Holidays
Andrew Bedno's Summary of Holidays Commonly Observed in North America.
This document was originally compiled in 1995, and published on early web.
In 1997 it was ported to Palm Pilot schedule format, allowing early pocket organizer users for the first time to import an accurate and complete set of standard holidays directly into their calendar. That version was widely published, maintained for years, and installed by thousands. This document is no longer actively maintained, but remains generally useful.
Periodic •
January •
February •
March •
April •
May •
June •
July •
August •
September •
October •
November •
December •
Future
Periodic ^
Approximately every 28 days:
Full Moon.
Day in each month when the moon appears fullest. Time varies.
A "blue moon" refers to the rare second full moon in a
single month.
January ^
January 1st:
New Year's Day.
First day of the year. New Year's Day is often observed by the
making of New Year's resolutions, personal commitments to
specific behavioral changes.
New Year's Day is a legal holiday.
January 6th:
Epiphany.
Epiphany, a Christian holiday, observes the visit of the Magi to
the baby Jesus, 12 days after Christmas. Some Eastern Christians
observe this date as Christmas, and Epiphany on January 19th.
January 8th:
Elvis Presley's Birthday.
Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo MS in 1935, and died on August
16th, 1977. Often referred to as the king of rock and roll. Observed
by enjoying Elvis memorabilia, his 33 films, music and impersonators.
January 17th:
Benjamin Franklin's Birthday.
Born in Boston MA in 1706, one of thirteen children of a puritan family,
died in Philadelphia on April 17th, 1790. Day to remember the great early
American scientist, thinker and statesman. Franklin is remembered
for his Poor Richard's Almanac, the discovery of the electrical
nature of lightning leading to the invention of the lightning rod,
and for his political activities in pre-revolutionary America.
Because Franklin recommended thrift, some schools start a Thrift Week
on his birthday.
January 20th:
Start of Aquarius astrological sign.
Aquarius, the water bearer.
January 20th (every fourth year):
Inauguration Day.
Begins the term of a newly elected president.
Third Monday in January:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
This day is set aside in the United states to honor the memory of the
famed civil rights leader. Born on January 15th, 1929 in Atlanta GA,
he fought segregation through the 1950s and 60s. He was shot and
killed on April 4th, 1968 in Memphis TN by James Earl Ray. This day
is used to reflect on issues of civil rights and racial equality.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a legal holiday.
January 30th:
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Birthday.
The 32nd president of the United States, he was born in New York in 1882
to a wealthy family, and died in office in April 1945. He held office for
an unprecedented four terms, leading America through the great
depression and World War II.
February ^
Late January, Early February (second new moon after winter solstice):
Chinese New Year.
Start of Chinese year, which is based on a lunar calendar. Observed
with 14 days of joyous festivities.
February:
Black History Month.
February contains the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist
Frederick Douglass. During February recognition is given to the
achievements and contributions of African Americans. This holiday
was initiated by Carter G. Woodson in February 1926.
February 2nd:
Groundhog Day.
According to folklore, the groundhog (or woodchuck) emerges from
hibernation on this day. If the day is sunny and the groundhog sees
his shadow, legend holds that there will be six more weeks of winter.
Alternately, a cloudy day signals an early spring. This is celebrated
with particular vigor in Punxsutawney, PA.
February 2nd:
Candlemas.
Commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Observed in
northern Europe much like groundhog day. In some areas it marks the
beginning of spring planting. This day is used for the consecration
of church candles for the year.
February 8th:
Boy Scout Day.
Anniversary of the incorporation of the Boy Scouts of America in
1910.
February 11th:
Thomas Alva Edison's Birthday.
Day to remember the extremely successful inventor and entrepreneur,
credited with the invention of the electric lightbulb and the
phonograph. Edison was born in Milan Ohio in 1847 and died on October
18th, 1931.
February 12th:
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday.
Day to remember the 16th president of the United states who presided
during the Civil War. He was born in Kentucky in 1809. Lincoln was
shot and killed in the Ford Theater in Washington by John Wilkes Booth
just five days after the end of the war. Lincoln's birthday is observed
later in February, on President's Day.
February 14th:
Valentine's Day.
Day to exchange messages of love with the object of one's romantic
interest. Typically observed through the gifting of roses and heart
shaped boxes of chocolates. The day gets its name from the Christian
saint Valentine.
