Commemorations

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The act of honoring the memory of people or events is demonstrated through various ceremonies and rituals
2. These observances serve to remember significant historical events or individuals through formal gatherings and activities
3. Tribute is paid to the past by holding events or ceremonies that recognize and honor memorable occurrences or figures

Etymology: The plural of "commemoration", which is first attested in Middle English in 1384. The singular has a Latin core: "commemorātiō" meant a reminding or a mention, built from "com-" (together, thoroughly) and "memor" (mindful), so the root idea is keeping something fully in mind. It reached English through Old French "commemoration", and the Middle English form was "commemoracioun" before the spelling settled into its modern shape. The plural simply means several such observances, whether a nation's annual days of remembrance or a run of anniversaries marking one event.

Synonyms: celebrations, observances, remembrances