Editing Holiday (section)

==Terminology==

The word ''holiday'' comes from the [[Old English]] word ''hāligdæg'' (''hālig'' "[[holy]]" + ''dæg'' "[[day]]").<ref>{{cite web|url=http://etymonline.com/?term=holiday|title=holiday – Origin and meaning of holiday |website=Online Etymology Dictionary |access-date=20 February 2018}}</ref> The word originally referred only to special religious days.

The word ''holiday'' has differing connotations in different regions. In the [[United States]], the word is used exclusively to refer to the nationally, religiously, or culturally observed day(s) of rest or celebration or the events themselves, whereas in the [[United Kingdom]] and other [[Commonwealth nations]], the word may refer to the period of time where leave from one's duties has been agreed upon and is used as a synonym for the US preferred ''[[vacation]]''. This time is usually set aside for rest, travel, or participation in recreational activities, with entire industries targeted to coincide with or enhance these experiences. The days of leave may not coincide with any specific customs or laws. Employers and educational institutes may designate 'holidays' themselves, which may or may not overlap nationally or culturally relevant dates, which again comes under this connotation, but it is the first implication detailed that this article is concerned with. Modern use varies geographically. In North America, it means any dedicated day or period of celebration. In the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, ''holiday'' is often used instead of the word ''vacation''.