Holidays
Holidays hold a special place in cultures around the world and each carry their own unique history, shaped by centuries of traditions and beliefs. From religious observances such as Yom Kippur and Ramadan to patriotic celebrations such as July Fourth and Presidents' Day, explore the stories behind the holidays.
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Lent, the 46-day period of prayer and fasting that leads up to Easter, was once a preparatory period for new converts.
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer.
The celebration of Irish culture takes place annually on March 17. Learn about the origins and history of St. Patrick’s Day in this article.
Easter celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Lunar New Year
The Chinese New Year
The 15-day-long Chinese New Year celebration originated from an ancient Chinese legend of the monster Nian.
3 Holy Spring Holidays
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Honoring the start of the year and the change of seasons are practices as old as time.
Local celebrations include parades and reenactments as well as hatchet burials, horse races and barbecue competitions.
The trees, a symbol of international friendship, initially arrived thanks to the work of travel writer Eliza Scidmore.
The most prominent secular symbol of the Christian holiday, the Easter bunny was reportedly introduced to America by German immigrants. Learn about other symbols and traditions like the Eager egg, Easter candy, Easter lilies and Easter parades.
The annual Mexican holiday marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla.
The spiritual meaning of St. Patrick’s Day dates back to the Middle Ages. The holiday largely emphasizes Irish culture today.
St. Patrick is said to have chased snakes out of Ireland, but in truth, he might never have seen one there.
Muslims around the world break their Ramadan fasts with delicious feasts on Eid al-Fitr.
Learn about the first, earliest, biggest and most famous St. Patrick's Day parades around the world, in cities including New York, Boston, Chicago and Dublin.
The color is an homage to leprechauns and Irish defiance.
St. Patrick is credited with spreading Christianity in Ireland. Learn about who he was, where he was born and the holiday honoring him.
Despite the holiday’s Irish origins, many St. Patrick’s Day traditions were born in the United States. Learn why we celebrate in America.
St. Patrick’s Day is known for shamrocks, corned beef and music. Learn more about famous Irish and American traditions and symbols.
The celebration of Irish culture takes place annually on March 17. Learn about the origins and history of St. Patrick’s Day in this article.
There are many myths about St. Patrick’s Day, including that Ireland’s patron saint was not truly Irish nor did he rid the nation of snakes.
