holidays
Why Easter is called Easter, and other little-known facts about the holiday
By Brent Landau — April 13, 2017
The naming of the celebration as “Easter” seems to go back to the name of a pre-Christian goddess in England, Eostre, who was celebrated at beginning of spring.
The ’Splainer: What is Epiphany?
By Kimberly Winston — January 5, 2017
(RNS) You thought the holidays were over. Technically, no — not until Jan. 6, when Christians all over the world celebrate Epiphany.
Hanukkah overlaps with Christmas this year. But why not every year?
By Josh Hafner — December 21, 2016
Hanukkah begins this year on Dec. 24, a.k.a. Christmas Eve. Why does it move around the calendar from year to year?
The ‘Splainer: Passover, the most beloved Jewish holiday
By Lauren Markoe — April 22, 2016
(RNS) Slaves, plagues, wine and matzo.
The ‘Splainer: Who was St. Patrick, and would he drink green beer?
By Kimberly Winston — March 17, 2016
(RNS) March 17 is St. Patrick's Day. But was there a real St. Patrick? Did he drive the snakes out of Ireland or use the shamrock to explain the Trinity? Why should this fifth-century priest be remembered at all? Let us 'Splain.
Holiday movies in theaters tap into spiritual side of season
By Kimberly Winston — December 25, 2015
(RNS) A crop of December movies have strong religious themes, both Christian and Jewish, and there are a few for the skeptical and the atheist as well.
How to welcome atheist kids home for the holidays (COMMENTARY)
By August Brunsman — December 23, 2015
(RNS) It's more important than ever for parents to appreciate that their atheist children are still good people who deserve their support.
Asian holiday added to New York City’s school calendar
By Reuters — June 24, 2015
The Lunar New Year joins a slate of Christian, Jewish and Muslim holy days when public school students will have a day off to celebrate.
Public schools can avoid ‘War on Christmas’ tussle in school holiday calendar (COMMENTARY)
By J. Brent Walker — December 4, 2014
(RNS) Refusing to identify the religious reason for the days off does not solve the problem and only invites unfounded criticism of hostility to Christmas and the other religious holidays.
The delicate politics of school holidays (COMMENTARY)
By Hussein Rashid — November 14, 2014
(RNS) Inclusion on the school calendar is an important symbol of belonging. Muslims want to be part of that narrative as well.
A celebrity photographer’s faith-driven cause
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — December 23, 2013
(RNS) Each year, the nonprofit Help-Portrait pulls together professional photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists to spend one Saturday taking free portraits of people who normally can't afford it.
Muslims say they deserve school time off for holidays, too
By Omar Sacirbey — October 14, 2013
(RNS) For many Muslim families and students, getting Eid al-Adha as an official school holiday isn't just about equity and sparing students the hassle of make-up work, but connecting with their religious identity.
Video: Gov. Rick Perry on religious freedom
By Sally Morrow — June 17, 2013
Gov. Rick Perry says "the holidays are coming early this year," as he signs a bill that allows Texas public school students and staff to use traditional holiday greetings and display religious scenes and symbols on school property.
For many, holy days have become family ‘holidays’
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — March 29, 2013
(RNS) In the gap between faith and practice, millions of Americans will delight in Easter and Passover as "holidays," not "holy days."
Page 2 of 2
