Catholics celebrate the conception of Christ in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There are a lot of misconceptions about the feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is celebrated 17 days before Christmas, on December 8.
History:
The word “immaculate” refers that the mother of Jesus Christ herself conceived without involving in any sin. Catholic Churches have faith that Mary was free from sin throughout her life. They celebrate another feast called “Annunciation of the lord” that took place nine months before Christmas when Mary humbly accepted the conception of Jesus Christ bestowed on her by God.
Celebrations:
At the base of the Columns Della Immacolata in Rome, the pope places a wreath on the 12-meters tall statue of the Virgin Mary. People hang a floral wreath around the arm of the statue.
Families host dinners at home. Celebrations are also carried out in the streets. The Feast of Immaculate Conception is a public holiday.
People honor and pray for Jesus Christ through his mother, Mary.
Symbols:
In celebrations, we can see different paintings, statues, and artwork that represent the Immaculate Conception. They show Mary dressed in white and blue, standing on a raised place and having a crown of stars around her head.
In Guam, more than 300 years ago, a statue was found and named Our Lady of Camarin, and it is connected with the Feast of Immaculate Conception. The crown of the statue was studded with jewels and placed on a cap of natural hair.
