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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250331
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250401
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20250316T043955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250316T043955Z
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SUMMARY:Eid al-Fitr
DESCRIPTION:Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It’s a festive occasion and one of the major observances in the Islamic calendar. \nIs Eid al-Fitr a Public Holiday?\nEid al-Fitr is not a public holiday in the US. Businesses have normal opening hours. However\, public schools in some areas close on the day. \nCelebrating the End of Ramadan\nOn the day of Eid al-Fitr (also spelled Eid ul Fitr)\, Muslims in the United States and worldwide mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is observed on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. \nPeople celebrate having accomplished the Ramadan fast (sawm)\, one of the most important and challenging religious duties for Muslims. This is why the holiday is also called the Festival of Breaking the Fast. It is thought of as Allah’s (God’s) reward for completing the task. \nA Big Deal for US Muslims\nMore than 3 million Muslims live in the United States\, and for them\, Eid al-Fitr is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. \nIn the country’s Muslim communities\, you are likely to see people dressed up nicely\, congregating for communal prayer\, hugging each other\, enjoying a festive meal together\, and wishing each other Eid Mubarak (Happy Eid). \nPrayer\, Charity\, and Sweet Dishes\nSo\, how exactly do American Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr? With Muslims from so many different backgrounds residing in the US\, Eid customs vary from one community and family to the next—but there are some common features. \nEid Prayer\nThe day of Eid usually starts with communal prayer at the local mosque or another communal space\, led by the local Imam. In cities with a sizeable Muslim population\, such as New York and Philadelphia\, people may congregate in parks or other public spaces. \nIn Washington DC\, the Capitol Hill lawn has traditionally been a place where thousands of worshippers gather during Eid. \nZakat al-Fitr\nMuslims are expected to give to charity on the occasion of Eid. This can be a donation of food or money to the poor to enable them to take part in Eid celebrations. Several organizations in the US also offer the option to make online donations. \nFood\nAs a culmination of a month-long fast\, a festive meal with a range of mouthwatering dishes is one of the most cherished features of Eid. In fact\, the Quran forbids fasting on this day. \nIn each family\, the food usually reflects the cultural background and unique family traditions. Many US Muslims are culturally linked to Arab countries in the Middle East and Africa. \nBut no matter the culture\, many of the dishes served on Eid al-Fitr are sweet\, so the occasion is also known as the Sugar Feast. \nGifts\nA favorite among children\, Eidi or Eidiya is the tradition of exchanging gifts on Eid al-Fitr. The Hadith\, a collection of texts about the Islamic Prophet Muhammad\, states: “Give gifts to one another\, you will love each other.” \nPresidential Eid Greeting\nThe US president traditionally issues an official Eid greeting. They may also visit a mosque or hold a festive dinner at the White House to mark the occasion. \nEid Celebrations Can Span up to Three Days\nEach year\, in the run-up to Eid\, Muslims across the US agree to disagree on the question: when is Eid? \nEid al-Fitr happens on the first day of Shawwal\, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. In the western Gregorian calendar\, the holiday falls about 11 days earlier each year. \nHowever\, the beginning of each Islamic month and the dates of Muslim holidays are determined by Moon sightings. A new month begins when the Crescent Moon is spotted in the evening sky after the New Moon phase. But the rules of what constitutes a valid sighting vary. So\, some communities may celebrate two days\, sometimes even three days\, before or after other communities. Still\, within each community\, Eid usually only lasts for one day. \nInitiated by Prophet Muhammad\nScholars generally agree that Prophet Muhammad introduced the feast\, although the timing is debated. According to some traditions\, he initiated both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha after his journey (Hijrah) from Mecca (Makkah) to Medina in 622 CE. \nIslam in the USA\nThe Muslim community in the USA is the largest in North America. About 3.5 million Muslims are estimated to live in the United States\, making Islam the country’s third-largest religion. \nIslam has been a part of American culture since the 19th century\, a result of the slave trade of the antebellum period. Historians estimate that up to one in three slaves brought to North America was a Muslim.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/eid-al-fitr-2/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250401
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250406
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20241103T030330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241103T030330Z
UID:6289-1743465600-1743897599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Spring Break
DESCRIPTION:HAPPY SPRING BREAK\nSCHOOL IS CLOSED\nSEE YOU AFTER SPRING BREAK
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/spring-break/
CATEGORIES:School Break,School Closed
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250421
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250422
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
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:20250526
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250527
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20250712T050116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250712T050614Z
UID:6461-1748217600-1748303999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Memorial Day
DESCRIPTION:Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season. \nIs Memorial Day a Public Holiday?\nThis is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. \nWhat Do People Do?\nIt is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half staff from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials\, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is combined with Jefferson Davis’ Birthday in Mississippi. \nMemorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics\, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. This day is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season for cultural events. For the fashion conscious\, it is seen as acceptable to wear white clothing\, particularly shoes from Memorial Day until Labor Day. However\, fewer and fewer people follow this rule and many wear white clothing throughout the year. \nPublic Life\nMemorial Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices are closed\, as are schools\, businesses and other organizations. Most public transit systems do not run on their regular schedule. Many people see Memorial Day weekend as an opportunity to go on a short vacation or visit family or friends. This can cause some congestion on highways and at airports. \nBackground\nMemorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I\, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action. \nMemorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30\, regardless of the day of the week\, on which it fell. In 1968\, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that from 1971\, the Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However\, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/memorial-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250619
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250620
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20250712T050528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250712T050528Z
UID:6443-1750291200-1750377599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Juneteenth
DESCRIPTION:Juneteenth is an annual observance on June 19 to remember when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas on June 19\, 1865. This day is an opportunity for people to celebrate freedom and equal rights in the United States. \nIs Juneteenth a Public Holiday?\nJuneteenth has been a federal holiday in the US since 2021. However\, the day’s official status and how it is celebrated differs from state to state. \nIt is a paid state holiday in several states including Massachusetts\, New Jersey\, New York\, and Virginia; other states celebrate it as an official observance. \nIn some states\, people employed by the state may have a day off work. Stores\, post offices\, and other organizations and businesses are likely to be open as usual\, but some may be closed or have restricted opening hours in some areas. Many public transit services operate on their usual schedule\, but there may be some changes. There may be some local disruption to traffic around large scale public events. \nWhat Do People Do?\nA range of public\, community and private events are held to celebrate Juneteenth\, often on a weekend close to June 19. These include: \n\nPot luck outdoor cookouts\, barbecues or picnics.\nBaseball games.\nWorkplace lunches.\nRodeos.\nNeighborhood or block parties.\nCommunity flag-raising ceremonies.\nJuneteenth displays in city halls\, libraries\, schools\, and post offices.\nEssay or artwork competitions for young people.\nPresentations of community service awards.\nThe distribution of Juneteenth buttons\, t-shirts\, mugs\, and bags.