jubilee

A specially celebrated anniversary, especially a 50th anniversary.

The celebration of such an anniversary.

A season or occasion of joyful celebration.

Jubilation; rejoicing.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, a year of rest to be observed by the Israelites every 50th year, during which slaves were to be set free, alienated property restored to the former owners, and the lands left untilled.

A year during which plenary indulgence may be obtained by the performance of certain pious acts.

Among the ancient Jews, according to the law in Lev. xxv., a semi-centennial epoch of general restoration and emancipation, when liberty was to be proclaimed throughout the land with the blowing of trumpets.

In the Roman Catholic Church, a year in which remission from the penal consequences of sin is granted by the church to those who repent and perform certain acts.

Now, in general, the completion of the fiftieth year of any continuous course of existence or activity, or a celebration of the completion of fifty years, whether on the anniversary day or in a succession of festivities or observances: as, the jubilee of a town or of a, pastorate; the jubilee of Queen Victoria.