Welcome to Holidaypedia

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

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

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

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

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

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

*source: wikipedia: Groundhog Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Human Rights Resource Center

photo credit: riacale via flickr

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