Did you know about Assumption Day? (aka Ferragosto in Italian)

Every year on August 15, Christians around the world celebrate Assumption Day, a feast that honours the belief that the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up into heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. While its meaning is deeply rooted in faith and tradition, many still wonder: Why is it celebrated in August?

The Meaning of Assumption Day

The Assumption of Mary is a central belief in the Catholic Church, as well as in some Orthodox and Anglican traditions. It reflects the conviction that Mary, being free from sin, did not undergo bodily decay after death but was gloriously taken into heaven by God.

This event is not explicitly described in the Bible but comes from centuries of Christian tradition and theological reflection. The doctrine was formally defined by Pope Pius XII in 1950, but the celebration itself goes back much earlier, nearly 1,500 years.

Why August 15?

The choice of August 15 is not random. Historical and religious factors converge to explain the date:

1. Early Church Tradition
   The first recorded celebrations of Mary’s “Dormition” (falling asleep) or Assumption were held in the Eastern Church around the 5th and 6th centuries. These commemorations often took place in mid-August, marking the end of a summer period dedicated to honouring Mary.

2. Connection to the Harvest Season
   In many ancient cultures, mid-August was a time of thanksgiving for the harvest. The Church often integrated Christian feasts with existing cultural rhythms. Mary, sometimes called the “first fruit” of the redeemed, fit naturally into this season of gratitude.

3. Liturgical Calendar
   The Church’s liturgical year placed Marian feasts strategically to reflect the life of Christ and Mary. August 15 became the settled date for the Assumption in the Roman calendar by the 8th century, allowing it to be celebrated after the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6) and before other important feasts in early autumn.

How It’s Celebrated Around the World

Assumption Day is a Holy Day of Obligation in many Catholic countries, meaning believers are expected to attend Mass. It is also a public holiday in nations such as Italy, France, Spain, Poland, and parts of Latin America. Traditions vary:

• In Italy, it’s known as Ferragosto, a time for processions, fireworks, and family gatherings.

• In France, processions to Marian shrines are common, especially in Lourdes.

• In Latin America, vibrant parades and religious services mark the occasion.

More Than Just a Date

While the 15th of August is fixed on the calendar, the Assumption is not simply about history, it’s about hope. For Christians, Mary’s Assumption is a sign of what God promises to all the faithful: the gift of eternal life, body and soul, in God’s presence.

By celebrating in August, the Church unites ancient tradition, seasonal symbolism, and theological meaning into a day that’s both joyful and deeply spiritual.

Enjoy Ferragosto on August 15th!