| Note: Underscored words will link to other sites with additional information. |
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| Early Christians often gathered on the "name-day"of a saint - usually the date of his/her
death. Originally held at a shrine or gravesite, many of these gatherings eventually evolved into festivals in
honor of the saint, thus becoming known as "feast days." Frequently they were also linked with traditional
pagan festivals. For example, Lupercalia and St. Valentine
Day; Imbolc and St. Brigid's Day. Churchs, towns, guilds all had patron saints and held celebrations on their saint's feast day. The custom continues throughout the world. In Greece, and other predominantly Eastern Orthodox countries, few people celebrate their birthdays, but almost everyone celebrates their name day (the name they are baptized with). So on St. George's Day, everyone named George is entitled to celebrate. Honoring a particular saint and the spirit and values he/she represents can be a creative way to connect with family, friends, or simply oneself. Write a note to a great teacher on St. Ita's Day...make a donation to an feline rescue organization on St. Gertrude's Day...give your dog a special treat and/or a massage on St. Roch's Day...take your mother out to dinner on St. Martha's Day... Below are great sources of information and ideas. We welcome your suggestions. |
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  List
of Feast Days Alice's Medieval Feasts & Fasts Saint of the Day from American CatholicThe Worldwide Holiday and Festivalguide (primarily for travelers) |
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Irish Culture and Customs is a great source of information and fun, including recipes. A labor of love by Bridget
& Russell Haggerty (Bridget has also published a book on The Traditional Irish Wedding).Holidays from around the world (especially for families)Starting New Holidays: the importance of establishing "new traditions" for "families in transition |
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 The image at the top of the page is just one of many from the free Medieval Renaissance Food Clip Art collection. A great resource - recipes and much more. |
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 Discover Yourself: From the "Comfort Queen," includes "Spiritual Homemaking" and "Soulful
Lifestyle |
Some Simple
Seasonal Celebrations for
kids and/or yourselfThe Spiritual Sanctuary provides an extensive multicultural calendar with a reason to celebrate virtually every
day |
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  We welcome your suggestions for celebrations |
 Didn't quite get around to sending that greeting card, throwing
that party, commemorating that special event? St. Expeditus (the procrastinator's patron saint), provides inspiration, insight, free e-cards and even "Postponed-It" notes. The Cyber Hymnal offers over 3,600 hymns and Gospel songs from many denominations.
Free lyrics, scores, MIDI files, pictures, history, and more |
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