Affirms
Christmas and Easter observed communally; Pentecost is especially significant
Hutterites observe Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost as major Christian holy days, with communal worship services, singing of traditional Lieder, and festive meals. These holidays are celebrated in simple, communal fashion — consistent with Hutterite plain living — without commercial trappings. The focus is on worship, Scripture, community, and the meaning of the holy day.
Pentecost holds special significance as a communal holy day, consistent with the community's emphasis on the Holy Spirit and communal sharing. Like the Amish, Hutterites observe Second Christmas (December 26) and Easter Monday, reflecting their German-Austrian heritage.
Key Distinctions
- Christmas easter observed:
- observed — Christmas and Easter are core celebrations of the Christian calendar
- Biblical feasts observed:
- not formally observed; OT feasts are fulfilled in Christ
- Rationale:
- historical events of the Incarnation and Resurrection are celebrated liturgically
Scripture References
Sources
- John Hofer, The History of the Hutterites (1988)