Graybridge Malkam is pleased to provide you with a list of upcoming holidays and celebrations from a variety of cultures.
Graybridge Malkam is pleased to provide you with a list of upcoming holidays and celebrations from a variety of cultures.
While we do recognize this cannot be a comprehensive list, we hope to assist with reflection upon and celebration of the diversity and richness of the world’s cultures. The calendar lists holy days, cultural festivals, national heritage days, history months, and UN days, etc. Important religious days are also highlighted for scheduling purposes.
January 2023
January 1: New Year's Day – Canada and many other countries
This is the celebration of the New Year according to the Western calendar.
January 2: Day after New Year’s Day – Albania and many other countries
Some countries observe a second public holiday for New Year’s celebration.
January 2: Berchtold’s Day – Liechtenstein and Switzerland
The holiday commemorates Duke Berchtold V, who founded Bern, the capital of Switzerland.
January 3: Memorial Day of the Fallen in the Estonian Liberation War – Estonia
Estonia remembers the lives lost during the Estonian Liberation War (also known as the Estonian War of Independence).
January 4: World Braille Day – Canada and many other countries
The system created by Louis Braille forms the basis of a remarkable communications tool.
January 6: Epiphany / Three Kings Day – Christianity
Baptism of the Lord; story of the three kings who brought gifts to Christ.
January 7: Christmas – Orthodox Christian
Following the Gregorian calendar; preceded by the Eve of the Nativity of Jesus Christ on January 6.
January 9: Coming of Age Day – Japan (National Holiday)
All young people who turn 20 years old this year are celebrated. The age of 20 is considered the beginning of adulthood.
January 11: Sir John A. Macdonald Day – Canada
Commemorates Canada’s first Prime Minister and one of the architects of the Confederation.
January 13: Lohri – Hinduism/Punjab
Bonfire festival celebrated in Punjab to mark the change from winter hours of sunlight.
January 14: Pongal – South India, Sri Lanka
Rice Festival & Thanksgiving: Pongal is a rice pudding that is ceremoniously cooked from the newly harvested rice; it is celebrated in mid-January, but exact dates vary by region.
January 14: Orthodox New Year – Orthodox Christian
Celebrated as the first day of the new year as per the Julian calendar.
January 15: World Religion Day – Bahá’í
Bahá'í sponsored day dedicated to the unity and oneness of all world religions.
January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day – United States
Commemorates the leader of the Afro-American rights movement in the USA.
January 22: Lunar New Year
Lasts 2 weeks; it is customary to get new clothes or give presents of cash in red envelopes (the colour red is considered lucky). 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit.
January 24: International Day of Education
Originally proclaimed by the UN General Assembly, the observation aims to bring awareness to the importance of education for peace and development.
January 26: Australia Day – Australia, United States
Commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Britain. Today, the day gives Australians the opportunity to reflect upon what it means to be Australian, the history that shapes the nation, and the brighter future that the country has to look forward to.
January 27: International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
Also known as Holocaust Memorial Day, this is a day to commemorate the millions of Jews and minority groups who were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust in the 1930s and 40s.
January 27: Family Literacy Day – Canada
Family Literacy Day seeks to bring awareness to the importance of reading and writing in children. It aims to encourage parents and caregivers to promote reading and writing.
February 2023
Black History Month
Festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present.
February 2: Groundhog Day – Canada, United States
Marks the midway point between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox.
February 5: Lantern Festival – China, Taiwan, South Korea
Marks the last day of the Chinese New Year; a legend speaks of a village where every person lit a lantern to cover the tracks of a young girl trying to escape life as a concubine.
February 4: World Cancer Day
Aims to save lives by raising awareness and educating the population about cancer. The day also serves to pressure governments and individuals to take action in order to prevent, treat and control cancer.
February 6: International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation
An observance promoted by the United Nations. The organization aims to raise the awareness of the female genital mutilation issue. According to the UN, over 200 million girls and women that are alive suffered from genital mutilation.
February 11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Created by the United Nations with the goal of recognizing the achievements of women and girls in science.
February 14: Valentine’s Day
Legend says that a priest named Valentine was martyred on this day for secretly marrying couples in 269 A.D.
February 15: National Flag Day – Canada
The flag symbolizes to Canadians what is best about Canada; the Maple Leaf flag was first raised in 1965.
February 15: Lantern Festival – China, Taiwan, South Korea
Marks the last day of the Chinese New Year; a legend speaks of a village where every person lit a lantern to cover the tracks of a young girl trying to escape life as a concubine.
