Posts Tagged ‘Holidays’

What is Valentine’s Day?

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

Valentine's DayEvery February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine’s Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

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What is Thanksgiving?

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

Thanksgiving Dinner PlanningThanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a traditional North American holiday to give thanks at the conclusion of the harvest season. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada.

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What is Saint Patrick’s Day?

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

Saint Patricks DaySaint Patrick’s Day (Irish: Lá ’le Pádraig or Lá Fhéile Pádraig), colloquially St. Paddy’s Day or Paddy’s Day, is an annual feast day which celebrates Saint Patrick (circa 385–461), one of the patron saints of Ireland. It takes place on 17 March, the date on which Patrick is held to have died. (more…)

What is New Year’s Eve?

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

Each year as the countdown to bring in the New Year begins, New Year’s Eve revelers all over the world, make a promise to themselves, a resolution for the New Year. This usually involves giving up something, taking on something or a general change of some sort.

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What is Mother’s Day?

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

Mother's DayMother’s Day is a day honoring mothers, celebrated on various days in many places around the world. Mothers often receive gifts on this day.

Ancient origins

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What is Mardi Gras?

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

Mardi GrasMardi Gras (French for “Fat Tuesday”) is the day before Ash Wednesday, and is also called “Shrove Tuesday” or “Pancake Day”. It is the final day of Carnival. It is a celebration that is held just before the beginning of the Christian liturgical season of Lent.

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