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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260406
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260407
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20260107T040828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T040828Z
UID:6780-1775433600-1775519999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Easter Monday
DESCRIPTION:Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday. It is not a federal holiday in the United States of America (USA). Some Easter traditions continue on the Easter Monday\, such as the egg rolling race at the White House. \nIs Easter Monday a Public Holiday?\nAlthough Easter Monday is not a public holiday\, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as Patriots’ Day in 2025\, which is a public holiday in Maine and Massachusetts. \nWhat Do People Do?\nEgg rolling races are held in the United States. There is a big race held on the lawn of the White House in Washington DC on Easter Monday. Sometimes even the President takes part in the “White House Easter Egg Roll”\, which was hosted by the First Lady in 2007. Eggs are rolled down a hill or slope and there is a variety of activities\, as well as food and entertainment\, for families. \nThe White House Easter egg collection involves a tradition that began in 1994 where each state sends a decorated egg to the White House for display. Artists from across the United States created decorated eggs that represent each state and the District of Columbia. Each year the artists vote amongst themselves to select the artist to create the following year’s commemorative egg which is presented to the President and First Lady. The collection is coordinated by the American Egg Board. \nPublic Life\nEaster Monday is not a federal holiday. Most aspects of public life are not any different to any other Monday. Public transit systems usually run their regular Monday schedule in many parts of the United States. \nThough not largely observed in the United States\, the day remains informally observed in some areas such as the state of North Dakota\, where there is no school on Easter Monday\, and some cities. Easter Monday was a public holiday in North Carolina from 1935 to 1987. Traditionally Polish-influenced areas such as Chicago observe Dyngus Day as well. \nBackground\nThe Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. \nIn Pagan times\, many groups of people organized spring festivals. Many of these celebrated the re-birth of nature\, the return the land to fertility and the birth of many young animals. These are the origins of the Easter eggs that we still hunt for and eat. \nIn Christian times\, the spring began to be associated with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The crucifixion is remembered on Good Friday and the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. The idea of the resurrection joined with the ideas of re-birth in Pagan beliefs. \nSymbols\nFor people with strong Christian beliefs\, the Cross\, on which Jesus was crucified\, and the Resurrection are important symbols of the period around Easter. Other symbols of Easter include real eggs or eggs manufactured from a range of materials\, nests\, lambs and rabbits or hares. Sometimes these symbols are combined\, for example\, in candy models of rabbits with nests full of eggs. Eggs\, rabbits\, hares and young animals are thought to represent the re-birth and return to fertility of nature in the spring.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/easter-monday-3/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/easter-monday-9rxLfI.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260405
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260406
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20260107T040829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T040829Z
UID:6782-1775347200-1775433599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Easter Sunday
DESCRIPTION:any Christians celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. \nIs Easter Sunday a Public Holiday?\nEaster Sunday is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday\, April 20\, 2025\, and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany churches hold special services on Easter Sunday\, which celebrate the Jesus Christ’s resurrection after his crucifixion. Many people also decorate eggs. These can be hard boiled eggs that can be eaten later\, but may also be model eggs made of plastic\, chocolate\, candy or other materials. It is also common to organize Easter egg hunts. Eggs of some form are hidden\, supposedly by a rabbit or hare. People\, especially children\, then search for them. In some areas\, Easter egg hunts are a popular way for local businesses to promote themselves or may even be organized by churches. \nPublic Life\nEaster Sunday is not a federal holiday but a number of stores are closed in many parts of the US and if they are open\, they may have limited trading hours. In some cities\, public transit systems usually run their regular Sunday schedule\, but it is best to check with the local transport authorities if any changes will be implemented during Easter Sunday. \nBackground\nIn Pagan times\, many groups of people organized spring festivals. Many of these celebrated the re-birth of nature\, the return the land to fertility and the birth of many young animals. These are the origins of the Easter eggs that we still hunt for and eat. \nIn Christian times\, the spring began to be associated with Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. The crucifixion is remembered on Good Friday and the resurrection is remembered on Easter Sunday. The idea of the resurrection joined with the ideas of re-birth in Pagan beliefs. \nSymbols\nFor people with strong Christian beliefs\, the cross that Jesus was crucified on and his resurrection are important symbols of the period around Easter. Other symbols of Easter include real eggs or eggs manufactured from a range of materials\, nests\, lambs and rabbits or hares. Sometimes these symbols are combined\, for example\, in candy models of rabbits with nests full of eggs. Eggs\, rabbits\, hares and young animals are thought to represent the re-birth and return to fertility of nature in the spring.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/easter-sunday-2/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/catholic-church-washingtondc-dirhtk.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260404
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260405
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20260107T043643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043643Z
UID:6802-1775260800-1775347199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Holy Saturday
DESCRIPTION:Many Christians in the United States observe Holy Saturday\, which falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It commemorates the day when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after his death\, according to the Christian bible. It is also known as Easter Eve and is the last day of Lent. \nIs Holy Saturday a Public Holiday?\nEven though Holy Saturday falls on Saturday\, April 19\, 2025\, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany Christians in the United States attend an Easter vigil service on Holy Saturday. They remember Holy Saturday as the day when Jesus lay in his tomb. An Easter candle is lit in some homes\, particularly among families who cannot attend the Easter vigil services. Easter vigil prayers are also made on this day. Baptisms are held during some church services on Holy Saturday. \nMany American families prepare for Easter Sunday celebrations on the Saturday before Easter. Children decorate eggs with paint\, crayon\, water colors\, stickers and other material. These eggs are often placed in Easter baskets. Some people buy chocolate eggs to eat around this time of the year. Many people of Mexican descent who live in Los Angeles in California celebrate Holy Saturday with a colorful ceremony known as the Blessing of the Animals. \nPublic Life\nHoly Saturday is not a federal public holiday in the United States. \nBackground\nHoly Saturday is the last day of Holy Week and ends the season of Lent. It is also known as the Vigil of Easter. One interesting tradition that has been in the United States for a while is the Blessing of the Animals. It is a special tradition in Los Angeles\, California\, that began around 1930. The blessing was held on January 17\, which is the day of San Antonio de Abad (St Anthony of the desert)\, in earlier times but cold weather promoted the date change. Animals that have been blessed as part of the ceremony have included cats\, camels\, cows\, dogs\, donkeys\, goats\, iguanas\, monkeys\, and snakes. \nSymbols\nCongregation members are sprinkled with blessed water in some churches in the United States. This blessed water symbolizes purification and baptism. Candles that are used for Easter vigil services represent the light of Jesus Christ\, and that he brings light into darkness.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/holy-saturday-2/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Harrowhell-CmKWCM.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260402
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260403
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20260107T043728Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043728Z
UID:6831-1775088000-1775174399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Maundy Thursday
