Is The Season The Reason?

May 12, 2005

Why do more Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo than Fiestas Patrias? Why is Memorial Day more festive than Veterans Day? Why do many non-Jews assume Hanukkah is a major Jewish holiday? The season could be the reason, say Utah State University experts. Weather and the calendar affect people's perceptions of holidays.

For more information, contact (Hispanic celebrations in the U.S.) Dr. Héctor Mendiola, program leader for Latino communities, Utah State University Extension, 435-752-6263, cell 435-760-0581; (American and Jewish holidays) Steve Siporin, associate professor, History and English departments, Utah State University, (on the road until July 2005; contact via email).

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