February 20: Family Day – Canada (AB, BC, NB, ON, SK)
This holiday celebrates the importance of families and family life for people and their communities.
February 20: Heritage Day – Canada (Nova Scotia)
This is a time for Canadians to explore and celebrate their own personal heritage. In Alberta, Heritage Day is celebrated on the first Monday in August. Yukon celebrates Heritage Day on the last Friday in February.
February 20: Louis Riel Day – Canadian Indigenous Peoples (Manitoba)
Until 1885; Riel was the political leader of the Métis. He led a rebellion against the Canadian authorities and was charged with high treason, found guilty and sentenced to death. His name is a symbol for Native independence.
February 20: Islander Day – Canada (PEI)
Seeks to allow Canadians to enjoy a day off in celebration of family and local community on Prince Edward Island.
February 20: Presidents Day – United States
A day to honour George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and all past Presidents of the United States.
February 21: International Mother Language Day – United Nations
Aims at promoting linguistic diversity and multilingual education as well as raising awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions.
February 22: Ash Wednesday
The first day of Lent and the period when Christians begin their 40 days of fasting and penitence leading up to Easter Sunday..
February 22: Pink Shirt Day – Canada
Pink Shirt Day aims to raise awareness of bullying by wearing a pink shirt. According to Canadian Institutes of Health Research, about 1 in 3 students in Canada have reported being bullied.
February 27: Clean Monday – Eastern Orthodox
Lent begins according to the Julian calendar; also called the Great Fast; it is a period of preparation for the Holy Week and Pascha (Easter).
March 2023
March 2: Alá/The Bahá'í Fast – Bahá'í
Begins at previous sundown; a 19-day fast begins, marking the final month in the Bahá'í calendar and in preparation for the New Year.
March 3: World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day seeks to celebrate the world’s plants and animals while raising awareness of issues that impact wildlife.
March 7: Purim – Judaism
Celebration of the deliverance of the Jewish minority in Persia from genocide; celebrated by fancy-dress costumes and specific cakes called hamantaschen.
March 7: Lailat al Bara’ah – Islam
A night of prayer to God for forgiveness of the dead and preparation for Ramadan through intense prayer; not universally observed.
March 8: Holi – Hinduism/Sikhism
Spring Festival also known as the festival of colours. It is celebrated with fun and games and people spray coloured water on each other.
March 8: International Women’s Day
Established in 1977 by the United Nations, this special day provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to advance women's equality rights and status.
March 13: Commonwealth Day – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa
In 1931, the former British colonies of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa decided to join Britain in the creation of the Commonwealth of Nations. Commonwealth Day serves to promote Commonwealth issues and core values.
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day – Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador
St Patrick is known for converting “pagan” Ireland of the 5th century to Christianity.
March 20: Ostara – Wicca
Spring Equinox, and the welcoming of spring and the goddess-as-maiden. Dependent upon the specific timing of the equinox.
March 20: Naw Ruz – Bahá’í, Zorastrianism, Iran, Afghanistan, Kurdish
New Year; observance of spring equinox symbolizing spiritual growth and renewal.
March 21: World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day aims to raise awareness of what the syndrome is, and how people with Down Syndrome can be as active as any other member of the community.
March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination – United Nations
On March 21, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws." The day was proclaimed in 1966.
March 22: Ramadan begins – Islam
One of the Pillars of Islam begins and lasts until April 20. This is the holiest time of the Islamic Year. Muslims fast between dawn and sunset for the entire month. It is a time of abstinence and contemplation.
March 24: International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
A United Nations sponsored holiday, this date honors Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was a defender of Human Rights and was murdered on March 24th of 1980. Besides honoring the memory of Romero, the observance also pays tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for human rights.
March 25: Annunciation
Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be Mother of the Son of God.
March 30: Ram Navami – Hinduism
Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Rama, hero of the religious epic poem, The Ramayana. Temples are decorated and the Ramayana is recited for ten days.
March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility
Aims to raise awareness of the transgender people, achievements, its community, and abolish transphobia.
April 2023
April 1: April Fool’s Day – North America, most of Europe
Originates supposedly from confusion and rejection produced by the change from the Julian to the Gregorian Calendar in the 16th century France/Europe. This moved the New Year period (March 25 - April 1) to January 1.
April 2: World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day seeks to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and improve the lives of those currently living with autism.
April 6: Passover – Judaism
Eight-day celebration of the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. The Jewish day begins at sundown, so all Jewish holidays begin a day before the date at sundown.