DESCRIPTION:Maundy Thursday\, also known as Holy Thursday\, is a Christian observance in the United States. It is the day before Good Friday and takes place during Holy Week. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s last supper and the initiation of Holy Communion (the Eucharist)\, observed in many Christian churches. \nIs Maundy Thursday a Public Holiday?\nMaundy Thursday is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany Holy Thursday services\, particularly in the Catholic churches\, are held in the evenings and offer Communion (or Eucharist) to the congregation. Some priests or ministers wash parishioners’ feet in memory of the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. Holy oils are blessed to symbolize that the sacraments have their source in Jesus Christ\, according to Christian belief. Hymns such as the Pange Lingua\, Gloria\, or Ubi Caritas\, are usually sung in some church services during this time of the year. \nSome churches offer a pot luck supper for congregation members after the Holy Thursday service. If donations are collected from the suppers\, they usually go towards charitable causes. Holy Thursday serves as a time for some Christians to donate money to the poor.  Some people also prepare a meal that includes roast lamb\, bitter herbs and wine around this time of the year. \nPublic Life\nMaundy Thursday is not a public holiday in the United States so schools\, government offices and businesses are open. Public transport providers run to their usual schedules. \nBackground\nHoly Thursday\, or Maundy Thursday\, commemorates the institution of the Eucharist\, a Christian sacrament that involves consecrating (or making holy) bread and wine. The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum\, which\, in English\, simply means “mandate.” In the upper room (John 13–17)\, Jesus gave His disciples the new commandment (i.e.\, the new mandate) after washing their feet. This new commandment is found in John 13:31–35. Having set an example by washing their feet\, the Lord Jesus told the Twelve: “A new commandment I give to you\, that you love one another: just as I have loved you\, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples\, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/maundy-thursday-2/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/maundy-thursday-what-is-the-meaning-importance-and-history-of-this-day-FYlOti.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260329
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260330
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20260107T043812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043812Z
UID:6859-1774742400-1774828799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Palm Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Many Christians in the United States remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday\, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. This day is also on the Sunday before Easter Sunday. \nIs Palm Sunday a Public Holiday?\nPalm Sunday is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday\, April 13\, 2025\, and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nPrograms of sacred music are performed in many towns and cities in the United States on Palm Sunday. They are often sponsored by and held in local churches but they may also be part of the musical community’s regular concert series. These programs usually begin on or before Palm Sunday and may continue throughout Holy Week. Bethany College’s Messiah Festival in Lindsborg\, Kansas\, has been held during Holy Week for more than 100 years. \nPlays or pageants that focus on Holy Week themes are also performed on Palm Sunday. The Blessing of the Fleet in St Augustine\, Florida\, takes place on Palm Sunday each year. Shrimp trawlers and other fishing boats\, as well as privately owned vessels\, visit the town to receive a blessing. It is also customary for Christians to place blessed palm leaves in the shape of a cross behind religious images or statues in homes\, stores and restaurants in the United States. \nPublic Life\nPalm Sunday is not a federal holiday in the United States. However\, it is held on a Sunday\, which is a non-school day and non-working day for many Americans. \nBackground and Symbols\nPalm Sunday is observed among many Christian churches as part of Holy Week in the United States. The term Pascua Florida\, which in Spain originally referred to Palm Sunday\, was later applied to the festive season of Easter Week. The state of Florida received its name when Ponce de Leon first sighted the land and named it in 1513 most likely because the date was around Easter. \nPalm leaves symbolize victory and joy among many Christians in the United States. Some churches use silk plant leaves or substitute palm leaves with olive branches on Palm Sunday because palm leaves can be difficult to find in some areas in the United States.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/palm-sunday-2/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1_96_2mkAtddef4m30OZ00dg-Uj0Tus.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260218
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260219
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20260107T040026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T040026Z
UID:6746-1771372800-1771459199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Ash Wednesday
DESCRIPTION:Many Christian Americans mark Ash Wednesday as the first day of Lent. It follows Shrove Tuesday\, which features Mardi Gras celebrations. \nIs Ash Wednesday a Public Holiday?Ash Wednesday is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nSome Christians in the United States attend special Ash Wednesday church services. This includes students who attend Catholic and other church schools. Priests usually place blessed ashes in form of the cross on individuals’ foreheads to remind them of mortality\, sorrow for sins\, change\, and forgiveness. \nAsh Wednesday marks the beginning of Lenten discipline for observant Christians. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer in preparation for receiving or reaffirming baptism at Easter. For some Christians\, Lent is a time to think about one’s life choices and mortality\, as well as reflect on life directions. It serves as a wakeup call for some Christians. There are also those who choose this time of the year to donate to charities or take part in charity events as a way to get close to God. \nPublic Life\nAsh Wednesday is an observance and not a federal public holiday in the United States. \nBackground and Symbols\nThe practice of marking foreheads with ashes is common among Roman Catholics\, Anglicans\, Lutherans and Episcopalians in the United States. However\, some Methodist and Presbyterian churches adopted this custom in recent times\, especially around the 1990s. A general article about Ash Wednesday worldwide covers more information about its background and symbols.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/ash-wednesday-2/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/5514008319_a7c21e5af2_b-iK6ucf.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260217
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260218
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20260107T043845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043845Z
UID:6884-1771286400-1771372799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras
DESCRIPTION:Shrove Tuesday is the last day before the fasting period of Lent (for Western Christians)\, 47 days before Easter Sunday. Shrove Tuesday is also called Mardi Gras\, Fat Tuesday\, or Pancake Day. \nIs Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras a Public Holiday?\nShrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras 2025 is a state holiday in 4 states and an observance\, christian in 47 states. \nWhat Is Mardi Gras?\nMardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French. It was the last day to use fat and fatty foods before the time of Lent when Christians would fast. Today\, the word Mardi Gras mainly refers to Mardi Gras parades or Carnival parades in former French-speaking territories like Alabama and Louisiana. For many people\, Mardi Gras means colorful parades\, dancing\, glittering costumes\, and extravagant balls. \nWhat Is Shrove Tuesday?\n\nShrove Tuesday is the last day before the fasting period of Lent in Western Christian churches. On Shrove Monday and Shrove Tuesday\, people in many countries celebrate Carnival\, bake pancakes\, and prepare themselves for 40 days of fasting before the most important festival in the Christian Church: Easter. \n\nMardi Gras Traditions\nTo celebrate Mardi Gras\, people dress up in eye-catching costumes – featuring the colors purple\, green\, and gold – and dance in the streets or as part of a spectacular ball. Debutantes are introduced at the Ball Tableau as a formal introduction to society. \nPeople throw trinkets like plastic jewelry and sweets to crowds as part of the customary “parade throw” at New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration. During the Bacchus parade\, the king’s float throws doubloons with the image of the “Celebrity King” to parade watchers. \nA rare item you can catch from a Mardi Gras parade is the New Orleans Zulu or Golden Coconut\, a painted coconut with added glitter\, either in gold or painted like Zulu faces. Officially\, throwing these coconuts has been forbidden since 1988 – but you might still catch one. \nMardi Gras Parades\nOn Mardi Gras\, many people in the United States take part in parades and festivities\, mainly in southern states like Louisiana\, Alabama\, and Texas. Mardi Gras parades feature feathered masques\, colorful costumes\, and marching bands\, as well as many local customs. \nIn Alabama\, Mardi Gras is mainly celebrated in the counties of Mobile and Baldwin\, where parades can start as early as January and traditionally feature marching bands along side colorful floats. \nIn Galveston\, Texas\, people celebrate Mardi Gras with masked balls\, a royal coronation\, Cajun dances\, and jazz performances. \nThe most famous Mardi Gras parade in the US is probably held in New Orleans\, with thousands of people flocking into the city just for the event. There are many old traditions as part of the Mardi Gras festivities\, such as the King of the Carnival and Monarch of Merriment\, as well as Comus\, the God of Revelry. \nMardi Gras Food\nTraditional Mardi Gras food includes the super sweet King Cake covered in colorful frosting. The person who gets the piece of the cake containing the hidden baby charm or little Jesus figurine is dubbed the “King” of that year’s Mardi Gras. \nCrawfish Étoufée\, a thick stew served with white rice\, is another traditional Cajun and Creole dish served in New Orleans at Mardi Gras. \nHistory of Mardi Gras in the US\nMardi Gras celebrations in the United States go back as early as 1703\, when French soldiers held festivities in Mobile\, Alabama. Back then it was more of a pre-Lent celebration akin to festivities on Shrove Tuesday in modern-day France. \nMardi Gras became a parade event in 1857\, when the Cowbellion de Rakin Society\, the first of Mobile’s organizations that journeyed to New Orleans\, set up a Mardi Gras celebration with the first carnival society\, the Mistick Krewe of Comus. \nDuring the Covid-19 pandemic\, parades and large gatherings were canceled. In order to keep the spirit alive\, many New Orleans residents decorated their houses and front yards in spectacular fashion\, earning the 2021 festivities the nickname “Yardi Gras”.