Assumption of Mary in Australia

Many Christian churches in Australia mark Assumption Day on August 15 to celebrate the Christian belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into heaven after her death. This day is also known as the Dormition of the Mother of God, or the Feast of the Assumption.

The Feast of Assumption is a time for Christians to celebrate the heavenly birthday of the Virgin Mary.

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What Do People Do?

Assumption Day is a chance for Christians to celebrate the heavenly birthday of the Virgin Mary. It is a Holy Day of Obligation – a day when Christian denominations are obliged to attend church service, so many people attend mass (church service) on this feast day. 

Some celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary with festivals that have music, food, and dancing. In the Orthodox Church, they start the event with a fourteen-day fast before the big celebration on August 15.

Public Life

Assumption Day is not a public holiday in Australia. Schools, government offices, organizations and businesses are open as usual. Public transport services run to their usual schedules. 

Background

Assumption Day observes the Christian belief that when the Virgin Mary died, she was “assumed” into heaven.  The Orthodox Churches believe in the Dormition of the Theotokos (the falling asleep of the Mother of God) that at the end of her life, Mary was physically taken up into heaven. Although Assumption day is a Holy Day of Obligation, if the feast of the Assumption falls on a Saturday or a Monday, there is no obligation to the feast for that year.

About Assumption of Mary in other countries

Assumption of Mary Observances

Other holidays in August 2013 in Australia

• Laylat al-Qadr ―Saturday, August 3, 2013
• Northern Territory Picnic Day ―Monday, August 5, 2013
• New South Wales Bank Holiday ―Monday, August 5, 2013
• Eid-al-Fitr ―Thursday, August 8, 2013
• Royal National Agricultural Show Day Queensland ―Wednesday, August 14, 2013