International Holidays: 204 Countries from 1994 Through 2015 : With Tabular Appendices of Religious Holidays, 1900-2100 [Hardcover]

Robert S. Weaver (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1995

From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, two decades of national holidays from 204 countries can be found in this unique reference work. Day-by-day, holidays from 1994 through 2015 are covered, giving religious and government holidays. So-called "soft" holidays such as Mother's Day are included for information purposes.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This reference is strictly a large almanac in which to look up the date of future celebrations around the world; if, for example, you wish to know when Garifuna Day in Belize will fall in 2014, this is the source to consult. The organization is by month and year through 2015, with each country's holidays noted by day of the month. No further information is given, eliminating this as a source for researching the background of any particular holiday. Appendixes list fixed multinational holidays, algorithmic, selected algorithmic from 1900 to 2100, and an index by country. From his introduction, it appears that the primary intent of the author is to assist the international business community, but even he includes a disclaimer that one should consult current sources for recent developments. It should not be assumed that this title will be useful through 2015; new holidays will arise, names will change, and new countries will be proclaimed. Questions concerning U.S. holidays would be better answered with Chase's Annual Events (Contemporary Bks.) or a simple almanac. The Gale Holidays and Anniversaries of the World (LJ 3/1/90; third edition due 1996) is a chronology and more expensive, but it includes one-sentence explanations for most events. This will be a marginal purchase for most libraries but should be considered by those serving large foreign-born or ethnic populations.?James Moffet, Baldwin P.L., Birmingham, Mich.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

This book of lists enables readers to determine where and when particular holidays are celebrated. "Holiday" seems to mean "official holiday;" bank holidays are included, festivals are not. Some arbitrarily selected "soft holidays" are included for convenience, including Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. An introduction surveys various calendars, including the Gregorian, into which all dates for this book are translated. Also discussed are complications of dating and observance caused by movable religious holidays.

Approximately half the book breaks down the years 1994^-2015 into monthly listings. Daily entries list country and holidays celebrated. Four appendixes and an index follow. Appendix A is an alphabetical list of fixed multinational holidays, such as Labor Day and Christmas Day, with the countries that celebrate them. Appendix B is a listing of algorithmic holidays (a term appearing in the tables, undefined, referring to dates arrived at by computation--Easter, for example). Within Asian, Christian, Orthodox, Hindu, and Islamic categories, countries are listed that celebrate holidays of these faiths. Method of reckoning is given, with reference to tables and calendar for exact dates. Appendix C is a table of dates for selected algorithmic holidays from 1900 to 2100. These include dates for Chinese New Year (with the associated animal), and Christian, Orthodox, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, and Theravada Buddhist holidays. The Jewish holiday Shavuot is listed as Pentecost; while technically this is not incorrect, this is not the term used by Jews. Appendix D is an alphabetical list of countries, the holidays they celebrate, and whether the holidays are fixed or algorithmic, multinational or unique to that country. An index and holiday register guides readers to all nations celebrating a particular holiday.

Because holidays are listed without description, readers will welcome a companion volume such as Folklore of World Holidays [RBB Ap 15 92], which describes holidays and festivals, as well as official holidays of 150 countries. Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary [RBB Ag 94] describes 1,400 celebrations in 100 countries. International Holidays is clearly most useful in determining dates. Aside from the lack of definitions, it is easy to use. Anyone needing to plan for holiday crowds or closed businesses will find it practical, as will librarians working ready reference.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (March 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0899509533
• ISBN-13: 978-0899509532
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,094,438 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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