2016 Bank Holidays in India In India, bank holidays are governed by the Reserve Bank of India and their rules and regulations. These holidays are chosen through tradition, country heritage, history and even religious and regional diversities found in the bank. However, not all of these bank holidays are observed throughout the entire country since there are numerous holidays, observances and festivals that are specific to a certain region, which makes them state holidays. 2016 Bank Holidays Australia Canada China Europe France Germany Hong Kong Singapore UK US India The dates of the festivals aren’t dependent on the Gregorian calendar, but instead on other popular calendar systems; which means that some of the festivals can change on a yearly basis. Also it should be borne in mind that some of the holidays of the banks can be changed by the proper authorities, but this happens only with prior notice. Also, along with the mandatory and regulated holidays, the employees are allowed to take off another 2 holidays that are part of the restricted holidays’ list depending on which festivals the person celebrates. Here is a comprehensive list of the public bank holidays in 2016, along with the restricted holidays as set forth by the Central Government of India. The Public Holidays are briefly discussed and described below – Milad-Un-Nabi or Id-E-Milad (Birthday of Prophet Mohammad) This holiday is a Muslim one and it celebrates the birthday of their prophet. It is also a gazetted holiday and prayers and public gatherings are often held where teaching and the life of the Prophet are talked about. Republic Day This is the day that India honors the Indian Constitution and the implementation of it. This is celebrated in all of the major areas of India and in the capital, Delhi. Cultural programs and various parades are planned and the air is full of festivity. Holi This festival is held in the spring and it is also called The Festival of Colors. This holiday is celebrated with plenty of fun throughout the various cities in the country. Good Friday This is a Christian holiday that is always on the Friday before Easter and is also known as Black Friday and Easter Friday. This is thought to have been the day that Jesus was crucified. Rama Navami This is the day of Lord Ram’s birthday and it is celebrated with plenty of pomp and ceremony since they believe Lord Ram is one of the numerous reincarnations of Lord Vishnu. Mahavir Jayanti This is a Jain holiday and it celebrates the birthday of Mahavira, who is the last of the Tirthankaras. It is always on the 13th day of Chaitra, which is an Indian month. Budda Purnima This is the day that celebrates the birthday of Gautum Buddha, who founded the Buddhism religion. It is always on the night of the full moon in the month of Vaisakha or Baisakh. Pilgrims come from all over the world to visit the Bodh Gaya for this special occasion. Idu’l Fitr This is a Muslim holiday and it is a happy one and they celebrate with visiting relatives and friends, eating special meals, giving to charities, putting on new clothing and attending special prayers. Independence Day This holiday is always observed with respect and happiness and it celebrates the day that the country earned their independence from the rule of the British bank in 1947. Janmashtami This is always on the 8th day of Shravana, which is an Indian month, and it celebrates the birthday of Krishna, who is a Hindu god. He is thought to have been the 8th reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday The birthday of Mahatma Karamchand Gandhi is celebrated as a national holiday since he is considered to be the Father of the Nation. Dussehra This holiday translates into “remover of ill-omen” and on this day the holiday is celebrated because virtue won over vice. Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) This is the day that the Muslim prophet, Ibrahim had sacrificed his own son because God asked him to. On this day goat sacrifice is practiced as a symbolic sacrifice. Diwali (Deepavali) This is one of the many Hindu festivals that is celebrated all over the world and it is also called the Festival of Lights. This holiday is celebrated with plenty of food and fun, observation of important religious customs, lighting up and decorating homes and lighting fireworks. This is also the day that Mahavir attained Nirvana for the Jains. Muharram This is the first day of the first month on the Islamic calendar and is a reverent day for the Muslims. Guru Nanak’s Birthday This is the day that celebrates the birthday of Guru Nanak, who is the founder of the Sikh religion and the first Guru of the religion and the followers. Christmas Day This day is the birthday of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with plenty of festivities, including feasting, giving gifts and spending time with family. Also, there are special prayers that are said by the Christians to give a more significant meaning to the occasion. List of 2016 Bank Holidays in India Public Holidays 2016 Month Day Week Day Name January 26 Tuesday Republic Day March 23 Wednesday Holi March 25 Friday Good Friday April 15 Friday Rama Navami April 19 Tuesday Mahavir Jayanti May 21 Saturday Budda Purnima July 5 Tuesday Idu’l Fitr (All states except for Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Goa and Delhi) July 6 Wednesday Idu’l Fitr (Delhi) August 15 Monday Independence Day August 25 Thursday Janmashtami September 12 Monday Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) October 1 Thursday Muharram October 11 Tuesday Dussehra October 30 Sunday Diwali (Deepavali) November 14 Monday Guru Nanak’s Birthday December 12 Friday Milad-Un-Nabi or Id-E-Milad (Birthday of Prophet Mohammad) December 25 Wednesday Chirstmas Day Restricted Holidays 2016 Month Day Week Day Name January 1 Friday New Year’s Day January 15 Friday Makar Sankranti January 15 Friday Pongal January 16 Saturday Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday February 12 Friday Sri Panchami February 13 Saturday Basanta Panchami / Sri Panchami February 19 Friday Shivaji Jayanthi February 14 Sunday Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti February 25 Thursday Guru Ravidas’ Birthday February 26 Friday Maha Shivratri March 23 Wednesday Holika Dahan March 27 Sunday Easter Sunday April 8 Friday Chaitra Sukladi / Gudi Padava / Ugadi / Cheti Chand April 13 Wednesday Vaisakhi April 15 Friday Vishu April 14 Thursday Mesadi April 14 Thursday Vaisakhadi (Bengal)/Bahag Bihu (Assam) April 21 Thursday Hazarat Ali’s Birthday May 7 Saturday Guru Rabindranath’s Birthday July 1 Friday Jamat-UI-Vida July 6 Wednesday Rath Yatra August 17 Wednesday Parsi New Year’s day August 18 Thursday Raksha Bandhan September 5 Monday Vinayaka Chaturthi/Ganesh Chaturthi September 13 Tuesday Onam October 9 Sunday Maha Saptami (Additional) (Dussehra) October 10 Monday Dussehra (Maha Astami) (Additional) October 11 Tuesday Dussehra (Maha Navami) October 15 Saturday Maharishi Valmiki’s Birthday October 19 Wednesday Karaka Chaturdasi (Karva Chouth) October 29 Saturday Narak Chaturdasi October 30 Sunday Deepavali (South India) October 31 Monday Govardhan Puja November 1 Tuesday Bhai Duj November 6 Sunday Pratihar Sashthi or Surya Sashthi (Chhat Puja) November 24 Thursday Guru Teg Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day December 24 Saturday Christmas Eve
2016 Bank Holidays in US This is a list of the bank holidays that will be observed in the United States in 2016 when the banks and other various financial institutions take the days off. However, the most interesting thing about the holidays that are celebrated in the United States is that none of these holidays are considered to be national holidays. There are particular holidays that are determined by the federal laws of the country and they are called federal holidays. Apart from these holidays each territory or state has the independence to observe, or even not to observe, any particular holidays. There are holidays that are state specific and this list consists of those that are celebrated unanimously, for the most part, in the whole country. Here is a small glimpse of the bank holidays that are celebrated in the United States along with a brief description of the holidays. New Years Day – This is one of the largest events in the country and every person has a festive spirit and they make merry at parties where the spirits are free flowing. There are plenty of great food and beautiful garments that are put on for the celebrations. There are numerous locations where the people gather in groups to watch the amazing fireworks that light up the sky. There are also plenty of parades that are organized in various cities and football games are enjoyed by the sports enthusiasts. This day is celebrated with a bang in the United States. Martin Luther King Day – This is a yearly holiday that is always celebrated on the 3rd Monday in January and this is the day when the US pays tribute and remembers Martin Luther King Jr. He was a Civil Rights Activist and this day was selected since it is close to his birthday, which is on January 15th and he is famous for his protests that weren’t violent that were planned to bring equal civil rights for everyone and to get rid of racial discrimination. Groundhog Day – This holiday comes from an ancient folklore that are rampant in the United States that says that the groundhog’s behavior on this day who can help to determine the weather in the coming months. On this day everyone flocks to their local grounds and parks to observe the activities of the groundhogs when they come out of their burrows. People spend this day by going on barbecue’s or picnics in the parks with family and friends. Presidents Day – The country pays tribute on this day to all of the Presidents, past and current, of the United States. This day has been chosen to coordinate with the birthday of George Washington, who was the first ever President of the United States and is referred to as the Father of the country. However, this