Holidays in PowerPoint 5-11 класи by kpschool7

МІНІСТЕРСТВО ОСВІТИ І НАУКИ УКРАЇНИ ХМЕЛЬНИЦЬКА ОБЛАСНА ДЕРЖАВНА АДМІНІСТРАЦІЯ

American Holidays

British Holidays Christmas

4. 5. 6.

Easter

Halloween

Ivana Kupala 7.

May Day

New Year

St. Valentine's Day 10. Thanksgiving 11. Woman's

Day

Holidays in PowerPoint

КОМП’ЮТЕРНІ ПРЕЗЕНТАЦЇ:

ДЕПАРТАМЕНТ ОСВІТИ І НАУКИ УПРАВЛІННЯ ОСВІТИ І НАУКИ КАМ’ЯНЕЦЬ-ПОДІЛЬСЬКОЇ МІСЬКОЇ РАДИ ЗАГАЛЬНООСВІТНЯ ШКОЛА І-ІІІ СТУПЕНІВ №7

Навчальні презентації

Holidays in PowerPoint 5-11 класи Степаненко Оксана В'ячеславівна, вчитель англійської мови І категорія

2015 рік

Автор або автор-упорядник:

Степаненко Оксана В'ячеславівна, вчитель англійської мови Кам’янець-Подільської загальноосвітньої школи І-ІІІ ступенів №7

Рецензенти: Туркулець Д. В., учитель вищої категорії, вчитель

англійської мови Кам’янець-Подільської загальноосвітньої школи І-ІІІ ступенів №7 Бойко О.О., заступник директора з науковометодичної роботи Кам’янець-Подільської загальноосвітньої школи І-ІІІ ступенів №7

Рецензенти: Туркулець Д. В., учитель вищої категорії, вчитель Бойко

англійської мови Кам’янець-Подільської загальноосвітньої школи І-ІІІ ступенів №7 О.О., заступник директора з науковометодичної роботи Кам’янець-Подільської загальноосвітньої школи І-ІІІ ступенів №7

Анотація:

Адресовано вчителям англійської мови загальноосвітніх навчальних закладів.

На диску автор пропонує розробки навчальних презентацій, які являються наочним та демонстраційним матеріалом на англійській мові до теми «Свята». Даний матеріал допоможе приділити достатньо уваги роботі з лексикою, розвинути навички аудіювання, творчого мислення учнів. Презентації – це також легка та доступна інформація про свята англійською мовою.

Federal holidays Date

Official Name

Remarks

January 1

New Year's Day

Celebrates beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Festivities include counting down to midnight (12:00 AM) on the preceding night, New Year's Eve. Traditional end of holiday season.

Third Monday in January

Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., or Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Honors Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil Rights leader, who was actually born on January 15, 1929; combined with other holidays in several states.

Inauguration Day

Observed only by federal government employees in Washington D.C., and the border counties of Maryland and Virginia, in order to relieve congestion that occurs with this major event. Swearing-in of President of the United States and Vice President of the United States. Celebrated every fourth year. Note: Takes place on January 21 if the 20th is a Sunday (although the President is still privately inaugurated on the 20th). If Inauguration Day falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the preceding Friday or following Monday is not a Federal Holiday

Washington's Birthday

Washington's Birthday was first declared a federal holiday by an 1879 act of Congress. The Uniform Holidays Act, 1968, shifted the date of the commemoration of Washington's Birthday from February 22 to the third Monday in February. Many people now refer to this holiday as "Presidents' Day" and consider it a day honoring all American presidents. However, neither the Uniform Holidays Act nor any subsequent law changed the name of the holiday from Washington's Birthday to Presidents' Day.

January 20, the first January 20th following a Presidential election

Third Monday in February

Last Monday in May

Memorial Day

Honors the nation's war dead from the Civil War onwards; marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season. (traditionally May 30, shifted by the Uniform Holidays Act 1968)

July 4

Independen ce Day

Celebrates Declaration of Independence, also called the Fourth of July.

First Monday in September

Labor Day

Celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement; marks the unofficial end of the summer season.

Second Monday in October

Columbus Day

Honors Christopher Columbus, traditional discoverer of the Americas. In some areas it is also a celebration of Italian culture and heritage. (traditionally October 12); celebrated as American Indian Heritage Day and Fraternal Day in Alabama; celebrated as Native American Day in South Dakota. In Hawaii, it is celebrated as Discoverer's Day, though is not an official state holiday.

November 11

Veterans Day

Honors all veterans of the United States armed forces. A traditional observation is a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. remembering those killed in war. (Commemorates the 1918 armistice, which began at "the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.")

Fourth Thursday in November

Thanksgivi ng Day

Traditionally celebrates the giving of thanks for the autumn harvest. Traditionally includes the consumption of a turkey dinner Traditional start of the holiday season. (Note: Thanksgiving is not celebrated on the same day in Canada).

December 25

Christmas Day

Celebrates the Nativity of Jesus. Some people consider aspects of this religious holiday, such as giving gifts and decorating a Christmas tree, to be secular rather than explicitly Christian.

Days 36 U.S.C. § 104 — Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day (First Saturday after Labor Day) 36 U.S.C. § 105 — Child Health Day (The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Monday in October as Child Health Day) 36 U.S.C. § 106 — Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (September 17) 36 U.S.C. § 107 — Columbus Day (The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation designating the second Monday in October as Columbus Day.) 36 U.S.C. § 109 — Father's Day (Third Sunday in June) 36 U.S.C. § 110 — Flag Day (June 14) 36 U.S.C. § 111 — Gold Star Mother's Day (Last Sunday in September) 36 U.S.C. § 113 — Law Day, U.S.A. (May 1) 36 U.S.C. § 114 — Leif Erikson Day (The President may issue each year a proclamation designating October 9 as Leif Erikson Day.) 36 U.S.C. § 115 — Loyalty Day (May 1) 36 U.S.C. § 116 — Memorial Day 36 U.S.C. § 117 — Mother's Day (Second Sunday in May) 36 U.S.C. § 118 — National Aviation Day (August 19) 36 U.S.C. § 119 — National Day of Prayer (First Thursday in May) 36 U.S.C. § 120 — National Defense Transportation Day (The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation designating the third Friday in May as National Defense Transportation Day.)

36 U.S.C. § 124 — National Freedom Day (February 1) 36 U.S.C. § 125 — National Grandparents' Day (The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Sunday in September after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day.) 36 U.S.C. § 127 — National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (July 27 of each year until 2003) 36 U.S.C. § 128 — National Maritime Day (May 22) 36 U.S.C. § 129 — National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7) 36 U.S.C. § 134 — Pan American Aviation Day (The President may issue each year a proclamation designating December 17 as Pan American Aviation Day.) 36 U.S.C. § 135 — Parents' Day (Fourth Sunday in July) 36 U.S.C. § 136 — Peace Officers Memorial Day (The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of Federal, State, and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.) 36 U.S.C. § 140 — Stephen Foster Memorial Day (The President may issue each year a proclamation designating January 13 Stephen Foster Memorial Day.) 36 U.S.C. § 141 — Thomas Jefferson's birthday (April 13) 36 U.S.C. § 142 — White Cane Safety Day (The President may issue each year a proclamation designating October 15 as White Cane Safety Day.) 36 U.S.C. § 143 — Wright Brothers Day (December 17) 36 U.S.C. § 144 — Patriot Day (September 11) 36 U.S.C. § 145 — Halloween (October 31)

Constitution Week

National Flag Week

National Forest Products Week

National Poison Prevention Week National Safe Boating Week

National School Lunch Week

National Transportation Week Police Week

Save Your Vision Week

National Friendship Week

Weeks

Months

36 U.S.C. § 101 — American Heart Month (February) Black History Month (February) National Nutrition Month (March) Confederate History Month (April) 36 U.S.C. § 103 — Cancer Control Month (April) Child Abuse Prevention Month (April) 36 U.S.C. § 102 — Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May) 36 U.S.C. § 139 — Steelmark Month (May) — honors the steel industry Gay and Lesbian Pride Month (June) 36 U.S.C. § 126 — National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 through October 15) Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) 36 U.S.C § 121. — National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October)

State holidays In addition to the federal holidays, individual states observe the following holidays: Alabama: Confederate Memorial Day, fourth Monday in April Alaska: Alaska Day, anniversary of transfer to U.S. control, October 18; Seward's Day, anniversary of purchase from Russia, [[March 27] Arkansas: Daisy Gatson Bates Day, February 16, observed with Washington's Birthday California: Abraham Lincoln's Birthday, February 12, CĂŠsar ChĂĄvez's birthday, March 31 (also may be optionally observed in Colorado and Texas); Columbus Day, second Monday in October Colorado: Colorado Day August 1, 1876 Colorado became a state. This date is recognized/celebrated each year by state residents. Connecticut: Lincoln's Birthday, February 12; Good Friday, date varies Delaware: Return Day, Thursday following Election Day; every two years, celebrates the returns of an election, having political opponents "bury the hatchet" in a bucket of sand District of Columbia: Emancipation Day, April 16 Florida: Pascua Florida Day, April 2 Georgia: Robert E. Lee's Birthday and Confederate Memorial Day Hawaii: Good Friday, date varies; May Day or Lei Day, date varies, usually May 1st;

Kamehameha Day, June 11; Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day, March 26; Admission Day or Statehood Day, third Friday in August Idaho: Idaho Human Rights Day, January 19 Illinois: Abraham Lincoln's Birthday, February 12 (most state offices close, many schools choose to close on President's Day). Pulaski Day first Monday of every March. Kansas: Kansas Day, January 29 Louisiana: Mardi Gras, date varies (3 February - 9 March); Good Friday, date varies, celebrated elsewhere Massachusetts: Patriot's Day, 3rd Monday of April, traditionally April 19, anniversary of Battles of Lexington and Concord Maine: Patriot's Day, April 19, anniversary of Battles of Lexington and Concord Maryland: Maryland Day, March 25, commemoration of first European settlement of Maryland Mississippi: Mardi Gras Day, date varies Missouri: Truman Day, May 9 Nebraska: Arbor Day, last Friday of April, celebrated elsewhere Nevada: Nevada Day, October 31, commemorates date of admission to the Union, observed on last Friday of October. New Hampshire: Civil Rights Day, January 19

Oklahoma: Statehood Day, November 16 Rhode Island: V.J. Day or Victory Day, second Monday in August South Dakota: Native American Day, second Monday in October Tennessee Legal holidays: Good Friday, date varies; Days of special observance: Robert E. Lee Day, January 19; Abraham Lincoln Day, February 12; Andrew Jackson Day, March 15; Mother's Day, Second Sunday in May; Statehood Day, June 1, commemorates date of admission to the Union; Memorial or Confederate Decoration Day, June 3; Nathan Bedford Forrest Day, July 13 Texas: Confederate Veterans Day, January 19; Juneteenth, June 19 Utah: Pioneer Day, July 24 Vermont: Town Meeting Day, first Tuesday in March Virginia: Lee-Jackson Day, Friday before the third Monday in January West Virginia: West Virginia Day, June 20

New Year's Day Observed by

Type Significance

Date

Almost all users of the Gregorian calendar and others International The first day of the Gregorian year January 1

Observances

Making New Year's resolutions, parades, additional sporting events, fireworks

Related to

New Year's Eve, the previous day

Specific, high-profile or common celebrations On New Year's Day, people in certain countries gather on beaches and run into the water to celebrate the new year. Ireland, Britain, United States and Australia are the most popular countries for this. These events are sometimes known as polar bear plunges, and are sometimes organized by groups to raise money for charity. Polar Bear Clubs in many northern hemisphere cities near bodies of water, have a tradition of holding organized plunges on New Year's Day. The Coney Island Polar Bears Club in New York is the oldest cold-water swimming club in the United States. They have had groups of people enter the chilly surf since 1903. In England and Scotland an extra round of football fixtures is played (unless New Year's Day falls on a Thursday, Friday or Sunday). In Pasadena, California, United States, the Tournament of Roses is held, with revelers viewing the parade from the streets and watching on television, followed by the Rose Bowl college football game. The game is one of several postseason bowl games played in college football in the United States (though in 2004 and 2006, due to its involvement in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), the Rose Bowl game was not held on New Year's Day).

Vienna New Year Concert, in Austria. In Philadelphia, the Mummers Parade is held on Broad Street. Hindu New Year, which falls at the time and date Sun enters Mesha. Hindus celebrate the new year by paying respects to their parents and other elders and seek their blessings. They also exchange tokens of Good Wishes (Kai Vishesham). The New Year's Day Parade is held in London. Performers include acts from each of the city's 32 boroughs, as well as entertainment from around the world.

•

In the southern United States, people traditionally prepare a meal of collard greens and black-eyed peas for a year of good luck. A dime is often placed beneath the plate as a part of the tradition. • Ski jumping in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany, a part of the Four Hills Tournament. • In Pennsylvania and Ohio, it is common[who?] to celebrate New Year's Day with a meal of pork, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes. The practice comes from a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition that dictates these foods will bring good luck in the new year.

This day is traditionally a religious feast, but since the 1900s has become an occasion for celebration the night of December 31, called New Year's Eve. There are often fireworks at midnight. Depending on the country, individuals may be legally allowed to burn fireworks, even if it's usually outlawed the rest of the year. It is also customary to make New Year's resolutions, which individuals hope to fulfill in the coming year. The most popular resolutions in the western world include to quit tobacco smoking, stop excessive drinking of alcohol, lose weight, and get physically fit.

London New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fireworks.

Times Square on New Year’s Eve Each year huge crowds of people celebrate New Year’s Eve in New York City’s Times Square. At midnight, confetti is thrown from the tall buildings surrounding the square

Fireworks in New York City Independence Day fireworks displays are one of the most popular celebrations of patriotism during the year in the United States. This display, on Fourth of July, 1984, celebrated Independence Day as well as the centennial anniversary of the completion of the Statue of Liberty.

