Christmas
The colors red and green have become synonymous with Christmas. These colors, in fact, were inspired by Jesus Christ. Green symbolizes eternal life, and red represents the blood Jesus shed during his crucifixion. Scholars date the tradition of red and green at Christmas to the 1300s. While red and green are associated with Christmas, this is merely one of many ways to remember Christ. Here are just a few of the reasons why they’re significant to our holidays.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors military members who have died while in service. It is traditionally observed on the last Monday in May, though it was first observed on May 30 from 1868 until 1970. But there are some traditions and customs that go with this day that people may not know. Here are five:
Labor Day
The first Monday in September is federally recognized as the Labor Day holiday in the United States. This holiday celebrates the American labor movement and the contributions of laborers to the United States. Here are some ways to celebrate the holiday:
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, or the harvest festival, is a national holiday in the United States, Canada, and several other countries. It is also celebrated in Saint Lucia, Grenada, Liberia, and Japan. Its origins date back to ancient times when Americans celebrated the harvest as a day of giving thanks. Germany and Japan also observe similar festival holidays. To celebrate the harvest, Americans gather at home with family and friends. The holiday is the perfect time to reflect on the year that’s passed, to look back on the blessings of the previous harvest, and to look forward to the new year.
Christmas Eve
Different cultures around the world celebrate Christmas Eve in different ways. While the events and festivities vary by country and region, many share similar elements. These include gathering with family and friends to sing Christmas carols, illumination of Christmas lights, feasting, and gift-exchanging. Christmas is one of the most important periods of the Christian calendar, and is often closely tied to other holidays at this time of year. The following are just a few of the customs associated with Christmas Eve.
New Year’s Eve
Throughout history, people have observed a New Year festival to mark the passage of time. This celebration has been associated with the birth of a baby and the old man representing the year past. The Romans named the month January after the god Janus, who had two faces. The tradition of making resolutions to improve one’s life dates back to ancient times. Robert Burns, a Scottish poet, rewrote the popular ballad “Auld Lang Syne” to mark the occasion.
All Saints’ Day
All Hallows’ Day, All Saints’ Day, Solemnity of All Souls, and Hallowmas are all names given to the holiday celebrated on November 1 each year. As its name suggests, it honors the saints of the church. But why is it so important? And what are the traditions surrounding All Saints’ Day? We’ll discuss them below. The festival is celebrated worldwide. Here are some fun facts about All Saints’ Day.
All Saints’ Day in South Africa
In many countries, All Saints’ Day is a national holiday, and the tradition of placing flowers on the graves of deceased loved ones is particularly popular. It’s also celebrated in Mexico, where families often pay tribute to deceased relatives by leaving flowers. In Eastern Europe, candles are left on graves in lieu of flowers, and in the Philippines, relatives paint or repair their deceased loved ones’ graves. Regardless of where you live in the world, you’re sure to find something special and fun to do on All Saints Day.
New Year’s Eve in the United States
The Times Square ball drop is a major American tradition, and takes place almost every year. The confetti-filled orb has ballooned to over twelve feet in diameter and weighs more than one thousand pounds. Various towns throughout the United States have adapted this tradition to their own, with some dropping possums at midnight. Regardless of the location, many people come together to celebrate the beginning of a new year and the promise of better times ahead.
All Saints’ Day in Canada
While the traditions and customs of All Hallows’ Day and All Saints’ Day differ in different parts of the world, many Christians celebrate this day on the same day. You can join in the festivities by celebrating a local feast or holding a memorial service in honour of the deceased. Whatever way you celebrate, remember to think of those you love and miss. If you’re looking for something fun to do in Canada this All Hallows’ Day, consider a few of these activities and ideas.