is the name of the holiday and in the federal law the holiday is actually called Washington’s Birthday. Some cities mark this holiday with parades and it is a common tradition to read out the “George Washington’s Farewell Address” at various gatherings to celebrate the holiday. Emancipation Day – This celebrates the fact that in 1862, Abraham Lincoln, who was the current President, had put his signature on the Compensated Emancipation Act, which abolished serfdom and slavery in the country, especially those of African descent. However, this act had abolished all various types of servitude. Mother’s Day – On this day the children in the country pay tribute to their mothers along with any mother figures in their lives. They also acknowledge the contribution of the women to the life of the children and it is always celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of May. This day was first established by Anna Jarvis back in the 19th century and has been celebrated widely since then. People often send cards, flower and gifts to their mothers, and if possible, spend the day with them. Memorial Day – This is a federal holiday that always fall son the last Monday in May and it is a holiday for honoring all of the brave citizens of the United States who had died while fighting for their country in the Armed Forces. On this day many people visit cemeteries to pay tribute and many volunteers place the National flag on the graves of such individuals. There are also parades that are held on this day and it marks the start of the summer holiday. Father’s Day – This holiday originated back in 1907 when numerous men had been killed in West Virginia in a mining accident. Many of the men who were killed were fathers and this led to this day being selected as the day for honoring fathers and their roles in the lives of children. This day is always on the 3rd Sunday in June and the day is celebrate by showing respect and love to the fathers and various father figures. Independence Day – This holiday is always on July 4th, which is considered to e the Independence day for the country. This is also commonly called as the Fourth of July and it marks the time in history when in 1776, the United States was freed from the reign of Great Britain. On this day lectures and parades are organized to help the citizens remember what the holiday is all about and fireworks displays are an important part of the day. People usually enjoy this time off by planning vacations or barbecues and picnics with their friends and family. Labor Day – This holiday is always on the 1st Monday in September and this is a long weekend that is the end of the summer vacation and is when the children start going back to their schools. People use this last opportunity to relax and enjoy time with their friends and family, but this holiday is to celebrate those who belonged to the working class and who had made significant contributions to the economy of the United States. Also, the Labour Associations and unions are remembered for the constant effort that they had put in, and still do, in protecting the rights of these workers. Columbus Day – This is the day that Christopher Columbus had first stepped onto the land of the United States on October 12, 1492. This had also paved the way for the subsequent European settlers that came to the country and this is also believed as the day when the American continent had been discovered. This day is celebrated on the 2nd Monday in October every year, according to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This holiday does bring some controversy regarding the celebration of the holiday because a certain part of the people see the European settlements as the reason for the rich cultural heritage downfall that those who were indigenous to the land could show off. Veterans Day – This holiday is held every year and it is the day where everyone shows their respect and gratitude for those people in the country, either dead or living, who are veterans of war. Marches and parades are organized to mark the holiday and some churches organize special prayer services. Also, on this day the living war veterans are given badges of honor. Thanksgiving – This holiday is one that is celebrated with friends and family and is full of traditional feasting on some great food. It is also the day when people express their thankfulness, which is why the holiday is aptly named, for everything they have been blessed with throughout the year. However, the traditions had originated from some ancient rituals that celebrated the harvest and the gratitude for the amount of crops that were produced. Day after Thanksgiving – This day is also called Black Friday and it is the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving. This is a huge shopping festival where there are plenty of great sales and offers that stores use to lure in customers. It is also the day that marks the start of the shopping season for Christmas. Christmas Day – On this day the Christian followers, along with everyone else, celebrates the birthday of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the son of God. This is also the time of the year when those who live far way come home to visit their friends and family. People go all out and decorate their businesses and homes and it is also common to put up Christmas trees that are decorated with lights, ornaments and candy canes. People purchase gifts for their friends and family and it is a time that is full of joy and happiness. List of 2016 Bank Holidays in US Day Date Holiday Friday January 01 New Years Day Monday January 18 Martin Luther King Day Tuesday February 02 Groundhog Day Monday February 15 Presidents Day Saturday April 16 Emancipation Day Sunday May 08 Mother’s Day Monday May 30 Memorial Day Sunday June 19 Father’s Day Friday July 04 Independence Day Monday September 05 Labor Day Monday October 10 Columbus Day Friday November 11 Veterans Day Thursday November 24 Thanksgiving Friday November 25 Day after Thanksgiving Sunday December 25 Christmas Day
2016 Bank Holidays in UK These are the bank holidays that are celebrated in the United Kingdom in 2016 and these days are considered as off days all across the country. All of these holidays are chosen because of the country’s traditions, culture and history. Also, if one of these holidays lands on a day that is already a day off, then the holiday is moved to the next day that is considered a working day. This is a full list of the bank holidays for 2016 in the United Kingdom along with a comprehensive description about the various customs and traditions. New Years Day – This holiday is celebrated as the New Year is just about to start and the Big Ben clock tower is turned on so it can chime midnight and announce the coming of the New Year. On this day there is an abundant flow of champagne and plenty of fireworks that people enjoy while they are waiting for the New Year to start. Also, in some parts it is a tradition and ritual to have First Footing or to sing “Auld Lang Syne”. Day after New Year’s Day – This day is also called Hogmanay in some areas of the country and it is the day when people spend time with their friends and family. Also, there are plenty of elaborate parties and other activities that are organized on this day. Also, Fireball Swinging and First Footing are followed on this day as some of the traditional rituals. Pancake Tuesday – This holiday is also called Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday and is the last day of the 40 day period that is called Lent. During this time the people observe fasting and this holiday is associated with consuming high caloric foods, which typically includes pancakes, which is where this day gets its name from. Also, in some areas of England various mob football games are set up and played on this day. There are also pancake races where the participants race from a starting line to the finishing line carrying a frying pan that contains a pancake, which must be flipped up and down at the start and finish line of the race. St David’s Day – On this day tribute is paid to St. David, who is the patron saint for Wales. On this day it is common tradition to pin a daffodil or a leak to one’s clothes and people attend services at churches. They also read about the live of St. David and participate in choir concerts. Mothering Sunday – This holiday is on the 4th Sunday during the Lent period, which is where the people visit the churches where they were baptized or used to attend when they were children. They also reunite with the people that live in the town and this is also another day that people respect motherhood. They also know their mothers love or those they consider to be a mother figure. St Patrick’s Day – On this day the Feast of St. Patrick is held and he is Ireland’s patron saint. The celebrations include parades that feature Irish music. Good Friday – On this day the Christian followers mourn the fact that their lord and savior, Jesus Christ was crucified. People attend the various special church services and it is a common tradition to avoid eating meat on this day and instead have fish. It is also tradition to have some hot cross buns, which are marked with a cross on the top. Easter Monday – This is the day when the Christian followers celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and it is a day for happy celebrations. This marks the last day of the 4 day Easter holiday in the UK and this is the period when many families go on vacation. Also, on this many people participate in sport matches, Morris Dancing, Easter bonnet parades and egg rolling competitions. Since the 18th century another tradition has been a bottle kicking competition in various parts of the country. St Georges Day – This is also known as the National Day of England and it commemorates the day that Saint George, who is England’s patron saint, died. He is also thought to be a martyr as he was killed by a dragon while trying to rescue the princess and on this day there are