Holidays revitalize the spirit and give the body a boost so it can function more effectively. In order to respect our cultures and understand the worth of traditions, we either observe or celebrate holidays with our loved ones. Why do we observe holidays, and what are the major holidays that are observed in US? These are the major points that will be covered in this article. Apart from this, we shall also know which are paid holidays and which are not.
1. What does Observed mean?
The past tense and or the past simple of observe are combined to form the word observed. Observed means to closely observe something that occurs or something that someone does, especially to gain more knowledge about it.
In other words, observed means something noticed or seen or come into the existence of someone. For instance, Mrs. Padmaja observed Raina climb over the gate. So, what is the meaning of observe a holiday and why do we observe holidays? The observed holidays are set by the government to celebrate some events, e.g any major festival in a country. (Also Read What Time Hanukkah Candlelight to be Lit)
2. What is the Meaning of Observe a Holiday?
When a public holiday is observed but not necessarily on the anniversary date of the event, this is known as an Observe a Holiday.
As an illustration, if July 4th which is Independence Day falls on a Saturday, it is observed as a holiday on a Friday prior. Observances, on the other hand, are occasions for remembering, raising awareness of, and celebrating things that don’t typically include days off from work, such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Father’s Day. Why do we observe holidays? To know this we have to read the next excerpt of this article. (See Why is Memorial Day a Holiday)
3. Why do We Observe Holidays?
Well to get out of our mundane monotonous life. However, that is not all, let us understand why do we observe holidays in more detail here:
- We observe certain holidays because of our religious convictions.
- There are customs and occasions that we still observe now that had their origins in earlier times and may very well do so in the future.
- Although it’s not uncommon for religious festivals to receive contemporary twists. The intricacies of these are typically influenced by sacred texts and time-honored customs such as Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.
- We do celebrate many days, though, just because they are worthwhile.
- The holidays we are accustomed to nowadays frequently revolve around concepts, occasions, characters, and themes that have influenced our culture and made us who we are. A day set aside in their honor seems reasonable, right?
- Because we want to have fun, this is why do we observe holidays.
- These holidays pause the pace of the year and bring families and communities closer together.
- Without vacations, our weeks would merge into years of unremarkable mediocrity.
- Bright red hearts that adorn department stores in February and blinking lights that are strung on lampposts in December give us a sense of belonging to something bigger than ourselves.
- Get-togethers and barbecues are less common in this world than they were decades before.
Holidays bring people together in a society where people ask their neighbors for sugar or bake a cake when someone moves to the block. All these reasons are responsible for why do we observe holidays. (Also Read Calendar 2022)
4. What does it Mean when a Holiday is Observed for Work?
Why do we observe holidays at work? Well, generally we don’t, as when a holiday is observed at work, it is a paid holiday that the government and employers have agreed upon which is a form of reward.
New Year’s Eve, Washington’s birthday, or any other holiday might be used as a day off. Check out What is Amazon Holiday Pay?
5. What is the Difference between Celebrating and Observing a Holiday?
Since you know why do we observe holidays, take a look at what is the difference between celebrating and observing a holiday given below:
- A holiday is only celebrated if it is actively observed.
- Therefore, you can celebrate Christmas by eating and enjoying a big fat lunch, exchanging gifts with one another, singing holiday songs, and so forth.
- Observing a holiday is knowing that today is the holiday in question, but not necessarily doing anything for it.
- Although having a day off work is good, you might just spend it watching TV, cleaning the house, or driving about just to discover that all the stores are closed.
- Having said that, the Australian practice of observing a holiday on the next working day if it occurs on the weekend may have influenced this opinion.
So, while explaining what is the difference between celebrating and observing a holiday, take this example, if New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, everyone who wants to will watch fireworks and sing Auld Lang Syne on a Saturday evening. However, there will still be a holiday on Monday, January 2nd. (See When is National Hug a Girl Day)
6. Does Observed mean Day Off?
Businesses that shut down on federal holidays are not required to compensate their staff for the day off, and those that remain open are not compelled to pay staff more for regular working hours. Check out Do People in Mexico Celebrate Cinco De Mayo?
Generally speaking, holidays are treated like regular workdays, and employees are paid according to their standard hourly rates.
- When a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the university observes it on the Friday before or the Monday after.
- For instance, because July 4th falls on a Saturday in 2015, the university will be closed on Friday, July 3rd.
