Mormon Traditions

Mormons believe in an unfolding plan created by God for each and every one of His children and are guided by modern prophets.

Mormon couples marrying in temples make a vow of eternal commitment, which may help explain why Mormons have such low divorce rates. Their traditions help keep families focused on what matters most.

Family Prayer

There’s an old saying, “the family that prays together stays together.” Mormon families take this to heart by holding family prayer services and scripture study regularly as well as encouraging each member of their household to pray and study on their own.

Mormons believe in an eternal family, which makes them very family-oriented. Many Mormons have large families as a result. They’re not afraid to live on less money or pursue lesser careers so that their children can receive proper upbringing; knowing that time flies quickly by and that these children will always remain part of them forever.

Churches realize this is why babies and small children do not separate themselves from main worship services, believing this to be a vital lesson for them. Family prayer offers another great opportunity for teaching your children about God’s unconditional love for all mankind.

Family Home Evening

“Families that pray together stay together,” is an old adage that holds especially true among Mormons who regularly hold family home evenings.

Mormons set aside one night per week – typically Monday – for religious instruction and family fun, known as family home evening (FHE) meetings. Since its creation in 1916, these weekly family gatherings have gained new significance over time.

FHEs provide parents an opportunity to teach their children both through words and examples that reflect their commitment to living out their beliefs. FHEs teach children that home should be a place of love and unity and families should last forever – according to Church leaders (Teachings of Presidents: Joseph Fielding Smith Chapter 16) participation in FHE is linked with increased happiness, success and wellbeing in households that participate. FHE can be an amazing way to introduce fun Mormon traditions with your own family!

Family Vacations

An exciting family vacation doesn’t necessarily need to mean just relaxing on a beach; it can also involve touring historical battlefields in 90-degree heat or spending hours exploring museums. Whatever its destination or activities are, vacations play an integral part in Mormon life and provide families with the opportunity to connect and create lasting memories together.

As do many Americans, Latter-day Saints observe national holidays and birthdays. Additionally, they follow a calendar of sacred events including weekly sacrament meetings and daily scripture study.

Mormons devote considerable effort and time to genealogy research, searching attics, drawers, and phone numbers for information about ancestors. According to Mormon beliefs, genealogy is one of the most vital practices both on earth and in spirit world; Mormon temple work also incorporates this practice as they stand in as proxy for dead loved ones to receive blessings in return.

Family Dinner

Family dinner is an integral part of Mormon traditions and practices, providing an opportunity to pause and appreciate all that life offers us while strengthening relationships among family members. Mormons traditionally bless their food before eating to remind themselves that it comes from God and to take good care in taking nourishment for their bodies.

Mormons have long been noted for their culinary skills, an art that dates back to church founders’ concern with healthy living and diet. A key scripture, The Word of Wisdom, contains diet restrictions which emphasize eating only fruits, vegetables and grains rather than meat products.

Casseroles are an easy and satisfying meal option for Mormon families. Perfect for make ahead and freeze consumption, casseroles can even provide comfort after an emotional time such as funeral or memorial services. Funeral potatoes is one such dish often enjoyed as it contains hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese and corn flake topping – typically enjoyed following funeral services but can bring comfort anytime of the year.