bank holidays

bank holidays, days when the law requires that banks be closed. In the United States the list varies from state to state but generally includes, besides the major holidays, many days that are observed only by the banks and such government institutions as post offices. In England since 1871, bank holidays have had special significance as secular and perpetual holidays. The days include Christmas, Boxing Day (the first weekday after Christmas), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Whitmonday (the day after Pentecost), and the special banking day on the first Monday in August.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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