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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240330
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240331
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240819T205859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T210918Z
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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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240330
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240331
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240829T034920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T035554Z
UID:5969-1711756800-1711843199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Doctors' Day
DESCRIPTION:March 30 marks an important occasion in the world of health care—National Doctors’ Day. This annual observance serves as a moment to honor the dedication\, skill and unwavering commitment of physicians in providing high-quality health care to individuals and communities worldwide. \n\n\n\n\nSupporting Physicians\n\n\nNational Doctors’ Day is one way to acknowledge the hard work of our nations’ physicians who deserve support every day of the year. \n\n\n\n\nNational Doctors’ Day has a rich history dating back to 1933 when Charles B. Almond\, MD\, initiated the first celebration in Winder\, Georgia. Since then\, it has grown into a national event recognized and celebrated by health care organizations and institutions across the United States. \nPhysicians play a pivotal role in safeguarding and improving the well-being of patients. Their extensive education\, training and expertise are essential in diagnosing and treating a vast array of medical conditions. Beyond their clinical roles\, doctors contribute significantly to medical research\, innovation and the continuous improvement of health care practices. \nThis day offers an opportunity for health care institutions and patients to express their gratitude and appreciation for the tireless efforts of physicians.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/doctors-day/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240328
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240329
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240325
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240326
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240820T170439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240820T174320Z
UID:5792-1711324800-1711411199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Holi
DESCRIPTION:Holi (Dolyatra\, Doul Jatra\, Basanta-Utsav) is the Hindu festival colors that celebrates the triumph of good over evil\, good harvest\, and fertility. It usually falls in the later part of February or March. \nIs Holi a Public Holiday?\nHoli is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nHoli is celebrated over two days in many areas\, while other areas may celebrate it for longer periods. The festival loosens the normal social restrictions by bringing people together not based on sex\, status\, and/or age. A public bonfire is usually held between 10pm and midnight to commemorate the burning of Holika on the first evening of Holi. Many sing and dance in the street while other are shouting\, cursing and causing general mayhem during the bonfire event. \nMillions of Hindus around the world celebrate Holi with a community festival. Many visit each other’s homes to distribute sweets and greet each other. Men\, women\, adult and children all take part in dances and other cultural programs during Holi. People dress in pure white and gather together in a common place to color each other with gulal\, which are colored powders and other form of dyes. A popular activity is the throwing of water balloons at one another\, sometimes called lola. \nPublic Life\nHoli is a restricted holiday in India\, so government offices and most businesses remain open. Individuals have the flexibility to take time off to celebrate the holiday if they choose. It is not a nationwide public holiday in countries such as Australia\, Canada\, the United Kingdom\, and the United States but some cities may hold large celebrations for the occasion. \nBackground\nHoli was first celebrated as an agricultural festival celebrating the arrival of spring but has now evolved into a time when everyone throws off the gloom of winter and rejoices in the colors and liveliness of spring. The day observes the various events in Hindu mythology and disregards the social norms by participating in the festivities. \nHoli is accompanied by many legends but there are two stories that serve as the origin of Holi traditions. The story of Krishna and Radha is said to be the basis for the ritual of throwing and applying colored water and powder. According to legend\, the young Krishna complained to his mother\, Yashoda that Radha was so fair and he was so dark. Yashoda advised him to apply color to Radha’s face and see how her complexion would change. Thus\, Holi is now become a festival of colors not only to celebrate the coming of spring but also to disregard social norms and to focus on enjoying the festivities. \nAnother legend behind Holi is that an evil king tried to kill his son\, Prahalada\, a devoted follower of the god Vishnu. The king\, Hiranyakashipu\, challenged