\n\nSome people also decorate conference rooms or corridors at their workplace\, and their neighborhoods and yards with Juneteenth banners\, yard signs\, and flags to raise awareness of the event. \nBackground\nSlavery in the United States can be traced back to the 16th century when Spanish explorers brought African slaves with them to the New World. It lasted until the Emancipation Proclamation came into effect on January 1\, 1863. On that date Texas was largely controlled by forces fighting for the Confederate States\, which opposed the abolition of slavery. \nOn June 19\, 1865\, Union soldiers arrived to take control of Texas and enforce the emancipation of slaves in the state. In Galveston\, Texas\, the newly freed slaves held large public celebrations and so laid the base for future Juneteenth activities. The word ‘Juneteenth’ resulted from the words ‘June Nineteenth’ being combined together in speech. \nAfter 1865\, Juneteenth was mainly celebrated in Texas. Parks have been established on land bought by former slaves to hold Juneteenth celebrations in the Texan cities of Austin\, Houston\, and Mexia. \nToday\, it is a federal holiday and a state holiday or observance in more than half of the US states. \nJuneteenth celebrations are also held in other countries around the world\, including Ghana\, Honduras\, Japan\, Taiwan\, and Trinidad and Tobago. \nSymbols\nThe Juneteenth flag consists of a rectangle. The lower part of the rectangle is red and the upper part is blue and it has a solid white\, five-pointed star at its center. The star is surrounded by a white outline of a 12-pointed star. The Juneteenth flag is often displayed with the United States flag to symbolize that slavery is illegal. \nIn Texas and some other southern states\, the traditional drink on Juneteenth is Big Red soda. This variety of cream soda is a sweet\, soft drink flavored with orange and lemon oils and vanilla. It is available in different flavors and with or without caffeine and sugar.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/juneteenth-2/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed,State Holiday
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250620
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250621
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20250207T045033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T045033Z
UID:6364-1750377600-1750463999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Summer Program Prep
DESCRIPTION:SCHOOL IS CLOSED TO PREPARE THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT FOR SUMMER PROGRAM\nHAPPY SUMMER PROGRAM
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/summer-program-prep-2025/
CATEGORIES:School Break,School Closed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Picture1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250620
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250622
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20250712T051236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250712T051236Z
UID:6440-1750377600-1750550399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Summer Program Prep
DESCRIPTION:SCHOOL IS CLOSED FOR TWO DAYS TO PREPARE THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT FOR SUMMER PROGRAM\nHAPPY SUMMER PROGRAM
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/summer-program-prep-2/
CATEGORIES:School Break,School Closed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Picture1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250704
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250705
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20250714T055247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T055247Z
UID:6507-1751587200-1751673599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Independence Day
DESCRIPTION:Independence Day is celebrated on July 4 and is often known as the Fourth of July. It is the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776. \nIndependence Day Celebrations\nIndependence Day is a day of family celebrations with picnics and barbecues\, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Activities associated with the day include watermelon or hotdog eating competitions and sporting events\, such as baseball games\, three-legged races\, swimming activities\, and tug-of-war games. \nThe American flag is often placed outside homes and buildings on July 4th\, and communities arrange fireworks after dark. The most impressive firework displays are shown on television. Big cities like New York and Washington\, D.C. often organize parades and other large public events on the 4th of July. \nSome employees use one or more vacation days to create a long weekend to escape to their favorite beach or vacation spot. \nAmerican Day\nIndependence Day is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the United States. Politicians appear at public events to show their support for their country’s history\, heritage\, and people. \nAbove all\, people in the United States express and give thanks for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of today’s Americans. The Statue of Liberty is a national monument associated with Independence Day. \nIs Independence Day a Public Holiday?\nThis is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. \nFourth of July\nIndependence Day is a federal holiday. If July 4 is a Saturday\, it is observed on Friday\, July 3. If July 4 is a Sunday\, it is observed on Monday\, July 5. Government offices and schools are closed. Some businesses may be closed as well. \nIn some years\, many employees use a portion of their vacation days to create a long weekend. This can cause congestion in some places\, particularly towards popular holiday destinations. \nThere are many public events\, parades\, shows\, and fireworks displays. This may cause local disruption to traffic. Public transit systems do not usually operate on their regular timetables. \nThe History of Independence Day\nIn 1775\, people in the thirteen colonies began fighting the British under King George III for their own independence. On July 2\, 1776\, Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. Two days later\, on July 4\, 1776\, the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved\, and the document was published. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was on July 8\, 1776. Delegates began to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2\, 1776. \nIn 1870\, Independence Day was made an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1941\, it became a paid holiday for them. \nThe first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3\, 1776. He described “pomp and parade\, with shows\, games\, sports\, guns\, bells\, bonfires\, and illuminationst” throughout the United States. However\, the term “Independence Day” was not used until 1791. \nInterestingly\, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams\, both signers of the Declaration of Independence and presidents of the United States\, died on July 4\, 1826—exactly 50 years after the adoption of the declaration. \nIt is also important to note that Native Americans lived in the country\, and each tribe had its own nation and government prior to the European settlers.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/independence-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed,State Holiday
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250728
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250802
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20250207T044759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T044759Z
UID:6363-1753660800-1754092799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Summer Break
DESCRIPTION:HAPPY SUMMER BREAK\nSCHOOL IS CLOSED\nSEE YOU AFTER SUMMER BREAK
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/summer-break-2025/
CATEGORIES:School Break,School Closed
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250901
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250902
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20250714T055733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T055733Z
UID:6509-1756684800-1756771199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Labor Day
DESCRIPTION:Labor Day is a federal holiday on the first Monday of September every year. It has its roots in the American labor movement. \nIs Labor Day a Public Holiday?\nThis is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. \nWhat Day Is Labor Day?\nLabor Day is on the first Monday of September every year and is a national holiday in the US. It has its origins in the labor movement and is a day to celebrate American workers. \nPeople celebrate Labor Day with picnics\, sports events\, and street parades. The American football season begins on—or around—Labor Day. \nWhy don’t the US celebrate in May\, like the rest of the world? \nLabor Day Weekend\nLabor Day has become the unofficial end of summer—after Labor Day Weekend\, kids are back to school. \nFor many\, it is the last chance to take a break before school starts again for the fall session\, and people take advantage of the long weekend to take a last summer trip. As a result\, there may be extra traffic on highways and at airports. \nHistory of Labor Day\nLabor Day has deep roots in the 130 years of the labor movement and its efforts to improve working conditions in America. It is also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day and is celebrated on May 1 internationally. \nWith the growth of the Industrial Revolution came the demand for labor and trade unions. Around the 1850s\, eight-hour movements across the world aimed to reduce the working day from ten to eight hours. At its first congress in 1886\, the American Federation of Labour called for a general strike in Chicago on May 1 to demand an eight-hour day\, which culminated in what is known today as the Haymarket affair. \nWhen Was the First Labor Day?\nThe first Labor Day celebration was the Labor Day parade in New York City on September 5\, 1882. Its origins stem from the Central Labor Union’s and other labor organizations’ desire to create a holiday for workers. Oregon was the first state to pass it as a legal holiday in 1887\, and by the end of the same year\, Colorado\, Massachusetts\, New Jersey\, and New York had passed laws creating a Labor Day holiday. President Grover Cleveland made it a federal holiday in 1894. \nWho Founded Labor Day?\nAccording to the US Department of Labor\, it is not completely clear who first suggested the Labor Day holiday. Some sources say that Matthew Maguire proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. Others argue that Peter J. Mcguire\, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor\, suggested a holiday for the ‘laboring classes’ in 1882. \nThe holiday was set on the first Monday in September because this was considered a more politically neutral date than May 1. Another reason was to add a holiday to bridge the long gap between Independence Day in July and Thanksgiving in November.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/labor-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed,State Holiday