traditional dances and parades to mark the holiday. Early May Bank Holiday – This is the 1st Monday in May and in the UK is used to celebrate the start of summer. However, today the holiday is more associated with workers rights. Spring Bank Holiday – This holiday has been a statutory one in the country since 1971, which replaced the Whit Monday holiday, which is the Monday directly after Pentecost. In some towns there are various fairs that are planned and the women dress up in their best at an attempt to win the Well Dressing Queen crown and men compete by seeing who can throw bales of straw the highest. Close to Gloucestershire the tradition is to roll a huge circle of cheese down the hill with people racing after it and this day is basically a day to celebrate the warmer temperatures. Father’s Day – On this day people show their respect and love to their fathers or those they see as father figures. They also acknowledge their contributions, support and love. Battle of the Boyne – On this day the Battle of Boyne that occurred in 1690 is remembered in the eastern areas of Ireland. On this day many walks and parades are organized and people who are participating wear dark or black colored clothing. August Bank Holiday – This is a holiday that announces that the summer months are coming to a close and that autumn is just around the corner. People enjoy the various outdoor activities for one of the last times since they can’t enjoy them during the cold months. Also, in London a multicultural carnival is planned and it is called Notting Hill Carnival. Guy Fawkes Night – This is also called the Bonfire Night and it is for remembering the ancient occasion when the Houses of Parliament was planned to be destroyed by some Catholic followers in 1605. However, the plan had been foiled and on this day people set off fireworks and light bonfires to remember it. St Andrews Day – This day is the day for the Feast of Saint Andrews, who is the patron saint for numerous different countries. Christmas Day – On this day the Christian followers celebrate the birthday of their Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. They put up holiday lights and festive decorations, including Christmas trees and they attend family reunions and prayer services. In the UK this holiday is one that is celebrated with much fun and with family and friends. Boxing Day – This is the day right after Christmas and back in the days the employers would give their employees various gifts of clothing, food and money. This name comes from the fact that the employers used boxes to pack the gifts in and traditionally people enjoy numerous sporting events on this day, including fox hunting before it was banned. However, in the modern days the sporting events that are extremely popular include football and horse racing. List of 2016 Bank Holidays in UK Day of the Week Date Holiday Friday Jan-01 New Years Day Monday Jan-04 Day after New Year’s Day (observed_ Tuesday Feb-09 Pancake Tuesday Tuesday Mar-01 St David’s Day Sunday Mar-06 Mothering Sunday Thursday Mar-17 St Patrick’s Day Friday Mar-25 Good Friday Monday Mar-28 Easter Monday Saturday Apr-23 St Georges Day Monday May-02 Early May Bank Holiday Monday May-30 Spring Bank Holiday Sunday Jun-19 Father’s Day Tuesday Jul-12 Battle of the Boyne Monday Aug-01 August Bank Holiday Monday Aug-29 August Bank Holiday Saturday Nov-05 Guy Fawkes Night Wednesday Nov-30 St Andrews Day Sunday Dec-25 Christmas Day Monday Dec-26 Boxing Day
2016 Bank Holidays in Singapore This list of banks holidays for 2016 in Singapore are the days that are set down by the laws of the country as public holidays per the Holiday Act of 1998, which had been revised back in 1999. There are numerous different factors that are looked at when these dates are decided and there is much communication with the various community leaders and those of the religions. According to the law, if anyone works on any of the public holidays, then they should be paid an extra day’s wages. Here is the complete list of Singapore bank holidays for 2016 along with a brief description of each of the reasons it is celebrated. New Years Day – This holiday is celebrated in Singapore and it is a huge affair with plenty of bases and parties that organized on New Year’s Eve. People gather together to countdown the time until the New Year arrives and huge groups are found at Siloso Beach found in Sentosa, Central Square, Clarke’s Quay, Marina Bay and many other places. Liquor and food are free flowing and there are plenty of competitions and concerts that are planned for this day. Also, one of the most unique things that you will find at the Singapore celebrations for the New Year include the Wishing Sphere. Everyone purchases these huge white spheres and then writes their dreams for the New Year on them, including the Prime Minister. The balls then float from the Marina Bay and go into the Singapore River. Chinese New Year – Singapore is another one of the countries that celebrate the Chinese New Year and the date can change since the date is dependent upon the lunar calendar. The traditional celebrations for this time of the year last for somewhere close to 15 days, but only the first 2 days are considered to be Chinese public holidays. The preparations for this holiday start months in advance with spring cleaning, purchasing gifts and new clothing, planning the various festive meals and other activities. The celebrations start the day earlier with what is called the Reunion Dinner, which is normally held at the oldest family member’s house and everyone else attends. During the first 2 days of the holiday people visit with their friends and family, which are part of the celebratory traditions. Also they put up decorations in their homes, put on new clothes, exchange presents, eat various symbolic dishes and children are given red envelopes full of money from the elders. Good Friday – This is the holiday when those who are Christian mourn the fact that Jesus Christ was crucified. Labor Day – This holiday is the one where everyone upholds the struggle and the contribution from the working class and their rights to earn proper wages, better working hours and better working condition. This holiday is celebrated all over the world and it also acknowledges the role that the Labour Unions played in bringing justice to those in the working class. The unique tradition in the country is that Istana, which is the President of Singapore’s house is open to the public. This means that there is an atmosphere like at a carnival and everyone fully enjoys it. Vesak Day – This holiday is always held on the 15th day of the 4th month according to the Chinese lunar calendar and this is one of the most important holidays for the Buddhist religion. On this day they celebrate the 3 major events that happened in Lord Buddha’s life, the day he was born, the day of his enlightenment and the day that he died. People decorate various temples and participate in special prayers and it is thought that on this day it is auspicious to do good deeds. Typically on this day blood donation drives are set up on this day. Hari Raya Puasa – On this day you will hear “Selamat Hari Raya” that are said all over the country while the Muslim community celebrates the end of Ramadan, which is a period of a month long fasting. Starting on the 20th day of Ramadan the homes and mosques are lit up with oil lamps that are burning until the time until the festivities are over. People on this day don new clothing and attend special prayers at the mosques before they have some fun and plenty of food with friends and family. National Day – On this day in 1965 Singapore gained their independence from Malaysia and huge shows and parades are organized on this day. Thousands of people head to Marina Bay to listen to the Prime Minister’s speech and other activities that are arranged. Public Holiday – This day is when one of the holidays that are on a normal off day, such as Sunday and the holiday is then observed on the Monday after. Hari Raya Haji – On this day the Muslim community in the country celebrates the sacrifice of Abraham or Ibrahim’s son by his father when he was ordered to sacrifice him by Allah. Deepavali – There are some 10% of Singapore’s population that are of Indian heritage, which means that Deepavali or Deewali is one of the most loved holidays and it is celebrated with plenty of noise. This is thought to be the day that the belief of virtue always winning over vice since on this day Lord Krishna killed Narakasura. Singapore’s Little India turns into a fairytale area with plenty of lighting and decorate, especially in the area of Serangoon Road. Those who are celebrating this holiday start by spring cleaning their houses and purchasing new clothes, along with gifts for their friends and family. Also, on this day the people use colorful motifs, garlands and flowers to decorate their houses and they pray to the Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. They also meet and spend time with friends and family and enjoy great food. Christmas Day – On this day all of the streets, businesses and homes in the country are full of decorations and lights as everyone celebrates Christmas, which remembers the birthday of Jesus Christ. However, today this holiday is more of a social holiday with plenty of banquets and parties and the holiday has crossed all boundaries of religion. List of 2016 Bank Holidays in Singapore Day of the Week Date Holiday Friday January 01 New Years Day Monday February 08 Chinese New Year Tuesday February 09 Chinese New Year Friday March 25 Good Friday Sunday May 01 Labor Day Saturday May 21 Vesak Day Wednesday July 06 Hari Raya Puasa Tuesday August 09 National Day Monday September 12 Hari Raya Haji Saturday October 29 Deepavali Sunday December 25 Christmas Day Monday December 26 Public Holiday