Some facts ♥

Valentine's Day is a day to share loving feelings with friends and family. It is also known as a holiday honoring lovers. It is celebrated on the 14th of February. This is a happy day because it is specially dedicated to celebrate love, affection and friendship. ♥ There is a wide-spread custom of sending greeting cards or gifts to express affection. Every February 14, millions of people send Valentines to those whom they love. The cards, known as Valentines, are often designed with hearts to symbolize love. ♥ In England, Valentine greetings have been popular since the Middle Ages, when lovers used to send Valentine verses to their sweethearts.

Attributes of St. Valentines day ♥ A lace ♥ A ribbon ♥ Red roses ♥ Cupid ♥ The Endless-Love Knot

Washington's Birthday Observed by

United States

Type

Federal (and most U.S. states)

Significance

Honors American Revolutionary War General, Chairman of Constitutional Convention, first U.S. President

Date 2009 date Observances

Related to

Third Monday in February February 16 Community, historical celebrations; honoring the veterans and purple heart recipients; Congressional recognition. Lincoln's Birthday

Many American schools use the days leading up to Presidents Day to educate students about the history of the Presidents of the United States, especially Washington and Lincoln.

The holiday is also a tribute to the general who created the first military badge of merit for the common soldier. Revived on Washington's 200th birthday in 1932, the Purple Heart recognizes injuries received in battle. Like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Washington's Birthday weekend offers another opportunity to honor the country's veterans.

• In Alabama, the third Monday in February commemorates the birthdays of both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson (who was born in April). • In Arkansas, the third Monday in February is "George Washington's Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day," an official state holiday. • In New Mexico, President's Day, at least as a state government paid holiday, is observed on the Friday following Thanksgiving. In 2007, the country celebrated both Washington's 275th birthday and the 75th anniversary of the rebirth of the Purple Heart medal. • Since 1862, there has been a tradition in the United States Senate that George Washington's Farewell Address be read on his birthday. Citizens had asked that this be done in light of the approaching Civil War. The annual tradition continues with the reading of the address on or near Washington's Birthday.

Memorial Day The gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery are graced by U.S. flags on Memorial Day. Observed by Type Significance

Date

United States Federal (and most U.S. states) Honors men and women who have died in military service Last Monday in May

2009 date

May 25, 2009

2010 date

May 31, 2010

Observances

visiting cemeteries

Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. US Eastern time. Another tradition is to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers usually place an American flag upon each grave site located in a National Cemetery. Many Americans also use Memorial Day to honor other family members who have died. In Rochester, NY members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars take donations[ for "Buddy Poppies" in the days leading up to Memorial Day designed to act as a visual reminder of those who have sacrificed their lives for the United States. The poppy's significance to Memorial Day is a result of Canadian military physician LtCol John McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields".

In Flanders Fields

by LtCol John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Living. Long days ago We died, felt sunset, saw dawn glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

Independence Day Displays of fireworks, such as these over the Washington Monument, are an example of the celebrations that take place nationwide. Also called

Observed by Type Significance

Date Celebrations

The Fourth of July The Glorious Fourth The Fourth United States National The day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress July 4 Fireworks, Family reunions, Concerts, Barbecues, Picnics, Parades, Baseball games

Precursors to the American Mother's Day Precedents for the currently observed "Mother's Day" include: â&#x20AC;˘"Mothering Sunday" in the UK and Ireland is on the fourth Sunday of Lent. It was originally a time when Catholics were supposed to travel to attend Mass in their "Mother Church" (the regional cathedral) rather than in their local parish. By the Reformation, it had changed into an occasion for children to visit parents. An 1854 source mentions a couplet: "On 'Mothering Sunday,' above all other/Every child should dine with its mother." â&#x20AC;˘"Mother's Day Work Clubs" organized by Anna Jarvis's mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis (1832-1905), to improve sanitation and health in the area. These clubs also assisted both Union and Confederate encampments controlling a typhoid outbreak, and conducted a "Mothers' Friendship Day" to reconcile families divided by the Civil War. The "Mother's Day" anti-war observances founded by Julia Ward Howe in 1872

Parents' Day in the United States â&#x20AC;˘ In the United States, Parents' Day is held on the fourth Sunday of every July. This was established in 1994 when President Bill Clinton signed a Congressional Resolution into law (36 U.S.C. Â§ 135) for "recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children." â&#x20AC;˘ Parents Day, proclaimed by a joint Congressional Resolution, is an opportunity to uplift parenthood and to highlight the important roles parents have in helping their children grow up to be all that they can be. It's an opportunity for parents to re-examine their priorities, and re-dedicate their commitment to not let life's problems and concerns take precedence over our responsibilities as parents to help nurture our children. Parents' Day is a time for communities to celebrate our dedicated parents who strive to raise their children with unconditional love, often putting self-gratification aside to nurture their children in a loving environment.

HOLIDAYS IN GREAT BRITAIN

Many festivals and holidays in Britain are very old. Every town, village in Britain has its own traditions, some of them are carefully planned.

Christmas is celebrated on the 25th December. It is the time when Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus. Most people are on holiday in the UK and stay at home with their family on Christmas day. Christmas Day is the favourite day for children. They wake up very early in the morning to find their stockings have been filled by Father Christmas

Boxing Day is usually celebrated on the following day after Christmas Day. It is the day to open the Christmas Box to share the contents with the poor. Boxing Day is the day when families get together. It is a day of watching sports and playing board games with the family. Many families go on walks in the countryside.

New Year's Day is the first day of the year, in the Gregorian calendar. All over Britain there are parties, fireworks, singing and dancing, to ring out the old year and ring in the new. As the clock - Big Ben strikes midnight, people link arms and sing a song.

6 January

Epiphany, or Twelfth Night, marks the end of the Christmas and New Year season for most people in the United Kingdom (UK). It is also an occasion for Christians to celebrate the three kings' (or wise men's) visit to Jesus shortly after his birth and Jesus' baptism.

People with romantic feelings for a particular person may send that person cards, gifts and text messages on Valentine's Day. Popular gifts include chocolates and flowers.

1April A day of jokes and tricks. You have to play the joke before 12 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock midday, otherwise the joke is on you. No one really knows when this custom began but it has been kept for hundreds of years. The First of April, some do say Is set apart for All Fools Day; But why the people call it so, Not I, nor they themselves do know.

Mothering Sunday, sometimes known as Mother's Day, is held on the fourth Sunday of Lent. It is exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday and usually falls in the second half of March or the beginning of April. Traditionally, people visited the church where they were baptized. People visit and take gifts to their mothers and grandmothers.

Good Friday is a public holiday in the United Kingdom. It falls just before Easter Sunday. People who regularly attend church will probably attend a special church service on Good Friday. For other people, it is a day off work in the spring. Some people use the day to work in their gardens, while others take advantage of the long Easter weekend and the school holidays at this time ofyear to take a short vacation.

Easter usually comes in the month of April. However, Easter can fall as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. Easter Sunday in the United Kingdom is traditionally about Jesus Christ's resurrection from death, according to Christian belief. However, many people use the day to decorate Easter eggs, share chocolate eggs and participate in Easter egg competitions. Easter is the time for holidays, festivals.

Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary) was born on 21 April, 1926 at 17 Bruton Street, London. Her birthday is officially celebrated in Britain on the second Saturday of June each year. The day is referred to as “the Trooping of the Colour”, the official name is “the Queen’s Birthday Parade”.

The official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II is marked by a military parade known as Trooping the Colour (Carrying of the Flag). Each June, the Queen and other members of the Royal Family attend the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Horse Guards Parade.

St. George's Day is on 23 April. It is England's national day. St George's Day in the United Kingdom remembers St George, England's patron saint. The anniversary of his death, which is on April 23, is seen as England's national day. According to legend, he was a soldier in the Roman army who killed a dragon and saved a princess.

The first Monday of May is a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. It called May Day in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is known as the Early May Bank Holiday in Scotland. It probably originated as a Roman festival honoring the beginning of the summer season. In more recent times, it has been as a day to campaign for and celebrate workers' rights.

The last Monday in May is a bank holiday. Many organizations, businesses and schools are closed. Some people choose to take a short trip or vacation. Others use the time to walk in the country, catch up with family and friends, visit garden centers or do home maintenance.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the summer bank holiday is on the last Monday of August. In Scotland it is on the first Monday of August. This day marks the end of the summer holidays for many people who return to work or school in the autumn.

From the 19th Century to the present day, 31st October has increasingly acquired a reputation as a night on which ghost, witches, and fairies, are especially active. Halloween celebrations include costume parties where people dress as witches, ghosts, and animal figures associated with Halloween Skyline Auckland Waterfront

Remembrance Day is on 11 November. It is a special day set aside to remember all those men and women who were killed during the two World Wars and other conflicts. At 11am on each Remembrance Sunday a two minute silence is observed at war memorials and other public spaces across the UK. Town Centre

View of Town

Favourite English Holidays

• • • • • • •

St. Valentine’s Day April Fool’s Day Easter Mother’s Day Halloween Christmas New Year

• St Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14. It is a happy day for young people. People give each other “valentines”. A “valentine” is a special greeting-card. They are often red or pink and have pictures of hearts. • The day is the time to send little gifts to those you love. Flowers and candy are favourite presents.

â&#x20AC;˘It is a day for fun. It is celebrated on April 1. People play jokes on friends and parents. But nobody buys presents or goes to restaurants. â&#x20AC;˘Now it is a very popular holiday in many countries.

• Easter is a very popular holiday in Great Britain. • The British celebrate the idea of the new birth. Egg- rolling is a traditional Easter pastime. • Many competitions take place. People have a great time.

• Mother’s Day comes on March 22. It is a day when British people honour their mothers. Many people send their mothers a card or a gift. Some people take their mothers to a restaurant for dinner. It is a custom to wear a red or pink flower if one’s mother is living. It is the custom to wear a white flower if one’s mother is dead.

• Halloween is celebrted on October 31. Children go trick-or-treating. • Halloween is the day before All Saints' Day. • Children dress in costumes and masks and go from door to door saying "trick or treat". The neighbours give them sweets or fruit.

â&#x20AC;˘Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on December 25. People decorate their homes with Christmas trees, wreaths and ornaments. Children write letters to Santa Claus and tell him what presents they would like to get. People send Christmas cards to relatives and friends. A Christmas tree is one of the main symbols of Christmas in most homes.

• British people celebrate New Year on the 31st of December. They decorate a fir-tree with toys, coloured balls and sweets. • People have New Year parties at home. They cook tasty food for dinner and invite their friends. • At 12 o’clock they wish one another “A happy New Year”.

Festivals

Today we will learn: 1. about holidays and festivals in Great Britain 2. new vocabulary about festivals 3. how to describe school holidays and customs at Christmas, New Year and Easter

Choose the best variant свято festival

holiday

час term

main

тиждень week

weekend

16/1 A typical year in Britain â&#x20AC;˘ School Holidays The school year always starts at the beginning of September.

A typical year in Great Britain • There are six terms in the school year and three main holidays: • the Christmas holidays – two weeks • the Easter holidays – two weeks • the summer holidays – six weeks

A typical year in Britain â&#x20AC;˘ There are also short holidays in October, February and May. These are for one week or ten days.

Answer the questions: • 1. How many weeks´ holiday do British schoolchildren have? • 2. Which holiday is the longest? • 3. How long are holidays in February and October? • 4. How many terms are there in the school year?

Answers to questions: • 1. about 13 weeks (six in summer, two at Easter and two at Christmas, and three one week holidays) • 2. summer holidays • 3. one week or 10 days • 4. six

turkey

fireworks

chocolate eggs

presents

decorations tree

Add the table Christmas New Year turkey chocolate eggs presents fireworks decorations a tree Auld Lang Syne

Easter

Add the table Christmas New Year turkey

chocolate eggs presents

x x

fireworks

decorations

a tree

Auld Lang Syne

Easter

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Christmas 

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Families usually come together to celebrate it.

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Christmas 

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Christmas is the  biggest festival of the year. 

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Christmas 

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People put up decorations and decorate a Christmas tree.

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Christmas 

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On Christmas Day (25 December), they open their presents and there   is a traditional meal of turkey with vegetables followed by  Christmas pudding.  

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Christmas 

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The next day (26 December) is a holiday too. We call it   Boxing Day. On Boxing Day, people often visit friends or to to sport matches.  

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

LetÂ´s do the crossword 1. 2.

7. 7.

5. 4.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

A M T R P R E T U R M E V E G

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Y E E S E N T K E Y A L E T A B L

U D D I

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Do you like Christmas?

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 1.Who is in the picture?

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2.How is he dressed? 3.Can you find these things in the picture?  a ball 5  a car 8  a sleigh 3  a house 7  a doll 1   books 9  presents 10  a train 6  a teddy bear 4  snowflakes 2

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 2

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7 3

9 1

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10 4

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1.This word starts with a "W."

It is the season of the year in which Christmas is celebrated. What is it called?

WINTER

2. This word starts with an "H." It is the word for a time to celebrate. Christmas is one of these. What is it?

HOLIDAY

3. This word starts with an "S." It is a fluffy white form of water that sometimes falls in cold parts of the world during winter. What is it called?

SNOW

4. This word starts with a "P." Christmas is a time for giving. This is another word for a gift. What is this other word?

PRESENTS

5. This word starts with a "T." This is a symbol of Christmas. Some people put one of these in their house and decorate it with ornaments, lights and angels. What is it?

TREE

6. This word starts with an "N." This cold, far-away are is where Santa lives. What is it called?

NORTH POLE

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New Year 

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At New Year a lot of people have a party to see in the new   year. 

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New Year 

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At midnight, they usually join their hands and sing Auld  Lang Syne.

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 

New Year 

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 

New Year is an important festival in Scotland. In   Edinburg there is a big street party with famous bands and fireworks.  

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Easter

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We also celebrate Easter in Britain. The Easter holiday lasts four days from Good Friday to Easter Monday.

Easter

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People eat sweet bread buns called hot-cross buns on Good Friday and on Easter Sunday people usually give chocolate Easter eggs.

Easter

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In some towns, there are Easter egg hunts in the parks for children.