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/labor-day.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251013
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251014
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20250714T060136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T060136Z
UID:6511-1760313600-1760399999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Indigenous People's Day
DESCRIPTION:Is Indigenous People’s Day a Public Holiday?\nIndigenous People’s Day 2024 is a state observance in 30 states and a state holiday in 3 states and 1 federal district. \nWhere Is Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebrated?\nAs of 2023\, some 29 states do not celebrate Columbus Day and have renamed it or replaced it with Indigenous Peoples Day. Some states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day via proclamation\, while others treat it as an official holiday. \nAmong the states where the holiday is observed or honored are Alaska\, Minnesota\, Vermont\, Iowa\, North Carolina\, California\, Louisiana\, Maine\, Michigan\, New Mexico\, Wisconsin\, Virginia\, Oregon\, Texas\, as well as South Dakota\, which celebrates Native Americans’ Day\, Hawaii\, which celebrates Discoverers’ Day\, and Alabama\, which celebrates American Indian Heritage Day. Washington\, D.C. also recognizes the holiday. \nPresident Biden became the first U.S. president to issue a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2021\, writing\, “Today\, we recognize Indigenous peoples’ resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society.” \nWhy Replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?\nActivists have long argued that holidays\, statues and other memorials to Columbus sanitize his actions—which include the enslavement of Native Americans—while giving him credit for “discovering” a place where communities had lived for thousands of years. \n“Columbus Day is not just a holiday\, it represents the violent history of colonization in the Western hemisphere\,” says Leo Killsback\, a professor of American Indian Studies at Arizona State University. \nColumbus Day became a federal holiday in 1937\, in part because of efforts by Roman Catholic Italian Americans. During the late 19th and early 20th century\, members of the stigmatized ethnic and religious group successfully campaigned to establish a Columbus Day in order to place Catholic Italians\, like Christopher Columbus\, into American history. In doing so\, they edged out people of Anglo-Saxon descent who wanted a federal holiday honoring Leif Erikson as the first European to reach the Americas. \nBut decades later\, the question of which European got here “first” is beside the point. “Indigenous Peoples’ Day represents a much more honest and fair representation of American values\,” writes Killsback\, who is a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Nation of southeastern Montana. \n\n 
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/indigenous-peoples-day-2/
CATEGORIES:School Closed,State Holiday
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251111
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251112
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20250714T060920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T060920Z
UID:6517-1762819200-1762905599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Veterans Day
DESCRIPTION:In the USA\, Veterans Day annually falls on November 11. This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice\, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. Veterans are thanked for their services to the United States on Veterans Day. \nIs Veterans Day a Public Holiday?\nThis is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. \nObservance\nVeterans Day is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars\, particularly living veterans. It is marked by parades and church services and in many places the American flag is hung at half mast. A period of silence lasting two minutes may be held at 11am. Some schools are closed on Veterans Day\, while others do not close\, but choose to mark the occasion with special assemblies or other activities. \nVeterans Day is officially observed on November 11. However\, if it falls on a week day\, many communities hold their celebrations on the weekend closest to this date. This is to enable more people to attend and participate in the events. Federal Government offices are closed on November 11. If Veterans Day falls on a Saturday\, they are closed on Friday November 10. If Veterans Day falls on a Sunday\, they are closed on Monday November 12. State and local governments\, schools and non-governmental businesses are not required to close and may decide to remain open or closed. Public transit systems may follow a regular or holiday schedule. \nHistory\nOn the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect. On November 11\, 1919\, Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time. In 1919\, President Wilson proclaimed the day should be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory”. There were plans for parades\, public meetings and a brief suspension of business activities at 11am. \nIn 1926\, the United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I and declared that the anniversary of the armistice should be commemorated with prayer and thanksgiving. The Congress also requested that the president should “issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches\, or other suitable places\, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.” \nAn Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code\, Sec. 87a) was approved on May 13\, 1938\, which made November 11 in each year a legal holiday\, known as Armistice Day. This day was originally intended to honor veterans of World War I. A few years later\, World War II required the largest mobilization of service men in the history of the United States and the American forces fought in Korea. In 1954\, the veterans service organizations urged Congress to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans”. Congress approved this change and on June 1\, 1954\, November 11 became a day to honor all American veterans\, where ever and whenever they had served. \nIn 1968 the Uniforms Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) made an attempt to move Veterans Day to the fourth Monday of October. The bill took effect in 1971. However\, this caused a lot of confusion as many states disagreed with this decision and continued to hold Veterans Day activities on November 11. In 1975\, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479)\, which stated that Veterans Day would again be observed on November 11 from 1978 onwards. Veterans Day is still observed on November 11.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/veterans-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed,State Holiday
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/american-veteran.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251128
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20250714T060535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T060535Z
UID:6515-1764201600-1764287999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Thanksgiving Day
DESCRIPTION:Thanksgiving Day in the United States is a holiday on the fourth Thursday of November. The day after is also known as Black Friday. \nIs Thanksgiving Day a Public Holiday?\nThis is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. \nFamily Celebration\nThanksgiving Day is a day for people in the US to give thanks for what they have. Families and friends get together for a meal\, which traditionally includes a roast turkey\, stuffing\, potatoes\, vegetables\, cranberry sauce\, gravy\, and pumpkin pie. \nIn some cities and towns\, there are parades during the Thanksgiving weekend. In most areas\, these festivities also mark the opening of the Christmas shopping season. \nLong Weekend in More Than 20 States\nThe Day After Thanksgiving\, also know as Black Friday\, is a holiday in more than 20 states. It’s common to take trips and visit family and friends during the long weekend. \nMany Have the Day Off\nMost government offices\, businesses\, schools\, universities\, colleges\, and other organizations are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Many offices and businesses allow staff to have a long four-day weekend for Thanksgiving\, so these offices and businesses are also closed on the Day after Thanksgiving Day. Public transit systems usually do not operate on their regular timetables. \nThanksgiving Day is one of the busiest periods for travel in the USA. This can cause congestion and overcrowding. Seasonal parades and busy football games can also cause disruption to local traffic. \nHistory and Controversy\nThanksgiving Day has been an annual holiday in the United States since 1863. However\, not everyone sees Thanksgiving Day as a cause for celebration. Some in the US Native American community feel the mythology of the holiday ignores the destruction of indigenous cultures that followed European settlement. \nBeginning in 1970\, a group of Native Americans and their supporters have staged an annual protest for a National Day of Mourning at Plymouth Rock in Plymouth\, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving Day. American Indian Heritage Day is also observed at this time of the year. \nThere are claims that the first Thanksgiving Day was held in the city of El Paso\, Texas\, in 1598. Another early event was held in 1619 in the Virginia Colony. Many people trace the origins of the modern Thanksgiving Day to the harvest celebration the Pilgrims held in Plymouth\, Massachusetts in 1621. However\, their first true thanksgiving was in 1623\, when they gave thanks for rain that ended a drought. These early thanksgivings took the form of a special church service\, rather than a feast. \nIn the second half of the 1600s\, thanksgivings after the harvest became more common and started to become annual events. However\, they were celebrated on different days in different communities and in some places there were more than one thanksgiving each year. George Washington\, the first president of the United States\, proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day in 1789.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/thanksgiving-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/619290edd6722800192460f4.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251128
