On Tu B'Av, the fifteenth of Av, we observe a partial holiday. We don't say "Tachanun," a daily prayer for Hashem's mercy. In addition, bride and groom do not fast on this day, as is customary on the day of one's marriage. These customs commemorate the many happy events that occurred on this date in Jewish history. The last Mishnah in Masechet Taanit says, "There were no holidays so joyous for the Jewish People as the Fifteenth of Av and Yom Kippur, for on those days, daughters of Yerushalayim...(more)

On Tu B'Av, the fifteenth of Av, we observe a partial holiday. We don't say "Tachanun," a daily prayer for Hashem's mercy. In addition, bride and groom do not fast on this day, as is customary on the day of one's marriage. These customs commemorate the many happy events that occurred on this date in Jewish history. The last Mishnah in Masechet Taanit says, "There were no holidays so joyous for the Jewish People as the Fifteenth of Av and Yom Kippur, for on those days, daughters of Yerushalayim would go out dressed in borrowed white clothing (so that they would all look the same). The King's daughters would borrow from those of the High Priest, daughters of the High Priest would borrow from the Assistant High Priest's daughters, daughters of the Assistant would borrow from daughters of the Priest designated to lead the People in times of War, the Kohen Anointed for War's daughters would borrow from the daughters of the Ordinary Priest. And the daughters of the rest of the Jewish People would borrow from each other, so as not to embarrass those who didn't have." "And the daughters of Jerusalem would go out and dance in the vineyards located on the outskirts of the city. And everyone who didn't have a wife would go there. And what would they say? Young man, lift up your eyes and choose wisely. Don