May 27, 2013
Learn more about Memorial Day.
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Shavuot
What is Shavuot?
Shavuot is the second of three major Jewish holidays that occurs 50 days after Passover, another major Jewish holiday. Originally a historical and agricultural festival that marked the end of the seven weeks of the Passover barley harvest and the beginning of the wheat harvest, Shavuot is also a religious observance of God’s presenting Moses with the Torah, or the Ten Commandments, at Mount Sinai 50 days after the Israelites left Egypt.
Shavuot is similar to the Christian holy day Pentecost, which falls 49 days after Easter Sunday and celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Christ’s followers.
When is Shavuot?
Shavuot is celebrated 50 days after Passover each year. Like Passover, Shavuot falls on a different day each year. This year, Shavuot falls on May 15.
How do people celebrate Shavuot?
Jewish people celebrate Shavuot by studying the Torah, reading the Akdamot and the Book of Ruth, decorating their homes with plants, flowers and leafy branches, and eating dairy products. In the U.S., synagogues often hold Jewish confirmation ceremonies on Shavuot. Although Shavuot is not a federal holiday in the U.S., many Jewish businesses and organizations close or limit their hours on Shavuot while Jewish people may choose to take their annual vacation around this time of year so that they have the day off.
Read more about Shavuot and its symbols and traditions.
Sources: timeanddate.com
When is Victoria Day in 2013?
May 20, 2013
Learn more about Victoria Day.
When is Mother’s Day 2013?
May 12, 2013
Learn more about Mother’s Day.
Make Up Your Own Holiday Day
Have you ever wished that there was a Talk in Secret Code Day or a Sleep in until Noon Day? Wish no more because March 26 is Make Up Your Own Holiday Day!
If you’re feeling extra enthusiastic about your holiday, why not try to make it official? After all, it was Sarah Josepha Hale’s 17-year letter-writing campaign that convinced President Abraham Lincoln to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday. (Read Hale’s final, successful attempt to convince President Lincoln here.)
Get creative and let us know what you come up with!
Sources: punchbowl.com, time.com
When does Passover begin in 2013?
March 26, 2013
Learn more about Passover.
When is the Vernal Equinox in 2013?
March 20, 2013 at 11:02 a.m.
Learn more about the Vernal Equinox.
When is the Chinese New Year in 2013?
February 10, 2013
Learn more about the Chinese New Year.
When is MLK Day of Service 2013?
January 21, 2013
Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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