Holiday vs. Observance — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
A "Holiday" is a day of celebration, often with time off from work or school. "Observance" refers to the practice or ritual on special days, not always implying a day off.
Difference Between Holiday and Observance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Holiday and Observance are terms commonly associated with special days marked on the calendar, but they are used in distinct ways. A holiday typically indicates a day of celebration, often recognized nationally or internationally, and frequently accompanies a break from regular activities like work or school.
In contrast, Observance focuses more on the practices, customs, and rituals that are carried out on specific days. While holidays often come with certain observances, not all observances equate to a holiday. For instance, certain religious rituals might be observed without the day being considered a public holiday.
The term Holiday often carries a more festive tone, highlighting leisure, relaxation, and celebration. Think of major holidays like Christmas or Independence Day, which often involve festive activities and, in many countries, a day off work. On the other hand, Observance may have a more solemn or serious tone, emphasizing reflection, respect, or commemoration.
Furthermore, while many holidays are officially recognized by governments and result in closed offices or schools, observances might not always lead to such official closures. For example, while Veterans Day might be a national Holiday in the U.S., the Observance of a lesser-known religious or cultural day might not grant a day off.
In summary, while both Holiday and Observance relate to special days, a holiday usually indicates a broader celebration and potential time off, whereas observance zeroes in on the specific practices, rituals, or commemorations associated with a particular day.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
A day of celebration, often with time off.
The practice or ritual on special days.
Implication
Implies a break from work/school.
Doesn't always imply a day off.
Tone
Festive, celebratory.
Can be solemn, reflective, or commemorative.
Recognition
Often officially recognized by governments.
Might not always be officially recognized.
Related Terms
Vacation, festivity, break.
Ritual, custom, practice.
Compare with Definitions
Holiday
A day of celebration or commemoration.
Thanksgiving is a major holiday in the U.S.
Observance
The practice of following a custom, ritual, or rule.
The observance of fasting during Ramadan is important to Muslims.
Holiday
A special day for religious celebration.
Easter is an important Christian holiday.
Observance
A tradition or practice followed on a particular occasion.
Candle lighting is an observance during Hanukkah.
Holiday
An extended period of leisure or recreation.
The children are on holiday from school this week.
Observance
A ceremony or celebration marking a special day.
The observance of Veterans Day honors those who served.
Holiday
A period of relaxation or leisure, especially one spent away from home.
She took a two-week holiday in Europe.
Observance
Respectful adherence to a law or rule.
Observance of the law is a societal obligation.
Holiday
A day when work or school is suspended, typically for celebration.
Many businesses close on national holidays.
Observance
The practice of observing the requirements of law, morality, or ritual
Strict observance of the rules
The decline in religious observance
Holiday
A holiday is a day set aside by custom or by law on which normal activities, especially business or work including school, are suspended or reduced. Generally, holidays are intended to allow individuals to celebrate or commemorate an event or tradition of cultural or religious significance.
Observance
The action of watching or noticing something
The baby's motionless observance of me
Holiday
An extended period of leisure and recreation, especially one spent away from home or in travelling.
I spent my summer holidays on a farm
Fred was on holiday in Spain
Observance
Respect; deference
The tramp gave them no observance
Holiday
A short period during which the payment of instalments, tax, etc. may be suspended
A pension holiday
Observance
The act or practice of observing or complying with a law, custom, command, or rule.
Holiday
Spend a holiday in a specified place
He is holidaying in Italy
Observance
The act or custom of keeping or celebrating a holiday or other ritual occasion.
Holiday
A day free from work that one may spend at leisure, especially a day on which custom or the law dictates a halting of general business activity to commemorate or celebrate a particular event.
Observance
A customary rite or ceremony.
Holiday
A religious feast day; a holy day.
Observance
The act of watching; observation
"Consider how much intellect was needed in the architect, and how much observance of nature" (John Ruskin).
Holiday
Chiefly British A vacation. Often used in the phrase on holiday.
Observance
Roman Catholic Church The rule governing a religious order.
Holiday
To pass a holiday or vacation.
Observance
The practice of complying with a law, custom, command or rule.
Holiday
A day on which a festival, religious event, or national celebration is traditionally observed.
Today is a Wiccan holiday!
Observance
The custom of celebrating a holiday or similar occasion.