2016 Bank Holidays in Hong Kong This list is an attempt to help highlight the various public holidays in Hong Kong that have been chosen by the Government for this particular year in the keeping with all of the traditions, culture, history and festivals of the country. One of the most interesting things about the bank holidays in Hong Kong is that between the Qing Ming Festival and the Easter Monday there is a time span of 5 holidays in a row. This is because the Qing Ming Festival falls on a Sunday and then Easter Monday is also a holiday and Tuesday is a general holiday that will be a day off of work. Here is a comprehensive list of the Hong Kong bank holidays for 2016, along with a brief description about the commemoration and background of each holiday. New Years Day – Hong Kong also celebrates the New Year along with the rest of the world to welcome the incoming year with pomp. People head to the waterfront area on the islands in order to celebrate the new year coming in. One of the most popular spots for the countdown is Victoria Harbor and the party spirit takes over. There is also a light display that lasts for 8 minutes along with some sound shows as well ove the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Chinese New Year – This is one of the most beloved and unique holidays in the country and it is also the largest festival since the celebrations span for nearly 15 days. This is celebrated with some traditional observances along with spend plenty of time with close friends and family. The neighborhoods are completely decorated with lights and lanterns and people head to the temples to pray. They also eat symbolic dishes that they think will bring them prosperity and good luck through the next year. There are festival flower markets and fireworks to enjoy along with night parades, horse races and much more. There isn’t anything that isn’t enjoyed during this time. Good Friday – On this day the Christian followers mourn that Jesus Christ was crucified. Qing Ming Festival – This holiday translate into clean and bright and this is the day that the people of Hong Kong pay their respects and tributes to their ancestors through cleaning and sweeping their graves. Also, they make paper replicas of any items that they believe they will need in the afterlife and burn them as an offering. Easter Monday – This is the day right after Easter and the Christian followers celebrate the resurrection of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Labor Day – On this day Hong Kong, along with numerous other countries across the world acknowledge the working class and their contributions and the struggle they faced in order to earn their rights. The Buddha’s Birthday – This is the day that is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Buddha, who founded Buddhism and it is an enthusiastically celebrated holiday. There are unique festivals that have deep spiritual meanings and according to the beliefs of the locals, Lord Buddha had been bathed by the spraying water of 9 dragons when he was born. In order to mark this, the people visit various temples and spray the statues of Buddha with bowls that are full of water. This is also thought to cleanse the soul and grand ceremonies are held at the monasteries and temples, including at the Po Lin Monastery that is found on Lantau Island. Also, on this day they also consume green bitter cookies before they head to bathe Buddha in order to establish that one must experience hardships before enjoying their pleasure. Dragon Boat Festival – This festival started nearly 2000 years ago and it is also called the Tuen Ng Festival. This day celebrates a folklore story about Qu Yuan, who is a Chinese national hero and a reputed poet. He had protested against the corruption of the rulers at the time by drowning himself in the Mi Lo River. Everyone believes that people had rushed over in their boats to attempt to rescue him and had beaten drums and thrown rice dumplings into the river to scare away any nearby fish that would attempt to get to his corpse. Today the people consume zongzi, which are glutinous rice dumplings and either go swimming in some water nearby or at least put their hands in the water and also beat on some drums. Also, some places organize boat racing competitions. Special Administration Region (SAR) Day – On this day they celebrate the foundation of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region, which occurred in 1997 when Hong Kong was transferred from being ruled by the United Kingdom to China. Also, on this day numerous political rallies and parades are organized and huge fireworks shows are put on to amaze the people. Late mid autumn festival – This festival celebrates the bounty of the harvest and reuniting with family. The round shape is considered to be extremely auspicious in the Chinese Culture and it is thought to represent material satisfaction and union. Some believe this is the most important festival that is held during the year and various traditions are upheld, including worshiping the moon with various offerings of spherical fruits and flavored wines. They also offer up the moon cake, which are spherical and made and eaten just for this occasion and are thought to bring the person eating it good luck. Hong Kong as been able to combine the modern elements along with tradition in the festival and you can also enjoy Fire Dragon Dancing on this day along with beautiful displays of lanterns. Also, in Victoria Park there is a carnival that is held that has plenty of rides and games to enjoy. National Day – On this day they celebrate the creation of the People’s Republic of China that occurred in 1949 and it is also celebrated in Macau and Mainland China. The celebrations in Hong Hong have only been going on since 1997 when they had been transferred from British rule to Chinese rule. However, they make sure to hoist the flag and there are plenty of parades to enjoy around the country, but the most amazing thing to enjoy on this day is the huge fireworks display that lights up the night sky. Chung Yeung Festival – This festival is always celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This double 9 factor is thought to be inauspicious according to the beliefs of the Chinese and because of that there are plenty of different rituals that are performed to help conquer any hurdles and to bring good luck. On this day in Hong Kong, the people visit cemeteries and pay their respects to their departed ancestors and also because it is during Spring, they typically organize and attend picnics to enjoy the weather. Also, special cakes that are called ko are eaten on this day and they are believed to help the person eating it achieve a higher position in life. Also, on this day because of the folklores and legends most people will visit the highest point of the city in order to avoid any bad luck. Christmas Day – Hong Kong, like everywhere else in the world, celebrates Christmas as the birthday of Jesus Christ, who is thought to be God’s son by the Christian followers. On this day the churches have special prayer services and it is a day full of feasting and fun with friends and family. The preparations for this particular holiday start early since people decorate their homes, businesses and other public places with Christmas themed decorations and lighting. Also, they go shopping as a huge part of the celebrations and they have the Winter Fest, which has been celebrated for some 2000 years. They have plenty of lighting, carolers, shops that offer good discounts, food and much more. Boxing Day – This day is the day after Christmas and it is a much more popular holiday in the countries that have a large British influence. This is also the traditional day when the British employers would give their employees an off day as well as give them gifts, clothing and food. However, today this day is an excuse to extend the Christmas holiday, which allows people to have more time to spend with their friends and family. List of 2016 Bank Holidays in Hong Kong Day of the Week Date Holiday Friday January 01 New Years Day Monday February 08 Chinese New Year Tuesday February 09 Chinese New Year Wednesday February 10 Chinese New Year Friday March 25 Good Friday Monday March 28 Easter Monday Monday April 04 Qing Ming Festival Sunday May 01 Labor Day Saturday May 14 The Buddha’s Birthday Thursday June 09 Dragon Boat Festival Friday July 01 Special Administration Region (SAR) Day Thursday September 15 Late mid Autumn festival Saturday October 01 National Day Monday October 10 Chung Yeung Festival Sunday December 25 Christmas Day Monday December 26 Boxing Day
2016 Bank Holidays in Germany This is the list of bank holidays for 2016 in Germany and they are determined by the laws and government of each individual country. The only exception to this law is that German Unity Day is always celebrated on October 3rd every year and this holiday was determined by a treaty by the federal government in the Federal Republic of Germany. Aside from this day, all of the other holidays are determined by the rules of the individual countries. Also, the Constitution of the country says that all Sundays are holidays and to be used for resting and relaxing. Here is a comprehensive list of all of the German holidays in 2016. New Years Day or Neujahrstag – Germany celebrates New Year with a combination of modern chaos and traditional customs. Thousands of people head to theaters, restaurants, clubs, pubs, road and squares, tourists and locals alike. It is custom to enjoy a drink that is called Feuerzangenbowle and it is made of red wine, cinnamon, cloves, orange peels and rum. Also, on this day lead pouring is a common tradition and a small amount of the lead is melted in a teaspoon while held over a flame and then poured into a bowl or bucket that is full of water. The shape that is made by the lead is thought to predict the upcoming New Year. Other favorite activities on this day includes attending fireworks shows, pub hopping, clubbing and partying. Munich also plays host to some classical music concerts for the holiday. Epiphany or Heilige Drei Könige – This holiday celebrates the day when the Magi or the Three Kings had taken