Prahalada to sit on a pyre and asked (though some believed she was forced) his sister\, Holika\, who the king believed was immune to fire\, to sit with his son in the fire. When the fire started\, everyone watched as Holika burned to death\, but Prahalada survived without any injuries due to his devotion to Vishnu. According to some accounts\, Holika begged Prahalada for forgiveness before her death\, so he promised that the burning of Holika would be remembered every year at Holi. \nSymbols\nThe bonfire represents the burning of Holika\, the triumph of good over evil. All of the dead leaves\, twigs and dirt that is collected during the winter month\, is thrown into the fire to symbolize the evil spirits. The ashes from the bonfire are believed to provide protection against diseases. Different colored powder or gulal\, oils and water represent the arrival of spring and its vibrant colors. \nNote: It is not possible to mention every activity that takes place on this occasion as celebrations vary in different regions. However\, this article provides a general overview of the main celebrations that usually occur during this event. Moreover\, the date in which it is celebrated may vary depending on locations and calendar interpretations. \n 
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/holi/
CATEGORIES:Hindu
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240324
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240325
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
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:20240319
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240320
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240821T185855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T190407Z
UID:5916-1710806400-1710892799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:March Equinox
DESCRIPTION:There are two equinoxes every year: one in March and one in September. In March\, the Sun crosses the equator from south to north. \nSun Crosses Celestial Equator\nThe March equinox is the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator—an imaginary line in the sky above Earth’s equator—from south to north. This happens on March 19\, 20\, or 21 every year. \nWhy Does the Sun Move North and South?\nDuring the course of a year\, the subsolar point—the spot on the Earth’s surface directly beneath the Sun—slowly moves along a north-south axis. Having reached its southernmost point at the December solstice\, it starts moving northward until it crosses the equator on the day of the March equinox. The June solstice marks the northernmost point of its journey. \nThe subsolar point moves north and south during the year because the Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.4° in relation to the ecliptic\, an imaginary plane created by Earth’s path around the Sun. In June\, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun\, and the subsolar point is north of the equator. As the Earth travels toward the opposite side of its orbit\, which it reaches in December\, the Southern Hemisphere gradually receives more sunlight\, and the subsolar point travels south. \nWhy Is It Called “Equinox?”\nOn the days of the equinoxes\, the Earth’s axis is perpendicular to the Sun’s rays\, meaning that all regions on Earth receive about the same number of hours of sunlight. In other words\, night and day are\, in principle\, the same length all over the world. This is the reason it’s called an “equinox\,” derived from Latin\, meaning “equal night.” \nHowever\, this is literal translation not entirely true. In reality\, equinox days don’t have exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of dark. \nThe Equinoxes and the Seasons\nThe March and September equinoxes mark the beginning of the spring and autumn seasons on Earth\, according to one definition. The equinox in March is the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of fall south of the equator. \nMeasuring the Tropical Year\nThe March equinox can be used to measure a tropical year\, the mean time it takes for the Earth to complete a full orbit around the Sun. Also known as a solar year\, a tropical year is approximately 365 days\, 5 hours\, 48 minutes\, and 45 seconds long. It can vary by up to 30 minutes each year. \nWhy Does the Date Vary?\nThe date of the equinoxes and solstices varies because a year in our calendar does not exactly match the length of the tropical year—the time it takes the Earth to complete an orbit around the Sun. \nToday’s Gregorian calendar has 365 days in a common year and 366 days in a leap year. However\, our planet takes about 365.242199 days to orbit the Sun. This means that the timing of the equinoxes and solstices slowly drifts apart from the Gregorian calendar\, and the solstice happens about 6 hours later each year. Eventually\, the accumulated lag becomes so large that it falls on the following date. \nTo realign the calendar with the tropical year\, a leap day is introduced (nearly) every four years. When this happens\, the equinox and solstice dates shift back to the earlier date again. \nOther factors influencing the timing of the equinoxes and solstices include variations in the length of a tropical year and in the orbital and daily rotational motion of the Earth\, such as the “wobble” in the Earth’s axis (precession).
