On July 24th, 1849, Brigham Young and his followers settled the Salt Lake Valley beneath the glorious peaks of the Wasatch.
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167 years later, Utah’s Pioneer Day is the only state-sponsored Mormon holiday in the United States. Each year on July 24th Utah residents celebrate their Mormon heritage with parades and festivities.
Here are 10 Things you didn’t know about your Mormon neighbors
10) Mormons wear special underwear that reminds followers of their covenant with God.
9) Mormons follow a diet they refer to as “The Word Of Wisdom.” Alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea are forbidden.
8) The LDS excluded African-Americans from the priesthood until 1978.
7) Mormon founder, Joseph Smith believed God was a normal human being, who at some point lived on earth.
6) The Mormon church abandoned polygamy in 1890.
5) Eden is believed to have existed in Jackson County, Missouri.
4) The Beehive is a primary Mormon symbol that represents, “industry, harmony, order and frugality of the people, and of the sweet results of their toil, union and intelligent cooperation.”
3) Mormon temples are generally closed to the public.
2) Mormons do not report the church’s finances.
1) Monday’s are normally designated as “family home evenings,” when Morman families play cards, board games, and read scripture.
