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6.2.1
General Rules for Days of Observance |
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Looking at the various kinds of days of observance in the Western calendar, it is possible to discern certain patterns that allow the formulation of a small ensemble of utility rules, producing all of the various common patterns when used either singly or in combination. |
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6.2.1.1
Common Types of Days of Observance |
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At first glance, there seems to an almost bewildering array of rules for defining days of observance in the Western calendar. Neither the number of such days nor the variety of their definitional rules can be found in other calendars. |
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The following scheme is one way to classify the various days of observance by their procedural rules of definition. It is certainly not the only possible scheme, or even the best one, but it does permit classification and the development of a remarkably small set of covering rules. |
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Where the relentless application of the classification scheme has resulted in strange categories, I have resorted to drollery. |
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1.) Immovable feasts. Those defined as occurring on a fixed date. These fall into two groups, depending upon whether the rule defines a fixed date explicitly or implicitly: |
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1.1.) Explicit fixed date. Those defined as occurring on a given month and a given day. These dates are further divided by their period of repetition: |
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1.1.1.) Period of less than one year. Some days occur on fixed dates, but are defined as occurring more than once a year. The two greatest pilgrimages to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima (Portugal) occur on 1213 May and 1213 October. One event occurs more than once a year, but on fixed dates. |
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1.1.2.) Period of one year. This rule includes most events. Christmas is a popular example. |
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1.1.3.) Period of greater than one year. Some days occur on fixed dates, but at periods greater than one year. Liberation Day is celebrated in several European countries in May to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe. The Netherlands celebrates this day only on years ending in zero or five (i.e., year modulo 5 = 0), and this rule is followed in several other countries as well. Other examples of events celebrated at periods of greater than one year would include the passion play at Oberammergau (every 10 years), the Festival of the Vignerons at Vevey (every 25 years), and the Festival of the Holy Blood in Bruges (every fifth year, year modulo 5 = 2). |
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1.1.4.) Irregular periods. This rule includes days which fall on the same date, but are only declared at irregular intervals. Most married men deal with their wedding anniversary date by this rule, yielding our practical example. |
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