One of the more well-known practices of the Jehovah's Witnesses is their non-celebration of holidays. All holidays, including birthdays, are considered "pagan holidays" and may not be observed by Witnesses. The official website of the Jehovah's Witnesses explains:
Jesus never commanded Christians to celebrate his birth. Rather, he told his disciples to memorialize, or remember, his death. (Luke 22:19, 20) Christmas and its customs come from ancient false religions. The same is true of Easter customs, such as the use of eggs and rabbits. The early Christians did not celebrate Christmas or Easter, nor do true Christians today. The only two birthday celebrations spoken of in the Bible were held by persons who did not worship Jehovah. (Genesis 40:20-22; Mark 6:21, 22, 24-27) The early Christians did not celebrate birthdays. The custom of celebrating birthdays comes from ancient false religions. True Christians give gifts and have good times together at other times during the year. {1}
The Memorial of Christ's Death
Witnesses do celebrate the "Memorial of Christ's Death," which occurs at roughly the same time as Christian Easter and the Jewish Passover. This holiday is acceptable because it was instituted by Christ himself. The Memorial is the one time during the year in which the Lord's Supper is observed. {2}
References
- - "Beliefs and Customs That Displease God." Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses.
- "Reliving Jesus' Last Days on Earth," Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses.
- "Jehovah's Witness," Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions (1999).