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holidays on the net |
holiday celebrations |
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fun & wacky daily holidays |
greeting cards |
holiday travel |
email
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Did You Know? |
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Did you know that Purim is celebrated during a Jewish leap month? The holiday falls on the 14th of the month of Adar. When there is a leap year, there are two Adars (Adar Aleph and Adar Bet). Purim is celebrated in Adar Bet during a leap year.
Did you know that in walled cities, like the Persian city in which the story of Purim first took place, Purim is celebrated a day later, on the 15th of Adar? Today, the only recognized walled cities celebrating the later Purim date are Jerusalem, Hebron and the Old City of Tzfat in northern Israel.
Did you know that the holiday of Purim begins on the 13th of Adar (regardless of whether or not you live in a walled city) with the Fast of Esther? In Hebrew, this fast is known as Ta'anit Esther. The day-long fast commemorates Esther's three-day fast before she revealed her true identity to the king and pleaded for her people's safety.
Did you know that the expression "the whole megillah" comes from the holiday of Purim? On Purim, the story of Esther is read from a scroll known as a megillah. The whole megillah must be read twice on Purim, once at night and once the following morning.
Did you know that in addition to being one of the most festive holidays, Purim is also one of the noisiest? That's because every time Haman's name is mentioned during the reading of the megillah, worshippers are instructed to make as much noise as possible to drown out his name. A special instrument was even created for all this noisemaking, called a gragger (grogger).
Did you know that the Book of Esther is the only holy Jewish book that does not ever mention G-d's name?
Did you know that Jews are commanded to give charity on Purim? Another commandment on Purim is to give gifts of food to friends and loved ones.
Did you know that on Purim, children dress up in costume for Purim parades and carnivals? Traditional fare includes little Queen Esthers. Of course, modern day revelers also dress up as Disney Princesses and Super Heroes.
Did you know that hamantashen are a three cornered pastry filled with poppy seed that are served on Purim? The cookies are named for the three-cornered hat that Haman wore. In Hebrew, hamantashen are called oznei haman, or Haman's ears. (Hamantashen recipes)
Did you know that there is a town in Missouri called Esther? There is also one in Louisiana.
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