Figure 1.--Here we see a German brother and sister in front of the family Christmas tree in 1952. Note the great toys. This is a commercial postcard rather than a family snapshot.

Holiday celebrations in every country are a combination of holidays unique to that country such as inddpendece or national day celebrations as well as holidays celebrated in many different countries. Thesecommon holidays, however, are not always on the same day. Holidays such as New Year, Thanksgiving, are celebrated on different days in different countries. Chritianity is especially prone to this. Easter and even Christmas is celevrated on different days around the world. In this regard Jewish and Islamic holidays are much more standard.

Ameria, Latin

The most famous Brazilian holiday is of course Carnival. We have some information on Christmas.

Mexico

Mexico is probanly noted for Cinco de Mayo (May 5). Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory at the Nattle of Puebla in 1862. There Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the French al forces trying to prop up the monarchy of the Austrian royal Maximillian. Many believe that Cimvo de Mayo is Mexico's independence day. It is more of a national day. Independence Day celebrates independence from Spain (September 16). It does not, however, have the prominance of Cinco de Mayo. Another important Mexican holiday is the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) (November 1-2). It is more of an All Souls Day than a Haloween.

Venezuela

We have some information on Christmas.

America, North

America

The standard holidays including New Year, Valentine Day, Easter, Veteran's Day (previously Armistace Day), and Christmas are important in America. Destinctly American holidays include Dr. King's birthday, President's day, St. Patrick's Day, the 4th of July, Columbus day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. Both St. Patrick's Day and Coloumbus Day honor the contribution of ethnic minorities and their role in building America. St. Patrick's Day is of course a traditional Irish celebration, but it in fact was a minor event in Ireland until popularized by nostalgic immigrants in the large American cities like Boston and New York. The most American of holiday is the 4th of July and all the fireworks, parades, and associated hupla. This major U.S. holiday is about fire works and the rockets red glare. Some one may dress up as Uncle Sam or the Revolutionary war soldiers with fide, drum, and and bugle scene. The Cubs and Scouts particuate in parades. And of course before the fireworks are picnics and cookouts. Halloween is a major American holiday that has begun to spread to other countries. Thanksgiving is another uniquely Americam holiday. Thanksgiving is an American holiday, giving thanks for the bounty of the land. Children dress up in Pilgrim and Native American costumes at school to celebrate the holiday. At home the centerpice is a huge turkey dinner. Often the entire family gathers at their parents or grandparents house for the event. Unlike some other holiday, however, the children do not generally dressup, even for the turkey dinner. Contrary to widely held views, America is a deeply religious country. Probably more Americans attend Church than the the citizens of any European country. Thus the religious nature of Amristmas is important in many American families. Undeniably, however, Santa Claus now plays a central role in an American child's Christmas. American children diligently take their Christmas lists to Santa Clause. Some now even have computerized lists. Some American children in fact see Santa and his raindeer as a much more important figure than Jesus. Given the media blitz, parents have to work hard to maintain traditions beyound tye commercial extravanganza.

Canada

The standard holidays including New Year, Valentine Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are important in Canada. Interestingly, Queen Victoria's birthday (largely forgotten in England) is celebrated in Canada. The Queen ruled Britain and the Empire longer than any other monarch, from 1837-1901. The Queen was born on May 24, but the celebration is the Monday preceeding May 25. Canada's national day is called Canada Day and celebrated on July 1. Canadians celebrate it like July 4 in America, but it is not an independence day because the Canadians did not join the American colonists in the Revolutionary War. Rather the Candians celebrate the day the different British North American provinces were combined to form Canada. Canada Day until 1981 was called Dominion Day because on July 1, 1867 the provinces of British North America merged as the Dominion of Canada, a title which Canada still has officially. While Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving like Americans, they celebrate on a different day--the second Monday in October, perhaps because the harvest comes earlier in Canada. (That is the date Columbus Day is held in America.)

Asia

China

The Chinese are of course noted for the celebration of New Year.

Japan

There are many traditional Japanese holidays. We have mentioned some of them in the Japanese section, but have not yet created pages on them. Several include honoring relatives. Children's day is a holiday of special interest to HBC. Interestingly several holidays likr Chikdren's day relate to age. Almost all are uniquely Japanese. We hope to create separate pages as HBC develops. One is the same as Western holidays, such as New Years. Other Western holidays such as Christmas are not really celebrated, but are used by merchants in advertising. One Japanese holiday, Labor Day is essentially the same as the Western holiday, but observed on different days. Other holidays (Constitution Day and Green Day) are of recent origins, created since Japan's defeat in World war II. The Emperor's birthday is still celebrated, but not as important as it once was. Unlike the holidays in many countries, religion is not a major factor in holiday celebrations.