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251129
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20250714T061013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T061013Z
UID:6516-1764288000-1764374399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Day After Thanksgiving
DESCRIPTION:The Day After Thanksgiving is also known as Black Friday. It is a holiday in more than 20 states. \nIs Day After Thanksgiving a Public Holiday?\nThis is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. \nThe Thanksgiving Weekend\nThanksgiving is on the fourth Thursday in November\, and it is celebrated widely by Americans. Schools and universities are closed for the entire Thanksgiving weekend. It is a time for family celebration on the Thursday\, and many spend the day after — which is also known as Black Friday — bargain shopping. \nThe Friday after Thanksgiving is a state holiday in California\, Delaware\, Florida\, Illinois\, Iowa\, Kansas\, Kentucky\, Louisiana\, Maine\, Michigan\, Minnesota\, Nebraska\, Nevada\, New Hampshire\, North Carolina\, Oklahoma\, Pennsylvania\, South Carolina\, Tennessee\, Texas\, Virginia\, and West Virginia. \nGeorgians Celebrate Robert E. Lee\nIn Georgia\, it is also a state holiday. Georgians have chosen this day to commemorate the birth of Robert E. Lee\, commander of the Confederate army during the American Civil War in the 1860s. HIs birthday is also a holiday in other states\, however on different dates.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/day-after-thanksgiving-2/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed,State Holiday
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251225
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251226
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20250714T060713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T060713Z
UID:6519-1766620800-1766707199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Christmas Day
DESCRIPTION:Many people in the United States celebrate Christmas Day on December 25. The day celebrates Jesus Christ’s birth. \nIs Christmas Day a Public Holiday?\nThis is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. \nWhat Do People Do?\nPeople celebrate Christmas Day in many ways. It is often combined with customs from pre-Christian winter celebrations. Many people decorate their homes\, visit family or friends and exchange gifts. In the days or even weeks before Christmas Day\, many people decorate their homes and gardens with lights\, Christmas trees and much more. \nIt is common to organize a special meal\, often consisting of turkey and a lot of other festive foods\, for family or friends and exchange gifts with them. Children\, in particular\, often receive a lot of gifts from their parents and other relatives and the mythical figure Santa Claus. This has led to Christmas Day becoming an increasingly commercialized holiday\, with a lot of families spending a large part of their income on gifts and food. \nMany Sunday schools\, churches and communities organize special events. These can include decorating the neighborhood or a shopping mall\, putting up a Christmas tree and planning a Nativity display\, concert or performance. A lot of plays and songs have a aspect of Christmas as a theme. Some groups arrange meals\, shelter or charitable projects for people without a home or with very little money. \nPublic Life\nGovernment offices\, organizations\, businesses and schools are closed\, almost without exception. Many people visit relatives or friends and are out of town. This may cause congestion on highways and at airports. Public transit systems do not run on their regular schedules. In general\, public life closes down completely. \nBackground\nThe original meaning of Christmas is a special church service\, or mass\, to celebrate the birth of Christ. The story of the Nativity\, or the events surrounding the birth of Jesus\, are particularly important in religious celebrations of Christmas. However\, many traditions that are around today have their roots in pre-Christian winter festivals. These include the importance of candles and decorations made from evergreen bushes and tree\, symbolizing everlasting light and life. \nIn Roman times\, a mid-winter festival was held. This was a relaxing time with a lot of parties and merry making. It was also common to give other people small gifts\, such as dolls for children and candles for adults. This festival culminated with the celebration of the winter solstice\, which fell on December 25 in the Roman calendar. In Scandinavia\, a festival called Yule and lasting up to twelve days was held in late December and early January. In this time people burnt logs and held parties. These customs have influences how Christmas Day is celebrated today in the United States. \nThe Bible does not give a precise date for the birth of Jesus. It is also unclear when December 25 became associated with the birth of Jesus\, although it may have been around two hundred years after his birth. In the early centuries of Christianity\, the anniversary of the birth of Jesus was not a cause for celebrations. The idea of turning this day into a celebration started in the early Middle Ages in Europe. \nDuring Reformation and up until the middle of the 1800s\, Christmas was often not celebrated because partying and merry making was seen as unchristian. From about 1840\, celebrating Christmas became more widespread. December 25 was declared a federal holiday in the United States in 1870. Since then Christmas Day has become a steadily more important holiday. \nSymbols\nA wide range of people and objects represent Christmas. These include baby Jesus\, the Nativity and the Three Kings\, but also Santa Claus\, reindeer and elves. Common objects at this time of year are pine trees\, holly\, decorations\, fairy lights\, candles and presents. Christmas Day is now truly a mix of religious celebration and commercial interests.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/christmas-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/christmas-day-fox.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251231
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270107
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T043929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043929Z
UID:6910-1767139200-1799279999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Winter Break
DESCRIPTION:HAPPY WINTER BREAK & HAPPY NEW YEAR\nSCHOOL IS CLOSED\nSEE YOU AFTER WINTER BREAK
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/winter-break-2/
CATEGORIES:School Break,School Closed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/R-1-VjZqS0.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260102
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T035526Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035526Z
UID:6715-1767225600-1767311999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:New Year's Day
DESCRIPTION:New Year’s Day falls on January 1 and marks the start of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar. It marks the end of New Year’s Eve celebrations in the United States and gives many Americans a chance to remember the previous year. \nIs New Year’s Day a Public Holiday?\nThis is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. \nWhat Do People Do?\nThe start of New Year’s Day\, at midnight\, is heralded by fireworks\, parties and special events\, which are often televised. Very few people have to work on the day itself. For many it is a day of recovery from the New Year’s Eve celebrations the previous night. In some towns and cities\, parades are held and special football games are played. The birth of the first baby in the New Year is often celebrated with gifts to his or her parents and appearances in local newspapers and on local news shows. Many people make New Year’s resolutions. These are usually promises to themselves that they will improve something in their own lives. Common New Year’s resolutions are to stop smoking or drinking alcohol\, to lose weight\, exercise more or to live a healthier lifestyle. \nPublic Life\nGovernment offices\, organizations\, schools and many businesses are closed in the USA on New Year’s Day. Public transit systems do not run on their regular schedules. Where large public celebrations have been held\, traffic may be disrupted by the clean-up operation. In general\, public life is completely closed down. \nBackground\nThe Gregorian calendar is widely used in many countries such as the United States. This was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. The Julian calendar that had been in use until then was slightly inaccurate\, causing the vernal equinox to move backwards in the calendar year. The Gregorian calendar was not accepted everywhere and some churches\, particularly with origins in Eastern Europe\, still use other calendars. According to the Gregorian calendar\, the first day of the year is January 1. \nSymbols\nA common symbol of New Year’s Day is Baby New Year. This is often a white male baby dressed in a diaper\, a hat and a sash. The year he represents is printed on his sash. He rarely a newborn baby\, as many pictures show him sitting up or even standing alone. According to mythology\, Baby New Year grows up and ages in a single year. At the end of the year he is an old man and hands his role over to the next Baby New Year. Other symbols of New Year’s Day are spectacular fireworks exploding over landmarks and clocks striking midnight as the year begins.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/new-years-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/fireworks-usa-0sGaJu.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260106
