Holidays
Flag Day, United States
Flag Day in the U.S. commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the country in 1777. The day is an occasion to honor and celebrate the flag's history, symbolizing the unity and identity of the nation.
Father’s Day
Father's Day is a celebration of fathers. In many countries, including the United States, it is celebrated on the third Sunday of June.
Midsummer, Sweden
Midsummer is one of the most important Swedish holidays. This celebration of the summer solstice includes dancing around maypoles, making flower wreaths, and vacationing in the countryside.
Matariki
Matariki, also known as the Māori New Year, is a significant celebration in Aotearoa (New Zealand) marked by the appearance of the Pleiades star cluster. It is a time for Māori communities to come together, reflect on the past, celebrate new beginnings, and engage in cultural practices and festivities.
Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. It begins at the first sighting of the lunar crescent new moon in the month of Muharram.
New Year’s Day
New Year's Day on January 1 is celebrated by people around the world. It is a widely recognized and observed holiday in many countries and cultures. The celebration often includes various customs, traditions, and festivities to mark the beginning of the new year.
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…
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
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…