Europe

Austria

The holiday celebration that come to mind most for Austria is Christmas, but we little other specific information at this time. We do note the Ratschenbuben is a primarily German tradition dating from the 12th century. It was also observed in Austria and in German communities in Sitzerland. One HBC reader tells us that "Ratschenbuben" is an Autrian word meaning "rattle playing boys", a word that is unknown in Germany. Easter and especially Palm Sunday is an important event in largely Catholic Austria. Christmas is undoubtedly the most important holiday in Austria. As in other European nations, December 6th is the day Saint Nicholas, the giver of gifts, makes his rounds. Arrayed in a glittering Bishops robe and accompanied by his devilish assistant, Knecht Rupnecht, he can occasionally be seen roaming the streets giving sweets and apples to good children while his companion playfully beckons "little sinners" to feel the string of his golden rod. In Austria, there is no Santa Claus. Children are taught that their presents have been brought by the "Kristkindl," a olden-haired baby with wings, who symbolizes the new born Christ. The story tells how the Christ child comes down from heaven on Christmas Eve and, with his band of angels, decorates and distributes trees. Christmas in Austria is a very musical time. Many of the world's greatest carols came from here. December 6 is the day when St. Nicholas and his grotesque assistant, Krampus, may pay a visit. But the gifts are brought on Christmas Eve by the Christkind. Sometimes the Christkind will even help decorate the Christmas tree before the big Christmas Eve supper, which will probably feature carp as a main course. Dinner on Christmas Day will be roast goose with all the trimmings.

Belgium

As a mostly Catholic country, the religious holidays Easter and Christmas are of great importance. The national holiday is National Day, July 21, 1831 when King Leopold I ascended to the new Belgian throne.

England

The standard holidays including New Year, Valentine Day, Easter, Armistace Day, and Christmas are important in England. England has several well known holidays, including the Queen's Birthday, Guy Fawkes Day, and Boxing Day. An English reader writes, "Bonfire Night. there is nothing quite like it." Another reader writes, " Bonfire Night. Guy Falkes went to school in York. The school celebrate Bonfire Night but there is no guy on top of the fire. Can't burn an old boy of the school!" A British writer provides a wonderful assessment of Bon Fire Night (Guy Fawkes Day). Many modern Christmas traditions are English Christmas traditions developed during the Vicorian era. Here Prince Albert palyed an important role introducing German traditions like a Christmas tree.

France

The standard holidays including New Year, Valentine Day, Easter, Armistace Day, and Christmas are important in France. The best known French holiday is Bastille Day (July 14). The most important French holidays for children are Easter (March/April) and Christmas (December 25).

Germany

The standard holidays including New Year, Easter, and Christmas are important in Germany. German holiday celebrations have varied considerably as to the regime in power. During the NAZI era, Hitler's birthday was a major event during which 10 years old were inducted into the Hitler Youth. I assume that the Kaiser's birthday was celebrated during Imperial Germany. After World War II the Communists celebrations of May Day was a major event. Germany or more properly Bavaria is best known for its Ocktoberfest celebrations. The most important holiday for German children is Christmas.

Greece

Many countries share the holidays, especially religious holidays. But even shared holidays are sometimes celebrated on different days. Even Christmas and new years are celebrated on different days in some countries. Countries also have some holidays that are only celebrated in individual countries, although imigrant communities in the United States and other countries may also celebrate. Important Greek holidays are Independence Day (March 25) and Ochi Day ("No Day," remembering the Greek Resistance of World War II, (October 28). Apokries is another popular holiday, especially for Greek children.

Ireland

The Irish are best known for St. Patricks's Day. It was, however, a minor event in Ireland. It was in America that St. Patrick's Day became a major event.

Italy

As a mostly Catholic country, the religious holidays Easter and Christmas are of great importance. The national holiday is the Anniversaty of the Republic, June 6, 1946. After King Umberto II lost a plebecite following World War II, a Republic was declared.

