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Secular holidays are very often designed by the state or have been co-opted by the state. These holidays often revolve around the founding of country or the adoption of its national symbols (such as a constitution or flag) or on its military. Others focus on remembering those who fell or suffered in major wars or revolutions. And still others will celebrate causes that the people and state believe have come to represent a major part of what defines that people and state. All of this helps build a sense of civic identity and cohesion within a society. Also included in this category is discussion of birthday traditions in Eurasia, which are a relatively new (within the last 200 years or so) addition to the calendar.
Russia Day is one of the country’s newest holidays and many are still at a loss as to how it should be celebrated. However, the holiday already accomplishes what most holidays are meant to accomplish: it reflects the culture’s relationship with its own past and present. June 12th was originally named “Russian Independence Day,” marking […]