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260107
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
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:20260107
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260108
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T035528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035528Z
UID:6719-1767744000-1767830399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Orthodox Christmas Day
DESCRIPTION:Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. This date works to be December 25 in the Julian calendar\, which pre-dates the Gregorian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ\, who is believed to be the son of God. \nIs Orthodox Christmas Day a Public Holiday?\nOrthodox Christmas Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany Orthodox Christians in countries such as the United States fast before Christmas Day. Many people identify the Nativity Fast as the period of preparing to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth. It is believed that fasting helps people shift their focus from themselves to others\, spending less time worrying about food and using more time in increased prayer and caring for the poor. In return\, fasting before the Nativity enables one to fully enjoy\, appreciate and celebrate the Nativity of Christ. \nMany Orthodox Christians attend a special church liturgy on Christmas Day on January 7. Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas Day with various traditions. For example\, many churches light a small fire of blessed palms and burn frankincense to commemorate the three wise men’s (also known as Magi) gifts to baby Jesus.  Some parishes have joint celebrations for Christmas Day. \nPublic Life\nThe Orthodox Christians’ observance of Christmas Day on or near January 7 is not a nationwide public holiday in the United States. However\, parking and traffic around Orthodox Christian churches may be busy around this time of the year. \nBackground\nThere are Orthodox Churches in the United States that recognize the holiday dates according to the Julian calendar\, for example the Russian\, Ukrainian\, and Serbian Orthodox Churches. Christmas is still on December 25 in the Julian calendar so the January 7 date is only valid between 1901 and 2100. The Gregorian date for Orthodox Christmas will be January 8 in 2101 if the Julian calendar is still used. \nThe Julian calendar was revised in 1923 and this version is more in line with the Gregorian calendar. Some Orthodox churches follow the revised Julian calendar but many Orthodox churches still follow the more traditional Julian calendar\, which has the original dates for Christian observances prior to the Gregorian calendar’s introduction. \nAccording to the Orthodox Church in America\, many Americans of Orthodox Christian faith celebrate Christmas according to the revised Julian calendar. \nSymbols\nFor many Orthodox Christians\, Christmas Day is not about presents\, eggnog or Christmas characters that have become popular through commercialization.  Christmas Day is a time to heal the soul. It is also a time of peace and unity. \nWhite cloth is used on dinner tables in some countries to symbolize purity and the cloth that baby Jesus was wrapped in. Straw may be placed on these tables to symbolize the simplicity of the place where Jesus was born.  Candles may be lit to represent the light of Christ and the festive Christmas meal represents the end of fasting.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/orthodox-christmas-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Orthodox
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260114
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260115
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T035529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035529Z
UID:6721-1768348800-1768435199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Orthodox New Year
DESCRIPTION:Many Orthodox Christian Americans celebrate the New Year on January 1 in the Julian calendar\, which pre-dates the more widely used Gregorian calendar. This date falls on or near January 14 in the Gregorian calendar. \nIs Orthodox New Year a Public Holiday?\nOrthodox New Year is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany Orthodox Christians in the United States observe the New Year based on January 1 in the Julian calendar. This calendar is older than the Gregorian calendar\, which is used more widely in many countries. Therefore the Orthodox Christian New Year date falls on or around January 14 in the Gregorian calendar. \nOrthodox New Year celebrations include dinner dances and traditional buffets among Orthodox Christian communities in the United States. Many of the Orthodox New Year traditions linked with these celebrations were brought over from other parts of the world\, including eastern Europe\, to the United States.  Many Americans of Orthodox Christian faith also attend special New Year’s Day liturgies at their churches. \nPublic Life\nOrthodox New Year’s Day falls on or near January 14. It is not a federal public holiday in the United States. However\, parking and traffic around some Orthodox Christian churches where special New Year liturgies are held may be busy around this time of the year. \nBackground\nThe Orthodox New Year is widely known as the Old New Year. It is marked as January 1 in the Julian calendar\, which was used before the Gregorian calendar. The Orthodox New Year does not remain static in the Gregorian calendar because there are shifts between the Julian and Gregorian calendars over time. For example\, the Old New Year falls on January 14 between 1901 and 2100 but it will move again in time if the Julian calendar is still used. \nThe Julian calendar was revised in 1923 and this version is more in line with the Gregorian calendar. Some Orthodox churches follow the revised Julian calendar but many Orthodox churches still follow the more traditional Julian calendar\, which has the original dates for Christian observances prior to the Gregorian calendar’s introduction. \nSymbols\nThe Orthodox New Year has been symbolized or mentioned in various Eastern European art\, including Russian art and literary works.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/orthodox-new-year-2/
CATEGORIES:Orthodox
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260116
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260117
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T043655Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043655Z
UID:6807-1768521600-1768607999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Isra and Mi'raj (Tentative Date)
DESCRIPTION:Many Muslims in the United States observe Isra and Mi’raj (Al Isra’ wal Miraj\, Lailat al Mi’raj\, or Laylat al Miraj). This event commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascent into heaven. It is observed on the 27th day of Rajab\, the seventh month in the Islamic calendar. \nIs Isra and Mi’raj a Public Holiday?\nIsra and Mi’raj is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nCustoms and traditions that center on Isra and Mi’raj vary in the United States. Many Muslims make special prayers in the evening. Some people attend prayer services and sermons at Islamic centers or mosques while others observe Isra and Mi’raj quietly at home. Some Muslims celebrate the event over two days. \nConferences about Isra and Mi’raj were held in some parts of the United States in recent times. It has also been reported (in various media) that thousands Muslims in California\, Wisconsin and other states celebrate this observance each year. This event gives people the chance to reflect on the importance of prayer. It is a time for people\, particularly students\, to learn more about Isra and Mi’raj\, what it means in Islamic faith\, and how it is applied in practice. \nPublic Life\nIsra and Mi’raj is not a federal public holiday in the United States. There may be some local congestion on roads around major mosques in the evening of the event. \nBackground\nIsra and Mi’raj is a two-fold event that commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascent into heaven\, according to Islamic belief. One night during the 10th year of Muhammad’s prophecy\, the angel Gabriel woke him and traveled with him to Jerusalem. Muhammad prayed at the site of the Temple of Solomon with the prophets Abraham\, Moses\, Jesus and others. \nThe Prophet Muhammad then rose to heaven (carried by Gabriel) from the rock of the temple mount\, where many people believe that the Dome of the Rock sanctuary now stands. Allah instructed Muhammad about the five daily prayers that all Muslims must observe. This day is also known as the Night Journey.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/isra-and-miraj-tentative-date/
CATEGORIES:Muslim
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260119
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260120
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T043727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043727Z
UID:6829-1768780800-1768867199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Martin Luther King Jr. Day
