In an effort to conserve resources for the efforts of World War I, Congress approved a law that altered each U.S. time zone’s standard time by moving clocks ahead by one hour. The plan, known as Day Light Saving Time (DST) lasted only seven months and was very unpopular because most Americans at the time awoke earlier and went to bed later than we do now. The law was eventually repealed.
In the early stages of World War II, Congress decided to return the country to DST in order to conserve energy. During this period, the United State observed DST continuously from February 2, 1942 until September 30, 1945.
Following the war, states and municipalities were allowed to observe DST at their discretion. In 1966 Congress enacted the Uniform Time Act. The law simply states that if DST is going to be observed, it must be done in a uniform manner. The Act established the beginning of DST as the last Sunday of April and the end of DST as the last Sunday of October. In 1986, an amendment (Public Law 99-359) to the Act changed the beginning date to the first Sunday in April.
States and territories who do not observe DST include Arizona, Hawaii, the Eastern Time Zone section of Indiana, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
April 6
The “Church of Jesus Christ” is officially organized in the home of Peter Whitmer, Sr., in Fayette, N. Y. Although about thirty people are present, only six – Joseph, Oliver, Hyrum Smith, Peter Whitmer, Jr., Samuel H. Smith, and David Whitmer- became the first legal members of the Church.
April 13
Palm Sunday occurs on the Sunday before Easter Sunday in the Western Christian liturgical calendar. It signals the upcoming end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. The day commemorates the spreading of palms and clothing in Jesus’ path as He entered Jerusalem prior to His crucifixion.
April 16
Passover, or Pesach, is an eight-day observance, which begins at sunset on the 15th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar. During this time, Jews celebrate the flight of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery in 1200’s B.C.E.
The word Passover is derived from the tenth plague God placed on Egypt for keeping the Israelites in slavery. According to the Bible, God killed the first born child in Egyptian homes but “passed over” the Israelites’ homes which were marked with the blood of lambs.
April 18
Good Friday occurs between March 20 and April 23 on the Friday before Easter. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. There are few explanations as to why the holiday is known as “Good” Friday since it commemorates a sorrowful time in Christianity. Some scholars believe that “good” is a corruption of the word “God’s” while others speculate that “good” was used to denote “holy”. In Eastern Orthodox churches, the observance is known as Great Friday.
April 20
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, the most joyous occasion in Christianity. It also marks the end of Lent. The date of Easter varies each year, but always falls between March 22 and April 25. The date is set by determining the Sunday following the full moon on or after the vernal equinox.
The name “Easter” reflects many pagan customs that are now associated with the holiday. Present day scholars accept St. Bede’s theory that “Easter” is derived from the “Ostern” and “Ostra”, Teutonic and Scandinavian goddess associated with spring and fertility. The Easter egg is a example of the pagan origins of Easter. Pagans believed that eggs symbolized earth being reborn each spring. Christianity adapted this custom to symbolize the rebirth of humanity. Easter eggs were first decorated in the late 13th century.
April 22
Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970. The goal of the day was to attract public attention to the growing needs for cleaner air and water. Additionally, the need to conserve the earth’s natural resources was emphasized.
April 24
Daughters and Sons to Work Day
Parents are encouraged to bring their daughters and/or sons to work on this day, and to use this opportunity to educate their children on the nature of employment.
April 30
Beltane is a Celtic festival which signals the beginning of the bright half of the year. Beltane may be translated as “fires of Bel” or “brilliant fire” and is named after the god Belenus. Modern pagan celebrations include maypole dances and jumping the cauldron for fertility purposes. Fertility in this sense is extended beyond reproduction and includes fertility of imagination and other similar concepts.
