Celebrations: meaning, definitions and examples

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celebrations

[ˌsel.əˈbreɪ.ʃənz ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

special occasions

Celebrations refer to the act of commemorating a special event or occasion with festivities, joy, and often ceremonies. They are a way to express happiness, gratitude, or respect towards a significant moment or achievement.

Synonyms

commemoration, festivities, observance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
celebrations	General term for joyful events or activities marking special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or holidays. The town is known for its lively New Year celebrations We have big celebrations for our anniversary every year
festivities	Refers to fun and joyful activities that are usually part of a larger celebration, often involving food, music, and dance. The festivities included a parade, live music, and fireworks We enjoyed the festivities during the town's summer carnival
commemoration	Used for events or activities to honor and remember a person or event, often with a reflective or solemn tone. The community held a commemoration for the fallen soldiers A statue was erected in commemoration of the town's founder
observance	Used for actions or ceremonies performed to show respect for a tradition or law, often with a more formal and respectful tone. The observance of Memorial Day is very important in our community We attended the observance of Veterans Day at the local monument

Examples of usage

The city was filled with celebrations after the team won the championship.
We gathered for a family celebration to mark my grandmother's 90th birthday.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Traditions

Many cultures celebrate the New Year with fireworks and special meals, showcasing the importance of marking time.
In India, Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness, bringing families and friends together.
Holidays like Thanksgiving in the USA revolve around gratitude and family gatherings, highlighting different cultural values.

Historical Significance

The celebration of ancient harvest festivals was crucial for communities to give thanks and ensure a bountiful year ahead.
In ancient Rome, public celebrations like Saturnalia allowed citizens to engage in festive activities, influencing modern holidays.
Weddings are one of the oldest forms of celebration, symbolizing the joining of two families and often steeped in tradition.

Psychological Aspects

Celebrating milestones fosters a sense of belonging and community, which can enhance mental well-being.
Rituals associated with celebrations help people draw closer, creating bonds and shared memories that strengthen relationships.
Participating in joyful events produces chemicals like oxytocin, promoting happiness and reducing stress.

Art and Literature

Celebrations are frequently depicted in art, from joyful holiday scenes to community gatherings, reflecting cultural values.
Literature often explores themes of celebration, showcasing how characters decipher joy, love, and togetherness in various contexts.
Festivals have inspired countless songs and poems, capturing the essence of joy and unity through artistic expression.

Translations

Translations of the word "celebrations" in other languages:

🇵🇹 celebrações

🇮🇳 उत्सव

🇩🇪 Feierlichkeiten

🇮🇩 perayaan

🇺🇦 святкування

🇵🇱 uroczystości

🇯🇵 お祝い

🇫🇷 célébrations

🇪🇸 celebraciones

🇹🇷 kutlamalar

🇰🇷 축하

🇸🇦 احتفالات

🇨🇿 oslavy

🇸🇰 oslavy

🇨🇳 庆祝活动

🇸🇮 praznovanja

🇮🇸 hátíðir

🇰🇿 мейрамдар

🇬🇪 დღესასწაულები

🇦🇿 qeyd etmələr

🇲🇽 celebraciones

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,002, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11999 spectacles
12000 warp
12001 politely
12002 celebrations
12003 eradication
12004 removable
12005 roasted
...