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/shrove-tuesday-mardi-gras-2/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-1-rL1IaG.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260106
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260107
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20260107T034723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T034723Z
UID:6653-1767657600-1767743999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Epiphany
DESCRIPTION:Epiphany\, commonly known as Three Kings’ Day in the United States\, is on January 6. It celebrates the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus and also remembers his baptism\, according to the Christian Bible’s events. The United States (US) Virgin Islands observe the day as a public holiday. \nIs Epiphany a Public Holiday?\nEpiphany is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nPeople from the US Virgin Islands celebrate Three Kings’ Day to emphasize and maintain their heritage and culture\, especially on the island of St Croix where the day features parades\, bands\, food\, music\, and other types of entertainment. Although it is not a public holiday in other parts of the United States\, many Christians take part in Epiphany activities such as: \n\nStar processionals on the Sunday closest to January 6 for church services\nParties or get-togethers to clean up homes after the festive season and put away Christmas decorations.\nTreasure hunts to find a figure of the Christ child.\nEpiphany luncheons\, parties and celebrations among churchgoers.\nAnd Sunday school activities for children that focus on Epiphany\, such as creating the star that led the wise men to Bethlehem.\n\nEpiphany marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season in Louisiana. It is customary to bake king cakes during this time of the year. These cakes may include a small trinket (such as a baby doll) inside. The person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket receives various privileges or obligations. For example\, they may be requested to provide the next king cake. The interval between Epiphany and Mardi Gras is sometimes known as “king cake season”. \nPublic Life\nEpiphany is a public holiday in the US Virgin Islands so shops\, government offices and businesses are closed. Some businesses may close early the day before the holiday. It is not a federal public holiday in the rest of the United States. \nBackground\nEpiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It was celebrated since the end of the second century\, before the Christmas holiday was established. 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. \nIt commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity\, according to Christian belief\, was manifested: when the three kings visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem\, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism. \nSymbols\nVarious paintings\, artworks and sketches show the three wise men and Jesus. Some paintings artworks show the three wise men on the way to Bethlehem or adoring baby Jesus. The kings are important because their visit illustrates that Jesus was the king of all kings who came for the Jews and the Gentiles. \nThe star that guides the wise men to Christ also symbolizes Epiphany\, as well as the three gifts they gave to Jesus: gold (fit for a king); frankincense (used to worship at a temple); and myrrh (used for embalming\, as well as a salve for irritations such as diaper rash). Other paintings depict the story of Jesus’ baptism. Many Orthodox churches consider Jesus’ baptism to be the first step towards the crucifixion. The liturgical color for the Epiphany season is white.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/epiphany-2/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/download-BUjzM7.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250421
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250422
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20250316T043723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250316T051035Z
UID:6479-1745193600-1745279999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Easter Monday
DESCRIPTION:Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday. It is not a federal holiday in the United States of America (USA). Some Easter traditions continue on the Easter Monday\, such as the egg rolling race at the White House. \nIs Easter Monday a Public Holiday?\nAlthough Easter Monday is not a public holiday\, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as Patriots’ Day in 2025\, which is a public holiday in Maine and Massachusetts. \nWhat Do People Do?\nEgg rolling races are held in the United States. There is a big race held on the lawn of the White House in Washington DC on Easter Monday. Sometimes even the President takes part in the “White House Easter Egg Roll”\, which was hosted by the First Lady in 2007. Eggs are rolled down a hill or slope and there is a variety of activities\, as well as food and entertainment\, for families. \nThe White House Easter egg collection involves a tradition that began in 1994 where each state sends a decorated egg to the White House for display. Artists from across the United States created decorated eggs that represent each state and the District of Columbia. Each year the artists vote amongst themselves to select the artist to create the following year’s commemorative egg which is presented to the President and First Lady. The collection is coordinated by the American Egg Board. \nPublic Life\nEaster Monday is not a federal holiday. Most aspects of public life are not any different to any other Monday. Public transit systems usually run their regular Monday schedule in many parts of the United States. \nThough not largely observed in the United States\, the day remains informally observed in some areas such as the state of North Dakota\, where there is no school on Easter Monday\, and some cities. Easter Monday was a public holiday in North Carolina from 1935 to 1987. Traditionally Polish-influenced areas such as Chicago observe Dyngus Day as well. \nBackground\nThe Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. \nIn Pagan times\, many groups of people organized spring festivals. Many of these celebrated the re-birth of nature\, the return the land to fertility and the birth of many young animals. These are the origins of the Easter eggs that we still hunt for and eat. \nIn Christian times\, the spring began to be associated with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The crucifixion is remembered on Good Friday and the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. The idea of the resurrection joined with the ideas of re-birth in Pagan beliefs. \nSymbols\nFor people with strong Christian beliefs\, the Cross\, on which Jesus was crucified\, and the Resurrection are important symbols of the period around Easter. Other symbols of Easter include real eggs or eggs manufactured from a range of materials\, nests\, lambs and rabbits or hares. Sometimes these symbols are combined\, for example\, in candy models of rabbits with nests full of eggs. Eggs\, rabbits\, hares and young animals are thought to represent the re-birth and return to fertility of nature in the spring.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/easter-monday-2/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/easter-monday.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250331
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250401
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20250207T052735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T052808Z
UID:6368-1743379200-1743465599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Easter Sunday
