Celebration dedicated to a saint - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Celebration dedicated to a saint," is a classic example of a straightforward, definition-style clue. These are the bread and butter of many crossword puzzles, especially earlier in the week. They test your vocabulary and general knowledge directly, without any tricky wordplay. Let's break down how to approach this clue and understand the context behind the answer.

Clue Analysis

The clue is composed of two key parts: "Celebration" and "dedicated to a saint." The solver's task is to find a single term that encapsulates this entire concept.

• "Celebration" points to a festival, holiday, or special observance.
• "Dedicated to a saint" specifies the purpose of this celebration. It's not just any party; it's one with a specific religious focus on a canonized individual.

The combination of these two ideas leads directly to a specific term used primarily within Christian traditions.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, a few mental pathways can lead you to the answer:

1. Direct Association: The most direct route is to simply ask yourself, "What is the name for a day that celebrates a saint?" If the term is in your vocabulary, it will likely come to mind quickly.

2. Example-Based Reasoning: Think of famous examples that fit the clue. St. Patrick's Day, St. Valentine's Day, and St. Nicholas Day are all celebrations dedicated to saints. What is the general term for these types of holidays? This can help you work backward to the more generic answer.

3. Compound Word Analysis: If you get a few letters from crossing clues, you might suspect it's a compound word. The "celebration" part of the clue might make you think of a feast, and the dedication to a specific time points to a day. Combining these gives you the answer.

Background Context

The answer refers to a concept central to the liturgical calendar in many Christian denominations, including Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Anglicanism. A feast day (or feast) is a day set aside to commemorate a particular saint, a biblical event (like the Annunciation), or an aspect of faith. These days are often marked with special church services, prayers, and sometimes communal meals or festivals, hence the term "feast."

While the term is most strongly associated with saints, it can also apply to other significant religious anniversaries. The specific date is often the anniversary of the saint's death, which is considered their "heavenly birthday."

Conclusion

This clue is a great example of how a crossword puzzle can test your knowledge of cultural and religious terminology. By breaking down the clue into its core components and using association or example-based thinking, solvers can confidently arrive at the answer. Recognizing these direct definition clues is a key skill for building speed and accuracy in your solving journey.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think of an annual religious observance.
2. Hint 2: This term often refers to a specific date on the calendar associated with a holy figure.
3. Hint 3: It's a compound word. The first part can mean a large meal, and the second part is a unit of time.
4. Hint 4: St. Patrick's Day is a famous example of one of these.

The answer is FEASTDAY.