Holiday History

By Pallas

An exploration of the history of holidays, designed to give elementary-aged students a fun and useful look at the honest history behind holidays. Help your children expand both their vocabulary and th... more

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FAQs about Holiday History:

How many episodes does Holiday History have?

The podcast currently has 42 episodes available.

Holiday History episodes:

January 20, 2026 Valentine's Day Ep. 4: When Love Became a Product
In 1840, traveling salesmen had to explain to confused Americans what a valentine card even was. Just nine years later, Valentine's Day had exploded into a national holiday. How did a forgotten British custom become an American obsession overnight? The answer lies on Park Row in New York City, where clever merchants transformed their shop windows into dazzling theaters of romance—and discovered how to package love itself for profit. Learn more at pallascenter.com
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9min
January 20, 2026 Valentine's Day Ep. 3: When Masters Served Slaves
Long before heart-shaped chocolates, ancient Romans celebrated February with festivals so wild that philosophers described whole mobs drunk and vomiting in the streets. Masters served their slaves dinner, gambling became legal, and people paraded through cities in animal skins and masks. Discover how these chaotic celebrations shaped the romantic holiday we know today. Learn more at pallascenter.com
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9min
January 20, 2026 Valentine's Day Ep. 2: The Poem That Invented Love
Before Geoffrey Chaucer picked up his quill in the 1380s, Saint Valentine was the patron saint of epilepsy and beekeepers—nothing remotely romantic. Then one medieval poem about birds choosing their mates changed everything. Discover how a single poet invented the love holiday we celebrate today, and unravel the mystery of why he chose freezing February 14th for springtime romance. Learn more at pallascenter.com
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7min
January 20, 2026 Valentine's Day Ep. 1: A Martyr, Not a Matchmaker
Think Valentine's Day started with a kind priest secretly marrying young lovers? Think again. The real Saint Valentine—actually several men by that name—died as Christian martyrs in ancient Rome, executed for refusing to worship Roman gods. One restored a blind girl's sight; another healed a crippled boy. But neither had anything to do with romance. So how did their story become about love? Learn more at pallascenter.com
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7min
January 08, 2026 Inaugurations Ep. 1: When Washington Forgot the Bible
George Washington's first inauguration was supposed to happen on March 4, 1789—but Congress couldn't count the votes in time. When the ceremony finally took place nearly two months late, officials made a startling discovery: they'd forgotten the Bible and had to borrow one from a nearby Masonic lodge. Discover how this improvised, chaotic beginning launched one of democracy's most sacred traditions. Learn more at pallascenter.com
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4min
January 08, 2026 Inaugurations Ep. 1: When Washington Forgot the Bible
George Washington's first inauguration was supposed to happen on March 4, 1789—but Congress couldn't count the votes in time. When the ceremony finally took place nearly two months late, officials made a startling discovery: they'd forgotten the Bible and had to borrow one from a nearby Masonic lodge. Discover how this improvised, chaotic beginning launched one of democracy's most sacred traditions. Learn more at pallascenter.com
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4min
January 08, 2026 MLK Ep 5: King's Vision for the Future
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6min
December 31, 2025 MLK Legacy Ep. 1: Money as a Weapon for Justice
When Martin Luther King Jr. organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, he discovered a powerful truth: money talks louder than moral arguments. For 381 days, Black residents walked miles to work rather than ride segregated buses, costing the city $3,000 daily. Even a Birmingham segregationist admitted, 'I'm still a segregationist, but I'm not a fool' when boycotts cost millions. Learn more at pallascenter.com
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7min
December 10, 2025 Bill of Rights Ep. 1: Ten Freedoms That Protect You
Why did Americans who just won their freedom immediately worry about their new government? In 1791, fear of tyranny led to ten powerful amendments that still protect your life today—from what you say to who can enter your home. Discover how rights written over 230 years ago defend your freedom to speak your mind, practice your religion, and be treated fairly by the police. Learn more at pallascenter.com.
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6min
November 20, 2025 Christmas History Ep. 1: When December 25 Became Christmas
Imagine a world where celebrating your birthday was considered sinful. Early Christians refused to celebrate Jesus's birth for over 300 years, believing only pagans and sinners marked birthdays. Then Emperor Constantine changed everything in 313 AD, turning Christianity into a political tool. Discover why December 25th wasn't chosen for religious reasons at all. Learn more at pallascenter.com/podcast.
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9min

FAQs about Holiday History:

How many episodes does Holiday History have?

The podcast currently has 42 episodes available.