DESCRIPTION:any Christians celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. \nIs Easter Sunday a Public Holiday?\nEaster Sunday is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday\, April 20\, 2025\, and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany churches hold special services on Easter Sunday\, which celebrate the Jesus Christ’s resurrection after his crucifixion. Many people also decorate eggs. These can be hard boiled eggs that can be eaten later\, but may also be model eggs made of plastic\, chocolate\, candy or other materials. It is also common to organize Easter egg hunts. Eggs of some form are hidden\, supposedly by a rabbit or hare. People\, especially children\, then search for them. In some areas\, Easter egg hunts are a popular way for local businesses to promote themselves or may even be organized by churches. \nPublic Life\nEaster Sunday is not a federal holiday but a number of stores are closed in many parts of the US and if they are open\, they may have limited trading hours. In some cities\, public transit systems usually run their regular Sunday schedule\, but it is best to check with the local transport authorities if any changes will be implemented during Easter Sunday. \nBackground\nIn Pagan times\, many groups of people organized spring festivals. Many of these celebrated the re-birth of nature\, the return the land to fertility and the birth of many young animals. These are the origins of the Easter eggs that we still hunt for and eat. \nIn Christian times\, the spring began to be associated with Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. The crucifixion is remembered on Good Friday and the resurrection is remembered on Easter Sunday. The idea of the resurrection joined with the ideas of re-birth in Pagan beliefs. \nSymbols\nFor people with strong Christian beliefs\, the cross that Jesus was crucified on and his resurrection are important symbols of the period around Easter. Other symbols of Easter include real eggs or eggs manufactured from a range of materials\, nests\, lambs and rabbits or hares. Sometimes these symbols are combined\, for example\, in candy models of rabbits with nests full of eggs. Eggs\, rabbits\, hares and young animals are thought to represent the re-birth and return to fertility of nature in the spring.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/easter-sunday-2025/
CATEGORIES:Christian
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250305
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250306
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20241103T034853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241103T034853Z
UID:6312-1741132800-1741219199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Ash Wednesday
DESCRIPTION:Many Christian Americans mark Ash Wednesday as the first day of Lent. It follows Shrove Tuesday\, which features Mardi Gras celebrations. \nIs Ash Wednesday a Public Holiday?\nAsh Wednesday is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nSome Christians in the United States attend special Ash Wednesday church services. This includes students who attend Catholic and other church schools. Priests usually place blessed ashes in form of the cross on individuals’ foreheads to remind them of mortality\, sorrow for sins\, change\, and forgiveness. \nAsh Wednesday marks the beginning of Lenten discipline for observant Christians. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer in preparation for receiving or reaffirming baptism at Easter. For some Christians\, Lent is a time to think about one’s life choices and mortality\, as well as reflect on life directions. It serves as a wakeup call for some Christians. There are also those who choose this time of the year to donate to charities or take part in charity events as a way to get close to God. \nPublic Life\nAsh Wednesday is an observance and not a federal public holiday in the United States. \nBackground and Symbols\nThe practice of marking foreheads with ashes is common among Roman Catholics\, Anglicans\, Lutherans and Episcopalians in the United States. However\, some Methodist and Presbyterian churches adopted this custom in recent times\, especially around the 1990s. A general article about Ash Wednesday worldwide covers more information about its background and symbols.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/ash-wednesday-25/
CATEGORIES:Christian
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250304
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250305
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20250207T052641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T052641Z
UID:6367-1741046400-1741132799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras
DESCRIPTION:Shrove Tuesday is the last day before the fasting period of Lent (for Western Christians)\, 47 days before Easter Sunday. Shrove Tuesday is also called Mardi Gras\, Fat Tuesday\, or Pancake Day. \nIs Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras a Public Holiday?\nShrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras 2025 is a state holiday in 4 states and an observance\, christian in 47 states. \nWhat Is Mardi Gras?\nMardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French. It was the last day to use fat and fatty foods before the time of Lent when Christians would fast. Today\, the word Mardi Gras mainly refers to Mardi Gras parades or Carnival parades in former French-speaking territories like Alabama and Louisiana. For many people\, Mardi Gras means colorful parades\, dancing\, glittering costumes\, and extravagant balls. \nWhat Is Shrove Tuesday?\n\nShrove Tuesday is the last day before the fasting period of Lent in Western Christian churches. On Shrove Monday and Shrove Tuesday\, people in many countries celebrate Carnival\, bake pancakes\, and prepare themselves for 40 days of fasting before the most important festival in the Christian Church: Easter. \n\nMardi Gras Traditions\nTo celebrate Mardi Gras\, people dress up in eye-catching costumes – featuring the colors purple\, green\, and gold – and dance in the streets or as part of a spectacular ball. Debutantes are introduced at the Ball Tableau as a formal introduction to society. \nPeople throw trinkets like plastic jewelry and sweets to crowds as part of the customary “parade throw” at New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration. During the Bacchus parade\, the king’s float throws doubloons with the image of the “Celebrity King” to parade watchers. \nA rare item you can catch from a Mardi Gras parade is the New Orleans Zulu or Golden Coconut\, a painted coconut with added glitter\, either in gold or painted like Zulu faces. Officially\, throwing these coconuts has been forbidden since 1988 – but you might still catch one. \nMardi Gras Parades\nOn Mardi Gras\, many people in the United States take part in parades and festivities\, mainly in southern states like Louisiana\, Alabama\, and Texas. Mardi Gras parades feature feathered masques\, colorful costumes\, and marching bands\, as well as many local customs. \nIn Alabama\, Mardi Gras is mainly celebrated in the counties of Mobile and Baldwin\, where parades can start as early as January and traditionally feature marching bands along side colorful floats. \nIn Galveston\, Texas\, people celebrate Mardi Gras with masked balls\, a royal coronation\, Cajun dances\, and jazz performances. \nThe most famous Mardi Gras parade in the US is probably held in New Orleans\, with thousands of people flocking into the city just for the event. There are many old traditions as part of the Mardi Gras festivities\, such as the King of the Carnival and Monarch of Merriment\, as well as Comus\, the God of Revelry. \nMardi Gras Food\nTraditional Mardi Gras food includes the super sweet King Cake covered in colorful frosting. The person who gets the piece of the cake containing the hidden baby charm or little Jesus figurine is dubbed the “King” of that year’s Mardi Gras. \nCrawfish Étoufée\, a thick stew served with white rice\, is another traditional Cajun and Creole dish served in New Orleans at Mardi Gras. \nHistory of Mardi Gras in the US\nMardi Gras celebrations in the United States go back as early as 1703\, when French soldiers held festivities in Mobile\, Alabama. Back then it was more of a pre-Lent celebration akin to festivities on Shrove Tuesday in modern-day France. \nMardi Gras became a parade event in 1857\, when the Cowbellion de Rakin Society\, the first of Mobile’s organizations that journeyed to New Orleans\, set up a Mardi Gras celebration with the first carnival society\, the Mistick Krewe of Comus. \nDuring the Covid-19 pandemic\, parades and large gatherings were canceled. In order to keep the spirit alive\, many New Orleans residents decorated their houses and front yards in spectacular fashion\, earning the 2021 festivities the nickname “Yardi Gras”.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/shrove-tuesday-mardi-gras-25-2025/
CATEGORIES:Christian
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250106
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250107
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20241103T033018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241103T033018Z
UID:6296-1736121600-1736207999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Epiphany