Answer the questions • 1. What school holidays do you have in your country? • 2. What festivals do you have? • 3. Which is the biggest festival? • 4. How long does it last? • 5. How do you celebrate it?

Find 7 words connected with holidays

T R P V M E Q P L A I P T T I D WT E G

E E F G A L P K S E WR T U R K E WI O R V C G S E P T WJ I K Q L F I G P D A

T O P E P C H L R Q

M I N Y S B G I E J

N L J O M E B I T B F X P K Q E WV I N D E E T WO R M N O

P P Z S F V A M WN T V I M G P K S U R

Find 7 words connected with holidays

T R P V M E Q P L A I P T T I D WT E G

E E F G A L P K S E WR T U R K E WI O R V C G S E P T WJ I K Q L F I G P D A

T O P E P C H L R Q

M I N Y S B G I E J

N L J O M E B I T B F X P K Q E WV I N D E E T WO R M N O

P P Z S F V A M WN T V I M G P K S U R

Christmas On the 25th of December there is the greatest holiday of all in England â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Christmas. People send X-mas cards to their friends and relatives. People buy a Christmas tree and decorate it with toys, coloured balls and lights. Children wake up early to find stockings full of small presents on their bed.

New Year New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve all British celebrate on the 31st of December. Most people see with friends and relatives. At midnight they sings New Year songs and wishes a happy New Year.

St. Valentine’s day

On the 14th of February there is St. Valentine’s Day. People send Valentine’s cards to someone they love. Usually they don’t sing them – you must guess who sent cards to you.

Mother’s day In March there is a holiday for English women – Mother’s Day. People in the family try to help her. On that day they visit their mothers and give them presents and “A Mother’s Day Card”

The 17th of March is a national holiday in Ireland – St. Patrick’s day. On that day people wear a shamrock. A shamrock is a plant with three leaves. It is the national symbol of Ireland. St. Patrick was a man who had wonderful power. He cleared Ireland of snakes.

Easter In April or at the end of March English people celebrate Easter Day. On Easter Sunday children get chocolate eggs and rabbits.

April Foolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day April Foolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day is on the 1st of April. English children like this day very much. They play jokes and tricks on other people, even on teachers.

Father’s day In June the English people celebrate Father’s Day. On that day children send cards and give presents to their father’s.

In Gteat Britai children donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to school on the 1st of September. They begin to study on the second Tuesday of September.

Halloween On the 31st of October there is Halowe’en. The symbol of this holiday is "Jack o'lantern". People make it from a pumpkin. Children like Haloween parties, they put on witch’s and ghost’s dresses. They go “trick or treat”.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is the day that, according to modern calendars, contains the evening, or first evening, of Christmas, a widely celebrated festival commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. It is a culturally significant celebration for most of the Western world and is widely observed as a full or partial holiday in anticipation of Christmas.

The reason why Christmas starts on Christmas Eve is that the traditional Christian liturgical day starts at sunset, an inheritance from Jewish tradition[and based in the story of creation in Genesis: "And there was evening, and there was morning â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the first day."This liturgical day is followed for all days in the Eastern rite[and the custom of beginning Christmas celebration (as well as Sunday and the other major festivals) in the preceding evening is preserved in western Churches that have altered the liturgical day to start at midnight, for example the Roman Catholic church. Many churches still ring their church bells and hold prayers in the evening before holidays; for example the Nordic Lutheran churches. In some languages, such as the Scandinavian, Christmas Eve is simply referred to as "Christmas Evening". Since Christian tradition holds that Jesus was born at night (based in Luke 2:6-8) Midnight mass is celebrated on Christmas Eve, traditionally at midnight, in memory of his birth. The idea of Jesus being born at night is reflected in the fact that Christmas Eve is referred to as "Heiliger Nacht" ("Holy Night") in German, "Nochebuena" ("the Good Night") in Spanish and similarly in other expressions of Christmas spirituality, such as the song "Silent Night, Holy Night". Non-religious people, or people who are not formal with definitions, may see the whole day as a day of celebration or as just the day before Christmas. Many people all over the world celebrate Christmas without being religious or even of a Christian background. The emphasis of celebration on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day varies from country to country and region to region (see below).

Meals

In some parts of Central and Eastern Europe such as Russia, Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania, a traditional meatless 12-dishes Christmas Eve Supper is served on Christmas Eve before opening gifts. This is known as the "Holy Meal". The table is spread with a white cloth symbolic of the swaddling clothes the Child Jesus was wrapped in, and a large white candle stands in the center of the table symbolizing Christ the Light of the World. Next to it is a round loaf of bread symbolizing Christ Bread of Life. Hay is often displayed either on the table or as a decoration in the room, reminiscent of the manger in Bethlehem. The twelve dishes (which differ by nationality or region) symbolize the Twelve Apostles. The Holy Meal was a common Eastern Orthodox tradition in the Russian Empire, but during the era of the Soviet Union it was greatly discouraged as a result of the official atheism of the former former regime. It is coming back in Russia and continues to be popular in Ukraine. The main attribute of Holy Meal in Ukraine is kutia, a sweet grain pudding. The other typical dishes are borscht, Vareniki, a traditional Christmas compote called uzvar and dishes made of fish, phaseolus and cabbage. In accordance with the Christmas traditions of the Serbs, their festive meal has a copious and diverse selection of foods, although it is prepared according to the rules of fasting. As well as a round, unleavened loaf of bread and salt, which are necessary, this meal may comprise roast fish, cooked beans, sauerkraut, noodles with ground walnuts, honey, and wine. In Bulgaria, the meal consists of an odd number of lenten dishes in compliance with the rules of fasting. They are usually the traditional sarma, bob chorba (bean soup), fortune pita (pastry with a fortune in it), stuffed peppers, nuts[10]. The meal is often accompanied with wine or Bulgaria's traditional alcoholic beverage rakia. While other Christian families throughout the world celebrate the Christmas Eve meal with various meats, Italians and Sicilians celebrate the traditional Catholic "Feast of the Seven Fishes"[11] which was historically served after a 24 hour fasting period. Although pre-Christmas fasting is not a popular custom still practiced, Italian-Americans still enjoy meatless Christmas Eve feast[12] and attend the Midnight Mass. In various cultures, a festive dinner is traditionally served for the family and close friends in attendance, when the first star (usually Sirius) arrives on the sky. Families in some Slavic countries reserve a place for guests (alluding to Mary and Joseph looking for shelter in Bethlehem).

Gift giving

During the Reformation in 16th–17th century Europe, many Protestants changed the gift bringer to the Christ Child or Christkindl, and the date of giving gifts changed from December 6 to Christmas Eve.It is the night when Santa Claus (or some variant thereof) makes his rounds delivering gifts to good children. In the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia and Hungary, where St. Nicholas (sveti Mikuláš/szent Mikulás) gives his sweet gifts on December 6, the Christmas gift-giver is the Child Jesus (Ježíšek in Czech, Jézuska in Hungarian, Ježiško in Slovak and Isusek in Croatian). In most parts of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, presents are traditionally exchanged in the evening of December 24. Children are commonly told that presents were brought either by the Christkind (German for: Christchild),[15] or the Weihnachtsmann (German name of Santa Claus). Both leave the gifts, but are in most families not seen doing so. In Finland, Joulupukki, and in Sweden Jultomten, personally meets children and gives presents in the evening of Christmas Eve.[16][17] In Argentina, Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Quebec, Romania, Uruguay, and Sweden, Christmas presents are opened mostly on the evening of the 24th, – this is also the tradition among the British Royal Family, due to their mainly German ancestry [18] – while in Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, English Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, this occurs mostly on the morning of Christmas Day.

Christmas Eve around the world

Christmas Eve is celebrated in different ways around the world, varying by country and region. Elements common to many areas of the world include the attendance of special religious observances such as a midnight Mass or Vespers, and the giving and receiving of presents. Along with Easter, Christmastime is one of the most important periods on the Christian calendar, and is often closely connected to other holidays at this time of year, such as Advent, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, St. Nicholas Day, St. Stephen's Day, New Year's, and the Feast of the Epiphany. For more details on Christmas Eve traditions around the world, see Christmas worldwide.

Jewish Traditions on Christmas Eve

The significant amount of vacation travel, and travel back to family homes, means that Christmas Eve is also frequently linked to social events and parties, worldwide. Due to the family gathering and religious worship activities that are central to Christmas Eve for Christians but which Jews do not typically engage in, a series of events on the night of December 24 have been made available to Jews in various regions of the world. Matzo Ball events and parties are an option for single Jews. Jews in interfaith relationships may prefer to participate in Christmas events and parties. However, Jewish people are invited to Christmas Eve parties and plenty will attend, and some host Christmas Eve parties for others.

Dinner

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve

Christmas

Christmas or Christmas Day is a holiday generally observed on December 25 (with alternative days of January 7 for many Orthodox churches, January 6 for the Armenian Apostolic Church and January 19 for the Armenians of Jerusalem and the Holy Land[) to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity.[ The actual birthday of Jesus is not known, and the events of his birth are only recorded in two of the Canonical gospels. Christmas may have initially been chosen to correspond with either the day exactly nine months after Christians believe Jesus to have been conceived, the date of the Roman winter solstice,[11] or one of various ancient winter festivals. Christmas is central to the Christmas and holiday season, and in Christianity marks the beginning of the larger season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days. Although nominally a Christian holiday, Christmas is also celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians worldwide, and many of its popular celebratory customs have pre-Christian or secular themes and origins. Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of Christmas cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and holly. In addition, several figures, known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus, among other names, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season. Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world.

Etymology The word Christmas originated as a compound meaning "Christ's Mass". It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mĂŚsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038. "Cristes" is from Greek Christos and "mĂŚsse" is from Latin missa (the holy mass).

Celebration

Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in countries around the world, including many whose populations are mostly non-Christian. In some non-Christian countries, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration (e.g. Hong Kong); in others, Christian minorities or foreign cultural influences have led populations to observe the holiday. Countries such as Japan and Korea, where Christmas is popular despite there being only a small number of Christians, have adopted many of the secular aspects of Christmas, such as gift-giving, decorations and Christmas trees. Notable countries in which Christmas is not a formal public holiday include People's Republic of China, (excepting Hong Kong and Macao), Japan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Thailand, Nepal, Iran, Turkey and North Korea. Christmas celebrations around the world can vary markedly in form, reflecting differing cultural and national traditions. Among countries with a strong Christian tradition, a variety of Christmas celebrations have developed that incorporate regional and local cultures. For Christians, participating in a religious service plays an important part in the recognition of the season. Christmas, along with Easter, is the period of highest annual church attendance. In Catholic countries, the people hold religious processions or parades in the days preceding Christmas. In other countries, secular processions or parades featuring Santa Claus and other seasonal figures are often held. Family reunions and the exchange of gifts are a widespread feature of the season. Gift giving takes place on Christmas Day in most countries. Others practice gift giving on December 6, Saint Nicholas Day, and January 6, Epiphany.

Date of celebration For centuries, Christian writers accepted that Christmas was the actual date on which Jesus was born. In the early 18th century, scholars began proposing alternative explanations. Isaac Newton argued that the date of Christmas was selected to correspond with the winter solstice,[11] which the Romans called bruma and celebrated on December 25.[18] In 1743, German Protestant Paul Ernst Jablonski argued Christmas was placed on December 25 to correspond with the Roman solar holiday Dies Natalis Solis Invicti and was therefore a "paganization" that debased the true church.In 1889, Louis Duchesne suggested that the date of Christmas was calculated as nine months after Annunciation, the traditional date of the conception of Jesus. The December 25 date may have been selected by the church in Rome in the early 4th century. At this time, a church calendar was created and other holidays were also placed on solar dates: "It is cosmic symbolism...which inspired the Church leadership in Rome to elect the winter solstice, December 25, as the birthday of Christ, and the summer solstice as that of John the Baptist, supplemented by the equinoxes as their respective dates of conception. While they were aware that pagans called this day the 'birthday' of Sol Invictus, this did not concern them and it did not play any role in their choice of date for Christmas," according to modern scholar S.E. Hijmans. However, today, whether or not the birth date of Jesus is on December 25 is not considered to be an important issue in mainstream Christian denominations; rather, celebrating the coming of God into the world in the form of man to atone for the sins of humanity is considered to be the primary meaning of Christmas.

Orthodox Christian Churches Eastern Orthodox national churches, including those of Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and the Greek Patriarchate of Jerusalem mark feasts using the older Julian Calendar. December 25 on that calendar currently corresponds to January 7 on the more widely used Gregorian calendar. However, other Orthodox Christians, such as the churches of Greece, Romania, Antioch, Alexandria, Albania, Finland and the Orthodox Church in America, among others, began using the Revised Julian Calendar in the early 20th century, which corresponds exactly to the Gregorian Calendar. These Orthodox Churches celebrate Christmas on the same day as Western Christianity. Oriental Orthodox churches also use their own calendars, which are generally similar to the Julian calendar. The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the nativity in combination with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. Armenian churches customarily use the Gregorian calendar, but some use the Julian calendar and thus celebrate Christmas Day on January 19, and Christmas Eve on January 18 (according to the Gregorian calendar).

Commemorating Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; birth Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary as a fulfillment of the Old Testament's Messianic prophecy. The Bible contains two accounts which describe the events surrounding Jesus' birth. Depending on one's perspective, these accounts either differ from each other or tell two versions of the same story [25] [26][27][28] These biblical accounts are found in the Gospel of Matthew, namely Matthew 1:18, and the Gospel of Luke, specifically Luke 1:26 and 2:40. According to these accounts, Jesus was born to Mary, assisted by her husband Joseph, in the city of Bethlehem. According to popular tradition, the birth took place in a stable, surrounded by farm animals, though neither the stable nor the animals are specifically mentioned in the Biblical accounts. However, a manger is mentioned in Luke 2:7, where it states, "She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Early iconographic representations of the nativity placed the animals and manger within a cave (located, according to tradition, under the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem). Shepherds from the fields surrounding Bethlehem were told of the birth by an angel, and were the first to see the child. The Gospel of Matthew also describes a visit by several Magi, or astrologers, who bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus. The visitors were said to be following a mysterious star, commonly known as the Star of Bethlehem, believing it to announce the birth of a king of the Jews. The commemoration of this visit, the Feast of Epiphany celebrated on January 6, is the formal end of the Christmas season in some churches.