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/march-equinox/
CATEGORIES:Season
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240317
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240318
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240829T034515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T034515Z
UID:5965-1710633600-1710719999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:St. Patrick's Day
DESCRIPTION:St Patrick’s Day\, on March 17\, remembers one of Ireland’s patron saints\, St Patrick. It largely celebrates Irish-American culture in the United States. \nIs St. Patrick’s Day a Public Holiday?\nAlthough St. Patrick’s Day is not a public holiday\, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as Evacuation Day in 2025\, which is a public holiday in Massachusetts. \nCelebrate St Patrick’s Day\nCelebrations concentrate on Irish themed parties\, drinks and food. Many people get into the spirit by dressing in green clothing and eating green colored food. Irish clubs and pubs often hold parties or have special deals. Large street parades mark St Patrick’s Day in places like: \n\nSavannah\nChicago\nBoston\nHouston\nPhiladelphia\nPittsburgh\nDenver\nDetroit\nToronto\nNew York\nNew Orleans\nSeattle\n\nWater is dyed green in public places in some towns. The most notable body of water that was dyed green was the Chicago River in 2005. \nWhat’s Open or Closed?\nSt Patrick’s Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. Schools\, businesses and organizations are open as usual. Public transport systems run on their regular schedules. There may be some local disruption to traffic due to St Patrick’s Day parades. This is particularly true in cities with a large Irish-American population\, including New York\, New Orleans and Seattle. The parades may be on or around March 17\, so it is a good idea to check local sources for the exact location\, date and time. \nAbout St Patrick’s Day\nSt Patrick is one of Ireland’s patron saints and many Americans with Irish ancestry remember him on March 17. Patrick’s Day is fixed on March 17\, but may occasionally be moved by Catholic Church authorities. This happened in 1940\, so that the celebrations would not fall on Palm Sunday\, and in 2008 to avoid Holy Monday\, the last Monday before Easter Sunday. \nSymbols\nThe most common St Patrick’s Day symbol is the shamrock. The shamrock is the leaf of the clover plant and a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Other symbols include: \n\nAlmost anything green.\nThe green\, orange and white flag of the Republic of Ireland.\nBrands of beer associated with Irish culture.\n\nReligious symbols include snakes and serpents. Other symbols seen on St Patrick’s Day include the harp\, which was used in Ireland for centuries\, as well as the leprechaun and a pot of gold that it hides.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/st-patricks-day/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240312
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240313
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240821T162033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T162302Z
UID:5878-1710201600-1710287999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Ramadan Starts
DESCRIPTION:Ramadan (also known as Ramadhan or Ramzan) is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a period of prayer\, fasting\, charity-giving and self-accountability for Muslims in the United States. The first verses of the Koran (Qu’ran) were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (also written as Mohammad or Muhammed) during the last third of Ramadan\, making this an especially holy period. \nIs Ramadan (first day) a Public Holiday?\nEven though Ramadan (first day) falls on Saturday\, March 1\, 2025\, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nRamadan is a month of fasting for many Muslims in the United States. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars (fundamental religious duties) of Islam. It is a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion. \nPeople of Islamic faith are encouraged to read the entire Qur’an during Ramadan. Some Muslims recite the entire Qur’an by the end of Ramadan through special prayers known as Tarawih\, which are held in mosques every night of the month\, during which a section of the Qur’an is recited. Ramadan is also a month for acts of charity. Some Islamic centers and organizations actively take part in charity events and activities such as giving basic necessities\, including food and clothing\, to the homeless or donating school equipment to schools. \nSome schools for students of Islamic faith may hold special events to welcome Ramadan. Some school authorities may issue requests on or prior to Ramadan\, asking staff members at all schools within a district to help Muslim students perform their fasting ritual. \nPublic Life\nMany Islamic businesses and organizations may amend opening hours to suit prayer times during Ramadan in the United States. There may also be some congestion around mosques during prayer times\, such as in the evenings. \nBackground\nRamadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar\, which consists of 12 months and lasts for about 354 days. The word “Ramadan” is derived from an Arabic word for intense heat\, scorched ground and shortness of food and drink. It is considered to be the most holy and blessed month. Fighting is not allowed during this period. \nThe month of Ramadan traditionally begins with a new moon sighting\, marking the start of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Many Muslims (except children\, the sick and the elderly) abstain from food\, drink\, and certain other activities during daylight hours in Ramadan. This is considered as the holiest season in the Islamic year and commemorates the time when the Qu’ran (Islamic holy book) is said to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. This occurred on Laylat Al-Qadr\, one of the last 10 nights of the month.  Ramadan ends when the first crescent of the new moon is sighted again\, marking the new lunar month’s start. Eid-al-Fitr is the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/ramadan-starts/
CATEGORIES:Muslim
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240310
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240311
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240819T220750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T220750Z
UID:5735-1710028800-1710115199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Daylight Saving Time starts
