Religion and Festivals: English Vocabulary List

the 25th of December on which Christians celebrate Jesus Christ's birth

"Christmas is a special holiday."

"Christmas is celebrated by millions of people around the world with traditions including gift giving decorated trees and festive family dinners."

an imaginary man with gray long beard wearing red clothes, which children believe brings presents for them at Christmas

"Children leave cookies for Santa Claus."

"Children leave cookies and milk for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve believing that he will visit their house while they sleep to deliver presents."

a religious song that is sung at Christmas or during Christmas holiday season

"We sang a Christmas carol."

"The Christmas carol filled the room with a warm holiday feeling."

a drink made with milk, sugar, eggs, and alcoholic beverages such as brandy or rum

"The eggnog is sweet."

"She drank eggnog at the holiday party and enjoyed the creamy flavor."

a long and large sock that children leave somewhere in their house before they go to bed on Christmas Eve so that later they can find it filled with presents

"The Christmas stocking is red."

"The children hung their Christmas stockings by the fireplace hoping to find small toys and candies inside when they woke up on Christmas morning."

the 24th of December, which is the day before Christmas

"Christmas Eve is calm."

"We opened one small gift on Christmas Eve before going to bed."

a plant with white berries that grows on other trees such as apple or oak, often used as Christmas decoration

"Mistletoe hangs above the door."

"According to tradition couples standing under mistletoe must kiss which originated from an ancient Norse myth about love and reconciliation."

the supernatural being that Muslims, Jews, and Christians worship and believe to be the creator of the universe

"She prays to God every night before bed."

"Many people turn to God for guidance during the most difficult times."

a small human-like creature from fairy stories that has pointed ears and magical powers

"The elf looked cheerful."

"An elf helped Santa prepare the gifts in the story."

an eight-day holiday when Jewish people celebrate the time that an important temple was given back to them

"Hanukkah lasts eight days."

"Hanukkah is an eight day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after a successful rebellion against oppressors."

an occurrence or event that is impossible to be the work of a human being rather a supernatural power

"The doctor called it a miracle recovery."

"The doctors called it a miracle when the patient woke up from his coma after several weeks."

the evening or day before an event, particularly a religious one

"The eve of the event was quiet."

"The eve of the festival felt full of excitement and anticipation."

a holiday when Christians celebrate Jesus Christ's return to life after he died according to the Bible

"We paint eggs every Easter morning."

"Children love Easter because they get to hunt for colorful eggs hidden in the garden by the Easter bunny."

a national holiday in the US and Canada when families gather and have a special meal to give thanks to God

"Thanksgiving is a family holiday."

"We gather for Thanksgiving and share food with relatives and friends."

an organization that helps those in need by giving them money, food, etc.

"Charity helps people in need."

"He donated a large sum of money to charity choosing to support organizations that provide clean drinking water to communities in developing countries."

the belief in a higher power such as a god and the activities it involves or requires

"Religion is important to many people."

"Freedom of religion allows individuals to practice any faith without fear of persecution although conflicts still arise between different religious groups."

the action of praying to God or other higher powers

"He said a prayer."

"During times of crisis, many people turn to prayer for comfort and guidance."

to speak to God or a deity, often to ask for help, express gratitude, or show devotion

"The family prays together every evening."

"The family prays together every evening before dinner thanking God for their blessings."

the largest and most important church of a specific area, which is controlled by a bishop

"Notre Dame is the famous cathedral in the heart of Paris."

"The cathedral in our city was built in the thirteenth century and attracts many tourists."

a formal public or religious occasion where a set of traditional actions are performed

"The wedding ceremony was simple but beautiful."

"A Japanese tea ceremony is a highly ritualized and meditative practice focused on the aesthetic preparation and graceful serving of matcha"

a way of behaving or of doing something that is widely accepted in a society or among a specific group of people

"It is a local custom."

"The annual harvest festival is a deeply ingrained custom that brings the entire community together each year."

an established way of thinking or doing something among a specific group of people

"This tradition is old."

"The family's long-standing tradition of gathering for a special meal on New Year's Eve is cherished by everyone."

a person who has faith in a god or follows a particular religion

"The believer prayed quietly."

"As a devout believer in the teachings of her faith, she attended services every Sunday."

to ask for divine favor or protection for a certain thing or person

"The priest blesses the congregation."

"The priest will bless the new church building during a special ceremony on Sunday."

morally and spiritually good, often connected with religion

"This is a holy place."

"The holy book is kept in a special place and treated with great respect by believers."

a man who is trained to perform religious ceremonies in the Christian Church

"The priest gave a sermon."

"The parish priest dedicated his life to serving his congregation and offering spiritual guidance."

the 25th of December on which Christians celebrate Jesus Christ's birth

"It is Christmas today."

"Many families around the world will celebrate Christmas with gifts and traditions."

a specific tree that is covered with lights and decorations and put in or outside houses at Christmas

"The Christmas tree is bright."

"The family decorated their Christmas tree with colorful lights glass ornaments and a shining star on top symbolizing the star of Bethlehem."

the supernatural being that Muslims, Jews, and Christians worship and believe to be the creator of the universe

"They believe in God."

"For many, God represents ultimate love, justice, and divine providence."

a spiritual and holy being with two white wings, believed to be a servant or agent of God

"An angel watched over us."

"The little girl dressed as an angel for the school play and looked adorable."

to lead religious ceremonies, especially those within the Christian faith

"We celebrate mass."

"The priest will celebrate the solemn mass for the congregation this evening."

the action of honoring something, such as an important event, day, etc.

"The celebration was lively."

"The celebration continued late into the evening with music and dancing."

a church with buildings connected to it in which a group of monks or nuns live or used to live

"The abbey is old."

"We visited the abbey and admired the stone walls and quiet courtyard."

strong belief in a particular god or religion

"She has strong faith."

"Despite facing many hardships, her unwavering faith in divine providence sustained her."

related to or associated with religion, faith, or spirituality

"She is a religious person."

"The religious holiday is celebrated with special prayers and a big family dinner."

the art or process of making something look more attractive by adding beautiful things to it

"The Christmas decoration sparkled on the tree."

"The Christmas decoration on the mantelpiece included a garland of pine branches and red berries."