Who Gets the Day Off? : Religion, Empire, Labour and How Nations Create Public Holidays
Overview
Who decides when an entire country gets a day off? Why do some nations celebrate the same holidays while others follow completely different calendars? And why are certain workers free to rest while millions of others must carry on working?
Who Gets the Day Off? explores the surprising history of public holidays, revealing how religion, monarchy, empire, industrialisation and organised labour shaped the days that governments now recognise.
From ancient festivals and medieval holy days to royal celebrations, independence anniversaries and modern bank holidays, Marcus Ellery traces the gradual transformation of special occasions into official national institutions. He examines how governments choose which events deserve recognition, why holiday calendars differ between countries and regions, and how historical commemorations can be renamed, replaced or removed as societies change.
The book also looks beyond the celebrations themselves. How did workers secure paid holidays? What happens when public holidays fall on weekends? Why do hospitals, transport networks and businesses continue operating when the country supposedly stops? And what are the real economic consequences of an additional day away from work?
Combining accessible history with an examination of government, employment and collective memory, Who Gets the Day Off? reveals that the public holiday is far more than a convenient break in the working year. It is a reflection of political authority, cultural identity, economic priorities and the continuing struggle over who controls our time.
Disclaimer: This book is an independent work of historical and general informational nonfiction. References to governments, institutions, organisations and any trademarks are made for identification and discussion only; no affiliation or endorsement is implied. Laws, public-holiday arrangements and employment entitlements vary by jurisdiction and may change. This book does not constitute legal or professional employment advice.
Customers Also Bought
Details
- ISBN-13: 9789918635849
- ISBN-10: 9918635843
- Publisher: Publishdrive
- Publish Date: October 2026
- Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.53 inches
- Shipping Weight: 0.76 pounds
- Page Count: 254
Related Categories
