Every year, as spring ushers in sunnier, warmer days and fills us with an overall sense of renewal, people everywhere gather to celebrate a most significant and important holiday: Passover.
Like many other holidays, Passover is a celebration of rebirth, freedom, and gratitude. The story of Passover is one of persistence and bravery, and the holiday serves as a time for reflection as well as one when we remember the resiliency and quest for survival of the Jewish people.
Though it is traditionally a Jewish holiday, more than one in five Americans, recent surveys show, recognize and observe Passover in some form, making it an impactful occurrence for even those outside the Jewish faith.
“Passover is such a preeminent holiday religiously because it reminds us of God,” says philosopher and scholar Steven Katz, Ph.D., a professor of Jewish and Holocaust Studies at Boston University. “It marks the history of the world and the history of the Jewish people. When we celebrate Passover, we’re celebrating God’s power and the power of faith and redemption.”
When is Passover this year?
Passover will occur much later on the calendar in 2024 than is typical. The holiday will begin at sundown on April 22 and end eight days later on Tuesday, April 30, also at sundown.
In general, the holiday can take place anytime during the months of March or April. Its ultimate date is determined by the Hebrew calendar, which is based on lunar cycles — and also impacted by 2024 being a Jewish leap year. Passover typically falls on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, which is also the first night of a full moon after the spring equinox.
What is the history of Passover?
The epic and harrowing story of Passover (or “Pesach” as it’s referred to in Hebrew) can — and does — fill countless services, speeches, books, and films. Essentially, the holiday is an occasion to commemorate and celebrate the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt (almost 3,500 years ago), as narrated in the biblical book of Exodus.
As the story goes, after centuries of suffering and slavery, God sent a prophet named Moses to demand the Israelites’ release. When Egypt’s pharaoh, King Ramses II, refused, a series of plagues was brought upon Egypt, culminating in the 10th — the “death of the firstborn.” To protect the Israelites, families were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a sacrificed lamb so that the Angel of Death would “pass over” their homes — hence the name of the holiday. Ultimately, the Pharaoh relented, allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt. They hurriedly departed, and this marked the beginning of an arduous journey to freedom — one that includes Moses parting the Red Sea to help his people escape from an approaching army and reach safety on the other side of the water.
“Passover is really the moment when the Jewish nation was formed,” Katz says. “It marks the Jews’ exodus from Egypt after centuries of slavery. It’s out of that experience — God’s redeeming the people and then bringing them to (Mount) Sinai to give them the Torah — that the Jewish existence was formed. It’s absolutely fundamental to our history.”
What is a Seder, and what does it typically include?
During the first two nights of Passover, families host what is called a Seder, or meal, which includes a retelling of the story of Exodus, ritual blessings and songs, and symbolic food and drinks. Typically, one person leads the Seder (the word “Seder” means “order” in Hebrew”), while others also participate and everyone follows along from a book called a haggadah.
“The Seder, or Passover meal, is the most celebrated event on the Jewish calendar,” Katz says. “It’s a very family-oriented, very interestingly constructed, and very happy occasion.”
The Passover meal is filled with traditions. The first, and most important, centers on matzah, a basic mixture of flour and water baked into an unleavened “flat” bread.
“We also sometimes call it the ‘bread of affliction,’” Katz says. “It can’t rise for more than 18 minutes. That’s because the Jews were in such a hurry to run away from Egypt that they didn’t take the time to bake the bread all the way to its normal level. When we eat matzah, it reminds us of the exodus from Egypt in the most visceral and fundamental way.”
Beyond matzah, a Seder menu also typically includes karpas, greens that have been dipped in salt water or vinegar (to symbolize rebirth and hope but also the tears shed to reach that moment); maror, a pungent herb used to represent the bitterness of slavery; beitzah, a roasted or hard-boiled egg that symbolizes spring and the circle of life; and charoset, a paste made of apples and nuts that is symbolic of the mortar the Jews used to build the pyramids.
Beyond the Seder — which happens the first and second nights of Passover — many people do not eat leavened bread for the entire eight days as a symbolic way of recognizing the sacrifices that took place during the exodus from Egypt.
How can you respectfully join in Passover celebrations?
The first step in embracing any holiday or tradition is learning about its history. Katz says to do some research, ask questions, and make a real effort to appreciate the significance of the day.
If you are invited to a Seder, be respectful. Dress appropriately (as you would if you were attending a place of worship), listen actively, and volunteer to help with preparations or clean-up, if needed.
Also, it’s a good idea to show your gratitude in the form of a gift, such as a bottle of kosher wine.
“However, don’t bring other items or foods without asking because you don’t want to introduce things into the home that aren’t allowed during Passover,” Katz says.
“As a child, I remember my parents used to send pieces of matzah to all the neighbors as a sign of friendship and camaraderie and to acknowledge the fact that we’re all in it together,” Katz adds.
“You can also look for Passover meals that are being hosted at churches or community centers and attend one,” he says. “That’s another great way to make a meaningful, symbolic gesture.”
Go ahead, crack open a cold one, or uncork a bottle of wine, and put your feet up. It’s a holiday, right? You deserve it — especially since the holiday you’re casually celebrating was probably a long time in the making and extremely hard won.
