Holidays
Events
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Shōgatsu, Japan
Shōgatsu, or Japanese New Year, is one of the most important holidays in Japan, celebrated from January 1–3 with family gatherings, traditional foods, and special customs. Activities include cleaning homes beforehand, decorating with kadomatsu (pine and bamboo arrangements), and visiting shrines to pray for good fortune in the coming year. It is a time for…
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Independence Day, Haiti
Haitian Independence Day is celebrated on January 1st to commemorate the day in 1804 when Haiti declared independence from French colonial rule, becoming the first independent Black republic in the world. Lit Connection: Freedom Soup: A Taste of Haitian Independence
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Orthodox Christmas
Orthodox Christmas, celebrated by many Eastern Orthodox Christians, follows the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. It is a deeply spiritual holiday centered on church services, hymns, and fasting, culminating in a festive meal with family. Customs vary by region but often include blessings, candlelight processions, and the sharing of traditional foods that reflect…
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Martin Luther King Day
Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday in the United States on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr. Related Post: Celebrate the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Song
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Burns Night
Burns Night is celebrated in Scotland to honor the life and contributions of the bard (poet) Robert Burns, born on January 25, 1759. Burns' best-known work is Auld Lang Syne.
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Australia Day
Australia Day marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and the beginning of European settlement in Australia. It is observed with national pride through events like parades, barbecues, and fireworks, as well as ceremonies for welcoming new citizens. The day also invites reflection on Australia’s history, including discussions about Indigenous cultures and the…
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Republic Day of India
Republic Day of India has been celebrated since 1950. This day honors India's constitution and is celebrated with grand celebrations, including a spectacular parade in New Delhi featuring cultural performances, military displays, and floats representing India’s diversity. It is a time of national pride, honoring the country’s democratic values and rich heritage.
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Tu B’Shevat
Tu B'Shevat, also known as the "New Year of the Trees," is one of the four "New Years" of the Jewish calendar. It is a time to appreciate nature and environmental stewardship, often marked by planting trees and eating fruits associated with Israel, such as figs, dates, and pomegranates.
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Waitangi Day
Waitangi Day, a public holiday in New Zealand, celebrates the Treaty of Waitangi, regarded as the nation's founding document.
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Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day is celebrated annually on February 14 in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, and other countries around the world.