DESCRIPTION:artin Luther King Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr.\, an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for racial equality in the United States. \nIs Martin Luther King Jr. Day a Public Holiday?\nThis is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMartin Luther King Day is a relatively new federal holiday and there are few long standing traditions. It is seen as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans\, regardless of their background. Some educational establishments mark the day by teaching their pupils or students about the work of Martin Luther King and the struggle against racial segregation and racism. In recent years\, federal legislation has encouraged Americans to give some of their time on this day as volunteers in citizen action groups. \nMartin Luther King Day\, also known as Martin Luther King’s birthday and Martin Luther King Jr Day\, is combined with other days in different states. For example\, it is combined with Civil Rights Day in Arizona and New Hampshire\, while it is observed together with Human Rights Day in Idaho. It is also a day that is combined with Robert E. Lee’s birthday in some states. The day is known as Wyoming Equality Day in the state of Wyoming. \nPublic Life\nMartin Luther King Day is a federal holiday\, but has slightly different names in some states. Non-essential Government departments are closed\, as are many corporations. Some schools and colleges close but others stay open and teach their students about the life and work of Martin Luther King. \nSmall companies\, such as grocery stores and restaurants tend to be open\, although a growing number are choosing to close on this day. Some compensate by opening on Washington’s Birthday instead. Recent federal legislation encourages Americans to give some of their time on Martin Luther King Day as volunteers in citizen action groups. Public transit systems may or may not operate on their regular schedule. \nLong Weekend\nSince Martin Luther King Day falls on Monday\, it is one of the public holidays in the United States that always create a long weekend. \nBackground\nMartin Luther King was an important civil rights activist. He was a leader in the movement to end racial segregation in the United States. His most famous address was the “I Have A Dream” speech. He was an advocate of non-violent protest and became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated in 1968. \nIn 1968\, shortly after Martin Luther King died\, a campaign was started for his birthday to become a holiday to honor him. After the first bill was introduced\, trade unions lead the campaign for the federal holiday. It was endorsed in 1976. Following support from the musician Stevie Wonder with his single “Happy Birthday” and a petition with six million signatures\, the bill became law in 1983. Martin Luther King Day was first observed in 1986\, although it was not observed in all states until the year 2000. In 1990\, the Wyoming legislature designated Martin Luther King Jr/Wyoming Equality Day as a legal holiday.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/martin-luther-king-jr-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260202
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T035106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035106Z
UID:6679-1769904000-1769990399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:First Day of Black History Month
DESCRIPTION:Is First Day of Black History Month a Public Holiday?\nThis is not a public holiday. Government and public offices\, businesses\, and schools are not closed for this observation but may hold special events and outreach programs to commemorate the beginning of the month-long annual observation. \nBlack History Month (1970) \nThe Black United Students first Black culture center\, Kuumba House in Kent State\, where many events of the first Black History Month celebration took place.Black educators and Black United Students at Kent State University first proposed Black History Month in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State a year later\, from January 2 to February 28\, 1970. \nSix years later\, Black History Month was being celebrated all across the country in educational institutions\, centers of Black culture\, and community centers\, both great and small\, when President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976\, during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. He urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history \n 
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/first-day-of-black-history-month-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260202
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T035328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035328Z
UID:6709-1769904000-1769990399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:National Freedom Day
DESCRIPTION:National Freedom Day is an observance in the United States that honors the signing of a resolution that proposed the 13th amendment of the nation’s constitution on February 1\, 1865. Abraham Lincoln\, who was the president at the time\, signed the resolution to outlaw slavery. This anniversary is annually observed on February 1. \nIs National Freedom Day a Public Holiday?\nEven though National Freedom Day falls on Saturday\, February 1\, 2025\, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany people in the United States reflect on and remember the importance of freedom on National Freedom Day. The United States president may annually issue a proclamation on the day. Some educational institutions may incorporate themes relating to National Freedom Day as part of class discussion\, readings\, and other learning activities that explore the importance of the day and its history. \nInformation on local celebrations or events that center on National Freedom Day may be publicized prior to and on February 1. For some people\, it is a time to promote good will\, equality\, and to appreciate freedom. Wreath-laying at the Liberty Bell has also been a tradition to mark National Freedom Day for many years. Other events include annual breakfasts\, luncheons\, musical entertainment\, film screenings\, and literature meetings that explore the theme about freedom. \nPublic Life\nNational Freedom Day is an observance\, but it is not a public holiday in the United States. \nBackground\nNational Freedom Day commemorates the date – February 1\, 1865 – when Abraham Lincoln\, who was the nation’s president at the time\, signed a joint resolution that proposed the 13th amendment to the United States Constitution. The amendment was made to outlaw slavery and was ratified on December 18\, 1865. \nMajor Richard Robert Wright Senior\, a former slave who founded the National Freedom Day Association\, played a crucial role in creating the observance. Major Wright was deemed as a community leader in Philadelphia and was active in education\, the media\, business and politics. He hoped to see a day that would be dedicated to celebrating freedom for all Americans. \nThe first commemoration of such a day took place on February 1\, 1942\, although it was not made into law yet. A tradition of laying a wreath at Liberty Bell also began. On June 30\, 1948\, President Harry Truman signed a bill to proclaim February 1 as the first official National Freedom Day in the United States. \nSymbols\nNational Freedom Day’s theme is about freedom for all Americans.  Wreath-laying at Liberty Bell\, which symbolizes freedom or liberty\, has also occurred on this day over the years.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/national-freedom-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260202
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260203
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T035124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035124Z
UID:6693-1769990400-1770076799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Groundhog Day
DESCRIPTION:Groundhog Day falls on February 2 in the United States\, coinciding with Candlemas. It is a part of popular culture among many Americans and it centers on the idea of the groundhog coming out of its home to “predict” the weather. \nIs Groundhog Day a Public Holiday?\nGroundhog Day is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday\, February 2\, 2025 and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nGroundhog Day is a popular observance in many parts of the United States. Although some states have in some cases adopted their own groundhogs\, the official groundhog\, Punxsutawney Phil\, lives at Gobbler’s Knob near Punxsutawney\, Pennsylvania. The town has attracted thousands of visitors over the years to experience various Groundhog Day events and activities on February 2. \nThe Punxsutawney Groundhog Club plays an important role in organizing Groundhog Day in the town. Club members\, news reporters\, locals\, and visitors meet at Gobbler’s Knob on February 2 each year to await Phil’s appearance and his weather prediction. Pennsylvania’s governor has been known to attend Groundhog Day ceremonies. Many weather researchers questioned the groundhog’s accuracy in predicting the weather\, but some of the groundhog’s fans may not agree. \nPublic Life\nGroundhog Day is an observance but it is not a public holiday in the United States. However\, areas around parks and some streets may be busy or congested in towns\, such as Punxsutawney\, where Groundhog Day events are popular. \nRoots in Nature\nThousands of years ago when animalism and nature worship were prevalent\, people in the area of Europe now known as Germany believed that the badger had the power to predict the coming of spring. They watched the badger to know when to plant their crops. By the time the first German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania they probably understood that this was not true but the tradition continued. \nUnfortunately\, there were not many badgers in Pennsylvania so the groundhog was substituted for the badger. Tradition has it that if the groundhog sees its shadow on February 2 it will be frightened by it and will then return to its burrow\, indicating that there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If it does not see its shadow\, then spring is on the way. \nPunxsutawney Phil\nPunxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day in the United States in the 1800s. The first official trek to Gobbler’s Knob was made on February 2\, 1887. It is said that Punxsutawney Phil (the groundhog) was named after King Phillip. He was called Br’er Groundhog prior to being known as Phil. Canada also celebrates Groundhog Day. \nThe movie “Groundhog Day” from 1993\, starring comedian Bill Murray\, made Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania famous worldwide. The film’s plot added new meaning to the term “Groundhog Day” as something that repeats itself endlessly. \nNote: References to seasonal changes in this article relate to the Northern Hemisphere.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/groundhog-day/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260202
