Category: Today’s Holiday

The earliest mention of Winter Solstice celebrations in Japan dates back at least to 725 CE and comes from records left by Emperor Shomu. It is an especially happy time for farmers, because it marks the time of year when the days begin to grow longer and the sun nearer. Many of the customs associated with Toji are still observed in rural areas—they include enjoying citrus baths, eating foods made from pumpkins (which is believed to bring good luck), and offering gifts to one’s ancestors. Servants and workers are often given a day off, and many shrines sponsor bonfires. Discuss

St. Thomas the Apostle was dubbed “Doubting Thomas” because, after the Resurrection, the other Apostles told him that they had seen Jesus, and he wouldn’t believe them until he had touched Jesus’ wounds himself. When the Apostles left Jerusalem to preach to the people of other nations, as Jesus had instructed them to do, tradition says Thomas traveled eastward toward India. In Kerala, the smallest state in India, the Malabar Christians claim St. Thomas as the founder of their church. For them, his feast day is a major celebration. Discuss

On August 3, 1960, Niger gained full independence from France, after having been a colony since 1922. Niger had voted to become a republic on December 18, 1958. August 3 is a national holiday celebrating Independence Day, while December 18 is Republic Day. Discuss

On September 21, 1964, Malta was granted its independence from Britain. According to its constitution, Queen Elizabeth II would initially serve as the supreme leader of Malta. On December 13, 1974, Malta became a republic within the Commonwealth, with the President as head of state. To commemorate this day, December 13 has been declared Republic Day in Malta. A big feast is held and Malta’s National Anthem is played or sung at the end of all masses. In addition, the President of Malta presents national awards, namely the Order of Merit and Gieh ir-Repubblika. Discuss

Each year up to a million people flood Konya, Turkey, on the anniversary of the death of the poet and Sufi Islamic mystic Jelaluddin al-Rumi. Rumi’s teachings are the basis for the Sufi Muslim order known as Mevlevi, which uses music and dance to experience spiritual ecstasy. Leading up to December 17, thousands of visitors arrive to partake of exhibits and lectures related to Rumi and the Mevlevi order. At the climax of the festival, the Mevlevis perform their whirling dance, wearing costumes that feature white trousers, a full white overskirt, and tall cylindrical hats. Discuss

This public holiday commemorates the restoration of Portugal’s independence from Spain on December 1, 1640. Philip II (1527-1598) of Spain assumed control of Portugal in 1580 upon the death of Henry, prince of Portugal, and the “Spanish captivity” lasted for 60 years. Revolution began in Lisbon, and, in 1640, the Portuguese dethroned Philip IV (1605-1665; grandson of Philip II) and reclaimed independence for Portugal. Discuss

St. Andrew, the brother of St. Peter, was the first apostle called by Jesus, but he is primarily known today as the patron saint of Scotland. St. Andrew’s association with Scotland didn’t come about until four centuries after his death, when some of his relics were brought there. Scots continue the custom of wearing a “St. Andrew’s cross” on November 30, which consists of blue and white ribbons shaped like the letter X. The tradition for this form of a cross began no earlier than the 13th century. Discuss

Bosnia and Herzegovina are two adjoining regions in the Balkans that were ruled by Croatian kings in medieval times. They were united into a province under the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Statehood Day commemorates the November 25, 1943, assembly of the first joint Bosnian and Herzegovinan parliament. In 1946, Bosnia and Herzegovina became part of the newly-formed Yugoslav federation. Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia on March 1, 1992. Discuss

Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925) was the leader of the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang). He served as the first provisional president of the Republic of China (1911-12) and later as its de facto ruler (1923-25). Because he possessed an exceptionally broad knowledge of the West and developed a grand plan for China’s industrialization, he is known as “the father of modern China.” Sun Yat-sen’s birthday is a holiday in Taiwan. The anniversary of his death, March 12, is observed as Arbor Day in Taiwan. Discuss

St. Martin’s Day, November 11, is the traditional time when wine taverns in Austria offer the first new wines of the year. Wine feasts called Heurigen parties abound in these taverns throughout the country and are scheduled according to an official Heurigenkalender. Traditional foods served with the new wine include sausage, cheese, and bread. Many taverns also stage operettas and other shows for the season. Discuss