their gifts to the Baby Jesus. It common for homes and churches to have a display with a crib and Baby Jesus and nearby the statues of the Three Kings. People sprinkle their homes with some holy water and the initials of the Three Kings, (Balthasar, Melchior and Caspar) are written over doorways with chalk. Children also dress up as the Three Kings with a huge start and visit various homes while they sing the Three Kings’ Song. They are then given sweets, chocolates and cookies and church singers do the same thing, but they collect donations that are put towards welfare purposes. This is also the day when all Christmas decorations are taken down and adults and children raid the tree for any treats, including chocolate and cookies that were hanging on the tree. Good Friday or Karfreitag – This day is a quiet one as it is a day of mourning since the country remembers the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. One of the most common traditions on this day is to have a fish dish during the meal. Easter Monday or Ostermontag – This is one of the major holidays in the country since the people rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The preparations for this holiday start weeks in advance and the celebrations last for some days after as well. The Monday following Easter is a holiday in the country and they make sure to eat a huge meal, which is part of the festivity to mark the completion of the mourning period. There are Easter eggs, a large selection of confectioneries, Easter bunnies made of chocolate and the Easter Fountain or Well and the Easter Tree. The tree is a small tree that is living or even some cutouts from nearby pussy willows or other flowering plants that are decorated with various Easter eggs, wreaths, garlands and other decorations. Next to the tree an Easter Bunny is always placed and the Easter Well or Fountain is located in one major area of the town or city and it is decorated in an Easter theme. The water in the fountain or well is blessed on Easter as a mark of respects towards water, which helps to sustain life and Earth. Labor Day or Tag der Arbeit – In Germany, Labor day is often spend simply relaxing with friends and family while enjoying the warmer weather. This is often the time when picnics are planned and plenty of time is spent outside. Also, in some areas in the country the Maypole is traditionally raised in one of the major areas of the city or town. The Maypole is simply a long narrow tree or trunk that is decorated colorfully and then posted with a lot of pomp along with traditional dancing and music. Mothers Day or der Tag der Mutter – Germany has been celebrating Mother’s Day on the 2nd Sunday of May since 1922 and the holiday was declared to be a public one in 1933. When this day is on the same day at Pentecost, then the holiday takes place on the 1st Sunday of the month. While under the reign of Hitler, there was a mother cult and mothers who had produced kids for the country had been given medals. However, these days the celebrations are bit more intimate and people give gifts, flowers and cards to their mothers and spend quality time with them. Father’s Day or Vatertag – In the ancient times this holiday had a much different connotation than it does today. However, these days it is more of a boys day out and people show their father respect and love. Often a group of boys will go out pub hopping together. Ascension Day or Christi Himmelfahrt – Germany also celebrates the day that Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven and they hold special prayer services in different churches. There are also processions that carry banners and torches in the open areas around the churches. Also, on this day the International Charlemagne Prize is traditionally presented on this day in Aachen to someone who had made significant contributions to humanitarian causes. Whit Monday or Pfingstmontag – This day is also called Pentecost Monday since it is the Monday that comes after Pentecost and the Christians celebrate the fact that the Holy Spirit had descended upon the Apostles. Besides from the traditional Christian rituals another custom is where young men will plant a birch tree on the walls of the home of the young women they want to marry. Also, in order to remember the night of unrest, the night before many young people hang out on the property of other’s and might take away anything that isn’t stored. Corpus Christi or Fronleichnam – This day upholds the Eucharist and in Germany there are regular church services. Also , there is blessed wafers and bread that are carried around the town in colorful parades or processions. Also, in 1435 Cologne had witnessed the Muelheimer Gottestracht on this same day, which was a procession of various ships along the banks of the Rhine river. Assumption Day or Mariä Himmelfahrt – This is another Christian feast that upholds the beliefs that God had assumed the Virgin Mary into Heaven and this is the day that she ascended. On this day the bells chime before the prayer services are started in the churches and one of the customs is to give the children ripe walnuts or hazelnuts. People will also go to collect various herbs that will be used for medicinal or cooking purposes, including clover, chamomile, thyme and much more. These are kept on alters or hung up in their homes. German Unity Day or Tag der Deutschen Einheit – This day celebrates the foundation of the Federal Republic of Germany and it has since 1990. Various leaders and politicians speak on this day before the citizens in order to celebrate the occasion. There is a festive mood that is added to by the various fireworks shows and community meals and services are held on this day.. Day of Reformation or Reformationstag – On this day the country remembers the events back in 1517 that brought about a huge number of social and religious reforms across Europe. On this day Martin Luther, who was a German social reformer and theologian, had nailed a list of propositions on the door of the church. Also, the Reformist and Lutheran churches have special services that are held on this day. All Saints Day or Allerheiligen – On this day the Christians hold and attend special services that are in honor of the Christian martyrs and saints, especially those ones that don’t have their own Special Feast that is dedicated to their name. Also, on this day the people in the country visit their ancestors graves to pay their respects. Repentance Day or Buß- und Bettag – On this day the Protestant Christians observe it in a somber atmosphere and thoughts. Christmas Day or Weihnachtstag – This holiday is celebrated with plenty of fun and feasting as the birthday of Jesus Christ is celebrated. Homes are given beautiful decorations, delicious meals are prepared, presents are exchanged and they attend special prayer services. St Stephens Day or Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag – This is the feast that honors St. Stephen, who is thought to be the first ever Christian martyr. In Germany, this holiday is also called as the Second Christmas Day and people use this as an excuse to extend the festivities. List of 2016 Bank Holidays in Germany Day of the Week Date Holiday Friday Jan-01 New Years Day Wednesday Jan-06 Epiphany Friday Mar-25 Good Friday Monday Mar-28 Easter Monday Sunday May-01 Labor Day Thursday May-05 Father’s Day Thursday May-05 Ascension Day Sunday May-08 Mothers Day Monday May-16 Whit Monday Thursday May-26 Corpus Christi Monday Aug-15 Assumption Day Monday Oct-03 German Unity Day Monday Oct-31 Day of Reformation Tuesday Nov-01 All Saints Day Wednesday Nov-16 Repentance Day Sunday Dec-25 Christmas Day Monday Dec-26 St Stephens Day
2016 Bank Holidays in France The bank holidays for 2016 in France are those days that have put on the list by the country’s statute. However, it should be remembered that the French government has mandated that only Fête du Travail, which is also known as Labor Day, May 1 or May Day, is a off day where you get full pay. This only applies to those industries where it is possible to stop working. The other days on the list are considered to be public holidays by law, but it doesn’t make it required for these days off to be given. However, there can be a collective agreement regarding having those days as days off when the employees and employers or even the union for the employees come to an agreement. This is the complete list of France’s bank holidays in 2016 and a brief description of each of the holidays, including the origin, religious affiliations and much more. New Years Day – The celebrations for New Year in France start with New Year’s Eve, which they call as Reveillon (de Saint-Sylvestre) Feast that is named as such because of the Saint Sylvestre. The tradition on this day is to have a huge feast since the French believe that this will make sure that the year is full of prosperity. Also, when the clock chimes midnight, the people will gather in a group and raise a toast to the incoming year. People wish everyone else “bonheur, sante, amour, argent”, which translates into “good year, happiness, health, love and money”. Also, on this day there are plenty of great fireworks shows that are going on and the best one can be found at Paris Disneyland and fireworks are banned around the Eiffel Tower. People spend this day with their friends and family so that they can welcome the incoming New Year in splendor. Easter Monday – This is a very important holiday in France since the country has a strong Catholic population and background. This day comes just after the Easter Sunday and it allows the citizens to be able to fully celebrate the holiday with their family and friends. Also, there are plenty of great traditions that people enjoy during this day, including rolling raw eggs down a hill and watching out for what eggs don’t crack. These eggs are labeled the victory eggs and are symbolic of the stones that had been rolled away from the tomb of Christ. On the outskirts of Paris and in the Chateaux Vaux