DESCRIPTION:Also called Spring Forward. \nMost of the United States observes daylight saving time (DST)\, the practice of setting the clock forward by one hour when there is longer daylight during the day\, so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. Exceptions include Arizona (except for the Navajo\, who do observe daylight saving time in the Navajo Nation)\, Hawaii\, and the territories of American Samoa\, Guam\, the Northern Mariana Islands\, Puerto Rico\, and the United States Virgin Islands. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established a uniform set of rules for states opting to observe daylight saving time. \nIn the U.S.\, daylight saving time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November\, with the time changes taking place at 2:00 a.m. local time. With a mnemonic word play referring to seasons\, clocks “spring forward\, fall back”—that is\, in springtime the clocks are moved forward from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. and in fall they are moved back from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Daylight saving time lasts for a total of 34 weeks (238 days) every year\, about 65% of the entire year.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/daylight-saving-time-starts/
CATEGORIES:Clock Change
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240308
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240309
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240820T170040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240820T170111Z
UID:5789-1709856000-1709942399@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/
CATEGORIES:Hindu
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240302
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240303
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240829T034056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T034621Z
UID:5963-1709337600-1709423999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Read Across America Day
DESCRIPTION:Many people in the United States\, particularly students\, parents and teachers\, join forces on Read Across America Day\, annually held on the first school day closest to March 2. This nationwide observance coincides with the birthday of Dr Seuss on March 2\, who is known for writing children’s books. \nIs Read Across America Day a Public Holiday?\nRead Across America Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nRead Across America Day promotes reading\, particularly for children and young adults.  Many schools\, libraries\, and community centers across the United States participate in the day by bringing people together to take part in reading books. Various reading activities and events are held across the country on this day. For example\, some students take part in a Read Across America channel designed to showcase student and educator videos around the country. Others make reading pledges\, organize book fairs\, or read aloud to groups of people. \nPublic Life\nRead Across America Day an observance and is not a federal public holiday in the United States. \nBackground\nIn 1997 an organization known as the National Education Association (NEA)\, pushed for a special day to celebrate reading throughout the United States. This idea proved to be a popular one so it was not long before the first Read Across America Day was held on March 2\, 1998. This nationwide observance coincides with the birthday of Dr Seuss (Geisel)\, an American writer best known writing children’s books. Some of his books include Green Eggs and Ham\, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!\, and The Cat in the Hat. \nThe NEA represents about 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers\, higher education faculty\, education support professionals\, school administrators\, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.  It provides resources and activities for educators\, parents\, and children. \nSymbols\nRead Across America calendars and other promotional material for Read Across America Day show images of activities associated with reading\, learning\, literacy and other elements of education.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/read-across-america-day/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240301
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240302
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240827T055250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240827T055250Z
UID:5960-1709251200-1709337599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Employee Appreciation Day
DESCRIPTION:Bosses across the United States have the chance to support\, thank and reward workers on Employee Appreciation Day on the first Friday in March. \nIs Employee Appreciation Day a Public Holiday?\nEmployee Appreciation Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nAppreciate your staff\nEmployee Appreciation Day is a non-official day and there’s no real authority on what needs to be done\, but if you’re a boss and want to show your team just how much you appreciate them\, you could try out some of these ideas: \n\nTreat your staff to breakfast\, lunch or snacks.\nHost an office party or an after-work get-together for your staff.\nGive workers some of the day off.\nOrganize an outdoor team building exercise\, like a tug-of-war or an fun office quiz.\nTake fun pictures and post them on the company social media pages to show the world just how much you care!\n\nWhat’s Open or Closed?\nBusinesses carry on as usual on Employee Appreciation Day. It is an observance in the US\, but not a public holiday. \nGood people are hard to find\nKnown in the US as the “Guru of Thank You”\, Dr. Bob Nelson\, a founding member of the Recognition Professionals International (RPI) (previously NAER- National Association for Employee Recognition)\, had the honor of kick starting the first Employee Appreciation Day in 1995. \nTraining new staff is costly\, and employers use all manners of techniques to boost worker morale and help retain employees and their valuable expertise. Employee Recognition is a large industry in its own right\, and there are university studies dedicated to organizational behavior all over the world.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/employee-appreciation-day/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240301
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240302
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240827T055000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240827T055000Z
UID:5957-1709251200-1709337599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:St. David's Day