February 19th:
Start of Pisces astrological sign.
Pisces, the fishes.
Third Monday in February:
President's Day.
Day to observe the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham
Lincoln.
President's Day is a legal holiday.
February 22nd:
George Washington's Birthday.
Day to remember George Washington, the first president of the United
States and commander in chief of the Continental army during the
American Revolution. He was born in 1732 and died of an illness on
December 14th, 1799. Washington's birthday is observed on President's
Day.
March ^
Late February, Early March (3 days preceding Lent):
Carnival.
Also known as Shrovetide. Carnival, a Christian holiday, is the name
given to the three days of festivities culminating on Mardi Gras.
Carnival is the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday.
Late February, Early March (Tuesday before Ash Wednesday):
Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday), a Christian holiday, is the last
day of the period of carnival preceding Ash Wednesday. This name has
come to represent the entire carnival period. Mardi Gras is
celebrated on a particularly large scale in New Orleans, Rio de
Janeiro, and Nice. In those cities, Mardi Gras is celebrated with
music, costumes, parades and dancing.
Late February, Early March (First day of Lent):
Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday, a Christian holiday, is the first day of Lent and the
seventh Wednesday preceding Easter. The name originates from the
ritual of placing ashes on worshippers foreheads, symbolizing death
and sorrow for sin.
Late February, Early March (One month period preceding Easter):
Lent.
Lent, a Christian holiday, is a 40 day period of penitence, prayer
and fasting preceding Easter. Observance of Lent begins six and one
half weeks before Easter, on Ash Wednesday. Over time, the fasting
has been de-emphasized, and the importance of prayer and works of
charity has grown. Lent was first observed in the 4th century.
February or March:
Purim.
Purim, a Jewish holiday, is observed on Adar 14 and 15 by the Hebrew
calendar. This day commemorates queen Esther's intervention in
the 5th century BC to save the Jews of Persia. The story of her
actions is retold on this day.
Observance begins at sunset on the date indicated.
First Monday in March:
Pulaski Day.
Basically a Polish pride day. Casimir (Kazimierz) Pulaski lived
from 1747 to 1779. He came to the U.S. in 1777 and was made a
general in the revolutionary army in 1778.
Pulaski Day is observed as a legal holiday in Chicago.
March 8th:
International (Working) Women's Day.
Celebrates the women's liberation movement. This day is used to
reflect on issues of women's rights and gender equality.
Second Sunday in March:
Daylight Saving Time starts.
At 2:00am set clocks ahead to 3:00am.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) denotes the period of the year
when clocks are set ahead one hour. Settings clocks ahead
in the summer (spring ahead), and back in the winter (fall
back) allows the clock hour to better match the cycle of
daylight and night. This provides more daylight time
during waking hours. DST was originally suggested by
Benjamin Franklin in 1784. It began to be commonly observed
during World War I. DST was formally adopted through the
Uniform Time Act of 1966 setting the start date as the first
Sunday in April, then changed in 2007 by a few weeks to its
current date.
Daylight Saving Time ends on the first Sunday in November.
March 17th:
Saint Patrick's Day.
Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, lived from 389 to 461 AD.
He was a bishop and missionary, and was born in Britain.
This day is typically observed by the wearing of some green article
of clothing, consumption of beer, and enjoyment of Irish music and
dance.
March 21st:
Start of Aries astrological sign.
Aries, the ram.
About March 21st:
Vernal Equinox.
Day in spring when the night and day are of equal length.
Official first day of the spring season.
March 25th:
Feast of the Annunciation.
Also known as Annunciation Day. This Christian holiday commemorates the
angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary of the coming birth of Jesus.
April ^
Late March, Early April (Sunday before Easter):
Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday, a Christian holiday, is the Sunday before Easter. It is
the sixth (last) Sunday of Lent. It commemorates the arrival of
Jesus into Jerusalem, one week before resurrection, when the people
placed palm branches in his path.
Late March, Early April (Friday before Easter):
Good Friday.
Good Friday, a Christian Holiday, commemorates the death of Jesus
Christ. It is observed on the Friday preceding Easter. Good Friday
is typically observed by the reading the passion, the ceremony of the
veneration of the cross, communion from the sacrament consecrated the
day before, and preaching on the seven last words.
