Celebration: meaning, definitions and examples
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celebration
[ˌsel.əˈbreɪ.ʃən ]
Definition
special event
A celebration is a special event or occasion that people organize in order to mark an important day or period in their lives. It is a joyful gathering of people to commemorate and enjoy a particular moment or achievement.
Synonyms
commemoration, festivity, party.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| celebration |
This word is generally used for a joyful event or occasion where people gather to express happiness, success, or honor someone or something.
|
| party |
This term is commonly used for a social gathering where people have fun, eat, drink, and celebrate. It can be informal or formal.
|
| festivity |
This word is used to describe joyful activities or events that are often part of a larger festival, usually involving food, music, and dancing.
|
| commemoration |
This term is often used to refer to a ceremony or event organized to remember and honor someone or something, usually solemnly and formally.
|
Examples of usage
- We had a big celebration for my grandmother's 90th birthday.
- The town held a celebration to honor its founding anniversary.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word traces back to the Latin 'celebratio', which means to honor or perform a public rite.
- Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Romans, held grand celebrations for religious festivals and harvests.
- The concept of celebration has existed since prehistoric times, often linked to seasonal changes and community gatherings.
Cultural Practices
- Different cultures have unique celebrations: Diwali in India symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, while Mardi Gras in New Orleans is famed for its vibrant parades.
- In many cultures, weddings are among the most significant celebrations, representing love and unity.
- Chinese New Year is a major celebration that marks the start of the lunar new year, featuring fireworks and family reunions.
Psychology
- Celebrations enhance social bonds and create a sense of belonging among participants, contributing to mental well-being.
- The act of celebrating releases dopamine in the brain, which can lift mood and deepen happiness.
- Celebration rituals can help individuals cope with life changes, serving as a way to process emotions during events like graduations or funerals.
Literature and Art
- Celebrations are a common theme in literature, often representing triumph, love, or communal unity, seen in works from Shakespeare to modern novels.
- Artists often depict celebrations as expressions of joy; famous paintings of festivities capture moments of happiness and cultural pride.
- In poetry, celebrations are used as metaphors for life's milestones, capturing the fleeting yet significant nature of joy.
Science
- Research suggests that engaging in celebrations can lead to long-term happiness, promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing stress.
- Celebrations often involve food, which plays a crucial role in human gatherings, fueling social interactions and communication.
- The neuroscience behind celebrations shows a correlation between social gatherings and improved immune function due to the presence of positive emotions.
Translations
Translations of the word "celebration" in other languages:
🇵🇹 celebração
🇮🇳 उत्सव
🇩🇪 Feier
🇮🇩 perayaan
🇺🇦 святкування
🇵🇱 świętowanie
🇯🇵 祝賀 (しゅくが)
🇫🇷 célébration
🇪🇸 celebración
🇹🇷 kutlama
🇰🇷 축하 (chukha)
🇸🇦 احتفال
🇨🇿 oslava
🇸🇰 oslava
🇨🇳 庆祝 (qìngzhù)
🇸🇮 praznovanje
🇮🇸 hátíð
🇰🇿 мереке
🇬🇪 აღნიშვნა
🇦🇿 bayram
🇲🇽 celebración