Definitely one of the much-awaited holidays in the U.S., this festive celebration is marked by colorful fireworks displays, inspiring political speeches and entertaining music concerts. Add to that, it is also one of the nicest times for families, relatives and friends to spend some quality time together and hold special activities like picnics and barbecues. For those who wish to know why people celebrate Independence Day, it is best to look at U.S. history and learn the various important aspects behind this special celebration. The Importance of Independence Day Why do we celebrate Independence Day? The primary purpose of celebrating this special day is to commemorate the so-called independence of the United States from what was once known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain. On July...

The Yuletide season has become a special time for a lot of individuals. As the years have gone by, the reasons why people celebrate Christmas have grown. To Commemorate Jesus’ Birth Western Church tradition states that December 25 was the day when Jesus was born. Among many Christians, they look forward to the holidays as a time to give thanks for the birth of their Messiah. Although most observe it with merrymaking, devout Christians take time out to pray and give thanks. In most Christian countries, the season is marked by displays in stores of the Nativity scene. Not all Christians mark Jesus’ birthday on December 25. Others do so on January 6. However in the Western world, their belief that Jesus was born on the said date is one reason why people celebrate Christmas. To Exchange Gifts...

There are many explanations put forward to elucidate the popularity of Mardi Gras and parades. Below are some of the reasons used to explain why carnival is celebrated. Spring Renewal Rites Researchers have suggested that the custom developed from Roman festivals like the Lupercalla. It’s filled with merrymaking and drinking, but there is a reason for it. The rites symbolize the annual cycle of the seasons. The Dionysian spring rites signify rebirth following the death experienced in winter. When this ritual began is uncertain. It’s believed to be much older than Rome. In fact it may have started as soon as man recognized the cycle of the seasons. According to this theory, the rites and feasts are the basis for events like Mardi Gras. So while people may no longer realize it, the reason...

It’s a time honored tradition but the reasons why we eat turkey at Thanksgiving is still a matter of dispute. To get an idea of the tradition’s origin, knowing the history of this feast is necessary. Beginnings During the period from 1619 to 1620, the Pilgrims residing in Plymouth, Massachusetts experienced severe food shortages. It was brought about by poor weather and unstable food supplies. To overcome the problem they turned to the Native Americans. The Indians taught the Pilgrims how to farm. A Gift from the Native Americans The famine ended in 1621. To show their gratitude the Pilgrims held a feast in 1621. The Native Americans were invited. They brought along with them some turkey. Based on this tradition, the reason why we eat turkey at Thanksgiving stemmed from the gifts given...

The origin of Halloween is still a matter of debate. But the belief of most is that it had something to do with the Celtic festivals in ancient Europe. The Celtic Druid Samhain Festival The Celts had two important deities, the sun god and the god of the dead. The latter’s day was celebrated on November 1. This was also the first day of the New Year. The festival was called Samhain. Even when the Roman Empire ruled, the festival was maintained. As was usually the case in the Empire, the Celtic elements were mixed with those of Roman myths. This included the worship of Pomona, goddess of fruits. It’s been pointed out that the origin of Halloween customs like bobbing for apples came from this Celtic / Roman fusion. The Festival in Christian Europe The custom in early Christian Europe was...