Late March, Early April (immediately precedes Easter):
Passover.
Passover ("Pesach" in Hebrew) is one of the most important Jewish
festivals. It is celebrated on Nisan 15-22 by the Hebrew calendar,
which falls between late March and early April.
Passover commemorates the Exodus, or the freeing of Israel from
Egyptian slavery in the 13th century BC. The name Passover refers
to the statement (Exod. 12:23) that God would pass over the homes
of Israelites when killing the firstborn of Egypt. The Bible,
however, applies the name to a festival involving a lamb sacrifice
and the eating of unleavened bread. This was probably an ancient
spring festival.
Passover is celebrated for one week. Work is not done on the first
and last days. Only unleavened bread (matzo) is eaten throughout the
week. Orthodox Jews abstain from all leavened food and even
nonleavened food not specially prepared for the festival.
The first two evenings of Passover are observed by a festal meal,
called Seder. During Seder the story of the Exodus is told through
the reading of the Haggadah and the symbols of the occasion are
explained.
Easter in English is called Passover in many other languages. The
Passover lamb is seen as foreshadowing the sacrifice of Jesus.
Observance begins at sunset on the date indicated.
Late March, Early April (Follows Lent, simultaneous with Passover):
Easter.
Easter, a Christian holiday, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus
Christ. The festival has its roots in the Jewish Passover. The
crucifixion occurred during the Passover of AD c.30 and the
resurrection three days later.
The name Easter is thought to derive from the pagan spring festival
of the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre. Many Easter folk customs, colored
eggs for example, are of pagan origin.
The date of Easter may be significantly different for Eastern
Christian sects.
On the Roman calendar, Easter is calculated as the first Sunday on or following
the first full moon in Spring (which begins on the Vernal Equinox around March 21st).
The date may therefore vary by as much as four weeks.
April 1st:
April Fools' Day.
Observed by playing practical jokes.
April 7th:
World Health Day.
Commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948.
It is observed by reflecting on world health issues.
April 8th:
Flower Festival.
This Buddhist holiday celebrates Buddha's birthday.
April 13th:
Thomas Jefferson's Birthday.
Day to remember Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration
of Independence, and a two term president (1801-09). Jefferson
was also an accomplished architect, and served in many other
significant political positions. He was born in 1743 and died
on July 4th, 1826 at his home in Monticello, VA.
April 14th:
Pan American Day.
This date commemorates the first conference of American states
in 1890.
April 15th:
Personal income tax returns due.
Income tax in the U.S. was instituted in the 16th amendment,
ratified in 1913. Withholding was introduced to fund World War II.
April 20th:
Start of Taurus astrological sign.
Taurus, the bull.
April 22nd:
Earth Day.
Day to reflect on ecological issues and recommit one's efforts to the
cooperative conservation and reclamation of the natural environment.
First observed in 1970.
Wednesday in the last full week in April:
Secretaries Day.
Day to honor and be kind to secretaries.
Fourth Thursday in April:
Daughters to Work Day.
Parent's are encouraged to bring their daughters (and/or sons) to
work on this day, and to use this opportunity to educate their
children on the nature of employment.
Last Friday in April (in most states):
Arbor Day.
A special day set aside for the planting of trees. First proposed in
Nebraska in 1872, later became a legal holiday there.
(Dates in non-standard states:
AL: last full week in Feb; AK: 3rd Mon in May; AR: 3rd Mon in Mar;
CA: Mar 7-14; CO: 3rd Fri in Apr; CT: Apr 30; FL: 3rd Fri in Jan;
GA: 3rd Fri in Feb; HI: 1st Fri in Nov; KS: last Fri in Mar;
KY: 1st Fri in Apr; LA: 3rd Fri in Jan; ME: 3rd full week in May;
MD: 1st Wed in Apr; MA: April 28-May 5; MS: 2nd Fri in Feb;
MO: 1st Fri in Apr; NM: 2nd Fri in Mar; NC: 1st Fri after Mar 15;
ND: 1st Fri in May; OK: last full week in Mar;
OR: 1st full week in Apr; PA: last Fri in Apr; RI: last Fri in Apr;
SC: 1st Fri in Dec; SD: last Fri in Apr; TN: 1st Fri in Mar;
VT: 1st Fri in May; VA: 2nd Fri in Apr; WA: 2nd Wed in Apr;
WV: 2nd Fri in Apr; WY: last Mon in Apr.)
