December 21

Armed Forces Day commemorates the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines by President Manuel L. Quezon on December 21, 1935. It is a day dedicated to recognizing the dedication, courage, and sacrifice of Filipino military personnel across land, sea, and air branches. Festivities often include military parades, wreath-laying ceremonies at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig, and exhibitions of military equipment. Schools, local governments, and civic groups participate in events to foster public support and national pride. The day also serves as a reminder of the military's role in securing the nation and promoting peace.

Christian feast day on December 21 includes multiple observances in various Christian traditions. The day begins with the recitation of the seventh O Antiphon 'O Oriens' during Advent Vespers in Western Christianity, symbolizing the rising of Christ. The Roman Catholic Church celebrates the memorial of Saint Peter Canisius, a 16th-century Jesuit and Doctor of the Church known for his role in the Counter-Reformation. Some Western calendars also honor Saint Thomas the Apostle, one of the Twelve Apostles and patron saint of architects and blind people. In Eastern Orthodox liturgics, the date includes additional commemorations, reflecting the richness of the Synaxarion. The celebrations emphasize themes of anticipation, revelation, and apostolic witness.

First proclaimed in 1769, Forefathers' Day commemorates the anniversary of the Pilgrims' arrival at Plymouth Rock on December 21, 1620. Plymouth residents mark the occasion with a candlelight procession through the historic district, colonial pageants, and educational talks. Descendants of the original settlers gather at Cole's Hill for a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the courage and perseverance of their forebears. Local schools incorporate the day's history into lessons on early American colonial life and governance. The observance fosters community pride and reflection on the Pilgrims' quest for religious freedom and democratic self-rule.

São Tomé Day celebrates the day Portuguese navigator João de Santarém and shipmaster Pêro Escobar first sighted the island of São Tomé on December 21, 1471. Recognized as a public holiday across São Tomé and Príncipe, the day features flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, and official speeches by government leaders. Traditional music, dance, and gastronomic fairs showcase the nation's rich multicultural heritage. Schools and community groups hold exhibitions on the island's colonial history and its path to independence. The holiday reinforces national identity and pays tribute to the resilience of its people.

O Oriens, Latin for 'O Rising Sun,' is one of the seven Greater Antiphons chanted during the final days of Advent in Western Christian liturgical tradition. Assigned to December 21, it invokes Christ as the true light who illuminates both the world and the souls of believers. The antiphon is traditionally sung or recited during evening prayer services in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. Its poetic verses blend Old Testament prophecy with New Testament fulfillment, creating a mood of expectant reverence. The antiphons collectively lead up to Christmas Eve, with each day highlighting a different title of the Messiah and deepening the spiritual preparation for the Nativity.

Saint Peter Canisius (1521-1597) was a Dutch Jesuit priest, theologian, and a key figure in the Counter-Reformation who worked tirelessly to revive Catholicism in Germany and Central Europe. His feast day on December 21 celebrates his contributions to education, including founding Jesuit colleges and authoring the influential 'Summa Doctrinae Christianae'. He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1925 in recognition of his clear teaching and defense of doctrine. Liturgical celebrations include Mass readings on his writings and hymns highlighting his zeal for faith and learning. Many Catholic schools and parishes named after him commemorate the day with special services and educational programs.

Saint Thomas the Apostle, often known as 'Doubting Thomas', was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and is celebrated for his profound confession of faith, 'My Lord and my God'. His feast on December 21 honors both his mission to India, where he is venerated as the apostle who brought Christianity to the subcontinent, and his witness to the Resurrection. Liturgical services feature readings from the Gospels recounting his encounter with the risen Christ and hymns reflecting on faith and doubt. In some Christian traditions, the day includes blessings of resources carried by missionaries, symbolizing his evangelizing spirit. Pilgrimages to sites traditionally associated with his mission continue to be a living testimony to his enduring legacy.

On December 21, Eastern Orthodox Churches observe the Forefeast of the Nativity, entering the final stretch of the Nativity Fast with special hymns and liturgical texts that anticipate the coming of Christ. The day is enriched by the remembrance of saints and prophets from both the Old and New Testaments, as listed in the liturgical calendar, underscoring continuity in God's plan of salvation. Vespers services include chanted Stichera and prokeimena reflecting themes of light and prophecy. The faithful attend the Divine Liturgy, where readings focus on the prophetic announcements of the Messiah's birth. The combination of fasting, prayer, and hymnody fosters spiritual preparation and communal reflection as Christmas approaches.