What is a holiday?
Although the word “holiday” derives from the term “holy day” and naturally first involved religious observances, the term is used broadly today and applies even to secular celebrations. (Some parts of the world use “holiday” to say they’re taking a vacation!)
Religious holidays like Christmas, Easter, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali are mostly self-explanatory. But America’s secular ones — the list of which is ballooning — generally commemorate important people and historic events or raise awareness about critical issues.
They also fall under specific designations. Officially speaking, holidays in the United States include “federal holidays,” “patriotic and national observances,” and “recognitions” of specific periods of time (days, weeks, or months). Others that aren’t sanctioned by religious institutions, or perhaps by any level of government, are lawfully designated as “celebrations,” “appreciations,” or “recognitions.”
What’s the difference and how do any of these days become a thing? Here’s the rundown.
Federal holidays
Only Congress can designate federal holidays, which are established under the constitutionally prescribed voting process. These are sometimes referred to as “national holidays,” but there’s really nothing national about them.
Individual states have the power to ignore federal holidays, and they’ve been doing so since 1870, when Congress approved the nation’s first set of official holidays: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. In fact, states routinely opt out of holidays, and huge controversies have erupted over ones involving Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Columbus Day, and Juneteenth.
States can even designate their own official holidays. For instance, Massachusetts celebrates Patriots’ Day; Alaska celebrates Seward’s Day; Louisiana celebrates Mardi Gras; Illinois and Missouri celebrate Malcolm X Day; California celebrates César Chávez Day; Rhode Island celebrates Victory Day; and several states celebrate Arbor Day (it’s when you plant trees).
Nevertheless, the first four federal holidays were designated simply to exempt federal employees from work on such days. And even that exception originally applied only to the 5,300 federal workers in Washington, D.C., and not the other 50,600 stationed across the country. Not very democratic, right? This changed by 1885, and, as various states joined the party, people naturally began to think of these as “national holidays.”
There are presently 12 legal federal holidays (see graphic). The fact that Congress has only approved a dozen over 247 years of our nation’s history — and just four in the past 100 years —speaks volumes about how difficult it is to get D.C. lawmakers, of any era, to agree on anything, even holidays. You could chalk that up to federal holidays costing taxpayers more than $800 million per day off at last estimate, but it mainly has to do with the politically charged reasons our elected officials propose holidays, which don’t often play well on the national stage. Thanksgiving, our nation’s first and most original holiday, drives this point home. Although the Pilgrims first celebrated it in 1621, it took another 249 years — during which time there were some very heated debates, particularly between 1789 to 1870 — before the holiday became official.
Patriotic and national observances, and recognition periods
Like federal holidays, congressional statutory observances — known commonly as “patriotic and national observances” — can only be created by enacting laws. However, they differ from federal holidays in that they don’t provide time off for federal employees.
Similarly, permanent recognitions periods (days, weeks or months) must be enacted by law. But temporary ones can be created after being introduced as resolutions by members of the Senate or House of Representatives.
The most widely celebrated of these days are Mother’s Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, Flag Day, Patriot Day (9/11), Father’s Day, Parents’ Day, and National Grandparents Day.
Presidential proclamations
The U.S. Constitution does not specifically grant presidents the power to make proclamations — or, for that matter, executive orders. But that hasn’t prevented them from issuing loads of both.
Proclamations are mostly ceremonial orders that sometimes result in laws and that often include “commemoration” days, weeks, or months. George Washington’s first proclamation in 1789 honored Thanksgiving, and he repeated the act six years later. Lincoln also issued a Thanksgiving proclamation in 1863 — but none of these had the force of law. Recent examples range from George H.W. Bush’s serious proclamation to honor veterans of World War II to Ronald Reagan’s lighthearted and beloved National Ice Cream Month (July).
Presidents have also proclaimed holidays for the funerals of other presidents, most recently for Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Gerald Ford. But proclamations have most prominently been used to establish national heritage months, including Black History Month (February), Women’s History Month (March), Irish American Heritage Month (March), Jewish American Heritage Month (May), LGBTQ+ Pride Month (June), Hispanic Latino Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), and Native American Heritage Month (November), among others.
Celebrations, appreciations, commercially driven observances, and “hashtag” holidays
The growing list of what we now commonly refer to as holidays are more technically designated as “celebrations,” “appreciations,” or “awareness” periods. Examples of those that are not religious in origin or federally backed include Groundhog Day (Feb. 2), April Fools’ Day (April 1), Earth Day (April 22), Friendship Day (Aug. 7), Boss’ Day (first working day nearest Oct. 16), and Administrative Professionals’ Day (Wednesday of the last full week of April). The latter four of these originated in the U.S. and have become popular international observances.
Some popular holidays are purely commercially driven promotional opportunities that are sometimes referred to as “Hallmark holidays” or “shopping holidays.” Specific commercial examples include 7-Eleven Day (7/11) and American Express’ Small Business Saturday (Saturday after Thanksgiving). Broader-themed ones include Sweetest Day (third Saturday in October), Black Friday (Friday after Thanksgiving), Cyber Monday (Monday after Thanksgiving), and Giving Tuesday (Tuesday after Thanksgiving).