May ^
April 30th:
Walpurgis Night.
Also known as witches' sabbath and eve of May Day. This day
commemorates the 8th century saint Walpurigis, who was held to be a
protectress against witchcraft. The specifics of observance of this
holiday could not be readily determined by this author.
May 1st:
European Labor Day.
Also known as May day.
Equivalent to U.S. Labor day. Day to honor workers. Particularly
observed by communist nations.
May 5th:
Cinco De Mayo.
This day commemorates a major victory by the outnumbered and
underarmed Mexican army, against the occupying French, on
May 5th of 1862. "Cinco de Mayo" is Spanish for May 5th.
First Tuesday in May:
National Teachers Day.
Part of National Teachers Week, sponsored by the National
Educators Association. Day to honor and be kind to teachers.
May 8th:
V-E Day.
Victory in Europe day. Commemorates Germany's surrender in World War
II, 1945.
May 8th:
Harry S Truman's Birthday.
Day to remember the 33rd president of the U.S. (1945-1953), who
presided during the Cold War and Korean War. Known for the New Deal
economic policies. He was born in Lamar MO in 1884 and died on December
26th, 1972 in Kansas City MO.
May 15th:
Police Memorial Day.
Day to honors police killed while on duty.
May 21st:
Start of Gemini astrological sign.
Gemini, the twins.
Second Sunday in May:
Mother's Day.
Day to honor and be kind to mothers.
Created in 1914 by a proclamation from President Woodrow Wilson.
Last Monday in May:
Memorial Day.
Formerly called Decoration Day, observed since the civil war. This
day Honors United States military personnel who died in wars.
Typically observed by flying flags at half mast, and ceremonies at
veteran's graves.
Memorial Day is a legal holiday.
Third Saturday in May:
Armed Forces Day.
Day to honor the U.S. combined armed forces.
The Monday on or preceding May 24:
Victoria Day (Canada)
Queen Victoria's birthday, formerly known as "Empire Day".
Observed in some fashion in many Commonwealth Countries.
June ^
Late May, Early June (40 days after Easter):
Ascension Day.
Commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven.
Late May, Early June:
Shabuoth.
Also spelled Shavuot. This Jewish holiday commemorates the
revelation of the Torah at Sinai. It occurs on Sivan 6th by
the Hebrew calendar.
Observance begins at sunset on the date indicated
and lasts two days.
June 5th:
World Environment Day.
Day to reflect on environmental concerns worldwide. This date
marks the anniversary of the first UN Conference on Human
Environment in 1972.
June 6th:
D-Day.
Anniversary of the Allied troops invasion of the Normandy region of
France in 1944.
June 11th:
Kamehameha Day.
Commemorates the victories of Kamehameha I (1758-1819) of Hawaii.
He and his descendants united and ruled the Hawaiian Islands until
their annexation by the United States in 1898.
June 14th:
Flag Day.
In 1949 Congress designated this day as national Flag Day. It
commemorated adoption by the Continental Congress in 1777 of the
Stars and Stripes as the national flag. Some schools observe the day
with instruction in flag etiquette and flag-raising ceremonies.
June 19th:
Juneteenth.
Date on which the freedom of the slaves was formally announced in
Texas in 1865, more than two years after Lincoln's Emancipation
Proclamation and two months after the end of the Civil War.
Especially observed in Texas.
June 20th:
Emancipation Day.
Day observing the end of slavery in the United States. President
Lincoln declared all slaves free on January 1st, 1863.
June 21st:
Start of Cancer astrological sign.
Cancer, the crab.
June 21st:
Summer solstice.
Day in summer when the day is longest. Official start of
the summer season.
June 23rd:
Midsummer Eve.
This holiday observed in Europe, celebrates the return of summer.
June 24th:
St. John the Baptist Day.
Feast day honoring the Jewish prophet who preceded Jesus.
Third Sunday in June:
Father's Day.
Day to honor and be kind to fathers.
Last Sunday in June
Gay and Lesbian Pride Day.
This internationally observed occasion is used to increase
public awareness and advocate the rights of homosexuals.
Often observed with parades.
July ^
July 4th:
Independence Day.