Christians celebrate Christmas in various ways. In addition to this day being one of the most important and popular for the attendance of church services, there are other devotions and popular traditions. In some Christian denominations, children re-enact the events of the Nativity with animals to portray the event with more realism or sing carols that reference the event. Some Christians also display a small re-creation of the Nativity, known as a Nativity scene or crĂ¨che, in their homes, using figurines to portray the key characters of the event. Prior to Christmas Day, the Eastern Orthodox Church practices the 40-day Nativity Fast in anticipation of the birth of Jesus, while much of Western Christianity celebrates four weeks of Advent. The final preparations for Christmas are made on Christmas Eve. A long artistic tradition has grown of producing painted depictions of the nativity in art. Nativity scenes are traditionally set in a barn or stable and include Mary, Joseph, the child Jesus, angels, shepherds and the Three Wise Men: Balthazar, Melchior, and Caspar, who are said to have followed a star, known as the Star of Bethlehem, and arrived after his birth.

Decorations

The practice of putting up special decorations at Christmas has a long history. From pre-Christian times, people in the Roman Empire brought branches from evergreen plants indoors in the winter. Decorating with greenery was also part of Jewish tradition : "Now on the first day you shall take for yourselves the foliage of beautiful trees, palm branches and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. " (Leviticus 23:40) Nativity scenes are known from 10th-century Rome. They were popularized by Saint Francis of Asissi from 1223, quickly spreading across Europe. Different types of decorations developed across the Christian world, dependent on local tradition and available resources. The first commercially produced decorations appeared in Germany in the 1860s, inspired by paper chains made by children. In countries where a representation of the Nativity Scene is very popular, people are encouraged to compete and create the most original or realistic ones. Within some families, the pieces used to make the representation are considered a valuable family heirloom. The traditional colors of Christmas are green and red. White, silver and gold are also popular. Red symbolizes the blood of Jesus, which was shed in his crucifixion, while green symbolizes eternal life, and in particular the evergreen tree, which does not lose its leaves in the winter. The Christmas tree is considered by some as Christianization of pagan tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice, which included the use of evergreen boughs, and an adaptation of pagan tree worship. The English language phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835 and represents an importation from the German language. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century though many argue that Martin Luther began the tradition in the 16th century. From Germany the custom was introduced to Britain, first via Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, and then more successfully by Prince Albert during the reign of Queen Victoria. By 1841 the Christmas tree had become even more widespread throughout Britain. By the 1870s, people in the United States had adopted the custom of putting up a Christmas tree. Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments.

Music and carols The first specifically Christmas hymns that we know of appear in 4th century Rome. Latin hymns such as Veni redemptor gentium, written by Ambrose, Archbishop of Milan, were austere statements of the theological doctrine of the Incarnation in opposition to Arianism. Corde natus ex Parentis (Of the Father's love begotten) by the Spanish poet Prudentius (d. 413) is still sung in some churches today. In the 9th and 10th centuries, the Christmas "Sequence" or "Prose" was introduced in North European monasteries, developing under Bernard of Clairvaux into a sequence of rhymed stanzas. In the 12th century the Parisian monk Adam of St. Victor began to derive music from popular songs, introducing something closer to the traditional Christmas carol. By the 13th century, in France, Germany, and particularly, Italy, under the influence of Francis of Asissi, a strong tradition of popular Christmas songs in the native language developed. Christmas carols in English first appear in a 1426 work of John Awdlay, a Shropshire chaplain, who lists twenty-five "carols of Christmas", probably sung by groups of wassailers, who went from house to house. The songs we know specifically as carols were originally communal folk songs sung during celebrations such as "harvest tide" as well as Christmas. It was only later that carols began to be sung in church. Traditionally, carols have often been based on medieval chord patterns, and it is this that gives them their uniquely characteristic musical sound. Some carols like "Personent hodie", "Good King Wenceslas", and "The Holly and the Ivy" can be traced directly back to the Middle Ages. They are among the oldest musical compositions still regularly sung. Adeste Fidelis (O Come all ye faithful) appears in its current form in the mid-18th century, although the words may have originated in the 13th century.

History

Modern scholars have argued that the festival was placed on the date of the solstice because this was on this day that the Sun reversed its southward retreat and proved itself to be "unconquered". Some early Christian writers connected the rebirth of the sun to the birth of Jesus. "O, how wonderfully acted Providence that on that day on which that Sun was born...Christ should be born", Cyprian wrote. John Chrysostom also commented on the connection: "They call it the 'Birthday of the Unconquered'. Who indeed is so unconquered as Our Lord . . .?" Although Dies Natalis Solis Invicti has been the subject of a great deal of scholarly speculation, the only ancient source for it is a single mention in the Chronograph of 354, and modern Sol scholar Steven Hijmans argues that there is no evidence that the celebration precedes that of Christmas: "While the winter solstice on or around the 25th of December was well established in the Roman imperial calendar, there is no evidence that a religious celebration of Sol on that day antedated the celebration of Christmas, and none that indicates that Aurelian had a hand in its institution."

Winter festivals

A winter festival was the most popular festival of the year in many cultures. Reasons included the fact that less agricultural work needs to be done during the winter, as well as an expectation of better weather as spring approached.[66] Modern Christmas customs include: gift-giving and merrymaking from Roman Saturnalia; greenery, lights, and charity from the Roman New Year; and Yule logs and various foods from Germanic feasts.[67] Pagan Scandinavia celebrated a winter festival called Yule, held in the late December to early January period.[citation needed] As Northern Europe was the last part to Christianize, its pagan traditions had a major influence on Christmas.[citation needed] Scandinavians still call Christmas Jul. In English, the word Yule is synonymous with Christmas, a usage first recorded in 900.

Christmas Day

Boxing Day Boxing Day is a bank or public holiday that occurs on 26 December, or the first or second weekday

after Christmas Day, depending on national or regional laws. It is observed in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth nations. In Ireland, it is recognized as St Stephen's Day or the Day of the Wren (Irish: Lá an Dreoilín). In South Africa, Boxing Day was renamed Day of Goodwill in 1994. Although the same legislation – the Bank Holidays Act 1871 – originally established the bank holidays throughout the UK, the day after Christmas was defined as Boxing Day in England, Scotland and Wales, and the feast day of St Stephen in Ireland.[1] A 'substitute bank holiday in place of 26 December' is only possible in Northern Ireland, reflecting the legal difference in that St. Stephen's Day does not automatically shift to the Monday in the same way as Boxing Day. In Canada, Boxing Day is listed in the Canada Labour Code as an optional holiday. Only the province of Ontario has made it a statutory holiday where all workers receive time off with pay.[2]

Date Boxing Day is a secular holiday that is traditionally celebrated on 26 December, the day after Christmas Day, which is also St. Stephen's Day, a religious holiday.[7][8][9] However, when 26 December falls on a Sunday, Boxing Day in many places is moved to 27 December. In the UK, where Boxing Day is a bank holiday, if Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, a substitute bank holiday is given on the following Monday, but if Boxing Day falls on a Sunday – which means that Christmas Day, another bank holiday, fell on a Saturday – then the Statutory Holiday for Christmas is moved to Monday 27 December and the Statutory Holiday for Boxing Day is moved to Tuesday 28 December.[1] In Scotland, Boxing Day has been specified as an additional bank holiday since 1974,[10] by Royal Proclamation under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. [11]

In Ireland – when it was part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland – the Bank Holidays Act 1871 established the feast day of St Stephen as a non-movable public holiday on 26 December. Since the Irish War of Independence, the name "Boxing Day" is used only by the authorities in Northern Ireland, which remains part of the UK. There, Boxing Day is a movable public holiday in line with the rest of the UK. In the Australian state of South Australia, 26 December is a public holiday known as Proclamation Day and Boxing Day is not normally a public holiday.[12] In some Canadian provinces, Boxing Day is a statutory holiday[13] that is always celebrated on 26 December. In Canadian provinces where Boxing Day is a statutory holiday, and it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, compensation days are given in the following week.[13]

Shopping Boxing Day crowds shopping at the Toronto Eaton Centre in Canada In Britain,[14] Canada[15], New Zealand and some states of Australia,[16] Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday, much like the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is a time where shops have sales, often with dramatic price decreases. For many merchants, Boxing Day has become the day of the year with the greatest revenue. In the UK in 2009 it was estimated that up to 12 million shoppers appeared at the sales (a rise of almost 20% compared to 2008, although this was also affected by the fact that the VAT would revert to 17.5% from 1 January).[17] Many retailers open very early (typically 5 am or even earlier) and offer doorbuster deals and loss leaders to draw people to their stores. It is not uncommon for long queues to form early in the morning of 26 December, hours before the opening of shops holding the big sales, especially at big-box consumer electronics retailers.[15] Many stores have a limited quantity of big draw or deeply discounted items.[18] Because of the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, many choose to stay home and avoid the hectic shopping experience. The local media often cover the event, mentioning how early the shoppers began queueing up, providing video of shoppers queueing and later leaving with their purchased items.[19] The Boxing Day sales have the potential for customer stampedes, injuries and even fatalities.[20] As a result, many retailers have implemented practices aimed at controlling large numbers of shoppers, most whom are typically irate due to the cold (or, in Australia and New Zealand, hot) weather, and anxious for bargains. They may limit entrances, restrict the number of patrons in a store at a time, provide tickets to people at the head of the queue to guarantee them a hot ticket item, and canvass queued-up shoppers to inform them of inventory limitations.[18] In recent years, retailers have expanded deals to "Boxing Week." While Boxing Day is 26 December, many retailers who hold Boxing Day Sales will run the sales for several days before or after 26 December, often up to New Year's Eve. Notably, in the recession of late 2008, a record number of retailers were holding early promotions due to a weak economy.[21] Canada's Boxing Day has often been compared with the American Super Saturday, the Saturday before Christmas. In 2009, a number of major Canadian retailers had their own Black Friday promotions to discourage shoppers from crossing the border.[22] In some areas of Canada, particularly in Atlantic Canada and parts of Northern Ontario (including Sault Ste. Marie[23]), most retailers are prohibited from opening on Boxing Day, either by provincial law or municipal bylaw. In these areas, sales otherwise scheduled for 26 December are moved to the 27th.[24][25] In Ireland, since 1902, most stores remain closed on St. Stephen's Day, as with Christmas Day. In 2009, some stores decided to open on this day, breaking a 107-year-old tradition. Some stores have also started their January sales on this day.

Cyber Boxing Day The online version of Boxing Day has been referred to as "Cyber Boxing Day". In the UK in 2008, Boxing Day was the busiest online shopping day of the year.[26] In 2009, many retailers with both online and High Street stores launched their online sales on Christmas Eve and their High Street sales on Boxing Day.[27]

Easter

Easter Easter is a moveable feast, meaning it is not fixed in relation to the civil calendar. The First Council of Nicaea (325) established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon (the Paschal Full Moon) following the northern hemisphere's vernal equinox.[3] Ecclesiastically, the equinox is reckoned to be on March 21 (even though the equinox occurs, astronomically speaking, on March 20 in most years), and the "Full Moon" is not necessarily the astronomically correct date. The date of Easter therefore varies between March 22 and April 25. Eastern Christianity bases its calculations on the Julian Calendar whose March 21 corresponds, during the 21st century, to April 3 in the Gregorian Calendar, in which calendar their celebration of Easter therefore varies between April 4 and May 8. Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover by much of its symbolism, as well as by its position in the calendar. In most European languages the feast called Easter in English is termed by the words for Passover in those languages and in the older English versions of the Bible the term Easter was the term used to translate Passover. Relatively newer elements such as the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts have become part of the holiday's modern celebrations, and those aspects are often celebrated by many Christians and non-Christians alike. There are also some Christian denominations who do not celebrate Easter.

Easter (Old English: Ēostre; Greek: Πάσχα, Paskha; Hebrew: ‫פֶּסַ ח‬, Pesakh, "Passover") is the central religious feast in the Christian liturgical year.[1] According to Christian scripture, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. Some Christians celebrate this resurrection on Easter Day or Easter Sunday[2] (also Resurrection Day or Resurrection Sunday), two days after Good Friday and three days after Maundy Thursday. The chronology of his death and resurrection is variously interpreted to be between AD 26 and 36, traditionally 33. Easter also refers to the season of the church year called Eastertide or the Easter Season. Traditionally the Easter Season lasted for the forty days from Easter Day until Ascension Day. The first week of the Easter Season is known as Easter Week or the Octave of Easter. Easter also marks the end of Lent, a season of fasting, prayer, and penance.

