Independence Day (4th of July – US)
Celebrating the 235th birthday of the United States of America: On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress.

And in honor of the day – Holidays on the Net invites you to celebrate America’s birthday with us.

Whether you enjoy BBQs, fireworks or picnics in the park, we’ve got plenty of fun for your 4th of July. To help your family get into the independence spirit, we also have a trove of craft projects and coloring pictures that are perfect for kids young and old.

If you’re a history buff, Independence Day is probably one of your favorite holidays. What better way to relive our nation’s history than to spend its birthday visiting the national monuments and memorials in Washington, DC?

Or you can visit our site for a refresher on the history of the Pledge of Allegiance, the timeline of the American Flag and the full text and signers of the Declaration of Independence. And if you’re a trivia freak, you don’t want to miss our Did You Know? Facts and Figures about July 4th.

Are you planning to host or attend a 4th of July cookout (would it be July 4th if you didn’t?!) Be sure to peruse all our great grill recipes — plus our patriotic pastries, like Mom’s Favorite Apple Pie.

We look forward to hosting you at our biggest birthday bash yet!

And a bit of holiday trivia – Today is also the anniversary of the song – America the Beautiful.

Flag Day
By Presidential Proclamation; honors and celebrates our flag, our country, and our heritage.

National Flag Day USA: Pause for Pledge
All Americans are asked to pause at 7PM EST to share a moment of nationwide patriotism.

Related link: Independence Day on the Net – U.S. Flag Etiquette

Valentine’s Day
A Day for love and lovers. A day for flowers, romance, and candy hearts. A day for Cupid, kisses and snuggling galore!

Come and join us as we celebrate Valentine’s Day – Amore on the Net

Groundhog Day
Folklore has it that if a groundhog sees its shadow today there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If not, and we’re lucky, it’ll be an early spring.

…the European Celts believed that animals had certain supernatural powers on special days that were half-way between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Folklore from Germany and France indicated that when marmots and bears came out of their winter dens too early, they were frightened by their shadow and retreated back inside for four to six weeks*…

Another possible inspiration for Groundhog Day is the Roman celebration of Hedgehog Day. A day in which Romans believed a hedgehog seeing its shadow would also forecast 6 more weeks of winter.

Famous US groundhogs: Punxsutawney Phil, Staten Island Chuck, Wiarton Willie, Shubenacadie Sam and General Beauregard Lee

*source: wikipedia: Groundhog Day

Three Kings Day (Little Christmas, Epiphany, Twelfth Day, Greek Christmas, & La Befana)
January 6th is the traditional day the Magi, or the Three Kings, visited the Christ Child. They came bearing gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.

Today is also known as Little Christmas, Epiphany, Twelfth Day, Greek or Orthodox Christmas, & La Befana (Italy).

Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian celebrations. It was celebrated since the end of the second century, before the Christmas holiday was recognized. It is commonly known as Twelfth Night, Twelfth Day, or the Feast of Epiphany. It means ?manifestation? or ?showing forth?. It is also called Theophany (?manifestation of God?), especially by Eastern Christians. Epiphany also refers to the church season that follows the day.

And yes, however you celebrate today, its time to take the tree down because Christmas is officially over!

Human Rights Day & Week
Promoting the idea and reality that basic human rights at home and throughout the world are those which without people cannot live in dignity. Issued annually by Presidential Proclamation.

To advocate human rights is to demand that the human dignity of all people be respected.*

*Human Rights Resource Center

photo credit: riacale via flickr

National Salesperson’s Day
As you work your way down your Christmas shopping list, take a moment to appreciate the invaluable role that the salespeople play in your shopping experience.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Catholic)
Celebrating the conception of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Roman Catholic Church dogma states that, from the first moment of her existence, she was preserved by God from the lack of sanctifying grace that afflicts mankind, and that she was instead filled with divine grace. It is further believed that she lived a life completely free from sin.*

*source: wikipedia
photo credit: via flickr

Pearl Harbor Day
By Presidential Proclamation, today we honor and remember those who were killed when the US Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was attacked by the Japanese Air Force on December 07th, 1941. Before September 11th 2001, this was the first and only only attack on US soil.

photo credit: via flickr

Saint Nicholas Day (Christian)
A day honoring the Bishop of Myra in what is now Turkey. Known for his charity and wisdom, St. Nicholas is believed by many to be the inspiration for Father Christmas and Santa Claus.

Some parts of the world celebrate the evening before, known as Saint Nicholas’ Eve (December 05).

link: The Many Faces of Santa