Observances & Traditions
From religious and patriotic holidays to celebrations of ethnic pride, explore the history of Easter, New Year's Day, Veterans Day and more annual observances, plus traditions and rituals that take place all year long.
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Native American Heritage Month is a federal observance held each November to honor American Indians and Alaska Natives.
The idea dates back to 1895—and has been controversial ever since.
The Veterans Day holiday honors military veterans on November 11.
The winter solstice is the day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight. Humans may have celebrated the winter solstice as far back as the Stone Age.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year in San Francisco
New Year's celebrations in China are thousands of years old, but across the Pacific, the holiday took on a life of its own.
3 Holidays Honoring U.S. Military Personnel
Armed Forces Day
Celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May, Armed Forces Day thanks those currently serving in the military for their service. It was created in 1949 by then-Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days.
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Muslims around the world break their Ramadan fasts with delicious feasts on Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
It's been a symbol of power and prestige across centuries.
Easter celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The idea dates back to 1895—and has been controversial ever since.
The holidays both celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but have some different traditions and are based on different calendars.
The annual Mexican holiday marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla.
Holi, often called the “festival of colors,” is a vibrant Hindu celebration welcoming spring.
Purim is a joyful Jewish holiday, typically in March, that honors the salvation of the Jewish people from a near massacre in ancient Persia.
Local celebrations include parades and reenactments as well as hatchet burials, horse races and barbecue competitions.
Arbor Day is a holiday that celebrates the planting, upkeep and preservation of trees. It is celebrated each year in April.
The Chinese tradition has spread to other Asian cultures.
Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, marks the start of the Chinese lunar calendar. Celebrations honor deities and ancestors.
