer, gift frenzy, shopping season, lights and trees.
• Changed Elements: Date possibly adapted from Roman festival (Saturnalia), strong commercialisation.
• Faith Response: Many churches reclaim Advent (hope, peace, joy, love), nativity plays, and charity giving.

Easter

• Christian Origin: Celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, victory over death, central to Christian belief.
• Secular Influence: Bunnies, eggs, chocolate, springtime renewal.
• Changed Elements: Pagan symbols (fertility/Eostre goddess) overlaid; public focus often on long weekends, not resurrection.
• Faith Response: Sunrise services, resurrection plays, Holy Week reflections, Passover connections.

Pentecost

• Christian Origin: Holy Spirit descends on disciples, birth of the Church (Acts 2).
• Secular Influence: In many places, no longer a public holiday or largely forgotten.
• Changed Elements: Lacks commercialisation, but has been overshadowed by more ‘visible’ holidays.
• Faith Response: Celebrated in liturgical churches with red colours, sermons on spiritual gifts and mission.

All Saints’ Day / All Hallows / Halloween

• Christian Origin: Remembering saints and martyrs of the Church.
• Secular Influence: Halloween focused on costumes, fear, candy, horror films.
• Changed Elements: Largely disconnected from Christian roots in Western culture.
• Faith Response: Some churches reclaim it with “Light Parties” or remembrance services.

Suggested Group Activity

Ask Pathfinders to choose a well-known holiday and answer:

• What are its Christian roots?
• What parts of it are no longer focused on God?
• How do you or your family include faith in this holiday?

Or create a “Then and Now” poster comparing original Christian meaning vs modern version.

Discussion Prompts

• Why do you think these holidays changed over time?
• Can you celebrate the Christian meaning even if others don’t?
• Is it okay to enjoy “secular” parts of a holiday? What boundaries help keep God at the centre?
• How do your family or church keep the focus on faith?

Verses to Consider

• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world...”
• Colossians 2:16-17 – Festivals as a shadow pointing to Christ
• Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – Passing down meaning to the next generation
• 1 Peter 3:15 – Be ready to give a reason for the hope you have

Trainer Tips

• Encourage gentle, thoughtful conversation (not legalism or criticism of others).
• Invite participants to bring in photos or memories from past holidays.
• Consider playing “Guess the Symbol” — show modern symbols (tree, eggs, candles) and ask if they have Christian meanings.

7

Plan a mini-celebration of a Christian festival with your group, incorporating key traditions, decorations, or storytelling.

This is the culmination of the honour — allowing Pathfinders to apply their learning in a hands-on, creative, and community-oriented activity. The goal is to:

• Reinforce understanding of the festival’s meaning
• Encourage teamwork and communication
• Express faith through tradition, storytelling, and symbolism

This requirement does not need to be elaborate or long — even a 30-minute activity or club-night segment can meet the intent.

Learning Goals

By the end of this activity, Pathfinders should be able to:

• Collaboratively plan and run a themed celebration
• Identify key elements of the festival they chose
• Express how the festival reflects Christian values or biblical truths

Planning Steps

Encourage Pathfinders to work in small teams or as a whole club. Here’s a suggested step-by-step process:

1. Choose the Festival

Pick one from the list already studied (e.g., Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, All Saints, etc.).

2. Research Essentials

Identify:

• What the festival commemorates
• Typical ways it is celebrated
• Symbols, food, colours, songs, or scripture associated

3. Design the Mini-Celebration

Choose 2–4 simple components, such as:

• Opening reading (Bible verse or short prayer)
• Storytelling or skit (retelling the origin or a miracle)
• Craft or decoration (e.g., Advent candle holder, Pentecost flame hat)
• Song or music (e.g., traditional hymn or modern worship)
• Food (symbolic treats like hot cross buns, unleavened bread, or fig cookies)

4. Assign Roles

Let each group member take a part: speaker, craft leader, song leader, decorator, etc.

5. Run the Celebration

Set aside 20–45 minutes depending on your schedule. Let Pathfinders lead as much as possible.

Trainer Tips

• Offer a few example templates (see below)
• Encourage connection to scripture
• Don’t worry about perfection — focus on participation and reflection
• Optional: Invite families or church members for a brief presentation

EXAMPLE MINI-CELEBRATION PLANS

Christmas

• Reading: Luke 2:1–14
• Craft: Nativity ornament
• Music: “O Come All Ye Faithful”
• Closing Prayer of thanks for Christ’s birth

Easter

• Skit: Empty tomb discovery
• Food: Bake unleavened bread
• Verse: John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection…”
• Craft: Resurrection cross or butterfly

Pentecost

• Song: “Spirit of the Living God”
• Craft: Red flame hats or paper doves
• Game: “Wind of the Spirit” relay (with balloons or ribbons)
• Verse: Acts 2:1–4

Reflection Prompts After the Event

• What part of the celebration was most meaningful to you?
• Did you learn something new about this festival?
• How can you share this with others?
• Why do you think God gave His people special times to celebrate?

References

• Australian Union Christian Festivals Honor