Holidays in April 2024:
Festivals and Holidays Around the World

Location: China, South Korea, and Vietnam
Date: April 3rd
Status: Cultural holiday
Purpose: The festival is commemorated to honor ancestors and seek blessings for good fortune, prosperity, and protection from misfortune

History of the Holiday: In China, fires can start easily in dry early spring due to thunderstorms. The ancients held sacrificial ceremonies, during which fires were extinguished and materials from the previous year were burned. They later chopped wood to make a new fire for the new year. During the break days, people ate cold food, or hanshi in Chinese

Traditions and Symbols: Families gather to pay respects to their ancestors by preparing elaborate feasts, burning incense, and offering food, fruits, and other items at ancestral altars. Lanterns are lit to guide the spirits of ancestors back to the underworld after their brief visit

Location: Celebrated globally
Date: April 7th
Status: World Health Day is a significant event recognized by the World Health Organization
Purpose: The primary purpose of World Health Day is to raise awareness about pressing health issues and promote healthier lifestyles and access to healthcare for all

History of the Holiday: Established by the WHO in 1948, World Health Day commemorates the founding of the organization and serves as an opportunity to draw attention to specific health topics of global concern. Each year, a different theme is chosen to address a particular aspect of public health. The theme for World Health Day 2024 is 'My health, my right'

Traditions and Symbols: On World Health Day, various events are organized to educate individuals about health-related issues such as disease prevention, vaccination, mental health, and access to healthcare services. The WHO often releases reports and guidelines on the chosen theme, and communities engage in activities like health screenings, workshops, and fundraisers to support health promotion efforts globally

Location: The Last Day of Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims worldwide
Date: April 9th, 2024
Status: Religious
Purpose: The Last Day of Ramadan signifying the end of fasting and a time of gratitude and renewal of faith

History of the Holiday: Ramadan is based on lunar sightings, and its conclusion is determined by the sighting of the new moon. The Last Day of Ramadan, also known as Eid al-Fitr, has been celebrated for centuries as a time of joy and thanksgiving, dating back to the early days of Islam

Traditions and Symbols: On the Last Day of Ramadan, Muslims gather for special prayers known as "Eid prayers" held in mosques or large open spaces. It is customary to wear new clothes and apply perfume on this day as a symbol of renewal and purification. The crescent moon, symbolizing the start and end of Ramadan, is often used as an emblem of Eid al-Fitr

Location: Celebrated globally, particularly in schools, workplaces, and communities worldwide
Date: April 10th, 2024 (Observed annually on the second Wednesday of April)
Status: Cultural holiday
Purpose: The International Day of Pink aims to promote diversity, inclusion, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or background

History of the Holiday: The International Day of Pink originated in Canada in 2007 when two high school students organized a protest in support of a gay student who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. Since then, the movement has gained momentum internationally, with individuals and organizations worldwide participating in activities to combat bullying and discrimination

Traditions and Symbols: On this day, people wear pink clothing to symbolize solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ rights and to stand against bullying. Schools and workplaces often organize events such as rallies, discussions, workshops, and fundraisers to raise awareness and promote inclusivity and acceptance

Location: Celebrated by Jewish communities worldwide
Date: April 22nd - April 30th, 2024
Status: Religious
Purpose: Passover serves to retell the story of the Exodus, reinforcing the values of freedom, faith, and resilience within the Jewish faith and fostering a sense of identity and connection to history

History of the Holiday: Passover traces its origins to the biblical narrative of Exodus, where Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. The holiday has been celebrated for thousands of years, evolving over time with various traditions and rituals added to the observance

Traditions and Symbols: Traditional Passover observance includes the Seder meal following a specific order of rituals outlined in the Haggadah. Key symbols of Passover include unleavened bread (matzah), bitter herbs (maror), and the Passover plate containing symbolic foods representing aspects of the Exodus story. The removal of leavened products from households during Passover symbolizes the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, without time for their bread to rise

Location: United States
Date: April 23rd
Status: Cultural holiday
Purpose: The purpose of National Picnic Day is to promote outdoor recreation, foster connections with nature, and enjoy shared meals in scenic settings with friends and family

History of the Holiday: The origins of National Picnic Day are unclear, but the tradition likely stems from the long-standing practice of picnicking as a recreational activity enjoyed by people of all ages. Over time, the concept of dedicating a specific day to celebrate picnics gained popularity, leading to the establishment of National Picnic Day

Traditions and Symbols: On National Picnic Day, people gather in parks, gardens, and other outdoor spaces to enjoy picnics with loved ones. Traditional picnic foods such as sandwiches, salads, fruits, and desserts are often prepared and shared. Checkered picnic blankets, wicker baskets, and images of lush green landscapes are common symbols associated with National Picnic Day