Discover some fun facts and historical trivia about all your favorite national days of the year.
The Year of the Rabbit traits are characteristics that are common for those born under the sign of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac calendar. Are you gentle, elegant and skillful? If so, you may have Rabbit zodiac traits! The Year of the Rabbit happens once every 12 years. It plays a part in the…
If you’ve ever had hot cross buns, you know how delicious they are. However, do you know the history of hot cross buns at Easter, and the meaning and symbolism they hold for the holiday? When you think of Easter, images of hot cross buns, the Easter bunny, Easter eggs, Easter lilies and pastel colors…
When we hear the name Cupid, images of Valentine’s Day, cubby winged babies, and true love come to mind. However, in the story of Daphne and Apollo, Cupid plays a much more sinister role. While Cupid is not the star of the Apollo and Daphne story (as he is in the story of Cupid and Psyche)…
As Christmas is quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to talk about poinsettias. Let’s celebrate this beautiful plant by learning facts about poinsettias, and discovering more about the history, origin and symbolism and meaning of the poinsettia. During this time of the year, poinsettias are all around! They’re featured on Christmas cards, painted on ornaments,…
Let’s talk about cranberry facts. Other than being the main ingredient in a Thanksgiving side dish, what do you know about this tasty fruit? Get ready to brush up on your facts about cranberries! Have you ever wondered things like “how do cranberries grow”, “can you eat raw cranberries”, and “where do cranberries grow”? If so,…
As we enter the Halloween season, you’re going to notice pumpkins are everywhere! Check out the interesting facts about pumpkins below to learn more about this symbol of Halloween. Pumpkins are so popular, they have not just one, but several national days of the year dedicated to them! In addition to learning some fun pumpkin…
When you think of Halloween, you probably think about Halloween parties, pumpkin carving and fun costumes. Let’s dive a little deeper and learn more about the meanings behind Halloween spirituality. I love all of the fun things that come with how we celebrate this holiday, but I was curious to find out more about the…
The Chinese zodiac features 12 animal signs which happen in order over a 12 year period. These Chinese zodiac signs date back more than 2000 years. They are commonly featured in Chinese New Year traditions and celebrations. These zodiac animal signs are also one of the symbols of Chinese New Year. These zodiac signs play…
What do carnations and US presidents have in common? Read our post on National Carnation Day to learn the answer, plus more carnation facts! Whether you love learning fun facts about history, or you just love how beautiful carnations are, National Carnation Day is for you. Did you know that National Carnation Day isn’t the…
Year of the Ox traits are characteristics that are common for those born under the sign on the ox in the zodiac calendar. Are you reliable, conscientious and strong? If so, you may be an ox! The Year of the Ox happens once every 12 years. It played a part in the Chinese New Year…
The history of gingerbread spans many centuries and continents. Read on to learn about the evolution of this traditional Christmas treat. Did you know that the second Saturday in December is a food day set aside each year as National Gingerbread Decorating Day? It is one of many gingerbread-themed national days that we honor each…
It’s time for the debate, candy apple vs caramel apple, what’s the difference and which is better? Let’s learn their histories and attributes. Like gingerbread cookies, candy and caramel apples are traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season each year. Apples are a staple of fall, so you’re sure to see them around this time of…
We all love to kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas. But have you ever wondered why we do this during the holidays? The history of mistletoe actually goes back centuries. What a month this is going to be! Did you know that there are over 150 national days in December to celebrate? December 1st is…
Have you heard about the vinegar and water melting ice trick? Does it really work? For many of us here in the U.S. there is a lot of snow. That means that, more often than not, when you go outside in the morning, your car will be covered in snow and ice. Wouldn’t it…
These snowy winter photos show the majesty of the cold months. For me, winter is a time of reflection. I think back on the year that has passed and ahead to the one which is yet to come. As the days get shorter and so much colder, I hunker down and do things that I…
Each year during the festive season, our homes get decorated with all manner of holiday greenery. Believe it or not, there are documented traditions of Christmas greenery that have been passed on through the years. Whether it be holly and ivy, Christmas trees of fir or spruce, Mistletoe balls and sprigs, or other forms of…
Have you ever wondered about the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday? Both the United States and Canada celebrate Thanksgiving but the traditions are rooted in very different origins. This post is about the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, but if you want to learn more about the history of the United States Thanksgiving, check out this post on the…