- Actual or recognized holidays have little to no effect on most employees’ timesheets.
- According to California law, employers are not required to give their workers paid holidays, shut down their operations on holidays, or give their workers the day off for any specific holiday.
7. What is Observed in July?
As read above, Independence Day is observed in July. Apart from this, World Population Day, National Doctors Day, Canada Day, National Youth Day, World Day for International Justice, International Nelson Mandela Day, and the launch date of Chandrayaan 2 are just a few of the significant occasions that occur in July.
For instance, every year on July 28th, World Nature Conservation Day is commemorated to raise awareness of how important a healthy environment is to current generations as well as to a stable and productive society. Our natural resources must be safeguarded, conserved, and sustainably managed- this is the common pledge we all follow and take on world conservation day. (See How many Days until June 20th?)
8. How many Holidays are Observed in the US?
The United States, like other countries, designates several days each year to remember people, events, or societal milestones. These days are typically observed by a general halt to business and work activity, as well as by public and/or religious ceremonies.
Although technically the United States does not observe national holidays, Congress has set aside 10 legal public holidays during which the majority of federal offices are closed and most employees are permitted time off.
To give employees a long holiday weekend, some of these have been established on Mondays since 1971 as opposed to specific dates. (Also Read What is the Average Amount of Workdays in a Month)
9. What are the Major Holidays that are Observed in US?
Along with discussing why do we observe holidays, you know that very few holidays are observed in the US.
11 days and other significant days that Americans recognize, honor, and regard as federal holidays in the calendar year are included in the list of US federal holidays.
There are eleven federal holidays in the US, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. Certain rules are adhered to guarantee that all federal holidays are honored and celebrated nationwide. Federal personnel observes holidays on Friday before if they fall on a Saturday. In a similar vein, if the holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed the Monday after. (See Is Halloween the Largest Commercial Holiday in the US?)
10. What is an Observed Holiday in UK?
In the year 2022, the UK has 15 public holidays. In the UK, bank holidays are commonly used to describe public holidays. In the United Kingdom, public holidays that include religious and cultural holidays are observed. However, there are bank holidays, which are preserved as rest days under the Bank Holidays Act of 1871.
A few of the UK’s bank holidays fall during vibrant local celebrations like Burn’s Night, which is a wonderful opportunity to experience the best regional British cuisine. It’s crucial to note that the four UK nations observe slightly distinct national holidays. As an illustration, Northern Ireland has two additional vacations than England. These are St. Patrick’s Day and the Boyne Valley Battle of 1690 Anniversary. (See How to Respond to Eid Mubarak?)
11. What does Observed Holiday mean in NZ?
Besides wondering why do we observe holidays, note that the 11 public holidays stipulated by the Holidays Act 2003 must be recognized by employers in New Zealand. When it comes to public holiday compensation, these 11 days each year might be confusing for businesses.
The 11 days relate to the 10 fixed dates that are celebrated on an annual basis across the nation, plus the anniversary day of the province where the employee is employed.
New Year’s day, Day after New Year’s Day, Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, ANZAC Day, Queen’s Birthday, Labour Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day are the major holidays. Check out the 4 Interesting Black Friday History Myths and Facts.
12. What is an Observed Holiday in Canada?
The celebrated holidays in Canada are comparable to those in the US and the UK, with a few minor differences in terms of rules and preferences. A legal holiday is one that the government has declared to honor a significant occasion. The law requires a company to give employees a break on these days.
Canada only has two authorized national holidays: Victoria Day and Canada Day. Provincial governments determine additional legal holidays. Nine paid holidays are granted annually under the Canada Labour Code. Employees are given the day off, with pay, on a government holiday. A statutory holiday has been established by federal, territorial, or provincial law. They are paid days off for employees (See What is Eight-day Jewish Festival?)
13. How Christmas is Observed?
In the early 20th century, Christmas is developed into a secular family holiday that was celebrated by both Christians and non-Christians starting from December 25 through January 5, with January 5 being designated as Twelfth Night.
Carol services are sometimes included in church services. Midnight Mass is a Christmas Eve liturgy that some Christians attend. Visiting the church and reciting hymns are common views during this time. Giving and receiving gifts and cards are common Christmas traditions. These reminded us of Jesus’ initial gift to humanity by this. People gather and share meals along with decorating the tree and house. Children wait for Santa and his gifts and they enjoy themselves to the fullest during that week. (Also Read What Does Merry Christmas mean?)
