Home       »Holidays

Holidays

The word holiday has related but different meanings in english-speaking countries. Based on the words 'holy' and 'day', holidays originally represented special religious days. The word has evolved in general usage to mean any special day of rest.    A holiday can mean a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation (e.g. "I'm going on holiday to Croatia next week"). The North American equivalent to holiday is "vacation". However, many Canadians will use both the terms 'vacation' and 'holiday' interchangeably when referring to a trip away from home or time off work.    In all english-speaking countries, a holiday is a day set aside by a nation or culture typically for celebration. A holiday can also be a special day on which school and offices are closed.

Public holidays

   A public holiday or legal holiday or bank holiday is a holiday endorsed by the state. Public holidays can be either religious or secular.
   Bank holiday is the term used in the UK because on these days the banks do not open for business.
   Legal holiday is the predominant term used in the United States.