Holiday Facts and Origins

April Fools

The first written reference to April Fools Day appeared in a 1561 Flemish poem. In France, prank victims are called April fish, and paper fish are secretly taped to their backs.

Bastille Day

France celebrates Bastille Day on July 14 to mark the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789. The event symbolizes the uprising of the modern French nation.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26 in the UK and some Commonwealth nations, was traditionally a day to give boxes of goods to servants and the poor.

Carnival

Carnival is a pre-Lenten celebration marked by parades, music, and costumes. In Brazil, millions attend, while in Venice, masks play a central role in the tradition.

Christmas

Many Christmas customs come from older winter solstice festivals. The tree tradition began in Germany, and Santa Claus evolved from Saint Nicholas and Norse legends.

Diwali

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Families light oil lamps, burst fireworks, and exchange sweets during the five-day celebration.

Easter

Easter blends Christian beliefs with older spring rituals. The egg is a symbol of rebirth, and the rabbit traces back to fertility traditions in pagan Europe.

Guy Fawkes Day

Celebrated on November 5 in Britain, Guy Fawkes Day marks the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Effigies are burned on bonfires and fireworks are set off nationwide.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Jewish Temple and a miracle of oil lasting eight days. Though not a major Jewish holiday, it has grown in prominence.

Halloween

Halloween grew from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when spirits were believed to return. It was later merged with All Hallows Eve and spread across the world.

Holi

Holi is a spring festival of colors in India, celebrating love and renewal. People throw colored powders and water, often regardless of age, caste, or background.

Independence Days

Dozens of nations celebrate independence from colonial powers. India, Mexico, and the Philippines all mark dates when they declared freedom from foreign rule.

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, celebrated in China and across Asia, follows the moon calendar. Each year is linked to a zodiac animal and traditions focus on luck and renewal.

Thanksgiving

The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was a harvest meal shared between Pilgrims and Wampanoag natives. It was not declared a national holiday until 1863 by Abraham Lincoln.

Valentines Day

Valentines Day originated from Roman and Christian traditions. Its modern focus on romance became popular in the 1800s with the rise of printed cards and advertisements.

Winter Solstice

Ancient cultures celebrated the winter solstice as a time of rebirth and hope. The Norse held Yule, while Romans honored Saturnalia with feasts and gift-giving.