DESCRIPTION:Epiphany\, commonly known as Three Kings’ Day in the United States\, is on January 6. It celebrates the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus and also remembers his baptism\, according to the Christian Bible’s events. The United States (US) Virgin Islands observe the day as a public holiday. \nIs Epiphany a Public Holiday?\nEpiphany is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nPeople from the US Virgin Islands celebrate Three Kings’ Day to emphasize and maintain their heritage and culture\, especially on the island of St Croix where the day features parades\, bands\, food\, music\, and other types of entertainment. Although it is not a public holiday in other parts of the United States\, many Christians take part in Epiphany activities such as: \n\nStar processionals on the Sunday closest to January 6 for church services\nParties or get-togethers to clean up homes after the festive season and put away Christmas decorations.\nTreasure hunts to find a figure of the Christ child.\nEpiphany luncheons\, parties and celebrations among churchgoers.\nAnd Sunday school activities for children that focus on Epiphany\, such as creating the star that led the wise men to Bethlehem.\n\nEpiphany marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season in Louisiana. It is customary to bake king cakes during this time of the year. These cakes may include a small trinket (such as a baby doll) inside. The person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket receives various privileges or obligations. For example\, they may be requested to provide the next king cake. The interval between Epiphany and Mardi Gras is sometimes known as “king cake season”. \nPublic Life\nEpiphany is a public holiday in the US Virgin Islands so shops\, government offices and businesses are closed. Some businesses may close early the day before the holiday. It is not a federal public holiday in the rest of the United States. \nBackground\nEpiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It was celebrated since the end of the second century\, before the Christmas holiday was established. 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. \nIt commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity\, according to Christian belief\, was manifested: when the three kings visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem\, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism. \nSymbols\nVarious paintings\, artworks and sketches show the three wise men and Jesus. Some paintings artworks show the three wise men on the way to Bethlehem or adoring baby Jesus. The kings are important because their visit illustrates that Jesus was the king of all kings who came for the Jews and the Gentiles. \nThe star that guides the wise men to Christ also symbolizes Epiphany\, as well as the three gifts they gave to Jesus: gold (fit for a king); frankincense (used to worship at a temple); and myrrh (used for embalming\, as well as a salve for irritations such as diaper rash). Other paintings depict the story of Jesus’ baptism. Many Orthodox churches consider Jesus’ baptism to be the first step towards the crucifixion. The liturgical color for the Epiphany season is white.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/epiphany_25/
CATEGORIES:Christian
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241212
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241213
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20240819T214039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T214405Z
UID:5731-1733961600-1734047999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
DESCRIPTION:The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is becoming an increasingly popular Catholic feast in some American communities on December 12. It is dedicated to Jesus’ mother Mary. \nIs Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe a Public Holiday?\nFeast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nCelebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe Day\nThe popularity of this religious feast has grown particularly along the south-west of the US\, including cities such as Los Angeles. It serves as a tribute to Jesus’ mother Mary and is particularly celebrated by Americans of Mexican descent. \nPublic Life\nOur Lady of Guadalupe Day is a religious observance\, not a public holiday in the US. \nAbout Our Lady of Guadalupe Day\nThe day is particularly special for Americans of Mexican heritage\, as it honors the belief that Jesus’ mother Mary\, who is Mexico’s patron saint\, appeared to a man in Mexico City twice in 1531. Mexican Americans make up over 10% of the US population\, with about 33.5 million Americans being listed as being of full or partial Mexican ancestry\, according to the US Census Bureau 2011.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/feast-of-our-lady-of-guadalupe/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/unnamed-7.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241209
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241210
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20240819T213105Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T213921Z
UID:5726-1733702400-1733788799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Feast of the Immaculate Conception
DESCRIPTION:Many Christians\, particularly those of Catholic faith\, in the United States observe the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on or around December 8. \nIs Feast of the Immaculate Conception a Public Holiday?\nFeast of the Immaculate Conception is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany churches\, especially the Catholic Church\, in the United States hold special services (or masses) to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on or close to December 8. The feast focuses on the concept that the Virgin Mary was conceived without sin. Many churches that observe the Feast of the Immaculate Conception are busy preparing for it prior to its occurrence. \nThe Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a legal holiday in Guam\, known as Our Lady of Camarin Day\, commemorating a small wooden statue known as Our Lady of Camarin (Santa Marian Kamalen). The statue is found in the Agana Cathedral Basilica. It has been tradition since the early 1900s for the statue to be taken down\, groomed and placed on a cart\, which is then pulled into Hagåtña\, Guam’s capital. This statue leads a procession\, in which people pray in various languages to honor Jesus through his mother Mary. \nPublic Life\nThe Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a public holiday in Guam\, which is an unincorporated territory of the United States. However\, this event is not a nationwide public holiday in the United States. \nBackground\nThe Feast of the Immaculate Conception centers on the belief that Jesus’ mother\, the Virgin Mary\, was conceived without sin. Pope Pius IX issued an apostolic constitution\, known as the Ineffabilis Deus\, on December 8\, 1854. This document clarified the importance of the Immaculate Conception in the Catholic Church. This day is a public holiday in Guam. A law in Guam attempted to eliminate this holiday for locals in 2002 but this attempt did not succeed due to public pressure. Typhoon Pongsona struck Guam on the feast day on December 8 that year. \nSymbols\nVarious paintings\, statues and other forms of artwork have been made depicting the Immaculate Conception. They usually show Mary as a young woman dressed in white and blue. She is often standing on a hill or raised area and has a halo of stars around her head. The pieces of art may also include images of clouds\, golden lights\, cherubs\, lilies or roses. \nOne well-known example associated with the Immaculate Conception is a statue known as Our Lady of Camarin (Santa Marian Kamalen)\, which was found on the shores of Merizo in Guam more than 300 years ago. The statue’s hands and face are made of ivory and the jewel-studded crown sits atop a cap of natural hair. It has survived earthquakes\, fires\, typhoons and World War II. The statue was stolen in 1968\, 1971\, and 1992 but was successfully retrieved.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/feast-of-the-immaculate-conception/
CATEGORIES:Christian
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241202
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20240819T212804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T212954Z
UID:5722-1733011200-1733097599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:First Sunday of Advent
DESCRIPTION:The Advent season marks the beginning of the Christian year across many western churches in the United States. Its length varies from 22 to 28 days\, starting on the Sunday nearest St Andrew’s Day and encompassing the next three Sundays\, ending on Christmas Day. \nIs First Sunday of Advent a Public Holiday?\nFirst Sunday of Advent is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday\, December 1\, 2024 and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany Christians in the United States attend a church service on the first Sunday of Advent and may engage in activities such as special prayers and contributing to ideas on enhancing peace. Many Advent traditions are observed in the United States in the prelude to Christmas Day. For example\, the Advent wreath is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. The wreath can be seen in various churches across the nation around this time of the year. \nAdvent calendars of all designs are also given as gifts at this time of the year. The calendars feature openings in the form of windows or doors that are numbered to count the days to Christmas. Calendars may contain chocolates\, toys\, or candy and are given to children as a fun way to observe the Christmas countdown. Some traditional Advent calendars show 24 days but many Advent calendars showing 25 days\, with the last opening on Christmas Day. \nThe church year begins in September 1 in many eastern Christian churches\, so Advent begins at a different time to when it starts in the western churches. The eastern equivalent of Advent is called the Nativity Fast\, which runs for 40 days. \nPublic Life\nThe first Sunday of Advent is not a nationwide public holiday in the United States. However\, churches may be busy on this day\, as well as families who use the beginning of Advent as a time to prepare for the Christmas season. \nBackground\nIt is uncertain as to when exactly the celebration of Advent was first introduced in the Christian church. Some sources say that Advent began on November 11 (St Martin’s Day) at some time in the fifth century in the form of a six-week fast leading to Christmas. Advent was reduced to its current length at some stage in the sixth century and the fasting was later no longer observed. Advent is originally a time to reflect and prepare for Christmas similarly to how Lent is in preparation for Easter. Advent has sometimes been referred to as the Winter Lent.  In recent times the restrictions that Advent brings to Christians have become more relaxed. \nAdvent traditions spread from Europe to the United States\, especially the Advent calendar\, which became very popular in the United States after World War II as American military personnel and their families who were stationed in Germany brought them home and made them a part of the pre-Christmas traditions. Some people credit President Dwight Eisenhower with helping the tradition of the Advent calendar spread in the United States during the 1950s. \nSymbols\nPurple is historically the main color used for Advent because it reflects penitence\, fasting\, and the color of royalty to welcome the Advent of the king (Jesus Christ). The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his first Advent\, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his second Advent. Some churches use other colors in recent times. For example\, some churches mark the third Sunday of Advent with pink or rose\, colors that represent joy. Many Protestant churches use blue to distinguish the Season of Advent from Lent. \nAdvent wreaths are symbolic of Advent. They are usually made of fir and decorated with gold and silver ribbons or scarlet woolen threads. Lit wreaths may be displayed on the table where family and friends sit while singing carols and preparing handmade gifts.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/first-sunday-of-advent/
