Holiday

What Exactly Are Holidays?

Holidays are those special days or periods set aside for celebration and rest, but what exactly do they mean in different parts of the world? In North America, a holiday is any dedicated day or period of celebration, while in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, it often means something else entirely—what we call vacation. So, how does this vary across cultures?

The Diverse Nature of Holidays

Holidays can be thematic or non-thematic. Thematic holidays celebrate specific groups, events, or ideas, while non-thematic ones are simply days of rest without any particular meaning. For instance, the celebration of New Year has been a common holiday across cultures for at least four millennia, and Christmas is celebrated globally due to its spread through Christianity.

Public vs Religious Holidays

Public holidays are set by public authorities and can vary significantly from state to region. They often include substitute holidays on non-weekend days or national days celebrating a nation’s independence, founding, revolution, liberation, or patron saint. For example, in the United Kingdom, constituent countries have official or unofficial national days associated with their patron saint.

Religious holidays are set by religious organisations for their members and are often also observed as public holidays in religious majority countries. Some of these holidays, like Christmas, have become secularised over time, meaning that part or all of those who observe them do so without necessarily adhering to the original religious significance.

The Evolution of Holidays

Holidays have evolved significantly over time. They can be linked to faiths and religions, such as Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas, Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, or Hindu festivals like Diwali. Even in Japan, where the holidays contain references to several different faiths and beliefs, there are still those that follow the order of the Wheel of the Year.

Recently invented holidays commemorate a range of modern social and political issues and other important topics. The United Nations publishes a list of International Days and Weeks, including International Women’s Day and Earth Day. Other secular holidays are observed regionally, nationally, or across multi-country regions, such as Lunar New Year.

Commercialization and Secularisation

The commercialisation of holidays is another interesting aspect. In the United States, for instance, holidays have been commercialized since the late 19th century, with traditions reshaped to serve industry needs. This has led to some controversy over secularisation, with conservative commentators characterising it as ‘the War on Christmas.’ However, in reality, 61% of Brits celebrate Christmas in an entirely secular way.

Secularisation can be seen as a form of censorship or political correctness by some, while others might argue that it is Christianity which is being censored. The truth lies somewhere in between, with holidays evolving to reflect the changing values and beliefs of society.

The Future of Holidays

As we move forward, the nature of holidays will continue to change. Unofficial holidays like Monkey Day, International Talk Like a Pirate Day, and Blasphemy Day are becoming more popular, reflecting the diverse interests and values of modern society.

Ultimately, holidays are a reflection of our shared human experiences and the diverse ways in which we choose to celebrate them. Whether you’re marking a religious festival or enjoying a day off work, remember that every holiday has its own unique story to tell.

In conclusion, holidays are more than just days off; they are windows into our cultural heritage and evolving values. As society changes, so too will the way we observe these special days, but one thing remains constant: the joy and unity they bring us all.