Cinco de Mayo

This holiday is widely and commercially celebrated in Mexico every 5th of May, but did you know that it might be relevant to our 1860's alter-egos? The fighting in Mexico took a back page in the news compared to our problems; look closely at your old newspapers - it's probably on that ignored back page.

After Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, it faced internal power struggles. The southern parts of the country broke off to form the present day Central America and the northern parts were lost to the United States. Mexico was invaded by US, Spain and France. The second French invasion began in 1861. On May 5, 1862, the untrained Mexican forces were outgunned and outnumbered, yet they successfully defended their positions and then attacked the well trained and armed French troops. However, the following year, the French captured and ruled Mexico until 1867.

Cinco de Mayo, therefore, does not celebrate Mexico's independence nor does it commemorate a successful war. It symbolizes the right of the people to self determination and national sovereignty.

Does this celebration of personal victory rather than military victory seem vaguely familiar? See you at the cemetery . . . 

Mother's Day

During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday". Celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent, this day honored the mothers of England.

During this time many of England's poor worked as servants for the wealthy. As most jobs were located far from their homes, the servants would live at the houses of their employers. On Mothering Sunday the servants would have the day off and were encouraged to return home and spend the day with their mothers. A special cake, called the mothering cake, was often brought along to provide a festive touch.

In the United States, Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic) as a day dedicated to peace. Ms. Howe would hold organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston every year.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May.

Another version . . .

The first Mother's Day celebrations can be traced back to ancient Greece where a springtime tribute was paid to Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 1600's "Mothering Sunday" was observed in England. The baking of specialty cakes marked Mothering Sunday and mothers were given small gifts as well. It was Anna Jarvis who began rallying for the observance of Mother's Day in the United States. After her mother passed away, she aimed to establish a holiday that celebrated the bonds between mothers and their children. In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson officially recognized Mother's Day as a national holiday celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium also celebrate on this day.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day to honor those who have given their lives for our country. This holiday originated as a way of recognizing the passing of war veterans who died during the Civil War. It was marked by decorating graves with flowers. Although many U.S. cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, President Lyndon Johnson recognized Waterloo, NY as the official birthplace in 1966. In 1971 the last Monday of May was chosen as the official day of observance. Unofficially, Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer.

Father’s Day 

Father’s Day originated in the state of Washington in 1909. Sonora Smart Dodd was the daughter of a civil war veteran, William Smart. Smart, a widower, raised his six children alone. Inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon, Dodd proposed to create a day on which to recognize the devotion of all fathers. This idea to establish a day on which to honor fathers soon spread across the nation. Father’s Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1956 and in 1972 President Nixon established Father’s Day as a permanent national day of observance on the third Sunday of June.

Carolina Day

On the 28th of June 1776 the battle of Sullivan's Island was the first victory of the Patriot cause. A sizeable British fleet and army had been drubbed in a decisive way and British pride was seriously wounded. Word was rushed to Congress in Philadelphia bya single horse-borne messenger in a manner reminiscent of the battle of Marathon. The importance to American morale cannot be overstated; as news spread throughout the nation, there was rejoicing everywhere.

For generations, the gallant defense of Sullivan's Island was commemorated with festivities which recalled our nation's struggle for liberty and the blessing resulting from it. To Carolinians, the 28th of June was Independence Day.

Thanksgiving

See several articles on our Thanksgiving page.

Christmas

See several articles on our Christmas page