Date of Easter Easter and the holidays that are related to it are moveable feasts, in that they do not fall on a fixed date in the Gregorian or Julian calendars (both of which follow the cycle of the sun and the seasons). Instead, the date for Easter is determined on a lunisolar calendar similar to the Hebrew calendar. In Western Christianity, using the Gregorian calendar, Easter always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25, inclusively. The following day, Easter Monday, is a legal holiday in many countries with predominantly Christian traditions. In Eastern Orthodox churches â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which continue to use the Julian calendar for religious dating â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Easter also falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25, inclusive, of the Julian calendar. (The Julian calendar is no longer used as the civil calendar of the countries where Eastern Christian traditions predominate.) In terms of the Gregorian calendar, due to the 13 day difference between the calendars between 1900 and 2099, these dates are between April 4 and May 8, inclusive. Among the Oriental Orthodox some churches have changed from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar and the date for Easter as for other fixed and moveable feasts is the same as in the Western church. The precise date of Easter has at times been a matter for contention. At the First Council of Nicaea in 325 it was decided that all Christian churches would celebrate Easter on the same day, which would be computed independently of any Jewish calculations to determine the date of Passover. It is however probable (though no contemporary account of the Council's decisions has survived) that no method of determining the date was specified by the Council. Epiphanius of Salamis wrote in the mid-4th century: :...the emperor...convened a council of 318 bishops...in the city of Nicea...They passed certain ecclesiastical canons at the council besides, and at the same time decreed in regard to the Passover that there must be one unanimous concord on the celebration of God's holy and supremely excellent day. For it was variously observed by people.... In the years following the council, the computational system that was worked out by the church of Alexandria came to be normative. It took a while for the Alexandrian rules to be adopted throughout Christian Europe, however. The Church of Rome continued to use an 84-year lunisolar calendar cycle from the late 3rd century until 457. It then switched to an adaptation by Victorius of the Alexandrian rules. This table was so inaccurate that the Alexandrian rules were adopted in their entirety in the following century. From this time, therefore, all disputes between Alexandria and Rome as to the correct date for Easter cease, as both churches were using identical tables. Early Christians in Britain and Ireland also used a late 3rd century Roman 84-year cycle. They were suspected of being quartodecimans, unjustly because they always kept Easter on a Sunday, although that Sunday could be as early as the fourteenth day of the lunar month. This was replaced by the Alexandrian method in the course of the 7th and 8th centuries. Churches in western continental Europe used a late Roman method until the late 8th century during the reign of Charlemagne, when they finally adopted the Alexandrian method. Since 1582, when the Catholic Church adopted the Gregorian calendar whilst the Eastern Orthodox and most Oriental Orthodox Churches retained the Julian calendar, the date on which Easter is celebrated has again differed.

Year 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Western April 11 April 3 April 7 March 30 April 3 March 26 March 31 April 19 April 11 April 3 April 16 April 7 March 30 April 12 April 4 April 23 March 31 April 20 March 27 April 16 March 23 April 12

April 8 March 31 April 5 March 27 April 1 April 21 April 12 April 4 April 17

Eastern April 18 May 8 April 22 April 14 May 4 April 19 April 10 April 30 April 15 April 7 April 26 April 18 May 1 April 23 April 14 April 27 April 19 April 11 April 30 April 15 May 5 April 27 April 11 May 1 April 23 April 8 April 27 April 19 April 4 April 24 April 15 May 5 April 20 April 12 May 1 April 16 April 8 April 28 April 19 May 2 April 24

Computations

In 725, Bede succinctly wrote, "The Sunday following the full Moon which falls on or after the equinox will give the lawful Easter.â&#x20AC;? However, this does not reflect the actual ecclesiastical rules precisely. One reason for this is that the full moon involved (called the Paschal full moon) is not an astronomical full moon, but the 14th day of a calendar lunar month. Another difference is that the astronomical vernal equinox is a natural astronomical phenomenon, which can fall on March 19, 20, or 21, while the ecclesiastical date is fixed by convention on March 21. In applying the ecclesiastical rules, Christian churches use March 21 as the starting point in determining the date of Easter, from which they find the next full moon, etc. The Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches continue to use the Julian calendar. Their starting point in determining the date of Orthodox Easter is also March 21, but according to the Julian reckoning, which corresponds to April 3 in the Gregorian calendar. In addition, the lunar tables of the Julian calendar are 4 days (sometimes 5 days) behind those of the Gregorian calendar. The 14th day of the lunar month according to the Gregorian system is only the 9th or 10th day according to the Julian. The result of this combination of solar and lunar discrepancies is divergence in the date of Easter in most years. (see table) The actual calculations for the date of Easter are somewhat complicated, but can be described briefly as follows: Easter is determined on the basis of lunisolar cycles. The lunar year consists of 30-day and 29-day lunar months, generally alternating, with an embolismic month added periodically to bring the lunar cycle into line with the solar cycle. In each solar year (January 1 to December 31), the lunar month beginning with an ecclesiastical new moon falling in the 29day period from March 8 to April 5 inclusive is designated as the paschal lunar month for that year. Easter is the 3rd Sunday in the paschal lunar month, or, in other words, the Sunday after the paschal lunar month's 14th day. The 14th of the paschal lunar month is designated by convention as the Paschal full moon, although the 14th of the lunar month may differ from the date of the astronomical full moon by up to two days.[Since the ecclesiastical new moon falls on a date from March 8 to April 5 inclusive, the paschal full moon (the 14th of that lunar month) must fall on a date from March 21 to April 18 inclusive. Accordingly, Gregorian Easter can fall on 35 possible dates - between March 22 and April 25 inclusive. It last fell on March 22 in 1818, and will not do so again until 2285. It fell on March 23 in 2008, but will not do so again until 2160. Easter last fell on the latest possible date, April 25, in 1943 and will next fall on that date in 2038. However, it will fall on April 24, just one day before this latest possible date, in 2011. The cycle of Easter dates repeats after exactly 5,700,000 years, with April 19 being the most common date, happening 220,400 times or 3.9%, compared to the median for all dates of 189,525 times or 3.3%. The Gregorian calculation of Easter was based on a method devised by the Calabrian doctor Aloysius Lilius (or Lilio) for adjusting the epacts of the moon,[50] and has been adopted by almost all Western Christians and by Western countries who celebrate national holidays at Easter. For the British Empire and colonies, a determination of the date of Easter Sunday using Golden Numbers and Sunday letters was defined by the Calendar (New Style) Act 1750 with its Annexe. This was designed to exactly match the Gregorian calculation.

Ukrainian Easter

Easter is the major Ukrainian religious holiday. Christmas is fun and all, but Easter is the Big Time. First there is Lent, but without the Catholic tradition of Mardi Gras or Carnival to make it more interesting. (Although we do have “Cheese Sunday”, when you’re supposed to eat up all of the forbidden foods left in the house that won’t keep—cheese, eggs, butter). It is a forty day period of deprivation preceding Easter Sunday. Traditionally, one “fasted” for all of Lent, giving up meat, eggs, and butter and abstained from dancing and other frivolous activities. It is meant to be a time for soul cleansing and penitence. Just before the end of Lent is Palm Sunday, which celebrates the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem. Ukrainians call it “Pussy Willow” Sunday. Palms were apparently hard to get in Ukraine in days of old, so willow branches were substituted . Pussy willows are the preferred branch, but ordinary willows will do in a pinch. Long branches are cut, and are blessed during the mass. They are then passed out, and people (mostly young ones) then go around hitting each other with them and saying: It’s not me hitting you, It’s the willow hitting you, In a week it will be Easter, Soon you will have a red egg.

OK, so Shakespeare it’s not. But it’s tradition, and a tradition which makes a lot more sense that a bunny which lays chocolate eggs. (David Sedaris covers the ridiculousness of American – and French – Easter traditions in his book “Me Talk Pretty One Day”. He had moved to Paris and was learning French in a total immersion class, where they were discussing Easter traditions. “The rabbit of Easter he brings of the chocolate.” David tried to explain. In France, according to his teacher, it is a big bell that flies in from Rome to deliver the goodies. Which is weirder? I report, you decide.) Easter preparations are made during the last week of Lent. The house is cleaned/scourged. All sorts of non-lenten foods are prepared (but not eaten), using butter, meat and eggs. Sausages are stuffed, pasky are baked (lovely sweet yellow bread). Hrin (Хрін), a condiment for eggs and pork, is prepared; it is a yummy mix of ground beets and horseradish. Eggs are boiled and colored. Pysanky – raw, decorated eggs – are also made. The pysanka (from the Ukrainian word “pysaty”– to write) is probably Ukraine’s most famous product. A pysanka is made with waxes and dyes, and can be intricately designed. The designs (and colors) are symbolic. Once they stood for the sun, the moon, a good harvest, the three elements; Christians co-opted the spring fertility and rebirth festival, and co-opted its traditions and symbols, too. Now the sun is God, the tree elements the Trinity, endless lines symbolize eternity and the fish symbolizes Christ. Pysanky were made by the women of the house, during Lent. They would gather eggs, and save the best ones for making pysanky. On the chosen evening, they would gather, say a prayer, and then talk and sing while decorating their eggs. In a large family, by Holy Thursday, 60 eggs would have been completed. This was done in secrecy, away from the men, and away from the prying eyes of other villagers. Each family had their own dyes and their own patterns, and guarded them. Each village had its common motifs and color combinations as well; experts can often look at a traditional pysanka and tell you exactly where it was made. Then there are candle lit masses on Good Thursday and Friday. On Passion Thursday (Великий Четвер/Velykiy Chetver, Страсти Христа/ Strasty Khrysta), the Passion of Christ is commemorated, and on Good Friday the Crucifixion. Churches provide a "плащениця/ plashchenytsia" representing the shroud of Christ for worshippers to pray to. On Saturday there is a midnight mass. At midnight, the entire congregation leaves the church, and marches in procession around it three times, holding candles, carrying church banners, and singing “Hrystos Voskres (Христос Воскрес: Christ is Risen). During Lent the church has been shrouded in black; while the congregation is marching, the black cloth is removed and the church is filled with colors and flowers once more, to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection.

After mass, in the wee hours of the morning, the Easter baskets are blessed. The Easter basket is the pride and joy of the family. People judge the mistress of the house according to the way her Easter basket looks, what it contains, and how it is decorated. A willow basket is lined with an embroidered cloth (or, here in the States, filled with green plastic grass), and is filled with a sampling of Easter foods. The Easter basket should contain: Paska (3) Pysanky Krashanky (dyed hard boiled eggs in a variety of colors, but there must be a red one) Salt Pepper Butter (often a butter lamb) Lard Cheese Horseradish Ham (or other smoked meat) Salo (pork fat) Kovbasa (sausage - a small ring) Various seeds (e.g. sunflower, poppy)

A few typical paska decorations

A candle is placed in the paska, lit, and the basket is blessed. (Note: the Ukrainian Catholics have a midday mass, and bless their baskets in the sunshine. Much less dramatic, but makes for a nicer illustration.) Immediately after the ceremony the family hurries home to share the blessed food and break Lent. This is done with the accompaniment of plenty of horilka (Ukrainian vodka). Easter is spent with family, eating, drinking, and singing hayivky .

Endnotes:

1. There is another reason that willow branches are used: religious syncretism. This particular ritual had a magical intent in pagan times. The willow tree had medicinal properties, was considered a holy tree, and was one of the first in the Spring to show signs of life. The people believed that by tapping each other with the freshly blooming willow tree branch, they could draw from it the same energy and strength which allowed it to come to life. The Christian Church on the other hand, marks this Sunday in accordance with the Gospel and the liturgical prescription celebrating the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem where he was greeted by throngs of people waving palm branches. To remember this event, the Church initiated a custom of distributing palm branches. The Ukrainian Church combined the ancient pagan ritual with the Christian one, with the difference that willow branches are given to the people instead of palm branches. 2. Do a web search, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find hundreds, if not thousands of citations. One of my favorites is Ann Morashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s site. And you can view my eggs on this site. 3 . The most honored Easter bread was the paska and the preparation and baking of paska was considered one of the most important tasks of the year. People believed that the future could be predicted, depending on how this holiday bread turned out. Every homemaker wanted her paska to be the best and the biggest, therefore while baking it she performed various magical gestures and used incantations. The dough for the paska was kneaded in a trough which rested on a pillow so that the bread would be light. During the preparation the homemaker had to maintain pure thoughts. While the paska was in the oven no one was allowed to sit or make a loud noise for fear it would collapse in the oven. In some regions of Ukraine the man of the house stood guard in his front door lest someone enter and cast an evil spell while the paska was baking. A successfully baked paska brought great joy to the family. Wrapped in a rushnyk (ritual cloth), or placed in a basket, the paska was carried to church by the master of the house to be blessed in a ceremony following the Resurrection Midnight Mass. Other foods such as cheese, butter, salt, pork fat, horse radish, eggs, pysanky (Ukrainian Easter egg), ham, sausages, as well as various seeds were also brought to church for the blessing. Immediately after the ceremony the family would hurry home to share the blessed paska and thus begin Easter breakfast. The antiquity of the paska as a ritual bread is evidenced not only by the rituals performed during the preparations and baking but also by the decorations which adorned this holiday bread. The top of the paska was covered with symbolic signs made of dough such as a cross, solar signs, rosettes, leaves, pine cones and sometimes even birds and bees. Most of these decorations were remnants of an ancient pagan religion tied to the cult of the sun and bread.

Traditions

Pysanky

Easter Easter

Easter

Easter Easter Easter

BIBLE BUNNY LAMB BUTTERFLY

CHICK

DAFFODIL

CROSS

LILY BASKET

EGG

Great Job! CHICK Try Again BASKET Try Again BIBLE

Try Again BASKET Try Again BIBLE Great Job! LAMB

Try Again LAMB Great Job! BUNNY Try Again BIBLE

Try Again LAMB Great Job! BIBLE Try Again BASKET

Great Job! CROSS Try Again BASKET Try Again BIBLE

Great Job! DAFFODIL Try Again EGG Try Again BIBLE

Try Again LILY Try Again BIBLE Great Job! BASKET

Try Again BASKET Try Again LAMB Great Job! EGG

Try Again EGG Try Again CROSS Great Job! LILY

Lent

Lent in the Christian tradition, is the period of the liturgical year from Ash Wednesday to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; through prayer, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the Synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by Satan. Thus, Lent is described as being forty days long, though different denominations calculate the forty days differently. This practice is common to much of Christendom, being celebrated by Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Anglicans. Lent is increasingly being observed by other denominations as well, even such groups that have historically ignored Lent, such as Baptists and Mennonites.

Duration

Most followers of Western Christianity observe Lent beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding on Holy Saturday. The six Sundays in this period are not counted because each one represents a "mini-Easter," a celebration of Jesus' victory over sin and death. One notable exception is the Archdiocese of Milan which follows the Ambrosian Rite and observes Lent starting on the Sunday, 6 weeks before Easter. Since the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church has redefined Good Friday & Holy Saturday as the first two days of the Easter Triduum rather than the last two days of Lent, but Lenten observances are maintained until the Easter Vigil.