CATEGORIES:Christian
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241102
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20240819T212636Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T212636Z
UID:5719-1730419200-1730505599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:All Saints' Day
DESCRIPTION:Many Catholic churches in the United States celebrate All Saints’ Day to honor all the saints\, particularly those who do not have their own special feast day\, on November 1. \nIs All Saints’ Day a Public Holiday?\nAll Saints’ Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nAll Saints’ Day is also known as All Hallows Tide\, All-Hallomas\, or All Hallows’ Day\, and it’s celebrated in many areas of the United States\, especially where there are large Roman Catholic populations. \nIn New Orleans\, for example\, people gather in local cemeteries and decorate the graves with flowers. The descendants of French Canadian settlers around St Martinsville\, Louisiana\, observe this day in the traditional French manner by laying wreaths and bouquets and lighting candles on even the most obscure graves. \nAll Saints’ Day\, which is celebrated globally\, is closely tied with All Souls’ Day\, which was first instituted at the monastery in Cluny\, France in 993 CE and quickly spread among Christians. Some eastern churches in the United States celebrated All Saints’ Day on the first Sunday after Pentecost. \nDay After Halloween\nAll Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are also closely linked with Halloween\, which is a shortened for the name “All Hallows’ Eve”. \nIn the United Methodist Church\, All Saints’ Day is observed on the first Sunday in November to remember deceased members of the local church congregation. A candle is lit as each person’s name is called out\, followed by a prayer offered for each soul. \nMany Latin American communities in the United States hold celebrations around November 1 and 2\, linking with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 2). These celebrations are part of the Day of the Dead\, also known as Día de los Muertos. \nPublic Life\nAll Saints’ Day is not a federal public holiday in the United States. \nBackground\nAccording to some sources\, the idea for All Saints’ Day goes back to the fourth century when the Greek Christians kept a festival on the first Sunday after Pentecost (in late May or early June) in honor of all martyrs and saints. Other sources say that a commemoration of “All Martyrs” began to be celebrated as early as 270 CE\, but no specific month or date is recorded. \nPope Gregory IV made All Saints’ Day an authorized holiday in 837 CE. It is speculated that the chosen date for the event\, November 1\, may have been an attempt to supplant pagan festivals that occurred around the same time. \nSymbols\nSymbols commonly associated with All Saints’ Day are: \n\nA sheaf of wheat.\nRayed Manus Dei (hand of God).\nThe crown.\nSymbols / images of saints.\n\nThe liturgical color is white on All Saints’ Day.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/all-saints-day/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/All-Saints.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241004
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241005
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20240819T212034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T212332Z
UID:5716-1728000000-1728086399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Feast of St Francis of Assisi
DESCRIPTION:Many churches in the United States celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4 each year. The feast commemorates the life of St Francis\, who was born in the 12th century and is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment. It is a popular day for pets to be “blessed”. \nIs Feast of St Francis of Assisi a Public Holiday?\nFeast of St Francis of Assisi is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany children in the USA bring their pets to the church to be blessed on St Francis’ feast day because of his love for animals as expressed in his Canticle of Creatures. St Francis is the patron saint of animals so many churches offer animal blessing services\, usually held on or around October 4. The services may include a verbal blessing and holy water and are usually held at a place where different animals can gather. \nBlessings may occur indoors or outdoors. Pets may include dogs\, cats\, fish and birds. Some people choose to bring photos of their pets if it is difficult for their pets to attend the blessing. Pet blessings occur in states such as (but not exclusive to): \n\nAlabama.\nCalifornia.\nColorado.\nConnecticut.\nFlorida.\nMaryland.\nNew Mexico.\nNorth Carolina.\nOklahoma.\nTennessee.\nTexas.\nUtah.\nVirginia.\nWashington.\n\nSome churches ask people to bring animal food or blankets to be donated to a local animal shelter around this time of the year. This event is not exclusive to Catholic churches\, as some Anglican churches also have animal blessing services on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. The Feast of St Francis of Assisi gives many educators\, caregivers and animal rights organizations an opportunity to teach children about endangered or abused animals and what can be done to help save these animals. \nPublic Life\nThe Feast of St Francis of Assisi is not a federal public holiday in the USA. \nBackground\nSt Francis\, who founded the Catholic Church’s Franciscan order\, lived in Italy during the late 12th and 13th centuries. He is remembered for his generosity to the poor and his willingness to minister to the lepers. He is remembered for his love for animals and nature.  St Francis died at Portiuncula\, Italy on October 4\, 1226. \nPope Gregory IX pronounced St Francis a saint in 1228. The pope also laid the foundation stone for the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi\, Italy. The church\, also known as Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi\, is a UNESCO world heritage site. \nSymbols\nSymbols associated with St Francis of Assisi are: \n\nBirds and animals.\nA bag of gold and rich raiment at St Francis’ (of Assisi) feet.\nA winged crucifix with five rays.\nStigmata.\nA crown of thorns.\nA lighted lamp.\nA fiery chariot.\nAnimals such as birds\, deer\, and a wolf.\nFire.\nA skull.\n\nSome of these symbols are seen around the time of the Feast of St Francis of Assisi.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/feast-of-st-francis-of-assisi/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bpwdx5s24wq51.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240815
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240816
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20240819T211114Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T211902Z
UID:5711-1723680000-1723766399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Assumption of Mary
DESCRIPTION:Catholic churches in the United States celebrate the feast of the Assumption on August 15 each year to honor the belief that Jesus’ mother was taken to heaven. \nIs Assumption of Mary a Public Holiday?\nAssumption of Mary is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany Christians in the United States attend mass (church service) and have big feasts to celebrate Mary’s rise into heaven on Assumption Day. Although it is not celebrated as extravagantly as other countries\, there are many states that have festivals with music\, dancing\, food vendors\, artwork\, parades and firework shows to celebrate this event. \nOne of the largest Assumption Day celebrations is in Cleveland\, Ohio\, where there is a four-day festival that starts on August 12. The festival celebrates the Feast of Assumption in the city’s Little Italy neighborhood. \nPublic Life\nAssumption Day\, which is on August 15\, is not a public holiday in the United States so schools\, government offices and businesses are open. Public transport providers run to their usual schedules. In New York City\, the laws regarding which side of the street you can park on are suspended for Assumption Day. \nBackground\nAssumption Day is considered a Holy Day of Obligation\, but if it falls on a Saturday or on a Monday\, it is not obligatory by the church to attend mass.  This was amended in the church calendar by US (United States) bishops in 1991.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/assumption-of-mary/
CATEGORIES:Christian
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240401
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240402
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20240829T040300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T040626Z
UID:5975-1711929600-1712015999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Easter Monday