April 6: Holy Thursday – Christianity
Commemorates the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples before he was arrested and crucified. It is celebrated in the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant churches.
April 7: Good Friday – Christianity
Christian remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus and the events, which led to it; followed by Easter (April 9), celebrating the resurrection of Christ.
April 7: World Health Day – World Health Organization
Since 1995 each year the WHO selects a different focus for the celebrations.
April 9: Easter Sunday – Christianity
Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, whose death was observed on Good Friday. One of the most important days of the Christian calendar.
April 10: Easter Monday – Christianity
The Monday following Easter, observed as a holiday in some countries. Two disciples met Jesus while walking to the village of Emmaus.
April 13: Passover – Judaism
End of the eight-day celebration of the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt.
April 13: Holy Thursday– Orthodox
Commemorates the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples before he was arrested and crucified. It is celebrated in the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant churches.
April 14: Good Friday – Orthodox
Remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus and the events, which led to it; followed by Easter (April 16), celebrating the resurrection of Christ.
April 14: Vaisakhi – Hinduism, Sikhism, Bangladesh, Canada
Marks the spring harvest; greetings to wish one a good life are exchanged. For Sikhs, the day commemorates the founding of the Sikh Brotherhood. (Determined by the Nanakshahi calendar)
April 16: Pascha/Easter – Orthodox
Commemorates Jesus’ resurrection three days after his crucifixion and death. Determined by the Julian calendar.
April 17: Equality Day – Canada
Marks the date when one of the equality provisions (Section 15) was included and enforced in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
April 18: Yom Ha Shoah
Jewish Holocaust Day; observed by many non-Jews as well.
April 21: Eid al Fitr – Islam
End of Ramadan; three-day Islamic celebration marking the end of Ramadan; festival of thanksgiving to God for commemorating the month of Ramadan.
April 22: Earth Day – International
Earth Day is celebrated as the birth of the environmental movement.
April 26: Administrative Professionals Day – United States, Canada
Recognizes the contributions people in administrative positions make to organizations.
April 28: National Day of Mourning – Canada
Observed annually on April 28th, the National Day of Mourning commemorates workers who have been injured, killed or suffer illness because of occupational accidents and hazards.
May 2023
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
Asian Heritage Month
Acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada.
Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
Promotes awareness of early detection and prevention of communication disorders and seeks to increase the public’s sensitivity to the challenges faced by individuals experiencing them.
May 1: Vappu Day – Finland
Street carnival related to St. Walpurgis (an English missionary to Germany); this is one of the many versions of Labour Day celebrations across the globe.
May 3: World Press Freedom Day – United Nations
Marked by the UNESCO on May 3, with an international conference on media and press freedom, in conflict areas of the world.
May 5: Wesak – Buddhism
Buddhists celebrate the birthday of Buddha – dates vary between early April and late May.
May 14: Mother’s Day – incl. United States, Canada, most of Europe, China
Origins go as far back as ancient Greek culture, where it was a spring festival dedicated to Rhea, the mother of the gods.
May 18: Ascension Day – Protestant, Roman Catholic
Commemorates the day that Jesus ascended into Heaven after spending 40 days appearing to his disciples after his resurrection.
May 21: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development – United Nations
To increase understanding of the values of Cultural Diversity; to move from Diversity to Pluralism.
May 22: Victoria Day – Canada
Queen Victoria’s birthday was declared a holiday in 1845; the U.K. celebrates it in June.
May 22: National Patriots’ Day – Quebec
Officially commemorates the patriots of Lower Canada who struggled for democratic institutions in the early 19th century; formerly known as Fête de Dollard.
May 29: Memorial Day – United States
This is the day for Americans to honour the dead. Originally a day on which flags and flowers were placed on graves of soldiers who died in the American Civil War, it has become a day on which the dead of all wars and all other dead are remembered the same way.
June 2023
Gay and Lesbian Pride Month
Celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community.
National Indigenous History Month
Canadians celebrate National Indigenous History Month to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is also an opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous communities.
June 3: Dragon Boat Festival – China, Hong Kong, Taiwan
Honours the poet Chu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest of social injustice in 277 B.C. Dragon Boat races are held in Canada throughout June and July.
June 4: Shavuot – Judaism
Celebration of Moses' descent from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments.
June 12: Pentecost – Eastern Orthodox
God the Holy Spirit came to the disciples in the form of tongues of fire and rushing wind. This is a traditional day for baptism and confirmation.
June 19: Father’s Day – incl. Canada, United States
Honours the contribution of fathers to the family unit.
