The Beginning Of The Modern Holiday: A Journey Through Time

Imagine a world without holidays. No Christmas celebrations, no Easter egg hunts, no Fourth of July fireworks, and no Thanksgiving feasts. It's hard to fathom, isn't it? Holidays have become an integral part of our lives, bringing joy, togetherness, and a break from our daily routines. But have you ever wondered how these modern holidays came to be? Join us on a journey through time as we explore the fascinating origins of our favorite celebrations.

The Birth of Christmas

Let's start with Christmas, arguably the most famous holiday worldwide. While its roots can be traced back to ancient pagan celebrations of the winter solstice, the modern version of Christmas has its origins in the fourth century. In 336 AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine officially declared December 25th as the birthday of Jesus Christ, solidifying the connection between the holiday and Christianity.

Over the centuries, various traditions and customs got interwoven into Christmas celebrations. The exchange of gifts can be traced back to the story of the Three Wise Men offering presents to baby Jesus. The tradition of decorating trees originates from Germany, where people adorned evergreen trees with candles to symbolize light during the dark winter months. Over time, Christmas has evolved into a time of joy, family gatherings, and spreading goodwill.

Victorians & Edwardians Abroad: The Beginning of the Modern Holiday

by Neil Matthews(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11831 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	219 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	182 pages
Item Weight	:	15.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.41 x 11 inches

FREE

The Origins of Easter

Moving on to Easter, a holiday with deep religious significance for Christians worldwide. The origins of Easter can be traced back to ancient pagan rituals celebrating the arrival of spring. The name "Easter" itself is derived from Eostre, a goddess of Germanic pagans associated with fertility and rebirth.

However, Easter as it is known today gained significance with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In early Christianity, Easter was celebrated to commemorate Jesus' resurrection from the dead. The date of Easter, determined based on the lunar calendar, varies each year. Easter Sunday became a day of rejoicing, symbolizing new life and hope. Today, Easter is marked with church services, egg hunts, and indulging in delicious chocolates.

The Story of Independence Day

Now, let's turn our attention to the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day in the United States. This day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which declared the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule.

The U.S. celebrates Independence Day with grand parades, barbecues, and spectacular fireworks displays. It is a day of national pride and unity, reminding Americans of their history and the hard-fought freedom they achieved.

Thanksgiving: A Time for Gratitude

Finally, we come to Thanksgiving, a holiday steeped in gratitude and appreciation. The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early 17th century when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a harvest feast to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. This event is often considered the first Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving became an official holiday in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it as a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens." Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November, bringing families together to share a lavish meal and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives.

The modern holiday season is a testament to the fusion of ancient traditions and the evolution of human culture over time. Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving are just a few examples of how our ancestors' customs have shaped the holidays we know and love today.

So, as you gather with loved ones, exchange gifts, or indulge in festive meals during these holidays, remember the long and storied history behind them. The modern holiday season is a time to celebrate, reflect, and create lasting memories that will be passed down through generations.

Victorians & Edwardians Abroad: The Beginning of the Modern Holiday

by Neil Matthews(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11831 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	219 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	182 pages
Item Weight	:	15.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.41 x 11 inches

FREE

Victorians and Edwardians abroad: the beginning of the modern holiday reveals a story never told before: the early years of one of Britains leading modern travel agencies, the Polytechnic Touring Association (PTA). Created in 1888 within Britains first Polytechnic, the PTA was an emblem of the era. It served a growing mass of middle-class and lower middle-class consumers, who found for the first time that they had the time and money to take extended holidays, often abroad. This book explains the creation of the Polytechnic and the PTA, charting the expansion of the travel agency into continental Europe and beyond.Victorians and Edwardians abroad uncovers the recollections of those who went on Poly holidays before 1914: how they experienced the journeys, what they did when they reached their destinations and what they thought holidays should be about. For all the serious strictures from their social betters about the educational and improving aspects of travel, PTA holiday makers enjoyed themselves: liberating pork pies from train carriages, annoying foreign policemen and even beating the German Emperor to the last horses in town. Letters, articles and diaries of Poly holidays reveal a penchant for fun, even naughtiness, not often associated with the Victorians and Edwardians. Also included are a selection of postcards, photographs and promotional items from the PTA archives. Victorians and Edwardians abroad is a fascinating glimpse into holidays as they were, just over a hundred years ago.