DESCRIPTION:Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday. It is not a federal holiday in the United States of America (USA). Some Easter traditions continue on the Easter Monday\, such as the egg rolling race at the White House. \nIs Easter Monday a Public Holiday?\nAlthough Easter Monday is not a public holiday\, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as Patriots’ Day in 2025\, which is a public holiday in Maine and Massachusetts. \nWhat Do People Do?\nEgg rolling races are held in the United States. There is a big race held on the lawn of the White House in Washington DC on Easter Monday. Sometimes even the President takes part in the “White House Easter Egg Roll”\, which was hosted by the First Lady in 2007. Eggs are rolled down a hill or slope and there is a variety of activities\, as well as food and entertainment\, for families. \nThe White House Easter egg collection involves a tradition that began in 1994 where each state sends a decorated egg to the White House for display. Artists from across the United States created decorated eggs that represent each state and the District of Columbia. Each year the artists vote amongst themselves to select the artist to create the following year’s commemorative egg which is presented to the President and First Lady. The collection is coordinated by the American Egg Board. \nPublic Life\nEaster Monday is not a federal holiday. Most aspects of public life are not any different to any other Monday. Public transit systems usually run their regular Monday schedule in many parts of the United States. \nThough not largely observed in the United States\, the day remains informally observed in some areas such as the state of North Dakota\, where there is no school on Easter Monday\, and some cities. Easter Monday was a public holiday in North Carolina from 1935 to 1987. Traditionally Polish-influenced areas such as Chicago observe Dyngus Day as well. \nBackground\nThe Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. \nIn Pagan times\, many groups of people organized spring festivals. Many of these celebrated the re-birth of nature\, the return the land to fertility and the birth of many young animals. These are the origins of the Easter eggs that we still hunt for and eat. \nIn Christian times\, the spring began to be associated with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The crucifixion is remembered on Good Friday and the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. The idea of the resurrection joined with the ideas of re-birth in Pagan beliefs. \nSymbols\nFor people with strong Christian beliefs\, the Cross\, on which Jesus was crucified\, and the Resurrection are important symbols of the period around Easter. Other symbols of Easter include real eggs or eggs manufactured from a range of materials\, nests\, lambs and rabbits or hares. Sometimes these symbols are combined\, for example\, in candy models of rabbits with nests full of eggs. Eggs\, rabbits\, hares and young animals are thought to represent the re-birth and return to fertility of nature in the spring.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/easter-monday/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/easter-monday.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240331
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240401
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20240829T035226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T040723Z
UID:5971-1711843200-1711929599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Easter Sunday
DESCRIPTION:any Christians celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. \nIs Easter Sunday a Public Holiday?\nEaster Sunday is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday\, April 20\, 2025\, and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany churches hold special services on Easter Sunday\, which celebrate the Jesus Christ’s resurrection after his crucifixion. Many people also decorate eggs. These can be hard boiled eggs that can be eaten later\, but may also be model eggs made of plastic\, chocolate\, candy or other materials. It is also common to organize Easter egg hunts. Eggs of some form are hidden\, supposedly by a rabbit or hare. People\, especially children\, then search for them. In some areas\, Easter egg hunts are a popular way for local businesses to promote themselves or may even be organized by churches. \nPublic Life\nEaster Sunday is not a federal holiday but a number of stores are closed in many parts of the US and if they are open\, they may have limited trading hours. In some cities\, public transit systems usually run their regular Sunday schedule\, but it is best to check with the local transport authorities if any changes will be implemented during Easter Sunday. \nBackground\nIn Pagan times\, many groups of people organized spring festivals. Many of these celebrated the re-birth of nature\, the return the land to fertility and the birth of many young animals. These are the origins of the Easter eggs that we still hunt for and eat. \nIn Christian times\, the spring began to be associated with Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. The crucifixion is remembered on Good Friday and the resurrection is remembered on Easter Sunday. The idea of the resurrection joined with the ideas of re-birth in Pagan beliefs. \nSymbols\nFor people with strong Christian beliefs\, the cross that Jesus was crucified on and his resurrection are important symbols of the period around Easter. Other symbols of Easter include real eggs or eggs manufactured from a range of materials\, nests\, lambs and rabbits or hares. Sometimes these symbols are combined\, for example\, in candy models of rabbits with nests full of eggs. Eggs\, rabbits\, hares and young animals are thought to represent the re-birth and return to fertility of nature in the spring.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/easter-sunday/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/catholic-church-washingtondc.jpg
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240330
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240331
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20240819T205859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T210918Z
UID:5706-1711756800-1711843199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Holy Saturday
DESCRIPTION:Many Christians in the United States observe Holy Saturday\, which falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It commemorates the day when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after his death\, according to the Christian bible. It is also known as Easter Eve and is the last day of Lent. \nIs Holy Saturday a Public Holiday?\nEven though Holy Saturday falls on Saturday\, April 19\, 2025\, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany Christians in the United States attend an Easter vigil service on Holy Saturday. They remember Holy Saturday as the day when Jesus lay in his tomb. An Easter candle is lit in some homes\, particularly among families who cannot attend the Easter vigil services. Easter vigil prayers are also made on this day. Baptisms are held during some church services on Holy Saturday. \nMany American families prepare for Easter Sunday celebrations on the Saturday before Easter. Children decorate eggs with paint\, crayon\, water colors\, stickers and other material. These eggs are often placed in Easter baskets. Some people buy chocolate eggs to eat around this time of the year. Many people of Mexican descent who live in Los Angeles in California celebrate Holy Saturday with a colorful ceremony known as the Blessing of the Animals. \nPublic Life\nHoly Saturday is not a federal public holiday in the United States. \nBackground\nHoly Saturday is the last day of Holy Week and ends the season of Lent. It is also known as the Vigil of Easter. One interesting tradition that has been in the United States for a while is the Blessing of the Animals. It is a special tradition in Los Angeles\, California\, that began around 1930. The blessing was held on January 17\, which is the day of San Antonio de Abad (St Anthony of the desert)\, in earlier times but cold weather promoted the date change. Animals that have been blessed as part of the ceremony have included cats\, camels\, cows\, dogs\, donkeys\, goats\, iguanas\, monkeys\, and snakes. \nSymbols\nCongregation members are sprinkled with blessed water in some churches in the United States. This blessed water symbolizes purification and baptism. Candles that are used for Easter vigil services represent the light of Jesus Christ\, and that he brings light into darkness.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/holy-saturday/
CATEGORIES:Christian
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240328
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240329
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20240819T205654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T205801Z
UID:5703-1711584000-1711670399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Maundy Thursday
