US National Archives
Nara: Congress Establishes Thanksgiving
From the National Archives, an essay on the establishment of the American holiday of Thanksgiving as a legal holiday starting with the original proclamation in 1789 celebrating it on different days or months up to the 1941 resolution...
Read Works
Read Works: The Anthems of America
[Free Registration/Login Required] This five-page PDF nonfiction passage "The Anthems of America" focuses on the traditions of July 4th and the origin of the anthems of America including "The Star- Spangled Banner. It is followed by 10...
Louisiana Department of Education
Louisiana Doe: Louisiana Believes: Social Studies: Grade 2: Festivals
Second graders develop and express claims through discussions and writing that explain why Louisiana cultural events are significant.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: All About the Holidays
We celebrate many holidays but have you ever wondered how the tradition began? Find out through a collection of short, fun and informative videos about Christmas, Columbus Day, Halloween, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, President's Day, Ramadan,...
Youngzine
Youngzine: Asia to Welcome Year of the Rooster
Find out about the Chinese calendar, or the Lunar Calendar, and the celebrations that accompany this tradition.
Other
The Good News: Would Jesus Keep Easter?
An article discussing the true meaning of Easter and the commercialized version of Easter. Article is from a Christian magazine.
New Advent
Catholic Encyclopedia: Pentacost
A detailed description of Pentecost according to the Roman Catholic Church. Includes information on the celebration of Pentecost, its meaning, and traditions that are associated with Pentecost. Please note that ?The Catholic...
Other
Christmas in Russia
Russia's Christmas is celebrated on January 7th as part of the Festival of Winter. Gifts are given by Babushka and Grandfather Christmas.
Mex Connect
Mexconnect: Pascua: Easter Holy Week in Mexico
Explanations and illustrations that convey how Easter is celebrated in Mexico.
Other
Morgen Krueger Ltd: Interfaith Calendar
This site displays information regarding the holy days and religious festivals of religions from around the world. Links to external sites take you to calendars dedicated to specific faith traditions. Calendars formatted for printing are...
New Advent
Catholic Encyclopedia: The Easter Cycle
A description of Easter and its importance in the liturgical celebrations of the Catholic Church. A great overview of the meaning and message of Easter. Please note that The Catholic Encyclopedia is a historic reference source and should...
Other
Why Christmas: Christmas Cultures Around the World
A look at the different traditions and ways Christmas is celebrated around the world. Experience Christmas from Australia to Zambia, Italy to China, and many more countries.
Crayola
Crayola: Kwanzaa Symbol Strips (Lesson Plan)
Use this activity from Crayola as part of your Kwanzaa celebration. The lesson plan incorporates social studies and visual arts as students learn to create the traditional Adinkra weaving patterns used on Kente cloth. Combine several...
A&E Television
History.com: 7 Latin American Holiday Traditions
Holidays in Latin America celebrate faith, family and community in a festive, sometimes whimsical, style. Traditions range from waking people up with Christmas songs in the middle of the night to sculpting massive radishes to burning...
A&E Television
History.com: Who Was St. Patrick?
A profile of the life of St. Patrick considers the many legends surrounding him. With related information and video clip about the day (March 17) celebrated in his honor, St. Patrick's Day traditions, and the symbols associated with him.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Art on an Egg
CommonLit.org is a wonderful resource to use in a Language Arts classroom. Each story or article is accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. In addition, students can click on words to see...
A&E Television
History.com: Dreaming of a White (House) Christmas: 17 Photos
Christmas at the first residence has evolved from an understated, intimate affair in 1800 to an all-out media event.
New Advent
Catholic Encyclopedia: Devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ
Explains the traditional Catholic devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ, which is celebrated in solemnity on Good Friday. Please note that ?The Catholic Encyclopedia? is a historic reference source and should be viewed in the context...
Curated OER
Unesco: Russian Federation: Church of the Ascension, Kolomenskoye
The Church of the Ascension was built in 1532 on the imperial estate of Kolomenskoye, near Moscow, to celebrate the birth of the prince who was to become Tsar Ivan IV ('the Terrible'). One of the earliest examples of a traditional wooden...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Raphael Sanzio
Raphael Sanzio, usually known by his first name alone (in Italian Raffaello), (April 6 or March 28, 1483 - April 6, 1520), was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance, celebrated for the perfection and grace of his...