Some holidays are Hollywood creations that have captured the public’s imagination and are either celebrated ironically, as is the case with The O.C.’s “Chrismukkah” (Dec. 10) and Seinfeld’s “Festivus” (Dec. 23), or with explosive enthusiasm, such as Parks and Recreation’s “Galentine’s Day” (Feb. 13). The latter, a Valentine’s Day alternative for women to celebrate their female friendships, has become so popular that it already has its own customs and growing selection of merchandise and greeting cards.
“Friendsgiving,” which is a Thanksgiving meal celebrated among friends, is another example. Despite the popular myth, the compound word was never used in any of the memorable Thanksgiving episodes of Friends. It has been traced to a minor 2007 internet post but went mainstream in 2011 after it was used in a Bailey’s Irish Cream campaign and an episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
Then there are what’s termed “hashtag holidays” — thousands of them, in fact, that are mostly internet driven and sustained annually using social media hashtags. There’s literally something for everyone, appealing to all manner of passions and interests. A good deal of the well-recognized ones are known collectively as “geek days,” the growing list of which includes Pi Day (3/14), Star Wars Day (May 4, as in “May the fourth be with you”) and the accompanying next day “Revenge of the Fifth” (May 5, which is also Cinco de Mayo), Hobbit Day (Sept. 22), Star Trek Federation Day (Aug. 12), Batman Day (Sept. 16), and Fibonacci Day (11/23).
Not to be outdone by the intelligentsia, foodies have established a veritable smorgasbord of holidays dedicated to specific foods and their ethnic origins, beverages, diets, and even cooking traditions. Some of the most popular ones are National Wine Day (May 25), National Cheese Day (June 4), and National Chocolate Day (Oct. 28).
Are there any holidays we no longer celebrate?
Whether religious or secular in nature, holidays come and go, and that’s true even for a nation as young as the United States. Many holidays that were celebrated in pre-colonial and colonial America were long forgotten by Lincoln’s time. That’s because Puritan religious holidays were intended as subdued days of solemn prayer, and the few remaining secular ones centered squarely on work.
The infamous Maypole
That was intentional. Life was extremely difficult back then, in part due to the harsh winters, and a day off could very well threaten survival. Even Christmas and Easter were originally eschewed as potential distractions that could also invite ostentatiousness and encourage public drunkenness.
Instead, New Englanders eagerly celebrated harvest days, such as Sheep Shearing Day, Corn Husking Day, Maple Syrup Making Day, and Apple Peeling Day. One big holiday was Forefathers Day (Dec. 22), which honored those who risked their lives to travel to the New World on the Mayflower.
Virginia colonists especially enjoyed May Day (May 1), a spring celebration of nature’s rebirth that involved erecting a tall pole, “the Maypole,” which colonists decorated with flowers and danced around. Not to be forgotten was the three-day Christian celebration of All Hallows’ Eve (Oct. 31) — Halloween by the 19th century — through All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2).
Another well-celebrated holiday was Candlemas Day (Feb. 2), which involved a feast and the lighting of holy candles in prayer. But it became far more popular later on as the secular Groundhog Day thanks to English and German immigrants who began using the day to push a bit of folklore about the rodent’s weather-forecasting abilities.
National Day Calendar: the internet’s holiday gatekeeper
Keeping track of these special days, weeks, and months, and establishing thousands more, is largely the responsibility of the National Day Calendar, the popular website that is a kind of self-appointed arbiter of fun days.
For decades, that duty had been the sole province of Chase’s Calendar of Events, the stately chronicler of more than 10,500 special occasions whose annual reference volume remains a staple of newsrooms everywhere. But beginning around 2017, just four years after the National Day Calendar was established, the team brought holiday making into the digital age, taking full advantage of the world wide web and social media to push the company’s cheerful mission (and motto) to “Celebrate Every Day.”
“We spread positivity around the world and take pride in the fact we put smiles on people’s faces every day,” says company CEO Amy Monette. That’s not just a marketing ploy. She and her small team of “event makers” are practically giddy about putting new celebrations on the calendar — roughly 1,700 “National Days” on the calendar and close to 3,500 overall days, weeks, and months, which are designated “National Days.”
Anyone can propose a holiday at the National Day Calendar. In fact, the staff receives thousands of proposals each month, and it’s committed to reviewing and responding to every one. Competition is extremely stiff. Only about 30 to 35 holidays are approved each year — up from 25 a few years ago — and that only happens by way of a unanimous vote from a four-member committee.
“What we consider a ‘good’ submission varies and depends on the topic,” Monette says. “There are fun topics, serious topics, informative topics, iconic topics, and so forth. However, I think all of us subconsciously think about whether something is unique, will trend well on social media, and has an important message.”
Why not celebrate National Coffee Day and National Cookie Day (which is Dec. 4, by the way) at the same time?
Politics is a definite no-no, as is “anything that could be considered offensive or harmful if celebrated,” Monette explains. Brand-specific days, such as National Starbucks Day, are non-starters; National Coffee Day (Sept. 29), however, not only gives coffee lovers an extra reason to imbibe and get together but also provides coffee sellers with an annual promotional opportunity. You’re certainly welcome to propose a celebration day to honor your amazing brother or sister, but it wouldn’t fly — National Siblings Day (April 10) already serves that purpose.
