Pioneer Day

Pioneers have shaped U.S. history through their long journey across the plains and Rocky Mountains. However, besides learning about it in history class, not many people know that pioneers helped shape much of the history of our states and how they identify in today’s world. Pioneer Day is what it says. It’s all about the pioneers! But not just any pioneers!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took a significant part in the expansion of the United States. Because of their long travels, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now exists as a Christian religious denomination that helped form what we know today as the state of Utah.

Learn about Pioneer Day

Pioneer Day commemorates the day the very first group of the Church pioneers came to Salt Lake Valley. While the date is considered an official state holiday in Utah, celebrations take place around the world. After all, pioneers come in many different shapes and forms.

Many people use this date to celebrate pioneers in a broader context while also paying tribute to Mormons, nowadays commonly referred to as members of the Church. For the members of the Church, though, it is an especially important date. Nevertheless, local people also consider it important to recognize everyone who has contributed to the state, irrespective of their background or their religion.

History of Pioneer Day

It is considered to be an official Utah state holiday, commemorating the first arrival of pioneers to Salt Lake Valley. They were led by Brigham Young, the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from 1847 until 1877.

Young and the group of members of the Church were among the first people to establish Utah as their homeland, traveling from Nauvoo, Illinois, in fear of persecution. Their travels were sparked by the murder of their prophet and leader, Joseph Smith, in June of 1844. Making across the plains of the midwest and over the cliffs of the Rocky Mountains, many lost members due to disease from the cold winter months.

Once they reached Utah, they began farming and sending messages back to inform other members of the Church that “the promised land” had been found. Two years later, a small gathering was held to celebrate their arrival.

The holiday continued to expand as members of the Church continued to push west. Utah is considered to have one of the highest populations of members of the Church in the country, alongside states such as Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and Idaho.

Throughout the day, people shut down their offices and businesses to attend festivals, firework displays, pageants, cookouts, and rodeos. Some also go out dressed like pioneers and reenact the events of the Western expansion.

How to Celebrate Pioneer Day

Celebrate Pioneer Day by learning about the members of the Church! Explore their history as a religious denomination to further your understanding of how the members of the Church helped shape the United States!

Learn About the Church’s Beliefs

There are many interesting and surprising facts about the Church members, which you can read more about online or by picking up a book on the subject. The church has over six million members, and it claims that roughly one million people join the religion every three years. Since the 1980s, membership has more than doubled.

You can also spend some time reading about the different things that members of the Church believe in so that you can better understand the faith.

For example, most members of the Church (94%) believe that the president is actually one of God’s prophets. They also believe that ancient prophets wrote the Book of Mormon. Most of those following this religion also believe that Jesus Christ and God the Father are two separate physical beings.

The members of the Church think that families can be united together for eternity in the temple ceremonies. It is certainly interesting to read up on the faith, even if you are not a follower or believer yourself. After all, it can always help to broaden our horizons and see things from a different perspective, right?

Attend a Festival

Take the day off and head to a rodeo or festival. Teach people about the importance of Western expansion for the United States. You can also share the holiday on social media, sharing the history of pioneers everywhere.

There are many different events that take place in Salt Lake Valley on this date. The most famous is the Days of ‘47 Parade, which features a procession of entertainers, bands, clowns, horses, and floats. There are also Native American Celebrations, as well as the Days of ‘47 Rodeo and Float Preview Party. In addition, you can spend time reading up about them online and checking out the photographs on blogs and social media.

You can also use these events for inspiration, hosting your event to celebrate Pioneer Day. You could turn it into an event for the entire community. Or, you could have a few loved ones around your home and enjoy Pioneer Day together. The choice is yours.