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. Learn about the Christian holiday’s history, meaning and traditions.
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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Tens of millions of Americans have served in the armed forces since the country’s founding. Read quotes by and about U.S. servicemembers.
Both holidays honor U.S. military personnel, but they arose for different reasons.
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Learn about the holiday and the population of American veterans today.
The November holiday is dedicated to all U.S. veterans. Formerly called Armistance Day, Veterans Day began after World War I.
The holiday takes a similar form for Hindus and others around the world.
The British holiday, celebrated with fireworks and bonfires, commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
What began as ceremonies practiced by the ancient Aztecs evolved into a holiday recognized far beyond the borders of Mexico.
For centuries, tales of a woman living in a hut on chicken legs have blurred the line between villain, helper and something more complex.
Halloween festivities have been part of White House history since the 1950s.
Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Learn all about its history, costumes, foods, Halloween movies and more.
From pagan rituals to costumes and candy corn, discover how Halloween—and its associated traditions—has evolved through the ages.
The practice can be traced to the ancient Celts, early Roman Catholics and 17th-century British politics.
