Hallmark holiday

Hallmark holiday
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Merge arrow
It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Hallmark Cards. (Discuss)

"Hallmark holiday" is a disparaging term, used predominantly in the United States, to describe a holiday that is perceived to exist primarily for commercial purposes, rather than to commemorate a traditionally significant religious or secular event. The name comes from Hallmark Cards, a privately owned American company based in Kansas City, Missouri, that benefits from such manufactured events through sales of greeting cards and other items. The company itself denies having any role in the creation of the holidays that bear this moniker.[1] Holidays that have been referred to as "Hallmark Holidays" include Valentine's Day, Mother's Day[2] and Fathers' Day[3]. As opposed to those holidays that are celebrated despite their "Hallmark" qualities, even more "manufactured" Hallmark holidays include Grandparents' Day, Sweetest Day, and Administrative Professionals' Day (formerly Secretary's Day). These are frequently ignored by a sizable percentage of the public.

Another connotation of the term "Hallmark Holiday" is that of an idealized, perfect celebration with loving friends and family.

Related to "Hallmark Holiday" is the pop-culture term "Hallmark Moment." It can suggest either a serendipitous event or encounter, or a sappy emotional appeal, especially manipulation of emotion for financial gain.[4]