Holiday And vacation?
The words
holiday or vacation have related meanings in different English Speaking countries and continents, but will usually refer to one of the following activities or events:
- A general leave of absence from a regular occupation for Rest or Recreation
- A specific trip or journey for the purposes of Recreation/tourism
- Official or unnofficial observances of religious/national/cultural/other significance, often accompanied by celebrations or festivities (public/religious holiday)
A holiday or vacation trip/break will often be undertaken during specific holiday observances, or be made for specific festivals or celebrations. Certain religious holidays may be of a more sombre nature. Vacation or holidays are often used as a time to spend with friends or family.
Longer breaks from a career or occupation also exist, such as a sabbatical,gap year or career break.
Holiday?
Holiday is a contraction of holy and day, holidays originally represented special religious days. This word has evolved in general usage to mean any special day of rest (as opposed to regular days of rest such as the weekend).
Vacation?
In the United Kingdom the word "vacation" referred specifically to the long summer break taken by the law courts (and later universities)—a custom introduced by William the Conqueror from Normandy where it was intended to facilitate the grape harvest. The French term is similar to the American English: "Les Vacances." The term derives from the fact that, in the past, upper-class families would literally move to a summer home for part of the year, leaving their usual family home vacant.
Types of holiday (observance)
Consecutive holidays ?
Consecutive holidays are a string of holidays taken together without working days in between. They tend to be considered a good chance to take short trips. The common vernacular has seen the inclusion of the term "holiday junction" as an expression of when two holidays recombine. In late 1990s, the Japanese government passed a law that increased the likelihood of consecutive holidays by moving holidays from fixed days to a relative position in a month, such as the second Monday. Well-known consecutive holidays include.
Religious holidays?
Several holidays are linked to faiths and religions. Christian holidays are defined as part of the liturgical year. The Catholic patronal feast day or 'name day' are celebrated in each place's patron saint's day, according to the Calender of saints. In Islam, the largest holidays are Eid and Ramadan,Hindus,Jains and Sikhs observe several holidays, one of the largest being Diwali (Festival of Light). Japanese Holidays contain references to several different faiths and beliefs. Celtic, Norse, and Neopagan holidays follow the order of the Wheel of the Year. Some are closely linked to Swedish Festivities. There are also many well known Jewish Holidays. The Baha'i Faith observes holidays as defined by the Baha'i calender.
National holidays?
Several sovereign nations and territories observe holidays based on events of significance to their history.
Secular holidays?
Several secular holidays are observed, both internationally, and across multi-country regions, often in conjunction with organisations such as the United Nations. Many other days are marked to celebrate events or people, but are not strictly holidays as time off work is rarely given.
Unofficial holidays?
These are holidays that are not traditionally marked on calendars. These holidays are celebrated by various groups and individuals. Some are designed to promote a cause, others recognize historical events not recognized officially, and others are "funny" holidays, generally intended as humorous distractions and excuses to share laughs among friends.
Northern Hemisphere winter holidays?
The winter months in the Northen Hemisphere see the observance of many holidays considered a season, often accompanied by festivals and feasts. The winter holiday season is known as a period of time surrounding Christmas that was formed in order to embrace all cultural and religious celebration rather than only Christian celebrations. Usually, this period begins near the start of November and ends with New Year's Day on January 1. The holiday season is usually commercially referred to with a broad interpretation, avoiding the reference of specific holidays like Hanukkah or Christmas. Traditional "holiday season" festivities are usually associated with winter, including snowflakes and wintry songs. In some Christian countries, the end of the festive season is considered to be after the feast of Epiphany , although this is only within the Christian creed. Winter holiday greetings are traditionally a part of the winter holiday season.