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Is there an excessive swarm of frivolous “national” holidays?

You could fill a library with all the holidays!

The more we look at holidays, the more they seem to be everywhere! They’re like a never-ending party, popping up every other day, ready to take us away from the monotony of our daily lives.
We can celebrate a different dessert each day, celebrate a different saying each day, celebrate the buttons on your neighbors’ dogs’ jacket. Where does it end?
But have you ever taken a step back and wondered how some holidays got their name, why they exist, and what they stand for?

Why “national”?

For starters, the term “national holiday” is a bit of a misnomer, particularly in today’s interconnected world.
Many of these holidays originated in the USA, where the idea was that these holidays were celebrated across the nation.
But with the rise of global communication and travel, these holidays have spread far beyond the borders of the USA. Yet, the name remains the same, making it seem a bit outdated.

The legendary calendar of “holiday hoarding”:

The reason that many “national” holidays come from the USA is caused by a source that cannot be ignored in the history of fun holidays. This source is “Chase’s Calendar of Events”

“Chase’s Calendar of Events”,  originally compiled by the brothers William and Harrison Chase, is a comprehensive reference guide that lists various events, holidays, observances, and anniversaries that occur throughout the year.
It was first published in 1957 and is considered a valuable resource for journalists, event planners, marketers, and others who need to keep track of the many events that take place throughout the year.
Since its first edition, many people have submitted their holidays to the Chase brothers and that’s how the list got longer and longer every year.

This calendar of events is still updated even though the Chase brothers have retired in the 180ies.
“Chase’s Calendar of Events” has since then been passed on to Contemporary Books in Chicago and has been acquired by Bernan Press since 2015.
Today, Chase’s Calendar of Events is still one of the largest go-to references for special events, holidays, observances, and more. Each spring, new entries are submitted to join the more than 12,500 items in each year’s edition.

So, why not start calling these not-so-national holidays “international holidays”?

After all, when a holiday is celebrated across the world, isn’t it more accurate to refer to it as international? This shift in perspective would better reflect the true reach and impact of these holidays.

Frivolous waste or life enrichment?

Despite the sheer multitude of this horde of holidays, let’s not forget the purpose behind these holidays.
Why were so many holidays created in the first place? Were they just an excuse to get a day off work or did they have a deeper meaning?
Holidays, no matter how big or small, provide us with an opportunity to reflect on important events, historical figures, and even current issues. They offer a break from our daily routine and help us see the world from a different angle.

So, the next time you celebrate a holiday, take a moment to appreciate why it exists. Consider its impact, both past and present, and whether the term “national” still applies. And if it’s a global celebration, don’t be afraid to call it an “international” holiday.

Holidays, no matter how obscure or strange, play a significant role in our lives.
They bring variety and encourage us to reflect on important topics.
So, let’s embrace the weird and obscure holidays of history with open arms, a smile, and a curious mind.

Wild Calendar