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260203
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T043927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043927Z
UID:6906-1769990400-1770076799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Tu Bishvat/Tu B'Shevat
DESCRIPTION:Tu B’Shevat (or Tu Bishvat) marks the “birthday of the fruit trees” under Jewish law\, and is often celebrated by a symbolic meal and tree planting activities. \nIs Tu B´Shevat a Public Holiday?\nWhile this is not a public holiday in the United States\, some Jewish-run organizations are closed on this date. \nWhen Is Tu B´Shevat?\nTu B´Shevat is celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Shevat in the Hebrew calendar\, which usually falls in January in the Gregorian calendar. \nFruit\, Nuts and Planting\nSome Jewish people gather with family and friends to celebrate Tu B´Shevat by serving a seder (holiday meal) of dried fruit and nuts\, red wine and grape juice. Pickled etog\, a type of citrus\, is often a featured dish at these festivities. \nOther Jewish people celebrate by planting trees or joining in on efforts to raise environmental awareness. To many\, it is considered the Jewish equivalent of Arbor Day. \nGreen Day\nIn recent years\,Tu B’Shevat has come to be primarily an environmental holiday. Many Jews use this day as an opportunity to remind themselves of their scriptural duty to care to be good stewards for God’s creation\, or the natural world. \nMany Jews honor the day by taking part in a tree-planting ceremony\, or collecting and sending money to Israel for tree planting efforts there. \nOthers celebrate by picking fruits and vegetables at farms\, starting herb gardens\, building birdhouses\, or organizing beach and park clean-up activities. \nJewish Holidays Last Longer Outside of Israel\nIn the Jewish diaspora—Jewish communities outside of Israel—an extra day is usually added to religious observances\, with the exception of Yom Kippur\, which lasts only one day worldwide\, and Rosh Hashana\, which is celebrated over two days in both Israel and the diaspora. \nThis custom has its roots in ancient times when the beginning of the months in the Jewish calendar still relied on the sighting of the crescent Moon following a New Moon. \nThe beginning of a new month was determined by the Sanhedrin\, the supreme court of ancient Israel in Jerusalem. Once the date was published\, messengers were dispatched to spread the news among Jews living abroad. Since this process took some time\, it was decreed that Jews outside of ancient Israel were to observe every holiday for 2 days to make sure that the rules and customs applicable to each holiday were observed on the proper date. This rule is still observed today.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/tu-bishvat-tu-bshevat/
CATEGORIES:Jewish
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260204
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260205
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T035727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035727Z
UID:6727-1770163200-1770249599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Rosa Parks Day
DESCRIPTION:Rosa Parks Day is an American observance to honor civil rights activist Rosa Parks\, who was known for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. \nIs Rosa Parks Day a Public Holiday?\nThis is not a public holiday. Government and public offices\, businesses\, and schools are not closed on this day but may hold special events and outreach programs to commemorate the annual observance. \nIt is observed in California and Missouri on February 4 and Alabama and Ohio on December 1. \nCelebrate Rosa Parks Day\nRosa Parks Day promotes equal opportunities\, civil rights\, and fairness across communities in the U.S. Church leaders\, politicians\, and organizational leaders unite in states like California and Ohio to promote the day with a range of events and activities. \nMany schools have classroom activities that focus on Rosa Parks’ struggles for equality and achievements against discrimination. \nPublic Life\nRosa Parks Day is an observance and not a public holiday in the U.S. \nAbout Rosa Parks\nOn December 1\, 1955\, African American seamstress Rosa Parks was travelling in a Montgomery City bus when the bus driver asked her to vacate her seat for a white man. The driver’s request was standard practice of racial segregation in buses at the time. Rosa Parks refused to leave her seat on the grounds of fairness\, freedom and equality. As a result\, she was arrested and convicted of violating the laws of segregation\, known as the “Jim Crow” laws. She appealed her conviction and formally challenged the legality of segregation. At the same time\, civil rights activists\, including Martin Luther King Jr\, boycotted the Montgomery bus system. \nThe boycott lasted for 381 days\, into December 1956\, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the segregation law was unconstitutional and the Montgomery buses should be integrated. This boycott kick-started other civil rights protests throughout the U.S. Over the years\, the Rosa Parks bus has become a symbol of the fight for equal rights. It has been fully restored and is now displayed in the Henry Ford Museum. Rosa Parks’ Day\, on February 4\, is also known as the Day of Courage.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/rosa-parks-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260208
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260209
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T043859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043859Z
UID:6892-1770508800-1770595199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Super Bowl
DESCRIPTION:One of the biggest annual sporting events in the United States\, the Super Bowl\, also sometimes known as the Big Game\, is the final championship game of the National Football League (NFL). \nThe game is the culmination of the football season that begins during the previous year\, usually on the Thursday after Labor Day. The first game is known as the NFL Kickoff game. \nIs Super Bowl Day a Public Holiday?\nBetween 2004 and 2021\, the Super Bowl was scheduled for the first Sunday of February; however\, after changes to the format and schedule in 2021\, the showpiece now takes place on the second Sunday in February. Sundays are non-working days in the United States. \nHow Is the Super Bowl Celebrated in America?\nThe Super Bowl\, also sometimes known as Superbowl\, is the most-watched sporting event in the United States and even though it is not an official holiday\, many people treat it like a national holiday. To celebrate it\, people get together with family and friends to watch the event on television at home or in restaurants and bars. \nSuper Bowl parties are held all over the country\, where people wear the colors or jerseys of their favorite teams. Bars and restaurants usually set up special viewing areas for the live telecast of the game and may offer specials on food and drinks. \nFood and drinks are a major part of super bowl parties. Some favorite Big Game foods include chips with Guacamole or Buffalo Chicken Dip\, chicken wings\, Chili\, and pizza. Beer is one of the most-consumed beverages on Super Bowl Sunday. \nHalf-time Show and Super Bowl Ads\nIn addition to the game itself\, millions of people across the country tune in to watch the half-time show where pop stars\, musicians\, and singers perform while the players take a break. \nSuper Bowl commercials are also very popular. The popularity of the Big Game has been used by companies to promote their brands during commercial breaks. The advertisement spaces are highly coveted and companies pay huge premiums to produce and air their ads. \nWhat Is the Super Bowl?\nThe Super Bowl is the final game of the NFL season\, a campaign that usually begins on the Thursday after Labor Day during the previous year. With the exception of the Kickoff Game\, most other games are played on Sundays and Mondays\, though sometimes\, games can be scheduled on other days of the week. 32 teams play 17 games each\, making the season 272 games long. \nThe Workings of an NFL Season\nThe 32 teams are divided into two conferences—the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The 16 teams in each of the conferences are further divided into four divisions: North\, South\, East\, and West Divisions. \nDuring a season\, each team in a division plays six times—two games against each of the other teams in that division\, one in their home city\, and one away from home. In addition\, each team plays two home and two on-the-road games against a team from another division in its own conference\, as well as four games against teams from a division in the other conference. Two games are also played against teams from the other two divisions in its own conference\, one fixture at home and one away\, based on division ranking from the previous season. The 17th matchup is a non-conference opponent from a division that a team is not scheduled to meet. Teams are allocated a division that is determined by a rotation system each season. \nThe Playoffs\nThe NFL season\, which ends in December or January\, decides which six teams from each conference qualify for the Playoffs—division winners are automatically eligible. Two wildcard teams are chosen based on their wins during the season. \nThe Playoffs are played in three rounds: the Wild Card Round\, the Divisional Round\, and the Conference Championships. The winners of the Conference Championships go on to face each other at the Super Bowl. \nHistory of the Super Bowl in the USA\nThe first Super Bowl game was played between the National Football League’s (NFL) Green Bay Packers and the American Football League’s (AFL) Kansas City Chiefs on January 15\, 1967\, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles\, California. It was the only game in Super Bowl history that was broadcast on more than one TV network. Since then\, the game has been broadcast exclusively on one network chosen by a negotiated contract every year. \nIn 1970\, the AFL and NFL formally merged to create the NFL as we know it today. Roman numerals were attached to the Super Bowl in 1971. Since then\, all Super Bowls\, except Super Bowl 50 played on February 7\, 2016\, has had a Roman numeral attached to it.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/super-bowl-2/