Holiday
A day declared free from work by the state or government.
Observance
Observation or the act of watching.
Holiday
A period of one or more days taken off work for leisure and often travel; often plural.
Observance
(religion) A rule governing a religious order, especially in the Roman Catholic church.
Holiday
A period during which pupils do not attend their school; often plural; rarely used for students at university (usually: vacation).
I want to take a French course this summer holiday.
Observance
That which is to be observed.
Holiday
(finance) A period during which, by agreement, the usual payments are not made.
A mortgage payment holiday
Observance
Reverence; homage.
Holiday
A gap in coverage, e.g. of paint on a surface, or sonar imagery.
Observance
The act or practice of observing or noticing with attention; a heeding or keeping with care; performance; - usually with a sense of strictness and fidelity; as, the observance of the Sabbath is general; the strict observance of duties.
It is a customMore honored in the breach than the observance.
Holiday
(intransitive) To take a period of time away from work or study.
Observance
An act, ceremony, or rite, as of worship or respect; especially, a customary act or service of attention; a form; a practice; a rite; a custom.
At dancesThese young folk kept their observances.
Use all the observance of civility.
Some represent to themselves the whole of religion as consisting in a few easy observances.
O I that wasted time to tend upon her,To compass her with sweet observances!
Holiday
To spend a period of time in recreational travel.
Observance
Servile attention; sycophancy.
Salads and flesh, such as their haste could get,Served with observance.
This is not atheism,But court observance.
Love rigid honesty,And strict observance of impartial laws.
Holiday
A consecrated day; religious anniversary; a day set apart in honor of some person, or in commemoration of some event. See Holyday.
Observance
The act of observing; taking a patient look
Holiday
A day of exemption from labor; a day of amusement and gayety; a festival day.
And young and old come forth to playOn a sunshine holiday.
Observance
A formal event performed on a special occasion;
A ceremony commemorating Pearl Harbor
Holiday
A day fixed by law for suspension of business; a legal holiday.
Observance
The act of noticing or paying attention;
He escaped the notice of the police
Holiday
Of or pertaining to a festival; cheerful; joyous; gay.
Observance
Conformity with law or custom or practice etc.
Holiday
Occurring rarely; adapted for a special occasion.
Courage is but a holiday kind of virtue, to be seldom exercised.
Observance
The act of watching, noticing, or monitoring.
The observance of safety protocols is crucial.
Holiday
Leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure;
We get two weeks of vacation every summer
We took a short holiday in Puerto Rico
Holiday
A day on which work is suspended by law or custom;
No mail is delivered on federal holidays
It's a good thing that New Year's was a holiday because everyone had a hangover
Holiday
Spend or take a vacation
Common Curiosities
Can a religious day be both a holiday and an observance?
Yes, a religious day can be recognized as a holiday and have specific observances or rituals.
Can observances be secular or non-religious?
Yes, observances can be secular, like the observance of a moment of silence.
Are holidays always days off from work?
While many holidays result in time off, not all holidays guarantee a break from work or school.
Is Christmas a holiday or an observance?
Christmas is both a holiday, as a day of celebration, and has associated observances like attending church.
Are all holidays observances?
While holidays often have associated observances, not all observances are considered holidays.
Are all religious observances also holidays?
No, not all religious observances equate to public holidays.
Is New Year's Day a holiday or observance?
New Year's Day is a holiday, and the celebrations and traditions surrounding it are its observances.
Can an observance be a personal tradition?
Yes, individuals can have personal observances that aren't widely recognized.
How do cultures influence holidays?
Cultures often define the significance, traditions, and practices of holidays.
Can a personal day off be considered a holiday?
While one might call a personal day off a "holiday," it's not a holiday in the official or public sense.
Are observances always serious or solemn?
No, while many observances are solemn, others can be festive or celebratory.
How do governments decide on official holidays?
Governments consider cultural, historical, and religious significance when designating official holidays.
How are national holidays different from national observances?
National holidays often come with official recognition and time off, while national observances might simply be days of commemoration without a break.
Can "holiday" also mean vacation?
Yes, in some contexts, especially in British English, "holiday" can mean vacation.
Are observances mandatory?
Observances can be optional or culturally/religiously mandatory, depending on the context.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
