Public holiday

High school (ages 12+)
Holidays & Celebrations

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/public-holiday

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the legal status?Established by formal legislative acts, making them legally binding non-working days
2. What is the historical context?Evolved from ancient religious and agricultural festivals into codified national observances
3. What is a public holiday and why do we get a day off?A public holiday is a day officially declared by law where most people don't have to work or go to school. It gives everyone time to rest, celebrate, or remember important events.
4. How did public holidays start?Long ago, people celebrated special days for religion, farming, or important people. Later, governments made these days official with laws to keep them for everyone.

Legislative Decree: An official order or law issued by a legislative body, establishing a public holiday.
Social Cohesion: The degree to which members of a society feel united and connected, often reinforced by shared experiences like holidays.
National Identity: A collective sense of belonging to a nation, shaped by shared history, culture, values, and symbols, often celebrated on public holidays.