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Star of Bethlehem

The Star of Bethlehem

Was the Star of Bethlehem a real celestial body or a miraculous vision? Astronomer Bob Berman...
Outdoor Christmas Tree

Keeping Your Christmas Tree Fresh

While most of us think about Christmas trees only in December, for growers of cut-your-own trees,...
Fall Trees

Fall Leaves: Why Do Leaves Change Color?

Ever wonder why leaves change color? Did you know that fall’s vivid colors are actually hidden...
snowy tree cricket HGW

Where the Wild Things Are: November

November the first. You’ve unmothballed your winter sweaters and laid in a supply of hand-warmers....
Gourds and Squash at Thanksgiving

Unusual Squash and Gourds for the Thanksgiving Displays

Colorful squash and gourds are signs of Thanksgiving to me—harking back to the Pilgrims—and the...
care-for-christmas-poinsettia

History of the Poinsettia

Where does the poinsettia come from? Where was this traditional Christmas plant discovered? Are...
Eagle Pumpkin

How to Carve a Pumpkin

When it comes to pumpkin carving, the idea is to have fun. We’ve got tips on carving the best...
Full Snow Moon - OFA

Full Moon for February 2020

When is the Full Moon in February 2020? What time is Full Moon and New Moon? Why is it called the...
Cornhusk Doll

5 Traditional Halloween Crafts

Enjoy these fun, traditional Halloween crafts—from apple heads to cornhusk dolls. They’re great for...
Full Moon on Halloween

Halloween Moon | What's the Moon Phase This Halloween?

Ever noticed that Halloween pictures always show a full Moon? But how often does the full Moon...
Scorpio Symbol, the Scorpion

Scorpio Zodiac Sign

Happy Birthday, Scorpio! The eighth sign of the zodiac, Scorpio dates in astrology are typically...
November Leaves

The Month of November 2019: Holidays, Fun Facts, Folklore

What’s happening in November 2019? Here at the Almanac, we think of November as the month of food,...
Fall Leaves

What To Do With Fall Leaves

We don’t call it “fall” around here for nothing. If lots of leaves have fallen in your yard, why...
When is Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day 2019

In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. In the United States, it’s...
When is Election Day?

When is Election Day 2019?

In the United States, the next Election Day will occur on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Which states...
Islamic New Year Crescent Moon

When Does the Islamic New Year 2020 Begin?

When Does the Islamic New Year 2020—First of Muharram—begin? Here are the dates from The Old Farmer...
Full Corn Moon

Full Moon for September 2020

The full Moon for September 2020 is the Full Corn Moon. See what this means—plus, Moon phase dates...
when-is-ramadan

Ramadan 2020: When is Ramadan?

When does Ramadan 2020 begin and end? See Ramadan dates—and learn more about how Ramadan is ...
When is Mardi Gras?

When is Mardi Gras 2020?

When is Mardi Gras 2020? Why is this day—also called Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday—celebrated? Read...
Shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day 2020

Who was St. Patrick? Why are shamrocks a symbol of this day? Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day history,...
when-is-grandparents-day

Grandparents Day 2020

Grandparents Day is always celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Take the time to honor...
Canadian Flag

Canada Day 2020

O Canada! It’s time to celebrate Canada Day! Learn the history behind this national holiday,...
Welcome Spring Equinox

First Day of Spring 2020: The Spring Equinox

In 2020, the spring equinox (also called the March equinox or vernal equinox) falls on Thursday,...
Sun Tree on Water jpg

Summer Solstice 2020: The First Day of Summer

The June solstice—the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere—occurs this year on Saturday, June...
Natural Easter Eggs

When is Easter 2020? | How the Easter Date is Determined

Why do we celebrate Easter? And why is Easter so late this year? We’ll explain—plus, find out how...
Passover

When Is the Start of Passover 2020?

Passover 2020 begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 8. See more information on Passover dates,...
Labor Day Parade

When Is Labor Day 2020?

Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, 2020. Unlike many holidays, Labor Day doesn’t have many...
independence-day-usa

Fourth of July 2020: Celebrate with History, Traditions, and Recipes

What is Independence Day (U.S.)? Why do we celebrate this all-important American holiday? Learn the...
Horoscope

Monthly Horoscope for October 2019

Here’s your monthly horoscope for October 2019. What could be in store for this month? Almanac...
Old Calendar

How Did the Months Get Their Names?

How did the months of the year get their names? The months’ names reflect a mix of gods and...
Folklore: Squirrels and Nuts

Winter Weather Lore: Observing Nature's Signs

What winter weather is in store for us? Our ancestors lived close to the land and by observing the...
Earth Revolving Around the Sun

The Reason for the Seasons

What causes our four seasons—spring, summer, winter, fall? Why do our seasons change? You might...
Month of October, Fall Days

The Month of October 2019: Holidays, Fun Facts, Folklore

In October 2019, autumn will come into full swing. Let’s get in the mood! Learn why it’s called...
Cornhusk Doll

Seasonal Crafts: Cornhusk Doll

In the Colonial Era, people painted faces on cornhusk dolls and made them into toys. Here’s how to...
daylight-saving-time-clock

Daylight Saving Time 2019: When Does the Time Change?

When does Daylight Saving Time 2019 end? Find dates here—as well as the history of Daylight Saving...
When is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah 2019

Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the year in the traditional Jewish calendar. Find out Rosh...
Mercury-retrograde

Mercury Retrograde Dates for 2019

Mercury enters retrograde motion on October 31, 2019! (That’s right—Halloween!) Find out what that...
Flower Bouquet

Flower Meanings: The Language of Flowers

Before you select a bouquet, check out the flower meanings from The Old Farmer’s Almanac!  While...
Maple Leaf

4 Ways Canadian Thanksgiving Differs From American Thanksgiving

In America, Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays of the year. But did you know that Canada...
Halloween Scene

Halloween 2019

Halloween always falls on the 31st of October. What is Halloween really about? How did it get...
Autumnal Equinox - Fall Road

Autumnal Equinox 2019: The First Day of Fall

In 2019, the autumnal equinox—also called the September equinox or fall equinox—is Monday. On this...
Libra, the Scales

Libra Zodiac Sign

Happy Birthday, Libra! The Zodiac Sign for Libra (September 23 to October 23) is represented by the...

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