Category Archives: Non-religious Holidays & Festivals

Pumpkins and Halloween: Jack o’lantern origins

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Lior

When you start seeing pumpkins showing up in unusually copious amounts everywhere, you can safely bet that Halloween is round the corner! But what’s with all the pumpkins? And how did the whole Halloween pumpkin carving / Jack-o’-lantern tradition start?

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Mothering Sunday: Britain’s History of Mother’s Day

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Lior

If you’re British or are familiar with British customs, you’ll know that in the UK there is a different date for Mother’s Day celebrations than in the States. What’s more, traditionally the British day of celebration is not known as … Continue reading →

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Birthday Song History: Why do we sing the “Happy Birthday to you” song on birthdays?

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Lior

The Happy Birthday song is one of the most widely sung songs in the world. But when did the tradition of singing this merry tune begin? The answer is around the late 1890s to early 1900s, but the story is … Continue reading →

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History of Valentines Day: Why do we celebrate Valentines day?

Posted on February 13, 2011 by Lior

Valentine’s Day is almost a worldwide phenomenon, celebrating romance and love every February 14th. In spite of celebrating it, many of us don’t really know the origins of Valentine’s Day nor why it’s celebrated. What is the history of Valentine’s … Continue reading →

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Unusual New Year’s Traditions from around the world

Posted on January 1, 2011 by Lior

Most of us associate New Year’s Eve with fireworks, parties, a New Year’s kiss at midnight, and maybe a little bit of crossing arms and singing Auld Lang Syne. In other parts of the world, New Year traditions are a … Continue reading →

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Why do we celebrate Boxing Day?

Posted on December 26, 2010 by Lior

The day after Christmas Day is known as Boxing Day, and it’s a welcome additional day off work to many. But have you ever wondered why it’s called “Boxing Day”? And why do we get this day off work anyway? … Continue reading →

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Why do we sing Auld Lang Syne on New Year’s Eve?

Posted on December 25, 2010 by Lior

Auld Lang Syne is world famous for two main reasons: It’s famous for being sung on New Year’s Eve in English speaking countries around the world, from the USA, to the Philippines, Zimbabwe, India and to Singapore. It’s famous for … Continue reading →

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Why do we have the New Year’s Kiss?

Posted on December 25, 2010 by Lior

You’re at a New Year’s Eve Party about to ring in the New Year. It’s almost midnight. You look around for who you’ll be kissing at midnight… but wait! Why do we have this tradition of kissing someone at midnight … Continue reading →

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