by Kate Dolan | Feb 14, 2021 | Articles, Holidays, Living History, Romans
February 14 is a day associated with disappointed expectations and heart-shaped boxes of candy. I don’t think the disappointment need any sort of explanation. Or, frankly, the chocolate (although you can check out my blogs about growing chocolate and the history of...
by Kate Dolan | Dec 22, 2020 | 19th Century America, Articles, Holidays, Latest Posts, Living History
I intended to write about why we sing the song “Jingle Bells” at Christmas, but after doing some research, I now wonder why we sing the song at all. If people knew the origin of Jingle Bells, it would disappear faster than you can say “cancel culture.” Jingle...
by Kate Dolan | Jul 4, 2020 | Holidays, Living History
“Stay safe!” has become the most common parting wish bestowed by friends and strangers alike in these COVID-centric times. All across the country, municipalities have cancelled 4th of July celebrations to keep people from gathering so that they remain safe. But this...
by Kate Dolan | May 25, 2020 | 19th Century America, Holidays
When did Memorial Day become the start of summer? While some people lay flags on the graves of the fallen during Memorial Day weekend, far more people celebrate this solemn holiday by stripping off their clothes and heading for the nearest pool or beach. When did...
by Kate Dolan | Apr 11, 2020 | Faith, Holidays, Religion and Magic
This afternoon, as we took a windy walk, we passed a dogwood tree in full bloom and I asked my daughter if she knew the legend of the dogwood at Easter. I hope the owner of the tree doesn’t mind, because I took a flower home for Good Friday. Then I started researching...
by Kate Dolan | Feb 14, 2020 | Holidays, Latest Posts, Living History
On February 14, many people in the Western world celebrate love and chocolate, so it can be a happy occasion. If you are lacking one or both of these causes for revelry, Valentine’s Day may not be such a great day. Rest assured, however, that you are not alone in your...
