Seasonal Stuff

Hal's Links to the Seasonal Stuff

April Fool's Day (April 1st)

Christmas (Dec. 25)

Cinco de Mayo (May 5)

This Cinco de Mayo site marks the 1862 defeat of French invaders at Puebla
The origin of Cinco de Mayo (with illustrations)
La Cucaracha is home to cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz
Viva! Cinco de Mayo is the San Marcos, TX site (hey man, there's a free screen saver and an exploding jalapeno peppers)

Daylight Savings Time

Derby Day (May 3, 2003)

After Churchhill Downs, it's on to the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes rounds out the triple crown
The Kentucky Derby is the first jewel in the Triple Crown
Thoroughbred Champions

Easter (the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox, April 20, 2003)

John Scalzi has and interview with the Easter Bunny.
Easter Dating Method - calculation procedure for Easter Sunday dates for all years from 326 to 4099 A.D.
Easter: Origins, Meanings, and Practice - description of the Christian and Pagan origins of Easter.
The History of Easter and Its Customs provides an account of the ancient Greek's pig-outs and a menu of modern recipes.
Marvelicious: Happy Easter - history of Easter and modern day symbols.
'Twas the Night Before Easter - discover the real meaning of Easter; explore silly, sensible, and serious links in this unique parody for the entire family.

Groundhog Day (Feb. 2, 2004)

Halloween (October 31)

2001 Halloween Guide - features pages of Halloween madness; costume and music suggestions, interviews, articles, and creature features.
The Dead People server (were is Ed Poe really buried?)
Elvira, Mistress of the Dark
Gore Lore has movies with lossa blood and guts
Halloween: Facts and Misinformation - examines Evangelical Christian and Neopagan beliefs, Halloween customs and traditions.
Halloween Fun with Monkey - the sock monkey tells you all about Halloween crafts.
Halloween: Myths, Monsters and Devils
Halloween Online for decorations, costumes, food, etc.
Haunted America - directory of Halloween events throughout the U.S., regional ghost stories, and more.
History Channel: The History of Halloween - provides an overview of the holiday's ancient origins and modern traditions.
The Official Witch of Salem, Laurie Cabot
Origins and History of Halloween - information on the holiday once known as Samhain.
Origins of Halloween - including history of the Jack O'Lantern.
The Salem Tarot Page for divination with cards
The Salem Witch Museum for the history of Salem
The Witches' League for Public Awareness (they're a religion, the Celts and the American Indians had)

Independence Day (July 4th)

Betsy Ross and the American Flag - shares the history of the making of the American flag.
The Boston Pops Orchestra (what would July 4 be like without them?)
Colonial Hall: Biographies of America's Founding Fathers
Colonial Williamsburg has been around for 75 years
Declaration of Independence (at Indiana U)
Declaration of Independence of the United States of America - from the National Archives and Records Administration.
Fourth of July Celebrations Database - with a history of the holiday and notes on how the Fourth has been celebrated over the years.
The Independence Visitor Center is the gateway to doin's in Philly
National Historic Landmarks database lists 'em all
U. S. Constitution
In Washington, D.C. they're going for the trifecta (parade, reading, and fireworks)
White House History

Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) (Feb. 21, 2004)

It's all about the beads
The History of Mardis Gras is interesting
Mardi Gras means "fat Tuesday" in New Orleans & Brazil (Le Carnaval du Mardi Gras)

Memorial Day (May 26, 2003)

History Channel: Memorial Day - presents historical facts about the holiday and America's wars as well as supporting a veterans' forum.
History of Memorial Day
Holiday Page: History of Memorial Day - brief history of the holiday and a look at how it is observed today.
Memorial Day: In Memory of Our Honored Dead - poems, prayers, background on the holiday, and a comprehensive list of sites related to Memorial Day.
The National Memorial Day Concert (PBS's salute to American soldiers, and it has concert archives and origins of songs such as "Over There" and "Where Have all the Flowers Gone?")

Mother's Day (the second Sunday in May; May 11, 2003)

St. Partick's Day (March 17)

The Ancient Order of Hiberians is a good place to start to check any Irish-Catholic roots.
Animal Symbolism in Celtic Mythology - reveals the meaning behind animals appearing in Celtic and Welsh mythology.
The Dirty Linen magazine has a state-by-state gig listing for Celtic and folk musicians
History and Customs of St. Patrick's Day
History of St. Patrick's Day - from the History Channel.
At Irish Music magazine, you'll find play dates in the motherland
St. Patricks Day - looks at the legends of Saint Patrick and the Shamrock, and lists events and parades worldwide.
A Taste of Ireland has to do with Irish cooking (brown bread)
The Thistle & Shamrock is the home of a Celtic-music program
Top o' the Morning to You - include St. Patty's history, recipes, customs, stories links, and a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone.
The Virtual Irish Pub is the place to be if you visit a pub

Thanksgiving (4th Thursday in November--Nov. 27, 2003)

Valentines' Day (Feb. 14, 2003)

American Love Stories (at PBS)
Send an electronic card from 4 My Love Cards
Caryn has a Valentine's Day special (it's an e-card)
Curse your ex
Spill the name of your secret admirees and E-Crush will send the an e-mail note to list their crushes (maybe a match!)
There's more to The Kiss than puckering up...
Visit Loving You for love stories, quotes, etc.
Call the Virtual Florist and order "Morticia's Finest"

Veterans Day (2nd Monday--Nov. 11, 2003)

Created March 12, 1999
Last Updated Dec. 17, 2003