What is a "Bank Holiday," opposed to a bank being closed because of a holiday?

Gnomon

In the UK and Ireland, Bank Holiday is the name commonly given to a public holiday, when all government departments, schools and banks are closed. Up to recently, all businesses closed as well, including supermarkets. I think the name started because the banks were the first to offer such holidays. Before that everyone worked 6 days every week of the year, including Christmas Day. Jun 13 01, 8:47 AM

finlady

Bank holiday in the states is a phrase that was coined during the depression. FDR, 2 days after his inauguration declared a 4 day 'Bank holiday' while congress rushed to pass the Emergency Banking Act. The term 'bank holiday' now means any closing of the bank that is not a recognized holiday.Have a good day BB. Jun 14 01, 1:14 PM

Brainy Blonde

Thank you both, for answers from two different countries. In Canada, it is what we would call a government holiday. Everyone has to work except people that work for the government or have it in their union contract. Jun 14 01, 10:55 PM

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