June 20: World Refugee Day – United Nations
Designated by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in 2000.
June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day – Canada
Established in 1996, this day provides an opportunity to learn more about the diverse Canadian Indigenous cultural heritage.
June 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day – France, Quebec
He is the patron saint of French-Canadians; a provincial holiday in Quebec.
June 27: Multiculturalism Day – Canada
Day of learning more about the contributions that various communities make to Canadian society and to celebrate Canada’s richness and diversity.
July 2023
July 1: Canada Day – Canada
Formerly known as Dominion Day because on July 1, 1867 the British North America Act proclaimed, “one Dominion under the name of Canada.”
July 4: Independence Day – United States
In 1776, the 13 colonies proclaimed their separation from England and formed the United States of America.
July 6: Dalai Lama’s Birthday – Tibet, Buddhism
Born in 1935, Tenzin Gyatso was recognized at the age of two as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama; he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on global human rights in 1989.
July 9: Martyrdom of the Bab – Baha’i
Ali Mohammed, the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh, and Prophet-Founder of the Babi Faith (Bahá’í Faith), was executed in 1850 by Persian political and religious powers; observed by abstaining from commerce and work.
July 9: Eid-Al-Adha – Islam
In remembrance of Abraham and the sacrificial offering of his son Ishmael. Meat is given to the poor.
July 11: World Population Day – United Nations
The United Nations Population Fund dedicates a specific theme every year.
July 14: Bastille Day – France
This day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, which led to the end of the monarchy.
August 2023
August 1: Fast in Honour of the Holy Mother of Jesus – Eastern Orthodox
14-day fasting period in preparation for the celebration of the Great Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
August 7: Civic Holiday – Canada
The first Monday in August is a holiday across Canada, but the holiday is named differently in different areas. It is not recognized in Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut and the Yukon.
August 13 - 15: Obon Day – Japan/Buddhism
Honours deceased ancestors; also celebrated in Vietnam and China with varying customs. In some regions in Japan it is celebrated July 13 - 15.
August 15: Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary/Dormition of the Theotokos– Christianity/Eastern Orthodox
Commemorates the happy departure of Mary from this life, and the assumption into heaven.
August 30: Raksha Bandhan – Hinduism
Honours the loving ties between brothers and sisters in a family.
September 2023
Muscular Dystrophy Month
Raises awareness of Muscular Dystrophy — an inherited condition that affects the muscles of the body. The term refers to a group of different conditions that cause progressive weakness of the muscles.
September 4: Labour Day – Canada, United States
Honours organized labour and its contribution to Canadian society; a statutory holiday observed throughout Canada and the U.S.
September 6: Krishna Jayanthi – Hinduism
Hindu commemoration of the birth of Krishna — the 8th incarnation of the God Vishnu.
September 15 - 17: Rosh Hashanah – Judaism
Jewish New Year; anniversary of the creation of the world; symbols of this holiday are apples and honey for a sweet new year.
September 16 - October 3: Oktoberfest – Germany
Originally a horse race to celebrate a Bavarian King’s marriage in 1810, it has become an annual cheerful gathering of beer drinkers with international spin-offs including in Ontario, Canada.
September 17: Terry Fox Run – Canada
In 1980, Terry Fox ran across Canada on an artificial leg to raise money and awareness for cancer research; he called it his Marathon of Hope. The run takes places every year, on the second Sunday in September after Labour Day.
September 23: Autumn Equinox – Wicca
Observance of the change of seasons.
September 24 - 25: Yom Kippur – Judaism
The Day of Atonement is the holiest of all days in the Jewish Year, with fasting and prayer.
September 29 - October 6: Sukkot – Judaism
Feast of Tabernacles; which celebrates the harvest and the protection of the people of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness dwelling in tents.
September 29: Harvest Moon Festival – China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea
Families and friends gather to enjoy the full moon, a symbol of promise for abundance, of harmony and luck.
October 2023
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women; on average 407 Canadian women will be diagnosed every week.
Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
Raises awareness of one of many invisible disabilities.
Islamic History Month
Recognizes the important contributions of Canadian Muslims to Canadian society, and the cultural diversity of the Canadian Muslim community.
October 1: International Day for Older Persons – United Nations
Recognizes contributions of seniors and draws attention to the fact that the world’s population is aging.
October 1-7: Mental Illness Awareness Week
It takes place every year during the first full week of October. During this week mental health advocates and organizations across North America work together to sponsor a variety of events such as art/music, advertising campaigns to promote community outreach and public education concerning mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia.
