Please note that I am NOT an expert on the BIBLE or on any of the BIBLICAL FEASTS, but I know others are feeling led to celebrate the FEASTS as we are, so I am just sharing what we have been learning. This post, like many of my posts, is a helpful reminder for myself and a place to put links that I might otherwise forget about.
Who should celebrate the Seven Biblical Feasts?
Well, that is a debate among many, and I have been doing TONS of research. During that research, I read somewhere that we are not commanded to celebrate them, but we are invited to celebrate them as Jesus did. How would you feel if you had invited someone to celebrate with you and they didn’t show up?
First and foremost, I would say that you need to pray and see if GOD is leading you to celebrate… you should pray about any big changes in direction before heading down a path that life may be leading you down.
Holy Days vs. Holidays
Why celebrate Pentecost?
Secondly, you should do your own research about Pentecost. Find out the who, the what, the when, the where. the why, and the how… all of it! Then you can decide if and how you want to celebrate it. You can start by reading through Leviticus 23.
As I mentioned before, we have already been invited, so I definitely want to celebrate… it would be rude to keep ignoring the invite, and if we don’t go, then HE might invite someone else in our place! This is an exciting time, and I want to show GOD how thankful we are for ALL that HE has blessed us with.
This holy day has several names like Shavuoth, Festival of Weeks, Feast of Harvest, Day of the First Fruits, and Pentecost. It comes 7 weeks after the 2nd day of Pentecost… a little tricky to calculate, but if you were counting the Omer, then you know exactly when it is!
WHY NOT CELEBRATE?
I can’t think of any reason not to celebrate.
How?
This is a special time of thankfulness for God’s blessings on you. Many families would camp out before the festival and then take their gifts to the Temple, but that was a long time ago. Now it is traditional to read through the book of Ruth and have a symbolic meal. You can trace the ancestry of Jesus and his birth through this story. It is also customary to read the Ten Commandments
There was also a custom of staying up all night while you study God’s word. You can rotate through activities just as the watchmen would have rotated through their shifts. You could even camp out in the yard and have a stargazing party. It would also be acceptable to have some snacks to keep the watchmen awake!
You may also start a tradition of planting a new fruit tree during this festival. You can help the kids find the ‘first fruits’ or best fruits and mark them with a red thread to show that they belong to God.
Decorations?
It is customary to decorate with greens and fresh flowers. You can use a special tablecloth and candles… you’ll probably want to invest in lots of candles for celebrating the Biblical Feasts!
One thing I suggest is that you print out or write your plans and ideas…
Free Party Planning Printables!
It’s ok to start with simple plans or ideas… they often lead to the best memories. You can keep things simple, or maybe you will feel led to do more in the upcoming years… be sure to pray about it!
More Resources:
The Beginner’s Guide to Shavuot
Celebrating the Fruit of the Spirit at Shavuot
Seven Ways to Celebrate Shavuot
Shavuot Scripture Reading List
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You can do all kinds of crafts like:
Shavuot Kids Crafts
Shavuot Surprise Gift Exchange Game
Shavuot Activities for Kids – Easy Recipes, Crafts …
More ideas can be found here:
Buy Celebrating Biblical Feasts ** –This book has a reading plan, decorating ideas, menus, and so much more!
Holy Days – I LOVE this site!
The Beginner’s Guide to Shavuot
What foods should we eat?
A lot of the research seems to point towards lots of honey and dairy products! I’m thinking grilled cheese, mac-ncheese, cheesecakes, ice cream, and puddings. Lots of fresh produce and fish are also eaten during this holiday. Traditional foods include challah, kugels, and blintzes.
It is custom to bake 2 loaves of bread but it can also be purchased.
Biblical Feasts: Pentecost/Shavout Menu & Activities
49 Shavuot Recipes Under 30 Minutes!
When do we celebrate?
Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after the First Fruits which happens somewhere during the time of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
I hope this helps inspire you on your journey, as others have inspired me on mine. Will/do you celebrate the Biblical Feasts? If so, what are your favorite traditions or memories?
DON’T FORGET TO INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! Click below for FREE printable invitations:
Biblical Feasts: An Invitation to Attend
God Bless!
You can read more about our Biblical Feast Journey HERE:
Transform Your Celebrations: Biblical vs. Traditional
Embracing New Family Traditions in Homeschooling
Here are some other posts that you might find helpful for planning your Biblical Feast celebrations:
Check out our Biblical Feasts Pinterest Board for More Ideas!
Free Party Planning Printables!
Perpetual Menus – with meal plan suggestions for various Holy Days and holidays
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