Vacations: A Short History
July 21st, 2008
Originally, in the United Kingdom, the word "vacation" meant specifically to the long summer break taken by the law courts and universities. This was a custom introduced by William the Conqueror from Normandy who intended to facilitate the grape harvest. Looking on another angle, the French term is similar to the American English: "Les Vacances." The term "vacations" derives from the fact back then, upper-class families would literally move to a summer home for part of the year-leaving their usual family home vacant. Meanwhile, holiday is a contraction of the words holy and day-holidays originally represented special religious days but then, this word has evolved in general usage to mean any special day of rest (as opposed to regular days of rest such as the weekend).
Entry Filed under: Travel