So, which days are Monette’s favorites? The chief celebrations officer confesses to being particularly fond of National Sangria Day (Dec. 20) and National Pizza Day (Feb. 9), the latter of which she considers a “food group.” But her secret passion seems to be National Talk Like a Pirate Day (Sept. 19), which improbably captured the public’s imagination ever since its launch in 1995. “I wanted to be a pirate and hunt for treasures when I was a kid,” Monette says, laughing. “Talk Like a Pirate Day makes me giggle and reminds me of how lucky I am not to have chosen that career path.”
A juicy and flavorful turkey. Countless sides. Endless sweet and savory pies. A full day and night of football. Spending the day with the people you love.
Thanksgiving is America’s favorite holiday, with a whopping 79% popularity rating. So, it’s no wonder you’re asking the question: When is Thanksgiving this year? If you’re like us, you just can’t wait for the day to arrive!
But before you begin looking up recipes, basting any birds, or making other seasonal preparations, check out our extensive handbook for the holiday, which answers your most pressing Thanksgiving-related questions.
When was the first Thanksgiving?
Based on a letter from a Plymouth, Massachusetts, colonist that mentions the Pilgrims celebrating their first robust corn and barley harvest, November 1621 is thought to be the holiday’s official start.
The first Thanksgiving? Not quite.
A few more fun facts about Thanksgiving:
While debate exists over whether the event involved a meal to acknowledge thankfulness, if the participants did, in fact, dine together, they could have had turkey; the colonist’s letter mentions hunting fowl.
During this time period, large feasts often included wild game. This was a popular autumnal dish in the Pilgrims’ homeland of England that was frequently served stuffed, according to author and food historian Sarah Wassberg Johnson, who runs the website The Food Historian. The British also traditionally paired game meats with sour fruit sauce and jelly garnishes, which means cranberries could have been served alongside the bird.
Although pumpkin pie likely wasn’t served at the 1621 event, pumpkin made its way into a number of dishes during the time period, including cornbread, soups, and desserts, such as custards and pies. This is due in part to the fact that pumpkins grew well in New England and could be kept for a long time in storage, Wassberg Johnson says.
Live exotic animals, such as tigers, bears, and elephants, were featured in the first three Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades between 1924 and 1926. The event’s iconic large balloons didn’t debut until 1927, when a nearly two-story-high Felix the Cat floated above the parade route on Thanksgiving Day.
Why is Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November?
President George Washington issued a public decree in 1789 for a day of thanksgiving, and in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November would be a national day of Thanksgiving.
We have the 32nd president of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, to thank for the holiday’s current calendar spot. In 1941, as the U.S. recovered from the Great Depression, the last Thursday of November fell on the final day of the month, Nov. 30. To elongate the Christmas shopping season, Roosevelt established the official Thanksgiving holiday date as the fourth Thursday in November.
Is Thanksgiving celebrated in other countries?
Nine other countries celebrate some form of Thanksgiving. Of those, three have events that are similar to the U.S. holiday.
Some features of Canada’s Thanksgiving and America’s are alike. Both, for instance, involve turkey. The Great White North’s celebration, though, is older, reportedly dating back to 1578. Its annual date also differs, taking place on the second Monday in October.
Liberia, a West African nation established by former slaves who came from America in 1847, celebrates Thanksgiving also in November but on the first Thursday of the month. The holiday is similar to the American version, with celebrations ranging from a lavish meal to simply taking the day off work.
Locals in Norfolk Island, a sparsely populated Australian territory in between Australia and New Zealand, reportedly picked up the Thanksgiving tradition after a U.S. trader held a holiday celebration at a church when visiting in the late 1800s. Islanders now serve a mix of dishes that include pork, chicken, and bananas on the last Wednesday of November. As in the U.S., residents finish their meal with pumpkin pie.
What is Friendsgiving?
Hosting a pre-holiday dinner for friends, often the weekend before Thanksgiving, is a new tradition called Friendsgiving. This unofficial holiday has seen its popularity rise in recent years, especially among millennials and other young adults.
Often involving a more casual meal than the one served on the actual holiday, Friendsgiving has no hard-and-fast rules. Whether you invite people over for light bites or a full meal, setting out an elegant — yet simple to assemble — charcuterie board, paired with several wines that are offered in a self-serve or tasting format, can be a festive start.
What day is Thanksgiving this year?
In 2024, Thanksgiving will be Thursday, Nov. 28. Next year, the holiday will be on Nov. 27, and in 2026, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Nov. 26.
What are some traditional activities to do on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a day steeped in tradition. Participating in an organized road race in the morning (often called a “turkey trot”), watching parades and football, and going out in the community to help others are just a few of the activities we typically do on this day.
Other ways to celebrate Thanksgiving are by making crafts and DIY decor. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Event planner Annemarie Schumacher, principal and owner of PR and event services company Schumacher Creative, who also blogs about home entertaining, recommends inviting guests at least one month beforehand to allow time to confirm how many will be attending.
“Based on the number of people you are hosting, pull together your menu and shopping list at least two weeks prior to turkey day,” Schumacher says. “This will help you avoid any last-minute omissions.”
