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FACTS ABOUT: The jubilee jubilee

Definition: jubilee  Play jubileepronunciation  A jubilee is a particularly celebrated anniversary, such as the fiftieth, or the celebration itself.
Example: They were in London during the celebration of the Queen's jubilee.

Fun Facts


1. A Grand Celebration: A "jubilee" is a special, joyful celebration marking a major milestone, anniversary, or special event, often lasting for days or even a whole year!


2. Ancient Royal Roots: The word "jubilee" goes back thousands of years to ancient times. In the Bible, every 50th year was called a jubilee, where debts were forgiven and slaves were set free.


3. Queen Elizabeth’s Big Parties: In modern times, the British royal family uses the word jubilee to celebrate how long a king or queen has been on the throne. For example, a Silver Jubilee is 25 years, a Golden Jubilee is 50 years, and Queen Elizabeth II even celebrated a Platinum Jubilee for 70 years on the throne!


4. School Jubilees: Many schools, churches, and towns hold jubilee celebrations when they reach big ages, like turning 50, 75, or 100 years old, complete with carnivals, parades, and cake.


5. Jubilee the Book and Movie: Jubilee is a popular title for books, songs, and movies. For example, it’s the name of an award-winning children's book and even a Marvel superhero character!


6. Joyful Music: In American history, "jubilee songs" were uplifting, joyful folk and gospel songs sung by enslaved people and later performed by famous groups like the Fisk Jubilee Singers, spreading a message of hope and freedom.


7. Midnight Catching: During a natural water jubilee, people living near the coast can wade into the water with nets and buckets and easily catch tons of seafood for a giant neighborhood feast.