A MOVEABLE FEAST Meaning and
Definition
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A "moveable feast" refers to a recurring religious observance or celebration that takes place on different dates each year. The term primarily applies to the Christian liturgical calendar, where certain holidays are not fixed to a specific day but instead follow a calculated formula based on astronomical events. The most notable example of a moveable feast is Easter, which can occur between March 22 and April 25, depending on the lunar calendar. Other moveable feasts include Palm Sunday, Ash Wednesday, and Pentecost.
The reasoning behind these moveable feasts lies in the desire to fix them to specific days within certain seasonal contexts. For instance, Easter is tied to the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, ensuring that it falls sometime within the spring season. This adaptability allows for the synchronization of these religious celebrations with important natural events and theological traditions.
Beyond its religious connotation, "a moveable feast" can also be used metaphorically to describe a changeable, flexible, or mutable event or circumstance. It encapsulates the concept of something unpredictable or dynamic, as the date or occurrence of the feast is not predetermined but varies from year to year. This additional meaning can be seen in the literary sense, especially through the works of prominent authors such as Ernest Hemingway. His memoir titled "A Moveable Feast" describes his experiences as an expatriate writer in Paris during the 1920s, capturing the idea of a constantly shifting and vibrant environment.
