Easter

Easter is a time of springtime festivals. In Christian countries Easter is celebrated as the religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. In Christian countries Easter is celebrated as the religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. But the celebrations of Easter have many customs and legends that are pagan in origin and have nothing to do with Christianity.

Traditions associated with the festival survive in the Easter rabbit, a symbol of fertility, and in colored Easter eggs, originally painted with bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring, and used in Easter-egg rolling contests or given as gifts.

Easter is a spring festival. In Christian countries, Easter is a religious holiday held in honor of the resurrection of Christ Jesus. But there are many customs and legends of Easter whose origins are non-religious and which have nothing to do with Christianity. Some of the traditions closely associated with the holiday are the Easter hare, which is used as a symbol of reproductive growth, and the Easter egg. They were first painted in bright colors to represent the spring sunshine. These eggs can also be used to play egg rolling competitions or given as small gifts.

Thanksgiving

The first American Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, to commemorate the harvest reaped by the Plymouth Colony after a harsh winter. In that year Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving. The colonists celebrated it as a traditional English harvest feast, to which they invited the English to participate. The colonists celebrated it as a traditional English harvest feast, to which they invited the local Wampanoag Indians.

Days of thanksgiving were celebrated throughout the colonies after fall harvests. All thirteen colonies did not, however, celebrate Thanksgiving at the same time until October 1777. George Washington was the first president George Washington was the first president to declare the holiday, in 1789.

The first American Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, in honor of the people of the Plymouth Colony who were celebrating a bountiful harvest after a poor and barren winter. In that year, Governor William Bradford proclaimed that day as Thanksgiving. The colonists celebrated it as a traditional English harvest holiday, and on that day they also invited the local Wampanoag Indians. The holiday of thanksgiving continued throughout the fall harvest season, but the other thirteen colonies did not celebrate the holiday until October 1777. George Washington proclaimed it a holiday in 1789, and he was the first president to proclaim Thanksgiving.

Valentine's Day

The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

So, who was St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harshly. attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, in some cases, a "heroic" one. sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

The history of Valentine's Day is full of mystery, but we know that February has been a romantic month for a long time. Valentine's Day has traces of both Christianity and ancient Roman traditions. Valentine's Day is also known as St. Valentine's Day. There are so many legends about Valentine's Day. One of them is that in the 3rd century, Claudius II, the emperor of ancient Rome, believed that celibate men were better at war than men with wives and families, so he outlawed marriage, which cut off the source of soldiers. Realizing the fallacy of this decree, Valentine, a priest, publicly opposed it and secretly performed marriages for young people; when Claudius II found out, he had Valentine executed.

Fathers' Day

In the 1900s, Fathers' Day was created when Sonora Louise Smart Dodd wanted to express her deep appreciation to her own father, William Smart. appreciation to her own father, William Smart, who was widowed when his wife died at giving birth. Mr. Smart raised his six children on a rural farm in eastern Washington State. When Ms. Dodd was growing she wanted to show her appreciation to her father. So, in 1909, she proposed a day to honor her father in June (the month of her father's birthday). So, in 1909, she proposed a day to honor her father in June (the month of her father's birth).

The very first Fathers' Day followed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge showed support of this becoming a national holiday. However, it wasn't until 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson officially proclaimed Fathers' Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June. the 3rd Sunday of June.

Father's Day arose in the early twentieth century when Suna Louise Small Dodd wanted to honor her father, William Small. Her father had been a widower after his wife died in childbirth. Mr. Shimer raised his six children alone on his farm in Eastern Washington. As Ms. Dodd grew into adulthood, she felt the need to honor her father. So, in 1909 she proposed to honor her father on a day in June. (Her father's birthday was in June). The first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910 in Washington, D.C., by Spurgeon.In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge showed his support and established this as a national holiday. However, it wasn't until 1966 that President Lyndon Johnson officially proclaimed the third Sunday in June as Father's Day to be celebrated formally across the country.