le Vicomte area there is a huge Easter egg hunt that hosts thousands of visitors. Labor Day – This holiday is a mandatory one by the law of the country and this day everyone pays their respects to the lengthy struggles that the leaders of the Labour Unions had faced in order to establish the basic labor rights. These are represented by a triangle that is red in France and it includes working for 8 hours with plenty of time for rest and leisure. However, when King Charles was ruling it had been changed to a rose and in 1561 someone had given King Charles IX a lily of the valley for good luck. Since that time it has become a tradition during the parades or marches to carry bouquets of the Lily of the Valley and during this time this flower and the bouquets are exempt from tax. V-E Day – This is the shortened version of Victory in Europe day and it is a public holiday that is celebrated on May 8th every year since 1945. The day before this the military surrender had been signed in Reims, France and on May 8th in Berlin, Germany. This surrender had meant that World War II was ended in Europe and this day is celebrated with plenty of parades. They also wear the colors of the French flag, white, blue and red. Ascension Day – On this day it is believed by the Christians that Jesus Christ had ascended back to Heaven after being crucified and his subsequent resurrection. This is believed to be one of the most holiest holidays and is marked by special prayer services that are organized in many churches. Mother’s Day – On this day, people are encouraged, especially younger children, to respect and honor their mother or those that they see as mother figures. Children create cards and notes that they give to their mother and they also purchase gifts. Also, since the French love to have good and plentiful amounts of food on holidays, this isn’t any different and they gift different cakes. They are typically made in the shapes of a bouquet of flowers and given to the mothers. This is another day that children will often take their mothers out for brunch with some great French dishes and a good French wine. Whit Monday – This holiday is the Monday that follows Pentecost and it is simply 1 out of the 3 Baptismal seasons held during the year. This day is when the country has warm weather and this day is often associated with picnics with friends and family since it strengthens the familial bonds. There are also plenty of sporting events that are organized for this time, but the holiday had some troubles, especially in 2003 when some 15,000 elderly citizens had died because of a heat wave. This holiday had been canceled by the French government from 2005 and people are encouraged to donate their earnings for the day in order to improve the community care. However, after plenty of protesting, the holiday was reinstated again by the government in 2008. Father’s Day – This holiday, which honors the fathers and father type figures, has been celebrated from the middle ages in numerous Catholic Christian countries. This was at first celebrated on March 19th and it was a fest that was in honor of Saint Joseph, who is thought to be Jesus Christ’s foster father. However, later due to numerous international traditions, the celebration of this holiday had been moved to the 3rd Sunday in June and it is tradition for children to give homemade gifts to their father or those they consider as father figures. The most common gifts are made out of cereal boxes or paper and they make items such as picture frames, bow ties, neck ties and much more. The older generations head to the gift shops in order to purchase a nice gift for their father and there is plenty of good food along with wine consumed on this day. Bastille Day – This holiday is also called the French National Day and it commemorates the start of the French Revolution that started on July 14, 1789 and started with the Storming of the Bastille. This day also celebrates the Fête de la Fédération, which had help to uphold the French citizens in unity on July 14, 1790. On this day Paris sees numerous military parades and many communities plan parties and various dances to celebrate. Assumption Day – This is a Christian holiday and it celebrates the day that the Virgin Mary, who was Jesus Christ’s mother, had ascended into Heaven. There are many community based events that are planned on this day along with prayer services. Since this holiday happens during the summer time many people take this chance to spend the time with family or friends or to plan a trip. Also, many people visit a cave found in Lourdes, which is where a young girl once saw Mother Mary and others claim that if you drink the water from the spring inside it can cure you of all illnesses. All Saints Day – On this day all martyrs and Saints are celebrated, especially the ones who don’t have their own Feast that is dedicated to their names. It is also a common tradition for everyone to attend churches and the graves of the Saints and even family members. However, on this day Père Lachaise, which is a cemetery where numerous famous French people are buried, has a heavy footfall. Armistice Day – This day is also called L’armistice de la Première Guerre Mondiale and is the day when the end of World War I is celebrated and remembered. On this day special tribute is paid to those who lost their lives while serving and fighting for their country. There are numerous churches that organize special memorial services and at 11am the entire country observes a silence of 1 minute as a mark of respect as well as a way to pray for those who died for the freedom that they enjoy. Also, on this day many military parades are held and it is custom for many people to don red poppies and place wreaths and flowers on the monuments and tombs. Christmas Day – This holiday is also called Noël and it is celebrated in the country along with everyone else in the world to remember the birthday of Jesus Christ. During this holiday the French people spend time with their family members, donate to the needy, worship and enjoy plenty of food and fun. Everyone prepares in advance for this holiday and they decorate their homes and businesses with decorations, including Christmas trees. Many families also put up their Nativity scene and many of the popular figurines come out, including baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The children hang up stockings or even leave out some shoes while they expect gifts from Papa Noël or Santa Claus. France, like every other country in the world, starts the day by attending Midnight Mass that is held in many churches on December 24th. After all of the prayers are over, then there is plenty of feasting, which is called le Réveillon and occurs in many restaurants or home. List of 2016 Bank Holidays in France Day of the Week Date Holiday Friday January 01 New Years Day Monday March 28 Easter Monday Sunday May 01 Labor Day Thursday May 05 Ascension Day Sunday May 08 V-E Day Monday May 16 Whit Monday Sunday May 29 Mother’s Day Sunday June 19 Father’s Day Thursday July 14 Bastille Day Monday August 15 Assumption Day Tuesday November 01 All Saints Day Friday November 11 Armistice Day Sunday December 25 Christmas Day
2016 Bank Holidays in Europe This list of European bank holidays for 2016 follows all of the dictates that are given by the Bank Holidays Act 1971. However, when the act was written only 4 different days had the national holiday status and that meant that later on some additions had been added. Also, the rules of the country state that if a holiday is on Sunday, then the holiday will be observed on the following Monday in order to allow people to fully celebrate the holidays. New Year’s Day – On this day people are given the day off to enjoy the start of the New Year. There are different traditions that are enjoyed on this day, depending on what country you live in. Some of them include First Footing or consuming symbolic foods. However, almost every single country arranges an amazing firework display that lights up the night sky when the clock chimes midnight as a way to say good-bye to the previous year and hello to the new one. Good Friday – This is a day of fasting that is considered to be holy by the Christians since it marks the crucifixion of their Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. This holiday is also one of mourning and special services in the churches are organized to properly celebrate the holiday. In some countries there are prohibited activities to remind people that it isn’t a day for making merry, including prohibiting the sale of spirits on this day, which is done in Ireland. Easter Monday – This holiday comes on the day after Easter and is believed to be the 2nd day of Bright Week by Christians. Various different countries have specific customs and traditions that are used to mark the holiday, but one of the most common is an egg rolling competition. Also, on this day people will sprinkle holy water on their food and houses that was blessed at the services on Easter Sunday. Labor Day – On this holiday the struggle of the workers and laborers is remembered and this struggle had led to the Labor unions being founded. It also helped to bring about better working conditions, minimum pay and shorter working hours. This is also the day that the laborers are paid tribute for their contributions to the economy. Anniversary of Robert Schuman’s Declaration – This holiday is named after the French Foreign Minister and this day is when the states of Europe had been organized into a “super national” community. This is thought to have been what led to the creation of the European Union. Ascension Day – This day is celebrated all over the world by Christians and it marks the occasion of when Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven. There are plenty of different traditions that are done on this day to mark the holiday, including blessings grapes and beans and beating the boundaries. Whit Monday – This holiday is also called the Monday of the Holy Spirit