To be of religious origin

To lose religious significance

To decline in popularity

To remain unaltered for generations

commemorate v - to keep or honour the memory of a person or event: The holiday is celebrated to commemorate the victory.

commemoration n - act of commemorating: in commemoration of the victory

ceremony n – a formal act or series of formal acts performed on a religious or public occasion: private (public) ceremonies

§ VERB+ CEREMONY stand on I won’t stand on ceremony(= be formal)

§ PREP. without ceremony Without ceremony, the woman slammed the door shut in my face.

§ PHRASES pomp and ceremony the pomp and ceremony of a royal wedding with due/great ceremony With due ceremony, he took the oath to become president

c eremonial adj – used for or involving a ceremony: ceremonial meal

present/ gift n – something that you give to someone on a special occasion: to exchange gifts (greetings)

party n – an occasion when people meet together to enjoy themselves by eating, drinking, dancing: to have /give/ throw a party

drinks party - a cocktail party at which alcohol is the main thing offered

toast v - 1) to wish happiness, success, etc to a person or thing while raising a glass of wine

toast n - act of toasting: to propose/drink a toast

to drink to smth - wish good (to a person) while raising one's glass: to a person's health

to drink to the dregs (dregs- bits of worthless matter which sink to the bottom of liquid in a glass)

festive service – a ceremony of religious worship or the prayers used at this: to hold (to attend a festive service)

to make charitable contributions (to churches, the needy)

compliments of the season - greetings, congratulations on some holidays

fancy-dress n - unusual costume, often historical or exotic, as worn at parties

Fancy-dress party (ball)

dress up v - to wear special clothes and make-up, especially so that you look like someone or something else: Each year at the Carnival, the children dress up as butterflies and march through the town.

carnival n - public entertainment and feasting, usually with processions of people in fancy dress

parade n - a big public celebration when people dress up, play music, and go along the streets on foot or in decorated vehicles: In New York they have a parade to celebrate St Patrick's Day.

firework n – a device containing chemicals that burn or explode, used esp at celebrations: The firework spluttered and went out.

fireworks n (pl)- a display of fireworks: Are you going to the fireworks today?