The LDS Church Calendar, also known as the BC (Before Christ) calendar, is a significant tool used within the Latter-day Saint (LDS) community to organize and commemorate important events and holidays. This calendar is based on the Julian calendar, which was the predominant calendar in the Roman world until it was gradually replaced by the Gregorian calendar, promulgated in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII.
The LDS Church retained the older BC calendar for dating religious and historical events, while the rest of the world transitioned to the AD (Anno Domini) calendar, which is based on the Gregorian calendar. This choice reflects the LDS Church's unique historical and theological perspective, central to which is the belief in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Understanding the LDS Church Calendar
The LDS Church Calendar helps members to commemorate and celebrate significant events in the life of Jesus Christ, the Restoration of the Church, and other key historical events. It provides a consistent framework for understanding and remembering these events, which are crucial to LDS theology and culture.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is primarily a solar calendar, the LDS Church Calendar retains both solar and lunisolar elements. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of time and its divine significance, reflecting the church's belief in the cosmos and its relationship to divine events.
The BC Dating System
The BC dating system in the LDS Church Calendar is straightforward. It denotes years before the birth of Jesus Christ, with large, whole numbers used. For example, 100 BC, 500 BC, and 1000 BC are all valid dates within this system.
This system provides a clear framework for understanding the ancient world and the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. It helps LDS members connect with and understand the cultural and historical context of the Bible and other religious texts.
The Era Names in the LDS Church Calendar
The LDS Church Calendar also uses era names, which are based on Latin phrases that denote the era of a particular event. There are three era names used in the LDS Church Calendar:
- Before Christ (BC) - Denotes years prior to the birth of Jesus Christ
- Anno Domini (AD) - Denotes years following the birth of Jesus Christ
- Before the Common Era (BCE) and Common Era (CE) - Alternatives to BC and AD, often used in academic or secular contexts
While the Church primarily uses BC and AD, it acknowledges the usage of BCE and CE in academic and secular contexts and does not discourage their use within the faith community.
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Key Holidays and Events in the LDS Church Calendar
The LDS Church Calendar is not just a dating system; it also serves as a tool for commemorating and celebrating important religious and cultural events. These events are significant to LDS members and provide opportunities for reflection, worship, and community building.
Some of the key holidays and events observed in the LDS Church Calendar include:
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of joy, reflection, and gift-giving among LDS members. It also marks the beginning of the Christmas season in the LDS Church Calendar.
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The Christmas season is a time of spiritual renewal and preparation for the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ. It includes traditions such as singing Christmas carols, exchanging gifts, and participating in Christmas devotional services.
Easter
Easter, celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or soonest after March 21, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time of reflection, worship, and renewed commitment for LDS members.
The Easter season includes traditions such as Easter egg hunts, Easter baskets, and Easter bonnets. Many LDS members also participate in Easter pageants and other Easter-related community events.
The LDS Church Calendar is a rich and complex tool, providing a framework for understanding and commemorating important events in the life of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of the Church. It is more than just a dating system; it is a symbol of the LDS community's unique historical and theological perspective. By using and understanding the LDS Church Calendar, members can connect more deeply with their faith and with each other.