To many people, Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for what they do not celebrate, like Christmas or birthdays. The Witnesses have closely modeled their modern worldwide organization after the example that Christ Jesus set, and the way that his loyal First century followers deployed his commands as they spread Christianity throughout the world, as it was known then. What celebrations or festivals did those early Christians follow? What does the Bible and secular history show? Jehovah’s witnesses celebrate the Memorial of the death of Christ Jesus. What is the memorial? What is it’s history? The Memorial or Lord’s Evening Meal Definition: A meal commemorating the death of Jesus Christ; hence, a memorial of his death, the death that has had effects that are more far reaching than that of any other person. This is the only event that the Lord Jesus Christ commanded his disciples to memorialize. It is also known as the Lord’s Supper, or the Lord’s Evening Meal. See 1 Corinthians 11:20. The Gospel writer Luke confirms that Jesus commanded: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) These words have also been rendered: “Do this in memory of me” (Today’s English Version) and “Do this as a memorial of me.” (The Jerusalem Bible) In fact, this observance is often referred to as the Memorial of Christ’s death. Paul also calls it the Lord’s Evening Meal, an appropriate designation, since this was instituted at night. (1 Corinthians 11:20) Clearly, we can see that Christians are commanded to observe the Lord’s Evening Meal. One reason why the Lord’s Evening Meal was instituted was to remind us that by means of his death as a perfect, sinless human, Jesus ‘gave his soul a ransom in exchange for many.’ (Matthew 20:28) When the first man sinned against God, he forfeited perfect human life and all its prospects. Jesus said, however: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Indeed, “the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal reminds us of the great love shown by both Jehovah and his Son in connection with Jesus’ sacrificial death. How we should appreciate that love! This harmonizes with Jesus’ words to the 11 loyal apostles: “If I go my way and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you home to myself, that where I am you also may be.” John 14:3. How often is the Memorial to be commemorated, and when? Jesus did not specifically state how often it was to be done. He simply said: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) Paul said: “For as often as you eat this loaf and drink this cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he arrives.” (1 Cor. 11:26) “As often” need not mean many times a year; it can mean annually over a period of many years. If you commemorate an important event, such as a wedding anniversary, or if a nation commemorates an important event in its history, how often is it done? Once a year on the anniversary date. This would also be consistent with the fact that the Lord’s Evening Meal was instituted on the date of the Jewish Passover, a yearly celebration that no longer had to be kept by Jews who had become Christians. Jehovah’s Witnesses observe the Memorial after sundown on Nisan 14, according to the reckoning of the Jewish calendar that was common in the first century. The Jewish day begins at sundown and extends until the following sundown. So Jesus died on the same Jewish calendar day that he instituted the Memorial. The beginning of the month of Nisan was the sunset after the new moon nearest the spring equinox became visible in Jerusalem. The Memorial date is 14 days thereafter. (Thus the date for the Memorial may not coincide with that of the Passover kept by modern-day Jews. Why not? The start of their calendar months is set to coincide with the astronomical new moon, not the visible new moon over Jerusalem, which may come 18 to 30 hours later. Also, most Jews today keep the Passover on Nisan 15, not on the 14th as did Jesus in harmony with what was stated in the Mosaic Law.) Reference: scriptures cited, please look them up in your own copy of the Bible, and the Watchtower of 2/15/03 and the publication. Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1989 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

i really don't know but it just so happens they came knocking on my door this morning. the man introduced his son as "my friend will". i thought that odd. but to each his own. i envited them in being the nice gal i am, it was cold outside. anyway, sorry for rambling, i invited him back on wednesday, so i'll ask him about that. i'm curious myself.

jenniferx... no it is no scary at all nor is it a cult i myself was raised a witness and fell away from the truth but everyone that does fall away always comes back.... even if u do except this religion into your life u still will benifit from it think about a life with morals teaching right from wrong and knowing u have many people u can rely on u will teach your children god (jehovah) and they will be raised with morals as well and knowing not to abuse their bodies with drugs and other things so yes u have chosen the right religion

April 2nd is an observance from what I heard.

aside from the memorial of christ's death, we do not have any other official celebration. this one is more like an observance. however, and i do emphasize however, jehovah's witnesses are not at all against celebrations that do not conflict with our bible trained conciense. for instance, we have our weddings, and anniversaries that we celebrate. the only difference is that usually and for the most part the drinking and revelry that goes on in the parties of other religions are pretty much non-existant. and yet we have wonderful times at these celebrations. you actually wake up the next morning feeling good about yourself and remembering what went on because you did not drink yourself into a stupor. i myself do not partake of any alcohol(for personal preference) but for those that did, it was done in moderation. so we can have and do have many occasions to celebrate. Jehovah is a happy God and delights when he sees his creation enjoying life. many are actually shocked to see how well witnesses dance. see we just don't stand around with a drink in our hands at gatherings. there's music playing, and we partake of the evening entertainment. salsa, anyone?

yes,Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding he attended with his mother! HE also recognized The Passover, I believe. did he go to immoral, drunken parties or idol worship festivals, NO. JW's like all Christians can celebrate, have fun , enjoy themselves. It is WHAT KIND that matters...

In a word, NO. They are afraid that anything they do MAY somehow be connected to some ancient ritual or Pagan festival of some sort, so they do nothing. They do drink though.