DESCRIPTION:Many Americans of Welsh origin annually celebrate the life of Wales’ patron saint\, St David on March 1. It is also a time to people to remember the Welsh culture and to appreciate their Welsh origins. The Welsh flag is often seen during celebrations on the day\, as well as daffodils or leeks pinned to clothing. \nIs St. David’s Day a Public Holiday?\nEven though St. David’s Day falls on Saturday\, March 1\, 2025\, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany people with Welsh ancestry or ties celebrate St David’s life and the Welsh culture in the United States. Some people may attend a special St David’s Day church service while others may cook a nice meal to share with friends or family. Meals may include herbed lamb chops\, Welsh pot bread\, or Caerphilly Crumble. \nMany groups may organize special events or parties that may include carrying the flag of Wales\, dressing in traditional costumes\, and wearing daffodils or leeks on clothing. The Welsh flag\, a red dragon on a white and green background\, is displayed prominently and a festive mood prevails. \nPublic Life\nSt David’s Day is not a public holiday in the United States. However\, it is a day of celebration so some community groups\, schools\, and businesses may have a special program for the day. \nBackground\nSt David is the patron saint of Wales. He plays a very important role in Welsh culture but little is known about his life. St David’s Day was recognized officially as the national day for people of Welsh origin in the United States in 2003. The Empire State Building was floodlit in the Welsh national colors\, which are red\, green and white\, on March 1 that year. An article on St David’s Day in the United Kingdom covers more information about St David’s Day’s origins and symbols.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/st-davids-day/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240301
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240302
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240813T181658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T174146Z
UID:5678-1709251200-1709337599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:First Day of Irish American Heritage Month
DESCRIPTION:Is First Day of Irish American Heritage 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.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/first-day-of-irish-american-heritage-month/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240219
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240220
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240819T224151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T224215Z
UID:5752-1708300800-1708387199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Presidents' Day
DESCRIPTION:The federal holiday on the third Monday of February is called Washington’s Birthday\, while several US states celebrate it as “Presidents’ Day” (spellings vary). The holiday creates a long weekend. \nFederal Holiday: These Services Are Closed\nPresidents’ Day (officially “Washington’s Birthday”) is a federal holiday in the United States on the third Monday in February. Because it is a federal holiday\, federal services\, such as US Postal Service post offices\, are closed on Presidents’ Day. Some schools close as well\, especially in the DC area. Private businesses are usually open\, as well as private mail and delivery companies. Public transport often operates on a Saturday schedule. \nWhy Is Presidents’ Day on a Monday?\nPresidents’ Day is celebrated on a Monday to create a long weekend—initially only for federal employees. The holiday has only been celebrated on a Monday since 1971 when the US Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The act moved three federal holidays from their original dates to a Monday: Washington’s Birthday (originally February 22)\, Memorial Day (originally May 30)\, and Veterans Day (originally November 11\, and moved back to that date in 1978). \nWashington’s Birthday or Presidents’ Day?\nIt all started with Washington’s Birthday. In 1885\, the US Government decided to honor the first US president\, George Washington\, with his own federal holiday: Washington’s Birthday. It was celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday*\, February 22. In 1885\, this day was a Sunday. \nAlmost one hundred years later\, in 1971\, the US Congress changed the date for Washington’s birthday celebration to the third Monday in February to create a three-day weekend. Congress never changed the name—federally\, the holiday is still called “Washington’s Birthday.” \nThe naming differences become clearer when you look at the state holidays. Several US states introduced their own state holidays with different names: \n\n7 states and DC call it “Washington’s Birthday” or “George Washington Day.”\n5 states use some combination of Washington and another president\, usually Lincoln.\n4 states use Washington and “Presidents’ Day” in their title.\n24 states use “Presidents’ Day” in some variation—eleven use “Presidents’ Day” (plural)\, ten call it “President’s Day” (singular)\, and three simply use “Presidents Day.”\n10 states do not celebrate the day at all.\n\nSo both “Presidents’ Day” and “Washington’s Birthday” are correct. Today\, most people use “Presidents’ Day” as the name for this holiday. \nIs Presidents’ Day a Public Holiday?\nPresidents’ Day or Washington’s Birthday is a federal holiday in all US states. Federal employees will usually have a day off from work. 41 US states have instituted a state holiday on the same date\, usually called “Presidents’ Day” or “Washington’s Birthday” or some variation thereof. State holidays are not necessarily public holidays\, they can be observances as well—please check with your local state rules and regulations to see if Presidents’ Day is a public holiday in your state. \n\n* George Washington was born February 11\, 1731\, however\, when the British colonies changed their calendar from Julian to Gregorian in 1752\, Washington’s birth date became February 22\, 1732.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/presidents-day/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240214
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240215
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240827T054652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240827T054652Z
UID:5954-1707868800-1707955199@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/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240214
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240215
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240213
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240214
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240827T054410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240827T054410Z
UID:5951-1707782400-1707868799@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/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240211
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240212
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240821T185743Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T185743Z
UID:5913-1707609600-1707695999@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/
CATEGORIES:Sporting Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240210
