Celebrations

Fathers love us, support us, and protect us. They are pillars in the development of a child's emotional well-being, and teach us how to love and how to make our way in the world. As much as mothers, they are indispensable to our growth and success, and provide a feeling of security, both physical and emotional. This collection of photos of fathers with their children capture some of the more precious moments in life, and offer brief glimpses into the bond between father and child.

This home movie below is of a neighborhood 4th of July celebration in Rockaway Beach, MD that could have been taken anywhere in the U.S. in the 1950s. Decorated bikes and trikes, lots of balloons and flags, parents goofing off (remember the Conga line?), kids playing baseball... Movie cameras were new technology in most homes and there was no better time to show off for the camera than the 4th of July. If you're a Boomer, enjoy this video of your childhood. If you're not, you'll see your parents, grandparents, and great grandparents having fun. (Without sound - there was no sound with old movie cameras. The music has been added recently to this video.)

Some love winter because of the many holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, New Year's Eve . . . the list goes on), and for some it's the cold, wet, snowy, and rainy weather they enjoy. For others, it's the possible sports - skiing, ice skating, playing in the snow, and sledding - that brighten up those frigid winter months. This collection of photos shows our ancestors enjoyed their winters whether bundled up in warm clothes, playing in the snow as a family, or skating around the park. Get a glimpse into what winter wonderlands looked like from the past.

Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of Spring. Because of this, there are many traditions associated with Easter that have little to do with the religious holiday and a lot to do with the Spring season. While many Christians go to church or celebrate outdoors with sunrise services, others visit the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs, enjoy Easter candy and wear their best dress or suit and visit with family & friends. Checkout this collection of Easter photos from decades past, showing how our ancestors used to celebrate the holiday

Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to remember the ones who made your heart skip a beat. The parents who nurtured you, the spouses and partners who stood by your side, and yes even the exes who taught you valuable lessons. So many emotions are shared every day on AncientFaces, but some of our favorite memories to relive are those of love. These photos of old Valentine's cards, sweethearts, and couples from the past are a beautiful reminder of all the loved filled memories we all have.

Do you remember the Christmas trees of your childhood? Was the tree trimmed with elegant ornaments, or did you have a "children's tree" full of whimsical decorations? Today, nearly everyone who celebrates Christmas has some kind of tree, real or artificial - remember the silver plastic trees of the 1960's? Remember the tons of tinsel in the 1950's? What are your memories of and traditions around your Christmas tree? Do any of these photos bring back memories?

Shopping during the 1900s was a different experience than it is today. Now two decades (wow!) into the 21st century, online shopping is beginning to equal, if not outspend, the shopping at brick and mortar stores. Things were very different not that long ago. In the 20th century people had to go out and shop - in great numbers. A part of everyone's Christmas tradition was going to the stores and enjoying the sights and sounds: The beautiful window displays, the Christmas lights, the newest toys and clothes, visiting Santa, sometimes hearing carolers . . . and the crowds. Always the crowds. Checkout this collection of photos highlighting the experience of Christmas shopping during the 1900s. Do these photos bring back memories?