DESCRIPTION:Maundy Thursday\, also known as Holy Thursday\, is a Christian observance in the United States. It is the day before Good Friday and takes place during Holy Week. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s last supper and the initiation of Holy Communion (the Eucharist)\, observed in many Christian churches. \nIs Maundy Thursday a Public Holiday?\nMaundy Thursday is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany Holy Thursday services\, particularly in the Catholic churches\, are held in the evenings and offer Communion (or Eucharist) to the congregation. Some priests or ministers wash parishioners’ feet in memory of the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. Holy oils are blessed to symbolize that the sacraments have their source in Jesus Christ\, according to Christian belief. Hymns such as the Pange Lingua\, Gloria\, or Ubi Caritas\, are usually sung in some church services during this time of the year. \nSome churches offer a pot luck supper for congregation members after the Holy Thursday service. If donations are collected from the suppers\, they usually go towards charitable causes. Holy Thursday serves as a time for some Christians to donate money to the poor.  Some people also prepare a meal that includes roast lamb\, bitter herbs and wine around this time of the year. \nPublic Life\nMaundy Thursday is not a public holiday in the United States so schools\, government offices and businesses are open. Public transport providers run to their usual schedules. \nBackground\nHoly Thursday\, or Maundy Thursday\, commemorates the institution of the Eucharist\, a Christian sacrament that involves consecrating (or making holy) bread and wine. The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum\, which\, in English\, simply means “mandate.” In the upper room (John 13–17)\, Jesus gave His disciples the new commandment (i.e.\, the new mandate) after washing their feet. This new commandment is found in John 13:31–35. Having set an example by washing their feet\, the Lord Jesus told the Twelve: “A new commandment I give to you\, that you love one another: just as I have loved you\, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples\, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/maundy-thursday/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/maundy-thursday-what-is-the-meaning-importance-and-history-of-this-day.jpg
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240324
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240325
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20240819T204951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T204951Z
UID:5700-1711238400-1711324799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Palm Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Many Christians in the United States remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday\, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. This day is also on the Sunday before Easter Sunday. \nIs Palm Sunday a Public Holiday?\nPalm Sunday is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday\, April 13\, 2025\, and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nPrograms of sacred music are performed in many towns and cities in the United States on Palm Sunday. They are often sponsored by and held in local churches but they may also be part of the musical community’s regular concert series. These programs usually begin on or before Palm Sunday and may continue throughout Holy Week. Bethany College’s Messiah Festival in Lindsborg\, Kansas\, has been held during Holy Week for more than 100 years. \nPlays or pageants that focus on Holy Week themes are also performed on Palm Sunday. The Blessing of the Fleet in St Augustine\, Florida\, takes place on Palm Sunday each year. Shrimp trawlers and other fishing boats\, as well as privately owned vessels\, visit the town to receive a blessing. It is also customary for Christians to place blessed palm leaves in the shape of a cross behind religious images or statues in homes\, stores and restaurants in the United States. \nPublic Life\nPalm Sunday is not a federal holiday in the United States. However\, it is held on a Sunday\, which is a non-school day and non-working day for many Americans. \nBackground and Symbols\nPalm Sunday is observed among many Christian churches as part of Holy Week in the United States. The term Pascua Florida\, which in Spain originally referred to Palm Sunday\, was later applied to the festive season of Easter Week. The state of Florida received its name when Ponce de Leon first sighted the land and named it in 1513 most likely because the date was around Easter. \nPalm leaves symbolize victory and joy among many Christians in the United States. Some churches use silk plant leaves or substitute palm leaves with olive branches on Palm Sunday because palm leaves can be difficult to find in some areas in the United States.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/palm-sunday/
CATEGORIES:Christian
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240214
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240215
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20240819T193911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T193911Z
UID:5697-1707868800-1707955199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Ash Wednesday
DESCRIPTION:Many Christian Americans mark Ash Wednesday as the first day of Lent. It follows Shrove Tuesday\, which features Mardi Gras celebrations. \nIs Ash Wednesday a Public Holiday?\nAsh Wednesday is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nSome Christians in the United States attend special Ash Wednesday church services. This includes students who attend Catholic and other church schools. Priests usually place blessed ashes in form of the cross on individuals’ foreheads to remind them of mortality\, sorrow for sins\, change\, and forgiveness. \nAsh Wednesday marks the beginning of Lenten discipline for observant Christians. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer in preparation for receiving or reaffirming baptism at Easter. For some Christians\, Lent is a time to think about one’s life choices and mortality\, as well as reflect on life directions. It serves as a wakeup call for some Christians. There are also those who choose this time of the year to donate to charities or take part in charity events as a way to get close to God. \nPublic Life\nAsh Wednesday is an observance and not a federal public holiday in the United States. \nBackground and Symbols\nThe practice of marking foreheads with ashes is common among Roman Catholics\, Anglicans\, Lutherans and Episcopalians in the United States. However\, some Methodist and Presbyterian churches adopted this custom in recent times\, especially around the 1990s. A general article about Ash Wednesday worldwide covers more information about its background and symbols.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/ash-wednesday/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/5514008319_a7c21e5af2_b.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240106
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240107
DTSTAMP:20260423T093858
CREATED:20240819T193445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T193445Z
UID:5694-1704499200-1704585599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Epiphany
DESCRIPTION:Epiphany\, commonly known as Three Kings’ Day in the United States\, is on January 6. It celebrates the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus and also remembers his baptism\, according to the Christian Bible’s events. The United States (US) Virgin Islands observe the day as a public holiday. \nIs Epiphany a Public Holiday?\nEpiphany is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nPeople from the US Virgin Islands celebrate Three Kings’ Day to emphasize and maintain their heritage and culture\, especially on the island of St Croix where the day features parades\, bands\, food\, music\, and other types of entertainment. Although it is not a public holiday in other parts of the United States\, many Christians take part in Epiphany activities such as: \n\nStar processionals on the Sunday closest to January 6 for church services\nParties or get-togethers to clean up homes after the festive season and put away Christmas decorations.\nTreasure hunts to find a figure of the Christ child.\nEpiphany luncheons\, parties and celebrations among churchgoers.\nAnd Sunday school activities for children that focus on Epiphany\, such as creating the star that led the wise men to Bethlehem.\n\nEpiphany marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season in Louisiana. It is customary to bake king cakes during this time of the year. These cakes may include a small trinket (such as a baby doll) inside. The person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket receives various privileges or obligations. For example\, they may be requested to provide the next king cake. The interval between Epiphany and Mardi Gras is sometimes known as “king cake season”. \nPublic Life\nEpiphany is a public holiday in the US Virgin Islands so shops\, government offices and businesses are closed. Some businesses may close early the day before the holiday. It is not a federal public holiday in the rest of the United States. \nBackground\nEpiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It was celebrated since the end of the second century\, before the Christmas holiday was established. 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. \nIt commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity\, according to Christian belief\, was manifested: when the three kings visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem\, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism. \nSymbols\nVarious paintings\, artworks and sketches show the three wise men and Jesus. Some paintings artworks show the three wise men on the way to Bethlehem or adoring baby Jesus. The kings are important because their visit illustrates that Jesus was the king of all kings who came for the Jews and the Gentiles. \nThe star that guides the wise men to Christ also symbolizes Epiphany\, as well as the three gifts they gave to Jesus: gold (fit for a king); frankincense (used to worship at a temple); and myrrh (used for embalming\, as well as a salve for irritations such as diaper rash). Other paintings depict the story of Jesus’ baptism. Many Orthodox churches consider Jesus’ baptism to be the first step towards the crucifixion. The liturgical color for the Epiphany season is white.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/epiphany/
CATEGORIES:Christian
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