In those churches which follow the Rite of Constantinople (e.g. Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics), the forty days of Lent are counted differently; also, the date of Pascha (Easter) is calculated differently in the East than in the West (see Computus). The fast begins on Clean Monday, and Sundays are included in the count; thus, counting uninterruptedly from Clean Monday, Great Lent ends on the fortieth consecutive day, which is the Friday before Palm Sunday. The days of Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday and Holy Week are considered a distinct period of fasting. For more detailed information about the Eastern Christian practice of Lent, see the article Great Lent.

Amongst Oriental Orthodox Christians, there are various local traditions regarding Lent. The Coptic, Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Churches observe eight weeks of Lent, which, with both Saturdays and Sundays exempt, has forty days of fasting. Joyous Saturday and the week preceding it are counted separately from the forty day fast in accordance with the Apostolic Constitutions giving an extra eight days. The first seven days of the fast are considered by some to be an optional time of preparation. Others attribute these seven days to the fast of Holofernes who asked the Syrian Christians to fast for him after they requested his assistance to repel the invading pagan Persians.

Other related fasting periods The number forty has many Biblical references: the forty days Moses spent on Mount Sinai with God (Exodus 24:18); the forty days and nights Elijah spent walking to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8); the forty days and nights God sent rain in the great flood of Noah (Genesis 7:4); the forty years the Hebrew people wandered in the desert while traveling to the Promised Land (Numbers 14:33); the forty days Jonah in his prophecy of judgment gave the city of Nineveh in which to repent (Jonah 3:4). Jesus retreated into the wilderness, where he fasted for forty days, and was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-2, Mark 1:1213, Luke 4:1-2). He overcame all three of Satan's temptations by citing scripture to the devil, at which point the devil left him, angels ministered to Jesus, and he began his ministry. Jesus further said that his disciples should fast "when the bridegroom shall be taken from them" (Matthew 9:15), a reference to his Passion. Since, presumably, the Apostles fasted as they mourned the death of Jesus, Christians have traditionally fasted during the annual commemoration of his burial.

Converts to Christianity followed a strict catechumen ate or period of instruction and discipline prior to baptism. In Jerusalem near the close of the fourth century, classes were held throughout Lent for three hours each day. With the legalization of Christianity (by the Edict of Milan) and its later imposition as the state religion of the Roman Empire, its character was endangered by the great influx of new members. In response, the Lenten fast and practices of self-renunciation were required annually of all Christians, both to show solidarity with the catechumens, and for their own spiritual benefit.

It is the traditional belief that Jesus lay for forty hours in the tomb which led to the forty hours of total fast that preceded the Easter celebration in the early Church (the biblical reference to 'three days in the tomb' is understood as spanning three days, from Friday afternoon to early Sunday morning, rather than three 24 hour periods of time). One of the most important ceremonies at Easter was the baptism of the initiates on Easter Eve. The fast was initially undertaken by the catechumens to prepare them for the reception of this sacrament. Later, the period of fasting from Good Friday until Easter Day was extended to six days, to correspond with the six weeks of training, necessary to give the final instruction to those converts who were to be baptized.

Holy Days There are several holy days within the season of Lent: •Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in Western Christianity •Clean Monday (or "Ash Monday") is the first day in Eastern Orthodox Christianity •The fourth Lenten Sunday, which marks the halfway point between Ash Wednesday and Easter, is sometimes referred to as Laetare Sunday, particularly by Roman Catholics, and Mothering Sunday, which has become synonymous with Mother's Day in the United Kingdom. However, its origin is a sixteenth century celebration of the Mother Church. On Laetare Sunday, the priest has the option of wearing vestments of rose (pink) instead of violet. •The fifth Lenten Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday (however, that term is also applied to Palm Sunday) marks the beginning of Passiontide •The sixth Lenten Sunday, commonly called Palm Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent immediately preceding Easter •Wednesday of Holy Week is known as Spy Wednesday to commemorate the days on which Judas spied on Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane before betraying him •Thursday is known as Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday, and is a day Christians commemorate the Last Supper shared by Christ with his disciples •Good Friday follows the next day, on which Christians remember Jesus' crucifixion and burial

Holy Days In the Roman Catholic Church, the Easter Triduum is a three-day event that begins with the entrance hymn of the Mass of the Lord's Supper. After this Holy Thursday evening celebration, the consecrated hosts are taken from the altar solemnly to a place of reposition where the faithful are invited to worship the holy Body of Christ. On the next day the liturgical commemoration of the Passion of Jesus Christ is celebrated at 3pm, unless a later time is chosen due to work schedules. This service consists of readings from the Scriptures especially John the Evangelist's account of the Passion of Jesus, followed by prayers, adoration of the cross of Jesus, and a communion service at which the hosts consecrated at the evening Mass of the day before are distributed. The Easter Vigil during the night between Holy Saturday afternoon and Easter Sunday morning starts with the blessing of a fire and a special candle and with readings from Scripture associated with baptism, then the Gloria in Excelsis Deo is sung, water is blessed, baptism and confirmation of adults may take place, and the people are invited to renew the promises of their own baptism, and finally Mass is celebrated in the usual way from the Preparation of the Gifts onwards.

Holy Week and the season of Lent, depending on denomination and local custom, end with Easter Vigil at sundown on Holy Saturday or on the morning of Easter Sunday. It is custom for some churches to hold sunrise services which include open air celebrations in some places.

In the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and many Anglican churches, the priest's vestments are violet during the season of Lent. On the fourth Sunday in Lent, rose-coloured vestments may be worn in lieu of violet. In some Anglican churches, a type of unbleached linen or muslin known as Lenten array is used during the first three weeks of Lent, and crimson during Passiontide. On holy days, the colour proper to the day is worn.

Fasting and abstinence

In current Western societies the practice is considerably relaxed, though in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches abstinence from all animal products including fish, eggs, fowl and milk sourced from animals (e.g. goats and cows as opposed to the milk of soy beans and coconuts) is still commonly practiced, meaning only vegetarian meals are consumed in many Eastern countries for the entire fifty-five days of their Lent. In the Roman Catholic Church it is traditional to abstain from meat from mammals and fowl on Ash Wednesday and every Friday for the duration of Lent, although fish and dairy products are still permitted. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday it is customary to fast for the day, with no meat, eating only one full meal, and if necessary, two small meals also. Pursuant to Canon 1253, days of fasting and abstinence are set by the national Episcopal Conference. On days of fasting, one eats only one full meal, but may eat two smaller meals as necessary to keep up one's strength. The two small meals together must sum to less than the one full meal. Parallel to the fasting laws are the laws of abstinence. These bind those over the age of fourteen. On days of abstinence, the person must not eat meat or poultry. According to canon law, all Fridays of the year, Ash Wednesday and several other days are days of abstinence, though in most countries, the strict requirements for abstinence have been limited by the bishops (in accordance with Canon 1253) to the Fridays of Lent and Ash Wednesday. On other abstinence days, the faithful are invited to perform some other act of penance. A custom that developed later was to also give up something a person â&#x20AC;&#x153;enjoyedâ&#x20AC;? receiving or doing for the duration of Lent. Although it is not required or part of any rule, many Christians today will also choose to give up something during the Lenten period.

Fasting during Lent was more severe in ancient times than today. Socrates Scholasticus reports that in some places, all animal products were strictly forbidden, while others will permit fish, others permit fish and fowl, others prohibit fruit and eggs, and still others eat only bread. In some places, believers abstained from food for an entire day; others took only one meal each day, while others abstained from all food until 3 o'clock. In most places, however, the practice was to abstain from eating until the evening, when a small meal without vegetables or alcohol was eaten. During the early Middle Ages, meat, eggs and dairy products were generally forbidden. Thomas Aquinas argued that "they afford greater pleasure as food [than fish], and greater nourishment to the human body, so that from their consumption there results a greater surplus available for seminal matter, which when abundant becomes a great incentive to lust. However, dispensations for dairy products were given, frequently for a donation[citation needed], from which several churches are popularly believed to have been built, including the "Butter Tower" of the Rouen Cathedral. In Spain, the bull of the Holy Crusade (renewed periodically after 1492) allowed the consumption of dairy products and eggs during Lent in exchange for a contribution to the conflict. Giraldus Cambrensis in his Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales reports that "in Germany and the arctic regions," "great and religious persons," eat the tail of beavers as "fish" because of its superficial resemblance to a fish and their relative abundance.

Traditionally, on Easter Sunday, Roman Catholics may cease their fasting and start again whatever they gave up for Lent, after they attend Mass on Easter Sunday. Orthodox Christians break their fast after the Paschal Vigil (a service which starts around 11:00 pm on Holy Saturday), which includes the Paschal celebration of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. At the end of the service, the priest will bless eggs, cheese, flesh meats and other items that the faithful have been abstaining from for the duration of Great Lent. Lenten practices (as well as various other liturgical practices) are more common in Protestant circles than they once were. Many modern Protestants consider the observation of Lent to be a choice, rather than an obligation. They may decide to give up a favorite food or drink (e.g. chocolate, alcohol) or activity (e.g., going to the movies, playing video games, etc.) for Lent, or they may instead take on a Lenten discipline such as devotions, volunteering for charity work, and so on. In the Reformed tradition Lent is rejected. Ulrich Zwingli, considered the initial leader of the Reformed movement in Switzerland, made the Lenten fast representative of the difference between the traditional sacramentalism of the Catholic church and the belief in "sola fide" that he was beginning to espouse. On the first fasting Sunday, 9 March, Zwingli and about a dozen other supporters purposely and publicly violated the Lenten fast by cutting and distributing two smoked sausages. Since then, the Reformed movement, including the Puritans in the English speaking world, have not observed Lent, sometimes making a demonstration of their rejection of it.

In some years, there have been exceptions to abstinence on Fridays during the Lenten Season. If Saint Patrick's Day (17 March) falls on a Friday during Lent, the local Bishop can dispense with the rules and Catholics can eat meat. This is especially true in the United States among areas with large Irish-American populations, who eat corned beef on St. Patrick's Day. Approximately one third of all Catholic dioceses in the United States grant such a dispensation. The same is true for the feasts of St. Joseph and the Annunciation, which are always March 19th and March 25th respectively. If the feasts (March 19th or March 25th) fall on a Friday during Lent then the obligation to abstain is abrogated. Contemporary legislation is rooted in the 1966 Apostolic Constitution of Pope Paul VI, Paenitemini. He recommended that fasting be appropriate to the local economic situation, and that all Catholics voluntarily fast and abstain. He also allowed that fasting and abstinence might be substituted with prayer and works of charity.

The month is amber, Gold and brown. Blue ghosts of smoke Float through the town. Great Vâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of geese Honk overhead, And maples turn A fiery red. Frost bites the lawn, The stars are slits In a black catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye Before she spits.

At last, small witches, Goblins, hags, And pirates armed With paper b ags. Their costumes hinged On safety pins, Go haunt a night Of pumpkin grins.

Halloween is an annual holiday observed on October 31. It has roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holiday All Saints' Day, but is today largely a secular celebration.

The ancient Celts believed that the border between this world and the Otherworld became thin on this day, allowing spirits (both harmless and harmful) to pass through. The family's ancestors were honoured and invited home while harmful spirits were warded off.

No sun, no light, Not even a spark, The whole world Is completely dark. The clock strikes twelve, You hear it chime, Not one single person Is awake at this time. No other color Than black is to see.

You notice a monster, During the day it’s a tree. Though there’s no wind, You can smell the crisp air. The shapes you see, Are the creeps of your nightmare. No sun, no lamp, Not a single light. So dark, so black, In the middle of the night.

Halloween costumes are traditionally those of monsters such as ghosts, skeletons, witches, and devils. They are said to be used to scare off demons. Costumes are also b ased on themes other than traditional horror, such as those of characters from television shows, movies, and other pop culture icons.

Long ago people believed in ghosts. They thought that the dead came b ack to their homes on Halloween and walked around all night.

There's a house upon the hilltop We will not go inside For that is where the witches live, Where ghosts and goblins hide. Tonight they have their party, All the lights are burning bright, But oh we will not go inside The haunted house tonight.

The demons there are whirling And the spirits swirl about. They sing their songs to Halloween. "Come join the fun," they shout. But we do not want to go there So we run with all our might And oh we will not go inside The haunted house tonight.

Witches flying past on broomsticks, Black cats leaping here and there, White-robed spooks on every corner, Mournful moaning in the air, Goblins peering out of windows, Spirit-things that rap and runBut don't be scared-it's just October, Having one last hour of fun!

Ding, dang, dong! Crackle a little song! Use your bones As xylophones One went crack, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrong?

It was a black and gloomy night And not a star was in sight The moon shone brightly in the sky When suddenly I heard a cry. I ran past the gravestones, covered in moss. This graveyard was haunted, The shriek meant a loss.

I needed to save whoever screamed. Since thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a ghost that eats brains, so it seemed. I kept on running Till Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d seen the case. My scared friend Patrick had tri pped on his lace.

"Will you walk into my parlor?" said the spider to the fly; â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is the prettiest little parlor that you ever did spy. The way into my parlor is up a winding stair, And I have many curious things to show when you are there." "Oh no, no!" said the little fly, "to ask me is in vain; For who goes up your winding stair can never come down again."

Witches have had a long history with Halloween. Legends tell of witches gathering on this night, arriving on broomsticks, to celebrate a party hosted by the devil. Superstitions tell of witches casting spells on unsuspecting people, transform themselves into different forms and causing other magical mischief.

The sky is dark, The stars are blue, The witches are making Their witchesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; brew.

The black cat has long been associated with witches. Many superstitions have evolved about cats. It was believed that witches could change into cats. Some people also believed that cats were the spirits of the dead.

One of the best known superstitions is that if a black cat was to cross your path you would have to turn around and go b ack because many people believe if you continued b ad luck would strike you.

Celtic priests called Druids celebrated Halloween many centuries ago in Ireland and Scotland. The Druids thought that Halloween was the night when the witches came out. As they were afraid of the witches they put on different clothes and painted their faces to deceive the evil spirits. They also placed food and small gifts near the doors of their houses for the witches.