Latvia

National holidays include: January 1--New Year's Day; Good Friday; Easter Sunday; May 1--Labor Day; June 24--Midsummer; November 18-- Independence Day; December 24-26 (Christmas).

Lithuania

(The) Netherlands

The national holiday in the Netherlands is Queen's day, April 30. The most important holiday seaon for children is of course Christmas. The most special day during the Christmas season is Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas Day) December 5. For most children more important and exciting than Christmas day itself. That's od course when they receive their presents. Small presents and candy has been given each day one week before. The children would put their (wooden) shoes in front of the fire place and each morning they would find something in there. In return they would put some hay for Sinterklaas' horse before they would go to bed. Saint Nicholas was supposed to ride on his schimmel (grey horse) on the roof of the house, accompanied by Zwarte Piet (Black Peter), his Moorish servant he had brought with him from Spain. Zwarte Piet carried the big sack with the presents and another one to take with him the naughty child that had not behaved. The children would sing some of the numerous Sinterklaas Liedjes (Songs), also at school where they would celebrate. So Sinterklaas is very important to Dutch children.

Poland

Poland despite, or perhaps because of, four decades of Communist rule is the most entensely Catholic country in Europe. The religious holidays Easter and Christmas are of thus of great importance. The national holiday is Constitution Day, May 3, 1791 which must be associated with the partitions of Poland.

Russia

The celebration of holidays in Russia has been significantly affected by political regimes. Tsarist Russia focused on the celebration of religious festivals such as Easter and Christmas. The Tsar's bithday was probably also celebrated. After the Revolution (1917), the Soviets celebtated New Years, Labor Day, and the Revolution. I am not sure to what extent Comrad Stalin's birthday was celebrated. There were of course major changes in Russian holidys after the Communis Revolution (1917) and likewise after the fall of Communism (1991) there have been changes as well. Today in Russia, New Years continued to be the favorite holiday for children. Authorities are also now promoting the celebration of Christmas.

Switzerland

Switzerland's national day is August 1, when the three original cantons of Schwytz, Uri and Unterwald founded back in 1291 our country. This day is celebrated throughout the country down to the smallest village with bonfires burning even up some mountains and hundreds of speeches held by local politicians with nobody listening to and thousands of sausages etc prepared on BBQs by the local firebrigade volunteers. For children there is no specific clothing. The younger ones walking proudly around with "lampions" (paper globe with a candle burning inside). On top of the national day each of the 23 cantons have their specific celebration day at various dates and originating from quite many different roots. Easter and Christmas are celebrated througout Switzerland although there are differences on how theu are celebrated as a result the country's varying ethnic and religious composition. The most important holiday for children is of course Christmas.

Ukraine

Easter is the predominant and most popular springtime feast celebrated by the Ukrainian and Russian People. Holy week, beginning with Palm Sunday, is a time of great activity in Ukrainian and Russian homes, including spring cleaning and baking Easter bread. Easter is a feast of joy and gladness that unites all Ukrainian people in common celebration. It is the most busy and cheerful holiday for Ukrainians and Russians after Christmas. Easter is the time of springtime festivals, a time to welcome back the Tulips, the Crocuses and the Daffodils. A time for people to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Christ. And a time of Easter cakes and colored eggs!

Oceania

Australia

As Australia was settled by the British, Australian holidays are heavily influenced by British holiday observations. Australian holidays include: New Years (January 1), Australia Day (January 28), Easter (March/April), ANZAC Day (April 25), Adelaide Cup (May), the Queens's Birthday (June 10), Labour Day (October 7), Christmas (December 25), and Proclamation Day (December 26). Adelaide Cup Day is only for South Australian and is held on a Monday thus creating a long weekend. All the other holidays listed here are Australia wide. The other states have their own cup holidays like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane as well as Perth. Catholics world wide have Saints feast days but they are not holidays though but some are celebrated. Christmas is one of several holifday observations influenced by British customs. As a result, Christmas in Australia is a bit surealistic because of the summer henisphere season reveral. Thus traditional snowy Christmas scenes make absolutely no sence to Australians who in December face a summer heat wave. As the weather is warm and snow never falls, there are no sleigh rides, or Yule logs, or any other comforts against the cold. The main articles of decoration are the Christmas bell and the Christmas bush.

Created: 5:43 AM 10/1/2006
Last updated: 12:59 AM 12/25/2008