The Declaration of Independence from Great Britain was passed by the
Continental Congress in Philadelphia on this day in 1776. It is
typically observed with picnics and evening fireworks.
Independence Day is a legal holiday.
July 14th:
Bastille Day.
Anniversary of the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789, when a
mob took over the Bastille prison in Paris.
July 20th:
First Moon Landing.
Apollo 11 was launched on July 16th, 1969, carrying astronauts Neil
A. Armstrong, Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. and Michael Collins. The
spacecraft landed in the Mare Tranquillitatis at 3:17 PM CDT on July
20th. At 9:56 PM Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the
moon, issuing the now famous phrase "one small step for man, one
giant leap for mankind". Aldrin followed shortly while Collins
remained in the orbiting command module.
July 23rd:
Start of Leo astrological sign.
Leo, the lion.
August ^
August 6th:
Hiroshima Day.
On this day in 1945, an American bomber "Enola Gay" made the first
wartime use of an atomic weapon. A single bomb was dropped on the
Japanese city of Hiroshima, destroying it completely. This day is
often used for anti-nuclear protests worldwide.
August 14th:
V-J Day.
Victory over Japan day. Commemorates the surrender of Japan, ending
World War II in 1945.
August 15th:
Assumption Day.
This Christian holiday commemorates the Virgin Mary's assumption
into heaven.
August 19th:
National Aviation Day.
Anniversary of Orville Wright's birthday in 1871.
August 23rd:
Start of Virgo astrological sign.
Virgo, the virgin.
August 26th:
Women's Equality Day.
Celebrates the anniversary of the 19th constitutional amendment ratified
in 1920 granting women the right to vote. Formerly known as Woman
Suffrage Day.
August 27th:
Lyndon B. Johnson's Birthday
Day to remember the 36th president of the U.S., who became president
on November 22nd, 1963 following the assassination of John F.
Kennedy. He is remembered for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the War
on Poverty, creating the Department of Housing and Urban Development
and for passing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He presided during
the deepening U.S. involvement in Vietnam. He was born in Texas in
1908 and died in Texas on January 22nd, 1973.
September ^
First Monday in September:
Labor Day.
Labor Day honors working people and celebrates their history and
accomplishments. It was initiated in 1882 by the Knights of Labor.
This holiday is essentially identical to the European May Day,
celebrated on May 1st. First observed in New York City on Sept. 5,
1882.
Labor Day is a legal holiday.
First Sunday after Labor Day in September:
National Grandparents Day
Day to honor and be kind to grandparents.
September:
Rosh Hashanah.
Rosh Hashanah ("head of the year" in Hebrew) is the Jewish New Year.
This day commemorates the creation of the world. It is celebrated on
Tishri 1 by the Hebrew calendar, which falls in early autumn.
Rosh Hashanah begins the penitential season, culminating ten days
later on Yom Kippur. The synagogue service includes the blowing of
the Shofar (ram's horn), and liturgy stressing the sovereignty of
God. It is customary on the first day, to go to a river or pond, and
there to recite tashlich, scriptural verses about repentance and
forgiveness of sin.
Observance begins at sunset on the date indicated
and lasts two days.
September 11th:
Patriot Day.
Day to honor those who were killed in the terrorist attacks on the U.S.
on this date in 2001. The attack using four hijacked airliners destroyed the
twin World Trade Center buildings in New York city (each over 100 stories tall)
and severly damaged the Pentagon in Washington DC.
Over three thousand people in the buildings as well as hundreds of
rescue workers and airliner passengers died early that Tuesday morning.
This holiday was signed into public law (#107-89) on 2001.12.18
and is observed by flying flags at half-staff.
September 16th:
Mexican Independence Day.
Commemorates the call for independence from Spain in 1821.
September 17th:
Citizenship Day.
Day to give recognition to people who became American citizens in the
preceding year. Established by Congress in 1952.
September 23rd:
Start of Libra astrological sign.
Libra, the balance.
About September 23rd:
Autumnal Equinox.
Day in fall when the night and day are of equal length.
Official start of the fall season.
Fourth Friday in September:
Native American Day.
Day to honor native Americans.
October ^
Late September, Early October (10 days after Rosh Hashanah):
Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, is celebrated on Tishri 10
of the Hebrew calendar, which falls in early autumn.
This Sabbath of Sabbaths is observed by fasting, confession to God of
sins committed during the last year, and prayers for forgiveness.
