Ancient Holidays

Ancient holidays have are generally far older than the modern Church or State and their connections with these entities are complicated at best. While still observed as religious holidays by some pagan communities, they are most widely celebrated as non-religious, yet joyous events that promote feelings of unity, goodwill, and wellbeing. The pagan symbolism of the holidays generally remains openly and widely acknowledged, however. The Church may have co-opted some symbols and the state may support events to mark these days, but rarely will modern religious, military, or state symbolism be a major part of the celebration. Thus, these holidays are difficult to class as either religious or secular but remain often powerful expressions of cultural pride and identity.

Navruz, Nooruz, Nowruz: The Ancient Spring New Year of Central Asia

Navruz is a spring solstice celebration that marks the beginning of the New Year according to the traditional Persian calendar. It has been a beloved holiday for some 3,000 years, surviving cultural change caused by centuries of tumultuous history. It was once celebrated on the vernal equinox but is now celebrated on the set date […]

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