At least a week before the event, check to make sure you have the necessary number of plates, chairs, utensils, and other items, she advises. If you are short, consider looking into leasing what you need.
“Utilizing rentals can be an essential but frequently overlooked part of Thanksgiving planning,” Schumacher says. “You can also rent linens, such as tablecloths and napkins, [and] silverware and glassware. It’s a great option that typically isn’t a huge investment and can be well worth the price.”
What are some popular Thanksgiving dishes?
Food is an essential part of Thanksgiving. The meal we sit down to on the fourth Thursday of November is one of the most beloved — and highly anticipated — of the year.
Traditional Thanksgiving foods include:
Turkey
Mashed potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Cranberry sauce
Green bean casserole
Stuffing
Gravy
Rolls
But it doesn’t end there. After the meal, get ready for the dessert course, which typically consists of a variety of pies, cakes, and pastries, including:
Pumpkin pie
Pecan pie
Apple pie
Sweet potato pie
Cheesecake
Cookies
Brownies
Above all, though, the purpose of Thanksgiving is right there in the name — to give thanks. And to help get you in that spirit, here are 79 quotes about gratitude.
The arrival of February is marked by several obvious signs. Store shelves overflow with heart-shaped candies. Everywhere you look, couples passionately embrace on street corners, as love fills the air. And nary a commercial goes by that doesn’t feature a stunning piece of jewelry.
February may be synonymous with a handful of events — there’s that big football game that is contested during the first week or two of the month — but none is more popular than Valentine’s (sorry, leap day). As the most romantic day of the year, our societal fixation on the day of love makes sense — after all, whose heart doesn’t beat a little faster when thinking about the one they adore?
The jovial spirit and lovey-dovey passion of Valentine’s only account for a fraction of what there is to know about this holiday, however. The financial, historic, religious, and other factors that helped establish this day and continue to power it forward are captivating, and may even reshape your perception of Valentine’s.
Whether you are single and ready to mingle or happily coupled up, read on for some fascinating Valentine’s facts.
History of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day has its roots in a man named Valentine. Or two men. Let’s explain.
One origin story tells of a third-century priest named Valentine who lived in Rome. The emperor at the time was Claudius II, who, hoping to make young men better soldiers, outlawed marriage. Valentine, recognizing the unfairness of this decree, secretly continued to marry youthful couples. When his defiance was discovered, he was put to death.
Another features a man named Valentine who was imprisoned and later killed for helping Christians escape captivity in the torturous Roman prisons. This Valentine penned the first Valentine’s card when, from jail and before his death, he sent his jailer’s daughter, who secretly brought him food, a love letter and signed it “From your Valentine,” thus beginning a tradition we embrace to this day.
Valentine’s facts by the numbers
The history of Valentine’s is one of myth and legend, but the modern-day numbers associated with the holiday are anything but — though they are no less unbelievable. While it comes as no surprise that people exchange a lot of gifts and spend an exorbitant amount of money on Valentine’s, the actual figures may just blow your mind.
Americans spent approximately $25.9 billion (yes, with a “B”) on Valentine’s-related purchases in 2023. That number is projected to be $25.8 billion in 2024.
No Valentine’s is complete without flowers. Whether you are a traditionalist and always opt for a bouquet of red roses or a creative spirit who prefers a unique smattering of unconventional blooms, this is the perfect opportunity to express your personality and affection. No matter what floral route you embrace, one thing is certain — your crush will cherish your token of love.
Thirty-nine percent of people anticipated buying flowers for Valentine’s in 2024. The total spend on those flowers was expected to be $2.6 billion.
Men are far more likely to buy flowers or plants than women — 60% to 33%, respectively.
Roses are the most popular Valentine’s flower, with over 250 million produced exclusively for the holiday each year. Of those who planned to buy flowers for Valentine’s 2024, 70% said they’d be buying roses.
Best Valentine’s flowers
While roses dominate the top spot on the Valentine’s Day flower power rankings, many other beautiful blooms make superb gifts for your special someone. If you are looking for some of the best, most romantic blossoms for your loved one, here’s a roundup of some popular holiday picks.
With blossoms as grand as your love, lilies make wonderful Valentine’s gifts. Choose from several shades to find the ideal color to complement your other gifts and appeal to your better half.
Valentine’s is the time to express all those sweet feelings you have toward your partner, and what better way to do that than with bright, showy sunflowers? After all, your love brings warmth and joy just like the sun!
Unmistakable blossom structures are a hallmark of orchids, the 2023 Flower of the Year. Featuring distinctive color patterns, these fun flowers truly stand out from their petaled counterparts.
Daisies, with their petals spread wide like they are waiting for an embrace, are both delicate and charming. Classic white blooms are most common, but you can grace your Valentine’s bouquet with a variety of colors.
Like giant puffs of joy, hydrangeas bloom in round groups, making them full and impressive. They also come in a wide variety of colors, giving you several ways to suit your valentine’s preferences.
“Celebration Inspiration” is all about bringing you top-notch advice and creative ideas to make the most of life’s special moments. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or going all out for a holiday, learn interesting Easter facts.