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240211
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240827T053415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240827T053415Z
UID:5948-1707523200-1707609599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Lunar New Year
DESCRIPTION:Many people in countries such as the United States celebrate Lunar New Year\, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year. It marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar. \nIs Lunar New Year 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. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany individuals and communities\, particularly Chinese communities\, in the United States take part in the Lunar New Year celebrations\, which can last for days. Lunar New Year celebrations in the United States have\, over the years\, included activities and events such as: \n\nLunar New Year parades featuring colorful costumes\, floats\, firecrackers and other attractions.\nVarious dances\, including lion and dragon dances.\nChinatown fun runs or walks.\nBalls and pageants.\nStreet fairs.\nFirework displays.\n\nSome organizations may hold special contests or make announcements to coincide with Lunar New Year. For example\, some newspapers or magazines may announce the top 10 Chinese restaurants in a city or town on Lunar New Year. It is customary for many Chinese-American families to spend time together and exchange gifts\, including money wrapped in red and gold packages that are usually given to children. \nPublic Life\nLunar New Year is not a federal public holiday in the United States. It is a legal observance in California as of 2015. However\, some Chinese businesses may be closed on the day or amend their business hours to take part in the Lunar New Year festivities. There may be heavy traffic and some streets may be closed in towns or cities where Lunar New Year celebrations are held. \nBackground\nAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau (Census 2000: Chinese Largest Asian Group in the United States; March 4\, 2002)\, the Chinese comprised more than 20 percent of the 11.9 million people who identified themselves as Asians in the United States’ Census 2000. That translates into 2.7 million reporting as Chinese – the largest Asian group in the United States. \nChinese historical organizations in the United States can trace the arrival of the Chinese in North\, Central and South America as far back as the 1600s. Many Chinese immigrants settled in the United States during the 19th century. With immigration\, came Chinese traditions and events such as Lunar New Year\, which is now largely celebrated in many communities across the United States. \nSymbols\nLunar New Year has various symbols and traditions. For example\, flowers are an important part of New Year decorations. Writings that refer to good luck are often seen in homes and business environments. They are usually written by brush on a diamond-shaped piece of red paper. Tangerines and oranges are also displayed in many homes and stores as a sign of luck and wealth. \nEnvelopes with money (Hong Bao\, Ang Pao\, or Lai See) often come in the color red\, which symbolizes happiness\, good luck\, success and good fortune. These envelopes are mainly given as presents to children. Each Lunar New Year is associated with an animal name for one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/lunar-new-year/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240208
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240209
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240821T161708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T161723Z
UID:5875-1707350400-1707436799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Isra and Mi'raj
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/
CATEGORIES:Muslim
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240204
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240205
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240821T003308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T003458Z
UID:5870-1707004800-1707091199@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/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240202
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240203
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240827T053036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241103T034235Z
UID:5945-1706832000-1706918399@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-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240202
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240827T052637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240827T052637Z
UID:5942-1706745600-1706831999@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/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240202
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240813T010907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240813T011331Z
UID:5675-1706745600-1706831999@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.\nBlack 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/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240115
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240116
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240819T223533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T224256Z
UID:5748-1705276800-1705363199@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/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240114
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240115
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240821T185327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T185327Z
UID:5910-1705190400-1705276799@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/
CATEGORIES:Orthodox
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240107
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240108
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240821T185044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T185044Z
UID:5907-1704585600-1704671999@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/
CATEGORIES:Orthodox
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240106
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240107
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
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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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240102
DTSTAMP:20260403T223120
CREATED:20240819T223115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T224245Z
UID:5745-1704067200-1704153599@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/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed
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