Observance begins with the Kol Nidre service of repentance.
Observance begins at sunset on the date indicated.
Mid October:
Sukkoth.
Jewish harvest festival and time for giving thanks. Observed on
Tishri 15th by the Hebrew calendar.
Observance begins at sunset on the date indicated
and lasts two days.
Late September, early October (two weeks through 1st October Sunday):
Octoberfest.
German harvest celebration, observed with the consumption of copious
quantities of Germanic (German and Austrian) food and beer, and with
music, dance and other folk customs. Formerly commemorated marriage
of King Ludwig I on October 17th of 1810.
October 8th:
Chicago Fire Anniversary.
Anniversary of the great fire in 1871 which destroyed 1/3 of the
city. Celebrated as part of Fire Prevention Week.
October 12th:
Farmer's Day.
Created in 1915 to stimulate interest in agriculture.
October 12:
National Children's Day.
Day to honor and be kind to children. Proclaimed by President Clinton
in 1997 "As we observe National Children's Day this year, let us recommit
ourselves to creating a society where parents can raise healthy, happy
children; where every newborn is cherished, where every child is encouraged
to succeed, and where all our young people are free to pursue their dreams."
There is also an International Children's day in June,
not listed in this document.
Second Monday in October:
Canadian Thanksgiving.
This holiday has had a variety of dates, back to the late 1500's,
and was set to its current date in 1957 by the Canadian government.
Though it evolved independently, it's observance is now very similar
to the U.S. Thanksgiving.
Second Monday in October:
Columbus Day.
Also known as Discovery Day. Celebrates the landing of Christopher
Columbus at San Salvador in 1492. Also observed to some extent as
an Italian pride day.
Columbus Day is a legal holiday.
October 16th:
Bosses Day.
Day to honor and be kind to bosses.
October 18th:
Alaska Day.
Commemorates the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States
in 1867.
Third Saturday in October:
Sweetest Day.
Day to honor and be kind to one's sweetheart.
October 23rd:
Start of Scorpio astrological sign.
Scorpio, the scorpion.
October 23rd:
Mother-In-Law's Day.
Day to honor and be kind to mothers-in-law.
October 24th:
United Nations Day.
Commemorates the ratification of the U.N. charter in 1945.
October or November:
Diwali.
Translates to festival of lights. An important Hindu holiday,
observed on Asvina 13th through Kartika 2nd by the Hindu calendar.
This holiday honors Lakshmi, goddess of wealth.
October 31st:
Halloween.
Typically observed by the wearing of costumes, carving of pumpkins,
gifting of small candies, and scary decorations. Ghosts, goblins
and other mildly malevolent spirits figure prominently.
Originally a Celtic festival for the dead, later incorporated into
the Christian holiday All Hallows' Eve, the night preceding All
Saints' Day.
November ^
November 1st:
All Saints' Day.
A Christian holiday, this day honors all known and unknown saints,
and is usually observed with a feast.
Also observed in Mexico as Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos).
November 2nd:
All Souls Day.
A Christian holiday set aside for paying respect to the dead.
November 4th:
Will Rogers birthday.
Day to remember the famed humorist and actor. He was born in 1879 and
died on August 15th, 1935.
November 5th:
Guy Fawkes Day.
Anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 to blow up the English
king and parliament.
First Sunday in November:
Daylight Saving Time ends.
At 2:00am set clocks back to 1:00am.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) denotes the period of the year when
clocks are set ahead one hour. Settings clocks ahead in the summer
(spring ahead), and back in the winter (fall back) allows the
clock hour to better match the cycle of daylight and night.
This provides more daylight time during waking hours. DST was
originally suggested by Benjamin Franklin in 1784. It began to
be commonly observed during World War I. DST was formally adopted
through the Uniform Time Act of 1966 setting the ending date as
the last Sunday in October, then changed in 2007 by a few weeks
to its current date.
Daylight Saving Time starts on the second Sunday in March.
November 11th:
Veteran's Day.
Anniversary of the signing of the armistice which ended World War I
in 1918. This day is also known as Armistice Day in Europe and
Rememberance Day in Canada.
Veterans Day is a legal holiday.
First Tuesday after first Monday in November
General Election Day.