or Pentecost Monday and it is the day when the Christian church was founded. This is also the day when the Christians believe that Jesus visited the Apostles to give them the “gift of tongue”. Corpus Christi – This is a Christian feast that establishes that the blood and body of Jesus was found in the Eucharist. On this day many special church services are organized and numerous parades can also be found. Day of German Unity – On this day they celebrates Germany’s reunification in 1990 and it is full of festivities that mark the occasion. All Saints’ Day – This is also called the Feast of All Saints or Solemnity and this is the day when homage is paid to all of the Saints, regardless of whether or not they are known or unknown. One of the most common traditions is for the songs “For All the Saint” and “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God” to be performed by the church choirs. Christmas Eve – This day marks the start of the Christmas season and people use this day off of work to finish up all of the last minutes preparations, including finalizing the plans for the feast, putting up and decorating the Christmas tree or any unfinished shopping. Most people attend Midnight Mass on this day that is held at most churches. Christmas Day – This is the day when most of the people in the European Union who are Christian celebrate as the birthday of Jesus Christ. There are huge celebrations in Europe and people attend church, enjoy the holiday decorations, feasts and spend time with friends and family to enjoy the joyous holiday. Christmas Holiday – This is the day after Christmas and is also called Boxing Day in other countries. This day was traditionally the day where Christmas presents were open and as a day off for the household help since they worked hard on Christmas day. Also, boxes full of food and other gifts were given by the employers, but now it is a day where homes and schedules are reorganized before going back to work after the long holiday. New Year’s Eve – This holiday is the last day of the year and people use it to make various preparations in order to welcome the upcoming New Year. On this day many balls, dances, banquets, parties and other forms of entertainment are planned to mark the holiday. When the clock chimes midnight, there are several different traditions that are adhered to depending on what region or country you are from. List of 2016 Bank Holidays in Europe Day of the Week Date Holiday Friday January 01 New Year’s Day Friday March 25 Good Friday Monday March 28 Easter Monday Sunday May 01 Labor Day Thursday May 05 Ascension Day Monday May 09 Anniversary of Robert Schuman’s Declaration Monday May 16 Whit Monday Thursday May 26 Corpus Christi Monday October 03 Day of German Unity Tuesday November 01 All Saints’ Day Saturday December 24 Christmas Eve Sunday December 25 Christmas Day Monday December 26 Christmas Holiday Saturday December 31 New Year’s Eve
2016 Bank Holidays in China These bank holidays are the official holidays that are observed in China or the Peoples’ Republic of China. However, the dates for these holidays are not exactly predictable, so you need to make sure to have a good list that is simple and will allow you to follow. The Wall Street Journal had once called the holiday pattern in the country as “notoriously complicated”. China is a country that is full of rich heritage and culture and this means that there are many different customs and traditions that are followed in different parts of the country. However, all of these don’t make the list for national holidays and the list of the holidays for the country has been revised and changed numerous times. Currently, the General Office of the State Council takes to announcing the holiday some 3 weeks before the New Year starts. This is because the traditional celebrations in the country are determined by the Lunar calendar and this means that calculations need to be done in order to coordinate the Lunar dates with those on the modern day calendars. Another interesting thing is that when the holidays land on a weekend, then the following weekday is swapped out to be a holiday. This is done to allow the employees to enjoy the holiday and to give them lengthier periods of vacation so that the festivals can be enjoyed without having to stress out. Here is the list of the Chinese bank holidays to make everything easier for you. New Years Day – This is the day that is celebrated as the New Year for the modern calendar and they celebrate it with lots of pomp. This day is also called as “Yuan Dan” since Yuan translates into beginning, while Dan translates into day. Chinese New Year Eve – On this day the homes are given the final spring cleaning touches and the altars located in the homes are also fully cleaned. The most important tradition that is observed on thisi particular day is the Reunion dinner, which is when the family meets and eats some symbolic food and prays for a safe path to the New Year. This meal is often held at the house of the oldest member of the family where the entire family comes together. Chinese New Year – This day is celebrated on the 1st day of the Lunar month according to the traditional Chinese calendar. It is also called the Spring Festival and is the longest holiday in China and the celebrations and preparations take weeks to undertake and to enjoy. The traditions and customs during this time are extremely elaborate, but during this time people clean and decorate their homes, put on new outfits, consume symbolic dishes, watch or participate in the Dragon Dance, visit with friends and family and give and receive gifts. Also, during this time the elders gift the younger generation money that is put into a red envelope since red is believed to be the color of prosperity. Women’s Day – This holiday has been celebrated since 1975 and this holiday is also celebrated by the rest of the world. This is the day were all women are given a half day off of work and the children are encouraged to do small acts to show that they respect their mother. Also, on this day the women get help from the other family members with their chores. During this modern age, it is also a custom for the women to be taken out for dinner with their family. Qing Ming Festival – This holiday is also called the Pure Brightness Festival and Tomb Sweeping Day. It is celebrated during the first week of April, at least according to the current calendar. This day is one of the 24 solar terms that are followed by the Chinese people and this also when the spring season starts in the country. The temperatures start to get warmer and rainfall is heavier during this time, which makes it the perfect time to plow and sow the fields, which comes from the agrarian culture of the ancient Chinese for finding out the perfect time time for the various agricultural activities. This weather would bring prosperity and bounty in the coming year and this is also thought to be a significant holiday. It isn’t only a day to recognize the transitions between seasons, but it is also a day to pay tribute to the dead ancestors. On this day most of the people will sweep the tombs of their ancestors while enjoying the outdoors. Other traditional customs include the flying of kites. Labor Day – May 1st is celebrated as the international Labor Day in China and this is the day were tributes are paid to the working class for their major contributions to the economy. It is also the time when they remember the Labour Union struggles when fighting for human rights, decent working hours and set wages. Dragon Boat Festival – This is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese lunar calendar that is followed in the country. This festival has been a crucial part of the celebrations in the country for over 2000 years and this is the day that they uphold their dedication to China. This festival is the day when they pay tributes to Qu Yuan, who is a poet that lived from 340-278BC. He was extremely patriotic and had decided to become a martyr rather than live and see his country captured by anyone else. During this time the Chinese people make sure to take care of their health and are reminded of what they can do to keep the diseases away. This holiday gets its name from when the poet had drowned in the river, the village people had rowed their boats to save him and the fronts had been shaped like a Chinese dragon. This act is commemorated through the Dragon Boat competition that is organized and it is thought that the winner will bring prosperity and bounty to their native village. They also eat plenty of symbolic dishes at this time, including Zong Zi, which is rice that is wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves and shaped to look like a Pyramid. Also, people think that if fragrant pouches are given to the children to don on this day, then they will have protection from any evil eyes. This is also the time when numerous diseases hit the country, so they also customarily clean their houses completely and hang medicinal and fragrant herbs in order to keep the pest out and to purify the incoming air. Mid Autumn Festival – This day is held on the 15th day of the 8th month on the Chinese lunar calendar and the name comes from the simple fact that it is held during the middle of the autumn season. This is also called as the Moon Festival since it is believed that this is the time when the moon is the brightest. They will also refer to the Moon for any required calculations since they believe that the seasonal changes are closed tied to the numerous transitions that the moon makes along with the harvest. During this time they pay tribute to the Moon and eat some symbolic dishes, including the Moon Cake, which is also sacrificed to the Moon. After they are offered to the Moon, they are then eaten as a main part of the celebrations. The circle shape that is given to the Moon Cake is symbolic of the Full Moon and it also represents the reunion of the family members. People give others hampers full of the Moon Cake during this