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Holidays Archives - Page 2 of 4

How Shakespeare and Chaucer Helped Create Valentine's Day

February 8th, 2022

How did Valentine's Day go from a violent pagan fertility festival involving whips and sacrifices to the lovey-dovey holiday we know today? We can thank William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer for that. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan | 52 Comments »

Six Traditional Chinese New Year Customs You Might Not Know About

January 28th, 2022

February 1st marks the beginning of the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese Zodiac. Celebrated as the Chinese New Year, this Spring Festival is one of the most celebrated and revered holidays around the world. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Uncategorized | 19 Comments »

As Holidays Wind Down, Three Kings Day Approaches in Spain

December 31st, 2021

While the holiday season is winding down for those of us in the United States, it's still in full swing until early January in Spain and Latin America, as they'll celebrate Three Kings Day on January 5th. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 28 Comments »

The Secret History of May Day

April 30th, 2021

Most people think of May Day as a festival about welcoming spring where people gather flowers and children dance around a pole. But did you know that celebrations on May 1st have a much deeper history? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan | 5 Comments »

Secret History of the Easter Bunny: What They Don't Teach You in School

March 26th, 2021

On Easter Sunday, millions of children worldwide will hunt for eggs hidden by the Easter bunny. But why do we hunt for eggs on Easter? Why is a bunny associated with the resurrection of Jesus? There's a lot to uncover. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 46 Comments »

The Violent, Sexy, Pagan Origins of Valentine's Day

February 8th, 2021

You're undoubtedly familiar with modern Valentine's Day traditions like giving chocolates and roses. But the romantic holiday has origins in an ancient Roman holiday that has nudity, flagellation, and animal sacrifice. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Pagan & Wiccan | 11 Comments »

Even During Pandemic, the War on Christmas Continues

December 18th, 2020

We're all familiar with the War on Christmas, but this year it's receiving a very 2020 twist: COVID-19. The international pandemic is opening up a whole new front on everyone's favorite seasonal skirmish. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 83 Comments »

How to Break the News: You Won’t Be Home for the Holidays

November 18th, 2020

Whether you have been looking for an excuse to be dismissed from the holiday chaos, or you have legitimate health concerns due to the pandemic, you may be looking for a way out of this year’s annual family gathering. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Life and Death | 20 Comments »

Does God Approve of Our Thanksgiving Gluttony?

November 21st, 2019

On Thanksgiving, most of us sit down to dinner with family, talk about what we're most thankful for, and then eat until we feel like we're going to explode. Does God approve of our seasonal overindulgence? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 61 Comments »

Move Aside Christmas, Here Comes the "War on Thanksgiving"

November 18th, 2019

You’ve heard of the "War on Christmas," but this year the battle has apparently opened up a second front. That’s right: the "War on Thanksgiving" has begun. See what kicked it off, and where we're likely to go from here. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Progressive Spirituality | 88 Comments »