Feast of the Assumption: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Feast of the Assumption (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Feast of the Assumption is observed on August 15th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Feast of the Assumption, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you should know about Feast of the Assumption.

📅 What day is Feast of the Assumption 2024?

In 2024, Feast of the Assumption is on Tuesday, August 15th. It is the 3rd Tuesday in August; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the cool details and facts about August 15, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The Assumption, celebrated on August 15, is a significant event in Christianity that marks the Virgin Mary’s ascent to heaven after her death. This occasion is widely observed with various festivities, such as vibrant street processions, fireworks, and grand displays. Although it is not mandatory, there is a traditional practice of honoring the summer harvest during this time. Additionally, special dishes associated with the Assumption are often included in family feasts, which adds to the joyous atmosphere. It is heartening to know that people worldwide, in their devotion, light candles, participate in mass, and offer prayers for peace.

📜 Feast of the Assumption History

During the seventh century, Pope Sergius I showed his support for Assumption festivities in the Western Church, and Pope Leo IV later confirmed the legitimacy of the feast. Although the church did not provide any concrete historical or explicit Biblical evidence supporting the story (with the Biblical references primarily being symbolic) or officially acknowledge its reliance on apocryphal texts, the feast has not only endured but flourished until the present day. Our suggestion is to participate in the street fairs and parades associated with this celebration, regardless of your religious beliefs or lack thereof. Such a gathering of friends in love and joy would surely be pleasing to God.

✅ Feast of the Assumption Facts

🔖 Revelation 12:1
A magnificent sight appeared in the sky: a woman adorned in radiant sunlight, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown adorned with twelve stars atop her head.

🔖 Psalm 132:8-9
Oh Lord, please arise and relocate to your designated place of rest along with the ark symbolizing your power. May your priests be adorned in righteousness, and let your devoted followers find joy in your presence.

🔖 Song of Solomon 2:10-11
My beloved calls out to me, saying, “Awaken, my love, my exquisite one, and let us depart together, as the winter has ended; the rain has ceased and departed.”

👍 Why Is Feast of the Assumption Important

Catholics believe that the decomposition of the human body after death is caused by the decedent’s sins committed during life; so, because Mary was sinless, it makes canonical sense for her to have ascended physically.

According to the New Advent Encyclopedia, the Feast of the Assumption was originally observed in Palestine before the year 500, making the event nearly 1.5 millennia old!

Although Mary died nearby with the apostles, when her body was later requested by the Roman Emperor and the tomb was opened, it was empty, leading the apostles to believe that Mary had miraculously been taken to heaven, according to John of Damascus. We think it’s a more interesting idea to consider than grave robbers.

🙂 How To Observe Feast of the Assumption

⚡ Eat!

⚡ Attend a mass
Catholics consider it a “Day of Obligation,” but regardless of your beliefs about God and religion, you can choose to attend and sit at the back. Alternatively, you could ask a friend if you can join them and their family. If it feels right to you, take the opportunity to explore your true feelings about the experience.

⚡ Plant a Mary garden
It’s not called a “feast” for nothing. Make arrangements to go out to eat, make something at home, volunteer at a soup kitchen, and eat whatever is on the menu while reflecting on Mary’s life, death, and legacy—the only limit is your creativity.

📅 When is Feast of the Assumption?

Explore all 🔗 August holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Catholic holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Feast of the Assumption. So be sure to check back soon.