October 9: Columbus Day – United States
This day commemorates Italian navigator Christopher Columbus' landing in the New World on October 12, 1492.
October 9: Thanksgiving – Canada
Throughout history humanity has celebrated the bountiful harvest with thanksgiving ceremonies. Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday in October; observance of the day began in 1879.
October 10: World Mental Health Day
The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
October 23: Chung Yeung Festival – China, Taiwan, Hong Kong
Pays tribute to ancestors; often includes a visit to the cemetery.
October 24: Diwali – Hinduism, Sikhism (determined by the Nanakshahi calendar)
Festival of Lights; happiest festival of the Hindu calendar. At night countless oil lamps are lit to guide Rama on his way home from his period of exile. For Sikhs, Diwali celebrates the release from prison of the guru Guru Hargobind.
October 31: Halloween – Canada, United States
The Hallowed Evening is the night before All Saints Day.
November 2023
November 11: Remembrance/Veterans Day – Canada, United States, France
Honours the soldiers who were killed in World War I and II.
November 13: World Kindness Day
Encourages us to look beyond ourselves, beyond the boundaries of a country, beyond culture, race, religion; and realize we are all citizens of the world.
November 16: International Day of Tolerance – United Nations
The appreciation of diversity, the ability to enjoy one's rights and freedoms without infringing on those of others, tolerance has always been considered a moral virtue; this day was designated to be a reminder.
November 19: International Men’s Day
Celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. It highlights positive role models and raises awareness of men’s well-being. One of the six pillars of International Men’s Day is to improve gender relations and promote gender equality not only for men but for women too.
November 20: National Child Day – Canada
Commemorates the United Nations' adoption of two documents centered on children's rights: the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1959, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989. The "Child Day Act" outlines human rights to which children, under the age of 18, are entitled by law. This Act promotes awareness and teaches children that they have rights, like adults do, under the law.
November 23: Thanksgiving Day – United States
The holiday dates back to 1621, the year after the Puritans arrived in Massachusetts, determined to practise their dissenting religion without interference. After a rough winter, in which about half of them died, they turned for help to neighbouring North American Indians, who taught them how to plant corn and other crops. The next fall's bountiful harvest inspired the Pilgrims to give thanks by holding a feast.
November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
The goal of this day is to achieve equality, development, and peace. It aims toward the fulfillment of women and girls’ human rights.
November 28: Nativity Fast – Eastern Orthodox
Also known as “Little Lent”; the fast is observed from November 28 to January 6, inclusively. This is done in preparation of the nativity of Christ.
December 2023
Universal Human Rights Month
Commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations on December 10, 1948.
December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities – United Nations
Celebrates and acknowledges the experience and capabilities of people with disabilities since 1992.
December 6: St. Nicholas Day – including Austria, Belgium, Netherlands and Eastern Europe
Known as the protector of children, he distributes gifts for children; he is the Santa Claus of these countries.
December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women Canada
Commemorates the tragic event when on this date in 1989, a young man opened fire on a group of female engineering students in Montreal's École Polytechnique, killing 14 women.
December 7: Hanukkah – Judaism
Jewish Festival of Lights; the Menorah, which contains eight candles, is lit – one candle for each night of Hanukkah. Commemorates an ancient miracle.
December 10: International Human Rights Day – United Nations
Established in 1948 to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
December 16-24: Las Posadas – Mexico
Pilgrims go door-to-door asking for shelter, which commemorates Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay before Mary gave birth to Jesus.
December 24: Christmas Eve – Christianity, Eastern Orthodox
Parts of the world have their Christmas dinner and gift exchange with a celebration prior to midnight.
December 25: Christmas/Feast of the Nativity – Christianity, Eastern Orthodox
Celebrating the birth of Christ; Eastern Orthodox celebration dates vary according to Julian and Gregorian calendars.
December 26: Boxing Day – Canada, Jamaica, Bahamas, UK
In the past, this was the day when churches opened their alms boxes and distributed the contents to the poor.
December 26-31: Kwanzaa – United States, Africa
An African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense.
December 30: Hogmanay – Scotland
Fire ceremonies, torch light processions, fireball swinging, and lighting of New Year fires play an important part in the Hogmanay celebrations. Hogmanay's roots reach back to the animistic practice of sun and fire worship in the deep mid-Winter. This evolved into the ancient Saturnalia, a great Roman Winter festival, where people celebrated completely free of restraint and inhibition. The Vikings celebrated Yule, which became the twelve days of Christmas.