The most important Christian holiday of the year, Easter marks Jesus’ resurrection and appropriately coincides with the arrival of spring, the season of rebirth. The holiday is a time to celebrate fundamental beliefs and the change of seasons.
Countless traditions commemorate the Easter season, from decorating and hiding eggs to filling baskets with chocolate bunnies. It’s also a good time to revisit your decor — and fill your home with the flowers and colors of spring — in advance of the traditional Easter dinner.
Frequently asked questions about Easter
When is Easter and how is the date determined?
In 2024, Easter is on Sunday, March 31. The date changes every year because the holiday falls on the first Sunday after spring’s first full moon. In 2025, Easter is on April 20.
Easter takes place after the 40-day period of Lent, a time when people typically fast during the day or give up something they enjoy. The week before Easter is considered “Holy Week.” Palm Sunday takes place exactly a week before Easter, followed by Good Friday, and then Easter Sunday.
How did the Easter bunny come about?
The first story about a rabbit coming to your backyard in early spring and leaving eggs in the garden was published in Germany in 1680. The Easter bunny was introduced to the Americas in the late 17th century by Christian German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania. They told their children stories about the Oschter Haws (or Osterhase), a hare from German folklore that gave colorful eggs to well-behaved children on Easter. The character evolved into the Easter Bunny.
What is the flower of Easter?
Easter lilies are the official flower of Easter and symbolize the resurrection of Christ. It’s also believed that the large, white flowers described in the Bible as growing quickly throughout Palestine were lilies.
How much do Americans spend on Easter baskets and Easter candy?
Americans spent $24 billion on Easter in 2023. Of that total, $3.3 billion went toward candy — besting the $3.1 billion spent on candy for Halloween, making Easter the biggest candy holiday on the calendar.
Households that assemble their own Easter baskets spend nearly $80 on average on all the necessities, including gifts, candy, decorations, and greeting cards.
What’s the best way to eat a chocolate Easter bunny?
A WalletHub study found that 78% of Americans think you should start eating a chocolate bunny at the ears. But watch out for your teeth: One of the main reasons for the hollow inside is so that people don’t hurt their jaw or crack a tooth.
What’s the largest chocolate Easter bunny and Easter egg?
In 2017, the world’s largest chocolate bunny was created in Brazil — it weighed an astonishing 9,359 pounds and stood nearly 15 feet tall. The tallest Easter egg ever created weighed 15,000 pounds and was 33 feet tall.
What’s the story behind Easter eggs?
Spring is often used to represent new life and birth, while eggs have long symbolized fertility. Given the time Easter occurs and the religious meaning behind it, eggs quickly became a popular Easter symbol.
Besides candy, what are other Easter food traditions?
Before chocolate cornered the Easter food market, pretzels were eaten and exchanged as gifts. During the week leading to Easter, it’s estimated that Americans eat around 16 million jelly beans. Traditional Easter Sunday dinner foods include ham, cut pineapple, lamb, string beans, glazed carrots, deviled eggs, hot cross buns, lemon bars, babka, and carrot cake.
What’s an Easter egg roll and when did the tradition start at the White House?
In an egg roll, children roll an egg through the grass with a long-handled spoon. The activity dates back hundreds of years and may have originated to symbolize the rolling away of the rock from Jesus’ tomb after his crucifixion.
The White House’s annual Easter Egg Roll began in 1878 during the Hayes administration. Children and their families are invited to the president’s home for egg hunting, rolling, and other festivities. It takes place the Monday after Easter Sunday.
While there is no official right answer to the question “What is the best season?” data does exist that shows more Americans pick spring as their favorite time of year — and we couldn’t agree more. The weather is perfect, the trees are blooming, and tulips sprout from their bulbs just waiting to greet you…what’s not to love?
In honor of spring’s arrival, we’re sharing a few facts about this most magnificent season.
24 facts about spring
In 2024, the first day of spring will be on Tuesday, March 19.
In Latin, the word vernal means “spring” and equinox means “equal night.”
The Latin word for “season” is sationem, meaning “seed time.”
Spring was formerly referred to as lent, which was changed to springtime around the 1300s, and eventually was shortened to spring. Spring is derived from the time of year when plants begin to grow again or spring from the earth.
Attention all lovebirds! We hate to say it, but we may have some bad news for you. According to a Facebook study, early spring is when couples are most likely to break up.
The spring equinox is one of only two times (the other being the fall equinox) when the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
If you were to stand on the equator during either the spring or fall equinox, you would see the sun pass directly over the top of your head.
In the North Pole, the spring equinox marks the start of six months of uninterrupted daylight…
…whereas in the South Pole, the spring equinox marks the start of six months of darkness.
The reason why we have spring (and other seasons) is because of the Earth’s tilt. If the Earth were perfectly perpendicular to the sun, the seasons or hours of daylight would not change.
The reason why Easter changes every year is that it falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon of the spring equinox.
Though the spring equinox isn’t typically until March 20 or 21, many Americans consider March 1 to be the unofficial start of spring.
In Japan, they believe spring begins once their national flower, the cherry blossom, starts to bloom.
In Sicily, women travel to the garden of Adonis at the start of each spring. While there, they plant seeds and decorate the garden with a blue and crimson ribbon.