The old Celtic custom was to light great bonfires on Halloween, and after these had burned out to make a circle of the ashes of each fire. Within this circle, and near the circumference, each member of the various families that had helped to make a fire would place a pebble. If, on the next day, any stone was displaced, or had been damaged, it was considered to be an indication that the one to whom the stone belonged would die within twelve months.

Jack-o-lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles in hollowedout turni ps to keep away spirits and ghosts on the Samhain holiday. Some of them have scary and some have funny faces.

According to folklore, the jacko-lantern got his name from a man named Jack who used to play practical jokes on the devil and was punished for it.

Trick-or-treating is a customary celebration for children on Halloween. Children go in costume from house to house, asking for treats such as candy or sometimes money, with the question, "Trick or treat?" The word "trick" refers to a (mostly idle) "threat" to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. Sometimes children perform some sort of trick, i.e. sings a song or tells a ghost story, to earn their treats.

In masks and gowns we haunt the street And knock on doors for trick or treat. Tonight we are the king and queen, For all tonight is â&#x20AC;Ś

Menu oHalloween Witches Brew oChocolate Spiders oGingerbread Ghosts oScary Faced Pizzas oHalloween Mix oCoco Lanterns oVampire Punch oWitches Fingers oNight Crawlers oCandied Apples oPumpkin Chi ps

Fortunetelling Apples were once thought to be a link between men and the Gods and were often used to tell the future. By putting an apple under your pillow you could dream a wish and eat the apple in the morning. Later people began to use apples in games.

Superstitions A burning a candle inside a jack-o-lantern on Halloween keeps evil spirits and demons at b ay. If a candle suddenly goes out by itself on Halloween, as though by breath or wind, it is believed that a ghost has come to call. Always burn new candles on Halloween to ensure the best of luck. It is not a good idea to burn Halloween candles at any other time of the year. It may bring b ad luck or strange things will happen to you, over which you will have no control.

Superstitions Gazing into a flame of a candle on Halloween night will enable you to peer into the future. Girls who carry a lamp to a spring of water on this night can see their future husb and in the reflection. It is believed that if a person lights a new orange colored candle at midnight on Halloween and lets it burn until sunrise, he or she will be the reci pient of good luck.

Superstitions

If you hear footsteps trailing close behind you on Halloween night, do not to turn around to see who it is, for it may be Death himself! To look Death in the eye, according to ancient folklore, is a sure way to hasten your own demise. If a b at flies around a house three times, it is considered to be a death omen. A person born on Halloween can both see and talk to spirits.

Superstitions If you see a spider on Halloween, it could be the spirit of a dead loved one who is watching you. Put your clothes on inside out and walk b ackwards on Halloween night to meet a witch. You should walk around your home three times b ackwards and counterclockwise before sunset on Halloween to ward off evil spirits.

Ivan Kupala. â&#x2013;ş

July 7 - Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist, Baptist, Jesus. Christmas is Christ - the winter solstice, Christmas John - year. Gradually merged with the Christian holiday of national celebration in honor of the summer solstice.

Who's Kupala? â&#x2013;ş Kupala

- Slavic god of the summer, field of fruit

and summer flowers. It ranked as the nobles, to the gods. After all, the fruits of the earth are more than just a man, and make his fortune.

The shortest night of the year. â&#x2013;ş

It was on this night the unthinkable wonders, and all the evil spirits brand ungird and tries to hurt people. Protecting your home from the invasion of evil spirits, the peasants in the windows of houses laid out a stinging nettle.

The unprecedented flower.

â&#x2013;ş

According to popular belief only once a year, at midnight at the very midsummer blooms fiery color of the fern. Whoever finds and picks the flower becomes healer and will be able to find any treasure. Many tests have had the courage to overcome to get a magic flower, because he will resist all evil forest. Very few people survive such an ordeal. But without the magic flower does not get cherished treasures.

Midsummer divination. â&#x2013;ş

1. Collected 12 species of grasses and placed under the pillow at night with the words: "Promiseddisguised, come to my garden walk!" To see the dream of their future husband.

â&#x2013;ş

2. Curled wreaths with candles, were allowed into the river. If a wreath drown - stop loving betrothed. Who swims the longest time - he will be happier all those who have the longest burning candle - he will live very long lives.

Midsummer divination. â&#x2013;ş 3.

At midnight came out and, without looking, torn grass in the morning counted if scored 12 plant species - go get married this year.

â&#x2013;ş 4.

To dream of the groom, under your head at night put plantain with the words: "Triputnik poputnik" live by the way, do you see young and old, tell my Mr Right "

Beliefs. â&#x2013;ş

Morning dew Ivanov was considered best cosmetic. They took a clean cloth, went to the meadow tablecloth drove through the wet grass and squeezed it into the vessel. Those who Feeds On this dew skin becomes soft petals.

Beliefs.

â&#x2013;ş Midsummer

herbs have healing and miraculous properties: whole year they were guarding the cattle, the house and all the household from evil forces. Ivan - yes - Mary spread out on the corners of the house, to protect it from enemies.

Beliefs. â&#x2013;ş

Midsummer bonfires kindled on that day most of the nations of Europe. Who will jump over the flames Kupala fire - the whole year will be healthy. Jumping over bonfires Kupala eliminate the forty evil spirits.

Ivan - neat. On the morning of the guys took a bucket and went to the river where they were filled with mud and back, poured this filth girls. And girls, too, ran after the mud and smeared it guys. And then the fun begins dump, full of screams and laughter. Then bedraggled young crowd rushed to the river for bathing joint.

Evening of the Day of Ivan Kupala. â&#x2013;ş

â&#x2013;ş

In the evening, all the people dressed up, with wreaths on their heads, walked to the river, where campfires, circle dances, singing, and wondered, of course, gathering herbs. Learn more about the breathtaking wonders of the holiday you can by reading Gogol's novel "Evening on the eve of Ivan Kupala."

May Day

May Day May Day occurs on May 1 and refers to several public holidays. In many countries, May Day is synonymous with International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, a day of political demonstrations and celebrations organized by the unions, communists, anarchists, and socialist groups. May Day is also a traditional holiday in many cultures.

Origins

The earliest May Day celebrations appeared in pre-Christian times, with the festival of Flora, the Roman Goddess of flowers, and the Walpurgis Night celebrations of the Germanic countries. It is also associated with the Gaelic Beltane. Many pagan celebrations were abandoned or Christianized during the process of conversion in Europe. A more secular version of May Day continues to be observed in Europe and America. In this form, May Day may be best known for its tradition of dancing the Maypole and crowning of the Queen of the May. Various Neopagan groups celebrate reconstructed (to varying degrees) versions of these customs on May the 1st.

The day was a traditional summer holiday in many pre-Christian European pagan cultures. While February 1 was the first day of Spring, May 1 was the first day of summer; hence, the summer solstice on June 25 (now June 21) was Midsummer. In the Roman Catholic tradition, May is observed as Mary's month, and in these circles May Day is usually a celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this connection, in works of art, school skits, and so forth, Mary's head will often be adorned with flowers in a May crowning. Fading in popularity since the late 20th century is the giving of "May baskets," small baskets of sweets and/or flowers, usually left anonymously on neighbors' doorsteps.

Traditional May Day celebrations May Day is related to the Celtic festival of Beltane and the Germanic festival of Walpurgis Night. May Day falls exactly half of a year from November 1, another cross-quarter day which is also associated with various northern European pagan and neopagan festivals such as Samhain. May Day marks the end of the unfarmable winter half of the year in the Northern hemisphere, and it has traditionally been an occasion for popular and often raucous celebrations.

As Europe became Christianized the pagan holidays lost their religious character and either changed into popular secular celebrations, as with May Day, or were merged with or replaced by new Christian holidays as with Christmas, Easter, and All Saint's Day. In the twentieth century, many neopagans began reconstructing the old traditions and celebrating May Day as a pagan religious festival again.

Europe Roodmas was a Christian Mass celebrated in England at midnight on May 1. Morris dancing on May Day in Oxford, England 2004.

Traditional British May Day rites and celebrations include Morris dancing, crowning a May Queen and celebrations involving a Maypole. Much of this tradition derive from the pagan Anglo-Saxon and customs held during "Þrimilci-mōnaþ"[6] (the Old English name for the month of May meaning Month of Three Milkings) along with many celtic traditions. May Day has been a traditional day of festivities throughout the centuries. With Christianity came agricultural feasts such as Plough Sunday (the first Sunday in January), Rogationtide, Harvest Festival and May Day. It is most associated with towns and villages celebrating springtime fertility and revelry with village fetes and community gatherings. Since May 1st is the Feast of St Philip & St James, they became the patron saints of workers. Seeding has been completed by this date and it was convenient to give farm labourers a day off. Perhaps the most significant of the traditions is the Maypole, around which traditional dancers circle with ribbons. The May Day bank holiday, on the first Monday in May, was traditionally the only one to affect the state school calendar, although new arrangements in some areas to even out the length of school terms mean that the Good Friday and Easter Monday bank holidays, which vary from year to year, may also fall during term time. The May Day bank holiday was created in 1978. In February 2011 the UK Parliament was reported to be considering scrapping the bank holiday associated with May Day, replacing it with a bank holiday in October, possibly co-inciding with Trafalgar Day (celebrated on 21 October), to create a "United Kingdom Day",. May day was abolished and its celebration banned by puritan parliaments during the Interregnum, but reinstated with the restoration of Charles II in 1660.[8] 1 May 1707 was the day the Act of Union came into effect, joining England and Scotland to form the Kingdom of Great Britain.

In Durham, students of the University of Durham gather on Prebend's Bridge to see the sunrise and enjoy festivities, folk music, dancing, madrigal singing and a barbecue breakfast. This is an emerging Durham tradition, with patchy observance since 2002. Whitstable, Kent, hosts a good example of more traditional May Day festivities, where the Jack in the Green festival was revived in 1976 and continues to lead an annual procession of morris dancers through the town on the May Bank Holiday. A separate revival occurred in Hastings in 1983 and has become a major event in the town calendar. A traditional Sweeps Festival is performed over the May bank holiday in Rochester, Kent, where the Jack In the Green is woken at dawn on the 1st of May by Morris dancers. The Maydayrun involves thousands of motorbikes taking a 55-mile (89 km) trip from London(Locksbottom) to the Hastings seafront, East Sussex. The event has been taking place for almost 30 years now and has grown in interest from around the country, both commercially and publicly. The event is not officially organised; the police only manage the traffic, and volunteers manage the parking. Padstow in Cornwall holds its annual 'Obby-Oss' day of festivities. This is believed to be one of the oldest fertility rites in the UK; revellers dance with the Oss through the streets of the town and even through the private gardens of the citizens, accompanied by accordion players and followers dressed in white with red or blue sashes who sing the traditional 'May Day' song. The whole town is decorated with springtime greenery, and every year thousands of onlookers attend. Prior to the 19th century distinctive May day celebrations were widespread throughout West Cornwall , and are being revived in St. Ives and Penzance. Kingsand, Cawsand and Millbrook in Cornwall celebrate Flower Boat Ritual on the May Day bank holiday. A model of the ship The Black Prince is covered in flowers and is taken in procession from the Quay at Millbrook to the beach at Cawsand where it is cast adrift. The houses in the villages are decorated with flowers and people traditionally wear red and white clothes. There are further celebrations in Cawsand Square with Morris dancing and May pole dancing.

Ireland

A traditional May Day has been celebrated in Ireland since pagan times as the feast of Bealtaine and in latter times as Mary's day, bonfires are lit to mark the coming of summer and to banish the long nights of winter. (Officially Irish Mayday bank holiday is now on the first Monday in May). In modern times may day is associated with antigovernment rallies which are held every year on this date.

Portugal In Portugal, only from May 1974 (the year of the revolution of April 25) that is turned to freely celebrate May Day and it became a holiday. During the dictatorship of the Estado Novo, the commemoration of this day was broken up by police. The World Day of Workers is celebrated throughout the country, especially with demonstrations, rallies and celebrations of nature that claims promoted by the Inter-union federation CGT (General Confederation of Portuguese Workers Inter) in the main cities of Lisbon and Porto, as well as by trade union confederation UGT (General Workers' Union). In the Algarve, it is customary to make population and picnics are organized some parties in the region. Importantly, since the government of Jos茅 S贸crates has approved a new law of trade opening on Sundays, Portugal WORKERS are again forced to work day May 1, Sundays and holidays, including Easter Sunday.

France

On May 1st, 1561, King Charles IX of France received a lily of the valley as a lucky charm. He decided to offer a lily of the valley each year to the ladies of the court. At the beginning of the 20th century, it became custom on the 1st of May, to give a sprig of lily of the valley, a symbol of springtime. The government permits individuals and workers' organizations to sell them free of taxation. It is also traditional for the lady receiving the spray of lily of valley to give a kiss in return. Now, people may present loved ones with bunches of lily of the valley or dog rose flowers

Germany In rural regions of Germany, especially the Harz Mountains, Walpurgisnacht celebrations of Pagan origin are traditionally held on the night before May Day, including bonfires and the wrapping of maypoles, and young people use this opportunity to party, while the day itself is used by many families to get some fresh air. Motto: "Tanz in den Mai!" ("Dance into May!"). In the Rhineland, a region in the western part of Germany, May 1 is also celebrated by the delivery of a tree covered in streamers to the house of a girl the night before. The tree is typically from a love interest, though a tree wrapped only in white streamers is a sign of dislike. Females usually place roses or rice in form of a heart at the house of their beloved one. It is common to stick the heart to a window or place it in front of the doormat. On leap years, it is the responsibility of the females to place the maypole, though the males are still allowed and encouraged to do so. All the action is usually done secretly and it is in everyone's choice to give a hint on their identity or stay anonymous.

