Memorial (Jehovah's Witnesses)

The Memorial of Jesus' Death and the Lord's Evening Meal, commonly referred to as the Memorial, is an annual celebration practiced by Jehovah's Witnesses that memorializes the death of Jesus Christ. Witnesses consider it the only holiday the Bible commands Christians to observe, and because of this, it is the only holiday celebrated by most Witnesses.

It is observed annually on Nisan 14, according to the Hebrew lunisolar calendar, as determined by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Celebration
For the weeks leading up to the Memorial, Witnesses hear sermons about the subject and are assigned Bible readings from chapters leading up to Jesus' death. Witnesses often invite friends, family, and the public to the Memorial, and it is considered their most important day of the year.

During the Memorial, which is always held after sunset and lasts approximately one hour, two congregational hymns (known as kingdom songs) are sung, one at the beginning and one at the end. A prayer is offered, and a talk is given on the importance of Jesus' death and how it benefits people.

At the end of the service, Witnesses observe the Lord's Evening Meal. Red wine and unleavened bread are passed among congregants. The vast majority of Witnesses do not partake in the wine and bread, as they believe that only 144,000 anointed individuals who are in the "new covenant" should partake. Most congregations have nobody partaking at the Memorial; For 2023, the Watch Tower Society reported partakers worldwide.

Location
The Memorial is usually held at Kingdom Halls&mdash;Jehovah's Witnesses' places of worship. In areas where a large attendance is expected, event venues may be rented.

Whilst there is no official dress code, Witnesses are typically expected to dress "modestly and respectfully".