Years ago, it became a popular myth that you could balance an egg on its head during the spring equinox. However, it’s just a myth.
In China, they celebrate the start of spring and Chinese New Year at the same time because they follow a lunar calendar.
“Spring fever” may be a real (and good) thing! Scientists believe that longer days cause people to be more active, creative, and happy.
In literary works, spring is often used to represent birth, a revival, and the start of happy and better times.
Although baby birds are born with the ability to sing, they usually don’t learn how to until spring, when they hear other birds chirping while looking for a mate.
This year’s daylight saving time happens on Sunday, March 10, meaning we’ll “spring forward” one hour that day.
Whoever designed birthday traditions got it right. There are presents, cake, a party, flower deliveries, and it’s a day all about you. But did you ever wonder how the rest of the world celebrates birthdays? If you’re looking to start a new tradition, take inspiration from how birthday party traditions are celebrated in other countries.
Germany
A noted difference between Germany and the United States is that if you’re invited to a birthday celebration, it’s the birthday boy or girl who pays the expenses. Additionally, it is said that if you wish someone a happy birthday before their actual birthday it is bad luck. For the gents who are single on their 30th, a popular birthday party tradition is to sweep the steps of their town hall or another equally busy place. They can’t stop until they find a lucky lady to kiss.
Great Britain
Birthdays celebrated in Great Britain are similar to the United States with birthday cakes and the singing of “Happy Birthday to You.” One distinction is that, sometimes, families will place something symbolic into the birthday cake (such as a coin for riches and wealth) for the birthday boy or girl to discover.
Ireland
Sure, the Irish celebrate birthdays by having friends and family come together to enjoy food, drinks, and fun. Though it can be a bit more raucous because of the tradition of “bumping” the birthday boy or girl. In “bumping,” an adult is said to flip the person upside down and bump them on the floor as many times as they are old (gently, of course).
Canada
If you’re in Canada to celebrate someone’s birthday, don’t be surprised if you see them with a greasy nose. The purpose of doing so? To keep bad luck away for the following year. People who follow this tradition believe that putting something like butter on the birthday boy or girl’s nose will make them “too slippery” for bad luck to be present as they head into their next year.
Australia
Birthdays in Australia are almost always celebrated with a barbecue. Similar to birthday party traditions across the globe, you can expect to see decorations such as balloons, and the honoree will make a wish by blowing out the candles on their cake. However, Aussie children get an extra treat. They get to eat a sweet snack called fairy bread, which is covered in butter and sprinkles.
Vietnam
Everyone in Vietnam celebrates their birthday on the same day, New Year’s Day, which is known as “Tet Nguyen Dan” (Festival of the First Day). Tet is held on the first new moon after January 20 each year. Adults gift children with red envelopes with “lucky money” in them to celebrate and congratulate them on another year.
Birthdays are simple, thoughtful affairs in Norway. For school-aged children, they have a celebration that is exclusive to classmates and the birthday boy or girl will choose a classmate to dance with while their peers sing along. Their humble celebrating traditions continue as they get older by not having a birthday party thrown for them, but it’s up to the celebrant to plan their own party. The most standard birthday song would be ‘Hurra for deg som fyller ditt år,'” says Johnny Van Duong, a Project Manager in civil engineering for Skanska AB. “We also have a Norwegian version of ‘happy birthday to you,’ which is our second most popular song.”
Denmark
In Denmark, there’s a cake for every occasion. On children’s birthdays, you will often have a “cake man” or “cake lady”, says Katinka Friis, PR & Press Manager for VisitDenmark. You create a person from Danish pastry and decorate with royal icing and tons of candy. It’s not the healthiest of food with a ribbon of marzipan draped across the body with a greeting for the birthday boy or girl. But isn’t sweet and decadent what birthdays are all about?
Brazil
You’ll know someone is celebrating a birthday in Brazil just by the way the house is decorated, which is typically strewn with banners and brightly colored paper flowers. Children in Brazil are also known to eat candy on their birthday that is shaped like fruits and vegetables. Another tradition is the possibility of having their earlobes pulled on. Like “birthday punches” or “bumping” in Ireland, their earlobes are pulled as many times as they are old.
Mexico
In Mexico, one of the most popular things to have at a birthday party is a candy-filled piñata. Party guests take turns giving it their all to crack it open, and once this happens, well, you know what comes next – everyone picks up as much candy as they can. Piñatas are more than an opportunity to enthusiastically seek candy, they also have spiritual meaning. Original piñatas had seven points to represent each sin. The act of being blindfolded symbolizes faith and you are spun 33 times for each year of Christ’s life. The breaking of the piñata symbolizes the forgiveness of sins and renewal.
Latin America
A special birthday celebrated throughout Mexico and Latin America is a woman’s 15th birthday. known as a quinceañera. This celebration dates back to the Aztecs because the life expectancy during these times was about 30 and a 15-year-old woman was considered at her prime. The 15th birth year is said to symbolize her transition into womanhood. In current times, since a quinceañera is not only a birthday milestone but a religious one, there is a religious service followed by a party. The quinceañera is accompanied by 14 of her female friends and fifteen of her male guests. Like a bride on her wedding day, the quinceañera holds a bouquet with 15 flowers that typically match the party’s decorating theme.
