Why is it called vacation?
Why is it called vacation? The American vacation was born—quite literally. The scions of New York City took to declaring that they would “vacate” their city homes for their lakeside summer retreats, and the term “vacation” replaced the British “holiday” in common parlance.
What is the origin of the word vacation?
Like so many words that joined the language in the Middle English period, vacation comes from Anglo-French, the particular kind of French spoken in medieval England, and ultimately from Latin: vacation-, vacatio means exemption from service, respite from work, and traces back to vacare, to be empty, be free, have ...
When did Americans start going on vacation?
It wasn't until after the Civil War that wealthy and middle-class families began to vacation. Prior to the 1950's, if family vacations were taken, they were usually spent seeking spiritual or healthful experiences like church retreats or a stay at a sanitarium, which in those days was somewhat like a spa resort.
Is vacation British or American?
Vacation is used in American English. It is not used in the English of the English and other British people. The word holiday is the normal word for British people.
Did ancient people go on vacation?
It was common to travel to the islands of Lesbos, Rhodes, and Chios, and the islands of Ionia. Greek cities in Asia Minor and important settlements such as Athens were also popular tourist destinations. Roman tourists were attracted to sites such as the Colossus of Rhodes and Satyr of Protogenes.