time as a way to wish them happiness and for a long life. National Day – This day has been celebrated in the current connotation since 1950 since the National Day of the People’s Republic of China had been declared in 1949. However, the celebrations that are held on this day date back to the Western Jin Dynasty, which went on from 265 AD until 316 AD and in the ancient times they celebrated this day since it was the day that the Emperor had ascended to the throne. It also celebrates the birthday of their Emperor and now the holiday is celebrated on October 1st of every year. The holiday is for 7 days and there are plenty of activities that are planned during this time all over the country. This is also called the Golden Week and it is held from October 1st until the 7th and this is the time people go traveling and indulge in shopping. Chung Yeung Festival – This holiday is held on the 9th day of the 9th month of the Chinese lunar calendar and it is also called the Double Ninth Festival. This holiday dates back before 25 AD and it has been celebrated since the East Han time period. Also, this date is an inauspicious one because 9 is thought to be the yang number. During this time everyone climbs various high places in order to avoid danger and people typically visit various hill stations, organize outings and picnics in hilly locations and hike mountains. They will also don particular plants, including zhuyu or chrysanthemum since they are known to have cleaning properties. They also eat the Chongyang cake, which is the symbolic dish for this time and they will visit their ancestors’ grave to pay tribute. List of 2016 Bank Holidays in China Day of the Week Date Holiday Friday January 01 New Years Day Saturday January 02 New Year’s Holiday Sunday February 07 Chinese New Year Eve Monday February 08 Chinese New Year Tuesday February 09 Chinese New Year Wednesday February 10 Chinese New Year Thursday February 11 Chinese New Year Friday February 12 Chinese New Year Saturday February 13 Chinese New Year Tuesday March 08 Women’s Day Monday April 04 Qing Ming Festival Sunday May 01 Labor Day Thursday June 09 Dragon Boat Festival Thursday September 15 Mid Autumn Festival Saturday October 01 National Day Sunday October 02 National Day Holiday Monday October 03 National Day Holiday Tuesday October 04 National Day Holiday Wednesday October 05 National Day Holiday Thursday October 06 National Day Holiday Friday October 07 National Day Holiday Monday October 10 Chung Yeung Festival
2016 Bank Holidays in Canada These bank holidays for 2016 are celebrated in Canada and they are legal holidays during which all private workers, public employees and other employees, are able to enjoy day without having to work. Not only do they get the day off, but they don’t get docked for the holiday as well. These are days that people don’t have to work at territorial, provincial or even federal levels. Besides these holidays there are plenty of holidays that are celebrated as bank holidays on the territorial and provincial levels along with religious holidays, which can be taken off for those who are a follower of that religion. Here is the complete and full list of Bank holidays that are celebrated in Canada. New Years Day – This holiday has been celebrated on the 1st day of January since 153 BCE and it is thought to be the start of an entire new year. Canada, just like all of the other countries in the world, greet the New Year with plenty of pomp. There is plenty of the usual partying and also some great fireworks shows that are put on for the citizens. This is extremely popular in Toronto and the fireworks are shot off with music in the background and some public performances. Also, in Quebec and other areas, ice fishing is a traditional activity that is participated in on this day since the country has sufficient cold weather and iced over lakes and rivers. Day after New Year’s Day – This day is just after New Year’s day and it is the official end of the festive season that starts with Christmas and ends with New Year. The 2nd day is January is often the time when people spend with family and is a day for relaxing and spending time with friends and family before they go back to work. This is also the day that most people arrive back home if they have taken a vacation during the long holiday. This is also the day that the Royal Bank of Canada had taken over the Quebec Bank. Family Day – This holiday is celebrated in British Columbia and it is held on the 2nd Monday of February every year. This holiday was determined by an online poll that the provincial government had held and this holiday has been held on the same day since 2013. Family Day – This holiday is celebrated on the 3rd Monday of February and is celebrated in most parts of the country, except British Colombia. On this day the people will uphold the family institution and celebrate the bonds that are created between various family members. This is becoming a more and more popular holiday as the time passes and the social scenario has changed, which means it important to have the family bonds firmly rooted among the citizens. Good Friday – This holiday is the Friday before Easter and on this day the Christians in the country celebrate the crucifixion of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is also an opportunity for everyone to take a day off of work and be able to enjoy spring after the long harsh winter. Also, on this day most of the people will have some hot cross buns, which are full of nuts, fruits and raisins and topped with a cross. Easter Monday – This holiday falls on the Monday right after Easter, which is the day when Canada, along with all of the other countries in the world follow some of the routine traditions of the Christian religion. People are able to enjoy a lengthy weekend while they celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection. This is the time when people visit with family and friends and enjoy the treats that they have been given, including Easter Eggs. Mother’s Day – This holiday is always on the 2nd Sunday in June every year and it is day that people use to show their respect and love towards their mother and everyone else that they see as a Mother figure in their lives. On this day, most people spend it with their moms and it is a tradition to give mothers a bouquet of flowers, especially carnations. Victoria Day – This day is always celebrated in the country on the Monday that precedes May 25th and it is also called May Two-Four, May long weekend or May Long. This is the day they they celebrate as the birthday of Queen Victoria, who is the 2nd longest reigning monarch of Great Britain. This date was later adjusted and the day is observed with plenty of parades along with fireworks shows. National Patriots’ Day – This day is always celebrated on the Monday before may 25th and is celebrated on the same day along with Victoria Day. This is the day when the rebellion had been started back in 1837. There are huge events that are organized all over the country to help inform the citizens about the Canadian history. Father’s Day – This holiday always falls on the 3rd Sunday in June every year and it is the day where the fathers are celebrated. The families spend time together and they give their father and other father like figures gifts and cards. It is also a tradition to participate in any of the charity runs and the profits are then donated to prostate cancer research. Discovery Day – This holiday is celebrated in the Labrador and Newfoundland provinces on the Monday that is the closest to June 24th each year. This holidays celebrates the discovery of the provinces by John Cabot in 1947. Also, since 1997, which was the 500th Anniversary, it is also known as Cabot 500 Day. The National Holiday of Quebec – This holiday was introduced to the country by the French colonists who had settled in Canada and who wanted to celebrate the Feast of Saint John the Baptist. He is thought to be the patron saint for the Canadians who are of French heritage and the celebrations on this holiday date back to 1636. This day was declared to be a legal holiday in 1925 and in 1977 it was made into a national holiday. Canada Day – This holiday celebrates the anniversary of the Great Britain ruling the country and it has been celebrated since the 19th century. The day is celebrated in an organized manner, and has been since 1958, and the arrangements are taken care of by the Secretary of State of Canada. Civic Day – This is a paid holiday and it allows the employees to take a day off during the summer break, which would allow them to enjoy the sunshine and the warmth before the winter and the cold start to set in. Discovery Day – This holiday has been celebrated sine 1911 in Yukon and it is on the 3rd Monday of August every year to celebrate the day that gold was found in 1896 in the Bonanza Creek in Yukon. George Washington Carmack had discovered the gold on August 17th and this led to the gold rush that is well-known in the country. This day is also called as the Klondike Gold Discovery Day. Labor Day – This holiday has been celebrated in the country since 1872 when the Toronto based printers had revolted against the crazy hours they were working each week. During this time it wasn’t legal for there to be any activity regarding labor unions. Since that time this day has celebrated and upheld the rights of the employees and acknowledges their contributions to the economy. Picnics, parades and marches are held on this day. Thanksgiving – This holiday was introduced to the country by Martin Frobisher, who is a British explorer who had celebrated this holiday in order to show his gratitude for surviving his exploration trip. This day became a national holiday in 1879 and is celebrated by showing gratitude for general good health and a good harvest during the year. Remembrance Day – This is the day that the World War I ended back in 1918 and the country celebrates this day through p
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