Mothers' Day

The earliest Mother's Day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday". Celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent. In the United States Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe as a day dedicated to peace. By 1911 Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state.

While many countries of the world celebrate their own Mother's Day at different times throughout the year, there are many countries where Mother's Day is celebrated. At different times throughout the year, there are some countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium which also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May.

The earliest celebrations of Mother's Day can be traced back to the springtime festivities of ancient Greece, honoring Yohi, the mother of the gods. In the 17th century, England celebrated a holiday called "Mothering Sunday" on the fourth Sunday of Lent. In the United States, Mother's Day was first introduced in 1872 by Julia Ward Haugh as a holiday focused on peace. By 1911, Mother's Day was celebrated in almost all states.

While Mother's Day is celebrated at different times around the world, many countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia and Belgium celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May.

(Note: A story in the Bible-New Testament of the devil tempting Jesus. It says that the devil trapped Jesus in the wilderness and did not feed Him for 40 days, and that Jesus did not accept the devil's temptation even though He was hungry. Later, in honor of Jesus' wilderness fast during those 40 days, believers made the 40 days before Easter each year a time of fasting and penance for themselves, called Lent or Lent. It is said that the ancient Greek and Roman festivals of the god of wood and the god of wine were its predecessors. These 40 days, people can not eat meat, entertainment, life is solemn and dull, so in the week or half a week before the start of Lent, people will be dedicated to holding banquets, balls, indulgence and joy. Later, such a day gradually evolved into a religious holiday, called "Carnevale" in Latin, which means: "farewell to meat". Carnevale is translated as Carnival or Mardi Gras in English.) Not many people observe Lent and other observances today, but the tradition of Carnevale has been preserved and has become an important holiday for the people.)

Boxing Day

In England a long time ago...

Servants were required to work on Christmas. They were responsible for making the holiday run smoothly for wealthy landowners. They were allowed to take leave on December 26th and visit their families. In addition, around the 800s' churches opened their alms boxes (boxes where people place monetary donations) and distributed the contents to poor. In addition, around the 800s' churches opened their alms boxes (boxes where people place monetary donations) and distributed the contents to poor.

In England today...

Few people have servants but the custom of giving gifts or money to those who provide service continues. It is also popular to visit grandparents and shop (the after Christmas discounts begin). Many people get the day off from work. Boxing Day is also celebrated in places where the English have settled like Australia, New Zealand and Canada. friends in Scotland tell us it is also celebrate there! Some places observe Boxing Day on December 26th and some celebrate it on the first weekday following Christmas, so, if Christmas falls on the first weekday of the year, it is celebrated on the first weekday of the year. Christmas, so, if Christmas falls on Friday or Saturday Boxing Day would be on the following Monday.

Now, the actual origin of this holiday is

Now, the actual origin of this holiday is debatable and has been debated, one idea being more popular than the other at a given time.

Once upon a time, since servants had to work on Christmas Day, they were allowed to take the first day off after the holiday. Employers got into the habit of preparing gift boxes and giving them to the servants before they went home. To this day, families with servants are rare. But the habit of giving gifts to those in the service industry continues.

Halloween (Halloween Eve)

Halloween is an annual celebration. The word itself, "Halloween," actually has its origins in the Catholic Church. November 1, "All Hollows Day" (or "All Saints Day"), is a Catholic day of observance in honor of saints One story says that, on that day, the disembodied spirits of all those who had died throughout the world were not allowed to die. One story says that, on that day, the disembodied spirits of all those who had died throughout the preceding year would come back in search of living bodies to possess for the next year. The Celts believed all laws of space and time were suspended during this time, allowing the spirit world to intermingle with the living.

Naturally, the still-living did not want to be possessed. So on the night of October 31, villagers would extinguish the fires in their homes, to make them cold and cold. So on the night of October 31, villagers would extinguish the fires in their homes, to make them cold and undesirable. They would then dress up in all manner of ghoulish costumes and noisily paraded around the neighborhood, being as destructive as possible in their lives. They would then dress up in all manner of ghoulish costumes and noisily paraded around the neighborhood, being as destructive as possible in order to frighten away spirits looking for bodies to possess.

