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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Holi, often called the “festival of colors,” is a vibrant and joyful Hindu celebration that marks spring’s arrival.
St. Patrick’s Day is known for shamrocks, corned beef and music. Learn more about famous Irish and Irish-American traditions and symbols.
The White House Easter Egg Roll is an annual Easter tradition dating back to 1878 and the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes.
St. Patrick is credited with spreading Christianity in Ireland. Learn who he was, where he was born and the St. Patrick's Day holiday.
Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is one of Islam’s most important holidays, honoring the Prophet Ibrahim's sacrificial offering.
The March 17 holiday is steeped in myths. These St. Patrick’s Day facts share the fun, surprising truth about the celebration.
Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Learn all about its history, costumes, foods, Halloween movies and more.
Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, is the start of the Chinese calendar, and February 6, 2027, begins the Year of the Fire Goat (or Ram).
Most New Year’s festivities begin on December 31, New Year’s Eve, and last into January 1, New Year’s Day. The holiday has ancient roots.
Kwanzaa is a one-week holiday that ends on New Years Day. Founded in 1966, Kwanzaa combines aspects of several African harvest celebrations.
Here’s a look at 25 ways Americans have celebrated the Christmas season, from singing songs to swapping cookies and ugly sweaters.
Epiphany—Theophany or Three Kings Day—is a Christian holiday, celebrated in January, honoring the events occurring after the birth of Jesus.
The 8-day Jewish holiday known as Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt.
Santa Claus, otherwise known as St. Nicholas or Kris Kringle, has a long history steeped in Christmas holiday traditions.
Germany is credited with popularizing Christmas trees as we know them today, and by the 1800s, this tradition made its way to America.
Christmas, celebrated on December 25, is a religious holiday and a cultural phenomenon that builds upon ancient winter solstice traditions.