Day to vote for elected officials in the U.S.. Presidential
elections are on years evenly divisible by four. House of
Representatives elections and elections for a rotating third
of Senators are on even numbered years.
November 22nd:
Start of Sagittarius astrological sign.
Sagittarius, the archer.
Fourth Thursday in November:
Thanksgiving Day.
A day to give thanks for the blessings and bounty one has received.
Typically observed by a feast with family and friends where turkey is
consumed.
The first Thanksgiving, three days of prayer and feasting, was
celebrated in Plymouth in 1621. The colonists gave thanks for their
first harvest and for having survived the terrible Massachusetts
winter.
Thanksgiving Day is a legal holiday.
December ^
End of November, beginning of December:
Chanukah.
Also spelled Hanukkah. This Jewish festival is from Kislev 25th through
Tebet 3rd by the Hebrew calendar, which falls in December or January.
Chanukah marks the reconsecration of the temple of Jerusalem after its
recapture from the Syrian Greeks in 165 BC. The holiday lasts for eight
days. On each day a new candle is lit on an eight branched candelabra
called a menorah. This commemorates the miracle recorded in the
Talmud when a one day supply of oil burned for eight days.
Observance begins at sunset on the date indicated
and lasts eight days.
December 1st:
AIDS Awareness Day.
This internationally recognized day is used to increase
public awareness about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
This disease threatens everyone, and many hold that the best
defense is education about its transmission.
December 7th:
Pearl Harbor Day.
On this day in 1941, the Japanese bombed the U.S. Pacific Fleet at
Pearl Harbor, on Oahu island, Hawaii, resulting in the immediate
entry of the United States into World War II. Approximately 2400
Americans were killed and another 1300 were injured. 18 ships were
hit and 200 aircraft destroyed. Japanese losses were negligible.
December 10th:
Human Rights Day.
Anniversary of the United Nations issuance of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights on this day in 1948.
December 12th:
Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Commemorates the appearance of the virgin Mary to an Indian boy
in 1531. Primarily observed in Mexico.
December 21st:
Forefathers' Day.
Anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower at Plymouth in 1620.
Day to honor the pioneers who founded this country.
About December 21st:
Winter Solstice.
Day in winter when the night is longest. Official first
day of the winter season. This is a significant holiday
to pagans, marking the start of the solar year.
December 22nd:
Start of Capricorn astrological sign.
Capricorn, the goat.
December 26th through January 1st:
Kwanzaa.
A several day festival, typically observed by the review of African
American heritage and community values. Gifts may be exchanged among
family on or before the last day. Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana
Ron Karenga. This holiday includes a significant number of observed
days and traditional objects which cannot be satisfactorily covered
in any depth in this limited space.
December 25th:
Christmas.
Christmas, a Christian holiday, commemorates the birth of Jesus
Christ. The date has been observed since the 4th century. Its date
was chosen to counter the pagan winter solstice festival, observed on
the same date. The Christmas season is observed through generosity,
compassion, kindness and well wishing. Traditions include the
group singing, festive dinner with family and friends, egg nog,
special cookies and a Christmas tree decorated with delicate
ornaments and lights. These traditions differ markedly between
nations. Legend holds that on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus delivers
gifts to all the good children around the world. On Christmas day,
gifts are exchanged between family friends.
Christmas Day is a legal holiday.
First weekday after Christmas:
Boxing Day.
Day to give Christmas gifts to service providers such as servants,
postal delivery person and trash collector.
Observed in Canada on the fixed date of December 26.
December 31st:
New Year's Eve.
Last day of the year. Typically observed with a countdown to midnight,
at which time one kisses the nearest person. Celebrations typically
include confetti and champagne.
Future Planned Revisions ^
Confirm National Aunt's Day, last Sunday in February.
Add the generally held personality characteristics for each zodiac sign to
the existing brief astrological entries.
Determine the season start, and final game dates for the following sports:
baseball, basketball, football, hockey. Possibly include as a table.
Determine the primary harvest seasons in the U.S. for the dozen or so most
significant fruits and vegetables. Possibly include as a table.
Some entries are very brief and should be expanded.
Maybe add POW/MIA day. May be third Friday in September.
Any assistance on these items from readers would be
greatly appreciated.
Also see: Upcoming Holidays
Summer Fun • Winter Fun
Yahoo Calendar Reference
UP
2017.08.09