Finland Celebrations among the younger generations take place on May Day eve, see Walpurgis Night in Finland), most prominent being the afternoon 'crowning' of statues in towns around the country with a student cap. May Day is known as Vappu, from the Swedish term. This is a public holiday that is the only carnival-style street festivity in the country. People, particularly students young and old, party outside on this day arranging picnics and wearing their caps or other decorative clothing . However, all political organizations, including right and left wing parties, also arrange marches, speeches and such public events.

Sweden Mayday is denoted "First of May" ("Fรถrstamaj" in Swedish) and has been a public holiday in Sweden since 1939. The main events on Mayday is political demonstrations carried out by the working class organisations and political parties historically associated with the working class movement.

Pacific

In Hawaii, May Day is also known as Lei Day, and is normally set aside as a day to celebrate island culture in general and native Hawaiian culture in particular. While it was invented by a poet and a local newspaper columnist in the 1920s, it has since been adopted by state and local government as well as by the residents, and has taken on a sense of general spring celebration there. The first Lei Day was proposed in 1927 in Honolulu. Leonard "Red" and Ruth Hawk composed "May Day is Lei Day in Hawai'i," the traditional holiday song. Originally it was a contemporary fox trot, later rearranged as the Hawaiian hula song performed today.

Brazil

Until the beginning of President Vargas Era (1930-1945) college of certain types of factory workers were quite common, though not a political group constituted very strong given the lack of industrialization. This movement had been working at first characterized by possessing influence of anarchism and later communism, but with the arrival of Getulio Vargas to power, she was gradually dissolved and urban workers began to be influenced by what became known as Labour. Until then, Labor Day was considered by those earlier movements (anarchists and communists) as a time of protest and criticism of the socio-economic structures of the country. Advertising labor Vargas subtly turns a day intended to celebrate the worker on Labor Day. This change, apparently superficial, profoundly altered the activities of the workers every year on this day. Until then marked by pickets and demonstrations, Labor Day is now celebrated with festivals, parades and celebrations alike. Currently, this feature was assimilated by even the trade union movement, traditionally the Union Force (an organization that brings together trade unions from different areas, linked to political parties such as PDT) performs concerts with big names in popular music and sweepstakes of home ownership. In most industrialized countries, May 1 is Labor Day. In Brazil, the date is celebrated since 1895 and became a national holiday in September 1925 by a decree of President Arthur Bernardes. It points out that the character of the massive Labor Day, in Brazil, expressed especially by custom that governments have announced today the annual increase in the minimum wage. Another very important aspect of the worker assigned to the day was the creation of the Consolidation of Labour Laws (CLT) is the main legislative provision relating to the Brazilian labor law and procedural law of the work. It was created on May 1, 1943 and signed by then President GetĂşlio Vargas during the Estado Novo, unifying all labor laws then existing in Brazil.

The United States May Day festivities at National Park Seminary in Maryland, 1907.

Crowd gathered in Union Square, New York City during the May Day parade, May 1, 1913. Signs in Yiddish, Italian and English May Day was also celebrated by some early European settlers of the American continent. In some parts of the United States, May Baskets are made. These baskets are small and usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged.[citation needed] Modern May Day ceremonies in the U.S. vary greatly from region to region and many unite both the holiday's "Green Root" (pagan) and "Red Root" (labor) traditions. Among the largest is the May Day Parade and Pageant created by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, an event that has happened every year since 1975 in Minneapolis and now attracts some 35,000 people. May 1 is also recognized in the U.S. as Law Day.

Happy May Day

New Year

The New Year is the day that marks the beginning of a new calendar year, and is the day on which the year count of the specific calendar used is incremented. For many cultures, the event is celebrated in some manner.

Gregorian New Year

In countries which use the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Day is usually celebrated on 1 January. The order of months in the Roman calendar has been January to December since King Numa Pompilius in about 700 BC, according to Plutarch and Macrobius. According to the Christian tradition, 1 January is the day of the circumcision of Jesus (on the eighth day of his birth), when the name of Jesus was given to him (Luke 2:21). Since then, 1 January has been the first day of the year, except during the Middle Ages when several other days were the first (1 March, 25 March, Easter, 1 September, 25 December). With the expansion of Western culture to the rest of the world during the twentieth century, the 1 January date became global, even in countries with their own New Year celebrations on other days (such as China and Pakistan). In the culture of Latin America there are a variety of traditions and superstitions surrounding these dates as omens for the coming year..

Other new year celebrations Many cities and countries across the world celebrate the New Year. The celebrations usually include a fireworks display and other festivities, as well as other traditions varying by culture and country. The most common modern dates of celebration are listed below, ordered and grouped by their appearance relative to the conventional Western calendar. The Gregorian calendar is now used by many countries as the official calendar. This has meant that celebrations for the New Year have become much larger than before. Some countries (e.g. the Czech Republic) even consider 1 January to be a national holiday.

Historical Christian new year dates The year used in dates during the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire was the consular year, which began on the day when consuls first entered office — probably 1 May before 222 BC, 15 March from 222 BC to 154 BC, but this event was moved to 1 January in 153 BC.In 45 BC, Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar, continuing to use 1 January as the first day of the new year. In the Middle Ages in Europe a number of significant feast days in the ecclesiastical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church came to be used as the beginning of the Julian year: •In Christmas Style dating the new year started on 25 December. This was used in Germany and England until the thirteenth century, and in Spain from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century. •In Annunciation Style dating the new year started on 25 March, the feast of the Annunciation. This was used in many parts of Europe in the Middle Ages. Annunciation Style continued to be used officially in the Kingdom of Great Britain until 1 January 1752, except Scotland which changed to Circumcision Style dating on 1 January 1600, the Act being passed on 17 December 1599.. The rest of Great Britain changed to Circumcision Style on the 1 January preceding the conversion in Great Britain from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar on 3/14 September 1752. The UK tax year still starts on 6 April which is 25 March + 12 days, eleven for the conversion from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar plus a dropped leap day in 1900. •In Easter Style dating, the new year started on Easter Saturday (or sometimes on Good Friday). This was used all over Europe, but especially in France, from the eleventh to the sixteenth century. A disadvantage of this system was that because Easter was a movable feast the same date could occur twice in a year; the two occurrences were distinguished as "before Easter" and "after Easter". •In Circumcision Style dating, the new year started on 1 January, the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ.

New Year vs. new year

I've noticed this article switches between New Year and new year in a number of places. Shouldn't all references to New Year be capitalized? Red minx 15:40, 21 February 2007 (UTC) Capitalization is the bane of American writers! Some pages look like they were written in German. If I remember the Wiki manual of style, the subject of the article is capitalized throughout. If it's an ordinary statement about the new year, no capitalization: I will begin dieting in the new year. New Year's Day is the proper name of the holiday and should be capitalized, just like Christmas, Hallowe'en, Labor Day, etc. Caeruleancentaur (talk) 14:41, 29 December 2008 (UTC)

Christmas tree

New Year's candy

Santa Claus

Christmas gifts

Christmas decorations

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions.[2][4] The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs, Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It was deleted from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heartshaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.

Valentine's Day celebrated on February 14 th

Historical facts Numerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine. The Valentines honored on February 14 are Valentine of Rome (Valentinus presb. m. Romae) and Valentine of Terni (Valentinus ep. Interamnensis m. Romae). Valentine of Rome[ was a priest in Rome who was martyred about AD 269 and was buried on the Via Flaminia. His relics are at the Church of Saint Praxed in Rome, and at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland. Valentine of Terni became bishop of Interamna (modern Terni) about AD 197 and is said to have been martyred during the persecution under Emperor Aurelian. He is also buried on the Via Flaminia, but in a different location than Valentine of Rome. His relics are at the Basilica of Saint Valentine in Terni (Basilica di San Valentino). The Catholic Encyclopedia also speaks of a third saint named Valentine who was mentioned in early martyrologies under date of February 14. He was martyred in Africa with a number of companions, but nothing more is known about him. No romantic elements are present in the original early medieval biographies of either of these martyrs. By the time a Saint Valentine became linked to romance in the 14th century, distinctions between Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni were utterly lost.

In the 1969 revision of the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints, the feast day of Saint Valentine on February 14 was removed from the General Roman Calendar and relegated to particular (local or even national) calendars for the following reason: "Though the memorial of Saint Valentine is ancient, it is left to particular calendars, since, apart from his name, nothing is known of Saint Valentine except that he was buried on the Via Flaminia on February 14.â&#x20AC;? The feast day is still celebrated in Balzan (Malta) where relics of the saint are claimed to be found, and also throughout the world by Traditionalist Catholics who follow the older, pre-Second Vatican Council calendar. February 14 is also celebrated as St Valentine's Day in other Christian denominations; it has, for example, the rank of 'commemoration' in the calendar of the Church of England and other parts of the Anglican Communion.

Romantic legends The Early Medieval act of either Saint Valentine were expounded briefly in Legenda Aurea.[According to that version, St Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and had a discussion with him, attempting to get him to convert to Roman paganism in order to save his life. Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius to Christianity instead. Because of this, he was executed. Before his execution, he is reported to have performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer. Since Legenda Aurea still provided no connections whatsoever with sentimental love, appropriate lore has been embroidered in modern times to portray Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested law attributed to Roman Emperor Claudius II, allegedly ordering that young men remain single. The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail. There is an additional modern embellishment to The Golden Legend, provided by American Greetings to History.com, and widely repeated despite having no historical basis whatsoever. On the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he would have written the first "valentine" card himself, addressed to a young girl variously identified as his beloved, as the jailer's daughter whom he had befriended and healed, or both. It was a note that read ÂŤFrom your Valentine.Âť

Modern times

Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The mid-19th century Valentine's Day trade was a harbinger of further commercialized holidays in the United States to follow. In the second half of the 20th century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts in the United States. Such gifts typically include roses and chocolates packed in a red satin, heart-shaped box. In the 1980s, the diamond industry began to promote Valentine's Day as an occasion for giving jewelry. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately 190 million valentines are sent each year in the US. Half of those valentines are given to family members other than husband or wife, usually to children. When you include the valentine-exchange cards made in school activities the figure goes up to 1 billion, and teachers become the people receiving the most valentines. In some North American elementary schools, children decorate classrooms, exchange cards, and are given sweets. The greeting cards of these students sometimes mention what they appreciate about each other. The rise of Internet popularity at the turn of the millennium is creating new traditions. Millions of people use, every year, digital means of creating and sending Valentine's Day greeting messages such as e-cards, love coupons or printable greeting cards. An estimated 15 million e-valentines were sent in 2010.[

In 1797, a British publisher issued The Young Man’s Valentine Writer, which contained scores of suggested sentimental verses for the young lover unable to compose his own. Printers had already begun producing a limited number of cards with verses and sketches, called “mechanical valentines,” and a reduction in postal rates in the next century ushered in the less personal but easier practice of mailing Valentines. That, in turn, made it possible for the first time to exchange cards anonymously, which is taken as the reason for the sudden appearance of racy verse in an era otherwise prudishly Victorian.[Paper Valentines became so popular in England in the early 19th century that they were assembled in factories. Fancy Valentines were made with real lace and ribbons, with paper lace introduced in the mid-19th century.[In the UK, just under half the population spend money on their Valentines and around 1.3 billion pounds is spent yearly on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts, with an estimated 25 million cards being sent. The reinvention of Saint Valentine's Day in the 1840s has been traced by Leigh Eric Schmidt As a writer in Graham's American Monthly observed in 1849, "Saint Valentine's Day... is becoming, nay it has become, a national holyday.“[ In the United States, the first mass-produced valentines of embossed paper lace were produced and sold shortly after 1847 by Esther Howland (1828–1904) of Worcester, Massachusetts.[Her father operated a large book and stationery store, but Howland took her inspiration from an English Valentine she had received from a business associate of her father. Intrigued with the idea of making similar Valentines, Howland began her business by importing paper lace and floral decorations from England.[The English practice of sending Valentine's cards was established enough to feature as a plot device in Elizabeth Gaskell's Mr. Harrison's Confessions (1851): "I burst in with my explanations: '"The valentine I know nothing about." '"It is in your handwriting," said he coldly. Since 2001, the Greeting Card Association has been giving an annual "Esther Howland Award for a Greeting Card Visionary."

Lupercalia Though popular modern sources link unspecified Greco-Roman February holidays alleged to be devoted to fertility and love to St. Valentine's Day, Professor Jack Oruch of the University of Kansas argued that prior to Chaucer, no links between the Saints named Valentinus and romantic love existed. Earlier links as described above were focused on sacrifice rather than romantic love. In the ancient Athenian calendar the period between mid-January and mid-February was the month of Gamelion, dedicated to the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera. In Ancient Rome, Lupercalia, observed February 13–15, was an archaic rite connected to fertility. Lupercalia was a festival local to the city of Rome. The more general Festival of Juno Februa, meaning "Juno the purifier "or "the chaste Juno," was celebrated on February 13–14. Pope Gelasius I (492–496) abolished Lupercalia.

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Love notes

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Happy Valentine's Day

THANKSGIVING

It is hard to imagine our life without these charming, endearing, gentle creatures - women!

In many countries on March 8 Women congratulate on the holiday - International Women's Day.

Everyone has a mother, grandmother, whom a must congratulate this wonderful spring holiday!

In the past century, women made â&#x20AC;&#x2039;up the bulk of the simple peasant, who were engaged in home-based work - embroidered, washed, cooked and brought home children.

Most peasant engaged in hard work - cut the grass in a field crop grown in the garden, caring for livestock.

Women are very tired from overwork and began to organize rallies in the streets of the requirements to improve their conditions of life and work

Over time, women have defended their rights, reduced working hours and salary is greater.

The modern woman has time to run the household, raising children, and also engaged in various social activities.

Women in sports

Female professional dancers act ballet, the theater, in films.

Modern women can often be seen driving a car.

Women are increasingly succeeding in business

Today, many women engaged in science, but earlier it was such a unit.

Women conquer space

But, in spite of vigorous activity such as men, a woman has always been weak, delicate, fragile creature

Men do not forget this and take care of women

And the kids have to please your mommy good behavior and excellent grades!

Let's congratulate all women on March 8 with this wonderful spring holiday!