CATEGORIES:Sporting Event
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260214
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260215
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T035824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035824Z
UID:6736-1771027200-1771113599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Valentine's Day
DESCRIPTION:Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14. It is a festival of romantic love and many people give cards\, letters\, flowers or presents to their spouse or partner. They may also arrange a romantic meal in a restaurant or night in a hotel. Common symbols of Valentine’s Day are hearts\, red roses and Cupid. \nIs Valentine’s Day a Public Holiday?\nValentine’s Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany people celebrate their love for their partner by sending cards or letters\, giving gifts or flowers and arranging meals in restaurants or romantic nights in hotels. People who would like to have a romantic relationship with somebody may use the occasion to make this known\, often anonymously. Valentine’s cards are often decorated with images of hearts\, red roses or Cupid. Common Valentine’s Day gifts are flowers chocolates\, candy\, lingerie and champagne or sparkling wine. However\, some people use the occasion to present lavish gifts\, such as jewelry. Many restaurants and hotels have special offers at this time. These can include romantic meals or weekend breaks. \nPublic Life\nValentine’s Day is not a public holiday. Government offices\, stores\, schools and other organizations are open as usual. Public transit systems run on their regular schedule. Restaurants may be busier than usual as many people go out for an evening with their spouse or partner. Valentine’s Day is also a very popular date for weddings. \nBackground\nThere are a number of Saints called Valentine who are honored on February 14. The day became associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages in England. This may have followed on from the Pagan fertility festivals that were held all over Europe as the winter came to an end. Traditionally\, lovers exchanged hand written notes. Commercial cards became available in the mid nineteenth century. \nSymbols\nThe most common Valentine’s Day symbols are the heart\, particularly in reds and pinks\, and pictures or models of Cupid. Cupid is usually portrayed as a small winged figure with a bow and arrow. In mythology\, he uses his arrow to strike the hearts of people. People who have fallen in love are sometimes said to be ‘struck by Cupid’s arrow. Other symbols of Valentine’s Day are couples in loving embraces and the gifts of flowers\, chocolate\, red roses and lingerie that couples often give each other.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/valentines-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260215
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260216
DTSTAMP:20260403T175535
CREATED:20260107T043715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043715Z
UID:6825-1771113600-1771199999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Maha Shivaratri
DESCRIPTION:Maha Shivratri is an annual festival honoring Shiva\, the Hindu God of destruction. People celebrate by fasting for a whole day and staying awake all night. They also chant hymns and sing devotional songs\, called bhajans. \nIs Maha Shivaratri a Public Holiday?\nMaha Shivaratri is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nIt is a solemn Hindu festival devoted to introspection and meditation. The day reminds worshippers to work towards overcoming darkness and ignorance. \n\nThe Great Night of Shiva\nMaha Shivratri\, which means the great night of Shiva in Hindi and Sanskrit (Maha = great\, Ratri = night)\, is one of 12 Shiv Ratris during the year. The 14th day of the Waning Moon period of every lunar month is devoted to Shiva. These nights are also known as Masik (monthly) or Maas Shivratri. \n\nWhen is Maha Shivratri?\n\nIn South Indian calendars\, it falls on the 14th day (chaturdashi tithi) of the Waning Moon period of the Hindu month of Magha.\nIn North Indian calendars\, Maha Shivratri falls on the 13th and 14th day of the Waning Moon (Krishna paksha) in the month of Phalguna.\n\nWhere is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?\nIn India\, Maha Shivaratri is a Gazetted Holiday\, which means that all central government employees have a day off. Indian states have their own rules about granting the day off. \nIn the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir\, Maha Shivratri is called Herath. Unlike the rest of India\, it is celebrated on the 13th (triyodashi) day of Phalguna. The next day is spent feasting. \nWhere is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?\nIn India\, Maha Shivaratri is a Gazetted Holiday\, which means that all central government employees have a day off. Indian states have their own rules about granting the day off. \nIn the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir\, Maha Shivratri is called Herath. Unlike the rest of India\, it is celebrated on the 13th (triyodashi) day of Phalguna. The next day is spent feasting. \nFasting\, Devotional Songs\, Night-Long Vigils\nMaha Shivratri is celebrated differently in different communities and regions. Devotees usually fast (vrat) for 24 hours and stay awake during the night\, chanting sacred mantras and singing devotional songs called bhajans in praise of Shiva. One of the most repeated chants during the occasion is om Namah Shivaya. \nThey visit Shiva temples to end their fast\, burning incense and bathing the lingam or linga with rose water\, milk\, and honey. This ritual is called puja. The lingam is a phallus-shaped representation of Shiva. \nCannabis and Fairs\nAlthough Maha Shivratri is a solemn holiday\, many Hindus like to celebrate it with lively fairs. Especially towns and villages with temples host these fairs for the believers who come to pray to Shiva. \nA unique tradition associated with the Maha Shivratri celebrations is the consumption of thandai\, a drink made of cannabis (bhang)\, sweet almonds\, and milk. \nWorship Through Dance\nIn many parts of India\, including Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra\, temples organize dance festivals called Natyanjali. During the multi-day festival\, traditional dancers use their art to worship Natraj\, Shiva’s incarnation as the lord of dance. \nThe Many Legends of Maha Shivratri\n\nChurning of the seas (Samudra Manthan): According to one story\, the gods (devas) and demons (asuras) churned the mythical seas to extract amrita\, the nectar of immortality. As they churned\, poison emerged from the sea. To save the world\, Lord Shiva consumed the poison\, which turned his neck blue. Because of this\, he is also often called Neelkanth (blue throat in Sanskrit).\nThe heavenly dance of creation: Some believe that Maha Shivratri is the night when Shiva performed the tandava\, the powerful dance of creation\, preservation\, and destruction.\nShiva’s union with Parvati: In another myth\, Shiva is said to have married Parvati\, on this day after she fasted for him. Parvati is the Hindu goddess of power\, devotion\, and motherhood. Today\, many women follow goddess Parvati’s steps and fast during Shivratri for the long lives of their husbands and sons. Those who are not married\, fast and pray for a devoted husband like Shiva.\nShiva as the punisher: According to some legends\, the festival of Shivaratri commemorates the time Shiva intervened in an altercation between Brahma and Vishnu. Brahma is the God of creation\, and Vishnu is the God of preservation. Angered by their disagreement\, Shiva took the shape of a raging fire. Another story has Shiva cursing Brahma after he fought with Vishnu.\n\nGod Shiva: The Destroyer\nIn Hinduism\, Shiva is one of the three supreme lords\, the other two being Brahma and Vishnu. \nAlso known as Mahadeva\, the great God\, Shiva destroys to create. He is a kind god who lives a simple life on Mount Kailasa. He is also depicted as an angry god who destroys ignorance\, darkness\, and selfishness. His other names include Rudra\, Shankar\, Mahesh\, and Bholenath. \nShiva is often represented as sitting cross-legged with a snake coiled around his neck and his hair piled high with a Crescent Moon in it and the river Ganges flowing from it. On his forehead is his third eye\, which destroys the world when opened. The trident is his weapon of choice. \nIn the Shaivite tradition within Hinduism\, Shiva is the supreme being\, while in Shaktism\, Shiva is seen as inseparable from the goddess Shakti.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/maha-shivaratri-2/
CATEGORIES:Hindu
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