United States
We couldn’t possibly finish our list without mentioning some of the traditions of the United States. Noted Americans, such as certain presidents and Martin Luther King, Jr. are so celebrated. You may even get the day off from school or work for it. Then, there are also the universal customs shared by many countries of smearing your name on the cake, having the birthday boy or girl cut the first slice, blowing out the candles, and giving gifts.
Fun fact: Smearing your name on the cake
It is said that smearing the name on a birthday cake before it’s cut is good luck. Just be sure to get your social posts taken beforehand!
We all work hard, and cherish our weekends and time away from the office. But there’s one day in particular that honors that work — Labor Day.
Celebrated annually on the first Monday of September, Labor Day is often associated with barbecues, going to the beach, and, lately, shopping for mattresses and kitchen appliances. It’s also become known as the unofficial end of summer, marking the close of three months filled with sunshine and fun, quickly being traded in for school, cooler weather, and pumpkin spice lattes.
But Labor Day is about more than just sitting poolside or buying a refrigerator and saluting the end of summer Fridays. We celebrate this holiday for very important, historical reasons. In fact, this holiday is rooted in crucial events, sacrifice, and even massive unrest.
Here are 12 Labor Day facts to help you brush up on your history.
Labor Day is an official recognition of the social and economic achievements of American workers, an annual tribute to the contributions these individuals have made to the prosperity, strength, and well-being of the United States.
In the late 1800s — the height of the Industrial Revolution — members of the working class in the U.S. were overworked and underpaid, putting in an average of 12-hour days and making an average of $600 a year, which is approximately $19,000 today. Gradually, they began organizing strikes, rallies, and protests, hoping to compel employers to improve conditions, moderate hours, and increase pay. This mistreatment is what ultimately led to the establishment of Labor Day.
The “workingmen’s holiday” concept caught on fast. Although it would take over a decade for the federal government to legalize the holiday, labor activists across the country honored it without the federal government’s support, demanding the change until the holiday was legal.
On Sept. 5, 1882, nearly 10,000 workers in New York City went on strike, taking unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square. This was the first official Labor Day parade in U.S. history.
In 1887, Oregon became the first state to celebrate Labor Day as a legal holiday and by 1894, more than 20 other states had adopted this holiday.
Following a worker’s strike in May 1894 that led to an effective boycott that crippled railroad traffic nationwide and unleashed a wave of fatal riots, the U.S. government officially recognized Labor Day as a federal holiday. Thank you, Grover Cleveland.
Labor Day marks the end of hot dog season. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council says that between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Americans will eat 7 billion hot dogs.
Labor Day is not just an American holiday. Canada also celebrates it on the first Monday in September, but most of the rest of the world celebrates their labor day on May 1, or May Day.
Known today as International Worker’s Day, May 1 signifies when, in 1886, approximately 300,000 U. S. workmen went on strike to demand an eight-hour workday.
Two countries that do not recognize Labor Day are Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
A common rule of fashion is: Don’t wear white after Labor Day. While the summer months often call for lighter colors than the cooler ones, this out-of-style rule stems from a class division. In the early 1900s, white clothing was reserved for the wealthy, as it was considered vacationing attire since it’s not meant to get dirty during working hours.
Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. In 2020, Americans took over 184 million trips at least 50 miles from home over the holiday weekend, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Holiday decorating is one of the best things about Christmas. The lights, the wreaths, the tree…they all combine to make one big festive display in — and out of — our homes.
But there’s one element that can take your decor from ordinary to extraordinary: a poinsettia plant!
Poinsettias are one of the most popular flowers associated with Christmas. Since poinsettia displays are so prominent this time of year, you should take a minute to get to know more about this plant that embodies the holiday season.
Poinsettia facts
A poinsettia plant’s botanical name is “euphorbia pulcherrima,” which translates to “very beautiful.”
Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S ambassador to Mexico and a U.S congressman, is credited as the person who introduced poinsettias to the United States, after discovering them in Mexico.
Poinsettias were given the name “poinsettia” by William Prescott. After learning the story of Poinsett’s findings, Prescott renamed the plant after him.
Speaking of Poinsett, Dec. 12 is known as Poinsettia Day in his honor; Dec. 12 is the day that Mr. Poinsett died.
The red blooms we see on poinsettia plants are actually not flowers; rather, they are known as bracts. By definition, bracts are simply modified leaves. The actual “flower” on a poinsettia plant is the yellow bloom found at the center of the bracts.
Poinsettias come in over 100 colors. While prestige red is the most common, you can also find plants whose bracts are white, pink, and even gold!
The color of poinsettia leaves is actually determined by how much light the plant gets. For red leaves, the plant needs must get bright light during the day and no light at night (for at least 12 hours).
The majority of poinsettias found in the U.S. are grown and produced in California.
Though they are most commonly seen around the holidays, poinsettias can bloom again after the season is over, which makes them perennials. However, getting them to do so requires a ton of care throughout the spring and summer.
Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous. Research shows that a child would have to eat more than 500 poinsettia leaves in order to experience really serious effects — but that’s not to say they’re completely harmless. To be safe, it’s best to keep poinsettias away from children and pets.
