Rogation days
| Rogation days | |
|---|---|
Blessing the Fields on Rogation Sunday at Hever, Kent, in 1967 | |
| Observed by | Christians |
| Liturgical color | Violet |
| Observances | Fasting and processions |
| Date | 25 April (Major) Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday preceding Ascension Thursday (Minor) |
| 2025 date | 25 April; 26–28 May |
| Duration | 4 days (non-consecutive) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Related to | Ascension Thursday |
Rogation days, also known as Rogationtide, are days of prayer and fasting in Western Christianity. They are observed with processions and the Litany of the Saints. The so-called major rogation is held on 25 April; the minor rogations are held on Monday to Wednesday preceding Ascension Thursday. In the Ambrosian Rite minor rogations were celebrated on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday after Ascension, preparing to celebrate Pentecost. The word rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning "to ask", which reflects the beseeching of God for the appeasement of his anger and for protection from calamities.
Rogation Sunday is celebrated on the 5th Sunday after Easter (also known as the 6th Sunday of Easter) in the Anglican tradition. This day is also known in the Lutheran tradition as Rogate Sunday.