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Culture and society

The culture of Europe is rooted in the art, architecture, music, literature, and philosophy that originated from the continent of Europe.[1] European culture is largely rooted in what is often referred to as its "common cultural heritage

A common cultural and spiritual heritage derived from Greco-Roman antiquity, Christianity, Judaism, the Renaissance and its Humanism, the political thinking of the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution, and the developments of Modernity, including all types of socialism. A rich and dynamic material culture that has been extended to the other continents as the result of industrialization and colonialism during the "Great Divergence". A specific conception of the individual expressed by the existence of, and respect for, a legality that guarantees human rights and the liberty of the individual

History

The history of Europe covers the peoples inhabiting Europe from prehistory to the present. The period known as classical antiquity began with the emergence of the city-states of ancient Greece. Later, the Roman Empire came to dominate the entire Mediterranean basin. The fall of the Roman Empire in AD 476 traditionally marks the start of the Middle Ages. Beginning in the 14th century a Renaissance of knowledge challenged traditional doctrines in science and theology. Simultaneously, the Protestant Reformation set up Protestant churches primarily in Germany, Scandinavia and England. After 1800, the Industrial Revolution brought prosperity to Britain and Western Europe. The main powers set up colonies in most of the Americas and Africa, and parts of Asia. In the 20th century, World War I and World War II resulted in massive numbers of deaths.

Climate

Parts of the central European plains have a hybrid oceanic/continental climate. Four seasons occur in Eastern Europe, while southern Europe experiences distinct wet season and dry seasons, with prevailing hot and dry conditions during the summer months.

Government

European government. The European Union is a political and economic union of certain countries in Europe.

the President of the European Council (since 1 December 2014, Donald Tusk) the President of the European Commission (since 1 November 2014, Jean-Claude Juncker) the President of the European Parliament

The European Union, or EU, is a federal government over more than half the nation states of Europe, many of which have become EU members without the full knowledge or consent of their electorate. The chief policy-making committee of the EU called the Commission is in effect a politburo!

Public holidays

There are a number of public holidays celebrated in Australia. During public holidays, workplaces and education providers typically close, but retail stores, entertainment facilities and restaurants may remain open, as well as essential services such as public transport, supermarkets and petrol stations. National public holidays in Australia include the following:

Europe Day — 5th January: Europe Day is the name of two annual observance days, 5 May by the Council of Europe[1] and 9 May by the European Union which recognise the peace and prosperity within Europe both have achieved since their formation. The first recognition of a "Europe Day" was by the Council of Europe, introduced in 1964 and made a public holiday by Ukraine in 2003 held on the third Saturday of March.[2] The European Union later started to celebrate its own European Day [3] in commemoration of the 1950 Schuman Declaration, leading it to be referred to by some as 'Schuman Day'.[4] Both days are celebrated usually with the displaying of the "European flag".
Assumption of mary — 15th August: The Assumption of Mary was celebrated in the West under Pope Sergius I in the 8th century and Pope Leo IV confirmed the feast as official.[23] Theological debate about the Assumption continued, following the Reformation. But the people celebrated the Assumption as part of the cult of Mary that flourished from the Middle Ages. In 1950 Pope Pius XII defined it as dogma for the Catholic Church.[25] Catholic theologian Ludwig Ott stated, "The idea of the bodily assumption of Mary is first expressed in certain transitus-narratives of the fifth and sixth centuries.... The first Church author to speak of the bodily assumption of Mary
New Year's Day — 1st January: Celebrations of the New Year begin on 31 December in the evening. Many people hold New Year parties or attend public festivities, including fireworks at midnight to welcome the new year.
Easter: Easter is a traditional Christian celebration marking the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in europe and are celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike. Easter is often celebrated with religious ceremonies, the giving of Easter eggs and spending time with family, often outdoors.
Christmas Day — December 25th: Christmas Day is a traditional Christian celebration that marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by both Christians and non-Christians alike. Common ways to celebrate Christmas include decorating the home with Christmas lights and Christmas trees, giving gifts, attending religious ceremonies, holding a family feast consisting of roast meat and Christmas pudding (or sometimes a more informal europeans barbeque) and spending time with family. Because Christmas falls during European summer, many europeans like to hold their celebrations outdoors.
Boxing Day — December 26th: Boxing Day is a traditional celebration marking the day following Christmas day. It is celebrated with a day of rest and cleaning after the festivities of Christmas day, family activities and shopping, with many retailers holding their biggest sales of the year.

Individual states and cities also celebrate their own public holidays, which may include celebrations such as Labour Day, Queen's Birthday, agricultural shows and sporting events such as the Melbourne Cup.