Observances & Traditions
From religious and patriotic holidays to celebrations of ethnic pride, explore the history of Easter, New Year's Day, Veterans Day and more annual observances, plus traditions and rituals that take place all year long.
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Native American Heritage Month is a federal observance held each November to honor American Indians and Alaska Natives.
The idea dates back to 1895—and has been controversial ever since.
The Veterans Day holiday honors military veterans on November 11.
The winter solstice is the day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight. Humans may have celebrated the winter solstice as far back as the Stone Age.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year in San Francisco
New Year's celebrations in China are thousands of years old, but across the Pacific, the holiday took on a life of its own.
3 Holidays Honoring U.S. Military Personnel
Armed Forces Day
Celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May, Armed Forces Day thanks those currently serving in the military for their service. It was created in 1949 by then-Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days.
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Easter celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In 1957, a TV broadcaster shared footage of harvesting "an exceptionally heavy spaghetti crop" in a town near the Italian border. Try to top that—and other historic, outrageous pranks—this April Fools' Day.
7 Female Firsts in Sports
Katherine Switzer was the first woman to run the Boston marathon in 1967. Take a look back at her accomplishment and those of other record-breaking female sports stars.
A group of hard-boiled congressmen literally protecting their turf got the annual Easter tradition rolling.
For many Christians, sunrise and resurrection are linked.
Honoring the start of the year and the change of seasons are practices as old as time.
Local celebrations include parades and reenactments as well as hatchet burials, horse races and barbecue competitions.
The most prominent secular symbol of the Christian holiday, the Easter bunny was reportedly introduced to America by German immigrants. Learn about other symbols and traditions like the Eager egg, Easter candy, Easter lilies and Easter parades.
The Origins of Daylight Savings Time
While Daylight Savings is fairly harmless today, it's origins lie in one of the most violent episodes of world history.
Earth Day's Environmental Origins
Environmental issues have long faced our planet, but what did it finally take to set aside a day just for Earth?
The Monday after Easter is also known as Dyngus Day in some Polish American communities.
The annual Mexican holiday marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla.
Muslims around the world break their Ramadan fasts with delicious feasts on Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
It's been a symbol of power and prestige across centuries.
The Disturbing History of Friday the 13th
From biblical lore and Norse mythology to medieval intrigue and modern pop culture, this ominous date has accumulated a disturbing legacy that continues today.
