Every year on October 31, children walk door to door collecting candy while wearing costumes. The custom feels old and familiar, but it has a real history. Trick or treat did not appear overnight. It...
Category - Holidays
How Columbus Day Became Two Different Holidays in America
Columbus Day began as a national tribute to exploration and heritage. Over time, it split into two holidays—one honoring discovery and one recognizing Indigenous history.
The Real History of Father’s Day: From 1910 to Today
Every June, many of us pause to honor the fathers in our lives—the ones who taught us how to change a tire, tied our fishing lines, and maybe even showed us how to be brave in the quietest of ways...
Memorial Day: Honoring Sacrifice and Remembrance
Memorial Day is a significant day in American history, holding a special place in the hearts of many. Understanding its origins, traditions, and evolution can deepen our appreciation for this day of...
Why does Easter’s date change?
Is it confusing for you to determine when Easter is going to be every year? You're not alone. Most people would have no idea if they didn't consult their calendars or the Internet. But, there is a...
Do You Have St. Patrick’s Day Traditions?
St. Patrick’s Day is an important Irish holiday, and has been for centuries. It is celebrated a little differently in Ireland than in the rest of the world. Here are some common Irish St. Patrick’s...
Valentine’s Day and Our Ancestors
Do you enjoy sending Valentine’s Day cards to those you love and admire? So did your ancestors. Here is a little bit about the history of the tradition of sending Valentine’s Day cards, and how the...
Thanksgiving: A Journey Through History
On this wonderful day of gratitude, togetherness, and thankfulness for all that our Lord has given us, I thought it would be the perfect time to explore the rich history of Thanksgiving and discover...
Do You Know the History of Veterans Day?
Do you know the history of Veterans Day? Since our nation celebrates it on November 11, we should all know how the holiday originated. Here are the details.
Father’s Day: A Tale of Tradition, Tragedy, and Triumph
Father’s Day actually has roots going back to the early Middle ages, just after the fall of the Roman Empire in Europe. Churches celebrated a version. But, it took until the 1970s for it to become a...
A Tribute to the Fallen: James Garfield’s Decoration Day Address
Remembering James Garfield's powerful Decoration Day address at Arlington National Cemetery and honoring the fallen Union soldiers who sacrificed for our country.
Russian Christmas Traditions You Should Know
If you have Russian heritage, you will be interested in learning about Russian Christmas traditions. These traditions help connect you to your Russian ancestors of today and of long ago. You might...
The History of the Christmas Tree
Christmas trees are an expected part of Christmas now, but how did they come to occupy such a special place in the Christmas celebrations of the western world? Some believe the answer can be found...
Christmas Traditions and Genealogy
What clues do your family's Christmas traditions hold to your genealogy? Heres how to use traditional Christmas customs around the world in genealogy research.
French Christmas Traditions
France has a variety of unique and interesting Christmas traditions. Some are unique to France, while others are borrowed or adapted from other cultures. They all have unique meanings. Learning about...