So, although some cults may have adopted So, although some cults may have adopted Halloween as their favorite "holiday," the day itself did not grow out of evil practices. It grew out of the rituals of Celts celebrating a new year, and out of Medieval prayer rituals of Europeans. And today, even many churches have Halloween parties or pumpkin carving events for the kids.

Halloween The word itself is of Catholic origin. November 1, "All Hollows Day" (or "All Saints Day"), known as All Saints' Day, is a Catholic day used for ceremonies to honor saints. One theory is that on that day, the floating souls of the previously dead come back to seek possession of living beings for the next year's resurrection. They believe this is the only hope for reincarnation. The believers are convinced that all time and space is suspended during this time, so that the spirit world can mix with our living space. Naturally, the living don't want to be possessed, so on the night of October 30th, the villagers extinguish the fires in their homes and make them so cold that no one wants to come. They also go out on the streets dressed in various ghost-like costumes and make as much damage as possible to scare away the ghosts that are looking for people to possess them. So, while some believers may have accepted All Hallows Eve as their favorite holiday, the day itself is not rooted in evil practices, but rather in Celtic New Year's celebrations and medieval European prayer rituals. Today, even many churches hold All Hallows' Eve parties or have children carve pumpkin lanterns and knock on doors at homes to play TRICK OR TREAT.

April Fool's Day

Unlike most of the other nonfoolish holidays, the history of April Fool's Day, sometimes called All Fool's Day, is not totally clear. There really wasn't a "first April Fool's Day" that can be pinpointed on the calendar. Some believe it sort of evolved simultaneously in Some believe it sort of evolved simultaneously in several cultures at the same time, from celebrations involving the first day of spring.

The closest point in time that can be identified as the

The closest point in time that can be identified as the beginning of this tradition was in 1582, in France. Prior to that year, the New Year was celebrated for eight days, beginning on March 25. With the reform of the calendar under Charles IX, the Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved to January 1. p>

However, in the days when news traveled by foot, many people did not receive the news for several years. Others, the more obstinate crowd, refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate. Others, the more obstinate crowd, refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1. These backward folk were labeled as "fools" by the general populace. subject to some ridicule, and were often sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt of other practical jokes.

In France before 1582, New Year's Day was celebrated from March 25th, culminating on April 1st. culminating on April 1. Then the calendar was reformed and the New Year was moved to January 1st. But in those days of poor information, news traveled at a snail's pace. Moreover, some stubborn people rejected the new calendar and continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1st. The rest of the people called those stubborn people "fools" and made fun of them by asking them to do something stupid.

(The following additions are American holidays)

HOLIDAYS IN THE UNITED STATES

There are three types of holidays in the United States: political holidays, traditional holidays, and religious holidays. There are more political holidays than any other type. The most important political holiday is Independence Day, the fourth day of the month. Independence Day, the fourth of July. On this day we celebrate our independence from Great Britain. Most people spend the day with their family and friends . Picnics and barbecues are very popular. In addition, almost every city and town has a fireworks display at night. Another very important political holiday is Memorial Day, which falls on the first day of July. Another very important political holiday is Memorial Day, which falls on the last weekend in May. On this holiday we commemorate all the soldiers who died for our country. Many towns and cities have parades, and some people are not aware of the importance of this holiday. cities have parades, and some people go to cemeteries and put flowers or flags on the soldiers' graves. A third important political holiday is Labor Day, which we celebrate on Labor Day. A third important political holiday is Labor Day, which we celebrate on the first Monday in September. This is the day when we honor the workers of the United States. People watch parades, go on picnics, or go to the United States. For students, Labor Day is a bittersweet holiday, because when it is over they must begin school again. Besides these three political holidays, we also must begin school again. Besides these three political holidays, we also celebrate Presidents' Day on the third Monday in February. On this day we commemorate the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.