Americans have a long tradition of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day each March 17th with plenty of green beer and pinches to go around. But where did these traditions come from? Did our Irish ancestors bring them to America when they immigrated? Or are these customs purely Americanized visions of an Irish holiday? Surprisingly, the latter [...]
Easter would not be complete without brightly colored Easter eggs, but have you ever wondered where this tradition began? Who thought of painting the shells of eggs such bright, even ornate colors? When did children begin dyeing eggs as part of their Easter holiday traditions?
While Easter is known as a Christian holiday, where believers celebrate [...]
Have you ever wondered where the Easter Bunny came from? Whose idea was it to have a pink, fuzzy rabbit hide eggs around the yard for children to find anyway? Ask any elementary student and you will quickly learn that rabbits are mammals, and mammals do not lay eggs! Is there a historical reason behind [...]
Born in Scotland, at Kilpatrick, Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. His exact birth date is unknown. However, it is believed that he was born sometime around the year 385 AD and died around the year 460 AD.Â
Born to wealthy parents, Calphurnius and Conchessa, Patrick lived among the wealthy and high ranking families. [...]
On February 14th in many countries throughout the world, men and women, friends and lovers, spouses and secret admirers will give one another cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts in honor of Saint Valentine - a man with a considerably murky past. Who exactly was this Saint Valentine and how did Valentine’s Day come into [...]
1. It seems that no one really seems to know who wrote “Twas the Night Before Christmas”
2. For many years credit for the poem was given to Clement Clarke Moore. It was thought that he wrote the poem for his three daughters in 1822.
3. The poem was published anonymously about a year later… on December [...]
Many of the traditions and symbols that we cherish during the Christmas season trace their origins back to the solstice festivals of ancient peoples, which celebrated the returning of light after the long period during which the days had grown shorter and shorter. The early Christian Church initially repressed many of these practices, but they [...]
Have you ever wondered about holiday spices? How are they important? And what are they used for? Can we live without them? Not if you love pumpkin pie, you can’t!
Trading in spices goes back before recorded history. Early written records and letters are full of references to illustrate the importance of spices to our early [...]
Christmas trees have simply become a part of our holiday celebrations, but I was surprised to learn just how many superstitions are connected with the trees. I don’t think that I will take them as much for granted as I once did. There is a lot more to that decorated tree than meets the eye!
1. [...]
The thought of mistletoe has lodged itself in my brain and having some spare time this afternoon, I decided to see what I could find out about the tradition of kissing beneath a few sprigs.  Â
*1. We have all heard about kissing under the mistletoe, but what I didn’t know is that with each kiss, one [...]
The poinsettia is a beautiful red flower that is given most around the holidays, especially Christmas. The poinsettia has a long history, but one of the most interesting points of history is how the poinsettia made its way to America finding its first home in Greenville, South Carolina.
The poinsettia originated in Southern Mexico and the [...]
1. There have only been seven white Christmases in England in all of the 20th century.
2. In 1647, Oliver Cromwell made it an offence to celebrate Christmas. It was overturned in 1660.
3. Santa Claus is referred to as Father Christmas. His costume often features a long red cape trimmed with white fur.
4. Caroling began in [...]
Bringing home and decorating the Christmas tree is one of the most exciting events of the year for families around America. It marks the beginning of the holiday season and a time of cheer for many people. Families decorate the tree with lights and ornaments so they can watch it glitter and shine throughout December. [...]
All holidays were invented at one time or another– Kwanzaa is probably the newest. Kwanzaa was born during the turbulent Sixties, in a time when Black Americans were demanding -and finally receiving- their civil rights. 1966 was a year of mighty changes;Â people who marched, attended sit-ins and generally raised a ruckus actually did change the [...]
Halloween and cats go hand in hand and you may be surprised to know a few facts about cats. Beware when trick or treating; you never know where a cat may be lurking!
1. Ever wonder why a cat sees in pitch-black dark? It’s because their eyes take light in and reflect if back out … [...]
A brightly lit pumpkin with a ghastly glowing face sits on the porch. It is one of the most well recognized Halloween traditions. However, do you know where this tradition originated?
Origin
During the 1800’s, immigrants from the Irish Potato Famine brought their use of this lantern. Back then, pumpkins were not used. A burning lump [...]
White, furry bunnies are a historic symbol of Easter. People love them - except in Australia. It is hard to think of these adorable animals as unwanted but Australians learn quite early about the threat of rabbits to wildlife and farms. Rabbits are not native to Australia and became a major pest here when they [...]
To our ancestors, the arrival of spring was always a reason to celebrate. After the barren winter months living on stored foods, spring brought the promise of fresh game and new life.
In the north, the people believed in a goddess called Eastre who gave birth to spring every year. The name means spring, and also [...]
The Mexican people have a long history of fighting for their independence and their land. Battles with the Americans, the Spaniards, and the French people are scattered throughout their colorful history.
One day in particular, the fifth of May, celebrates the Mexican victory over Napoleon III and his French troops. Back in 1862, on that day, [...]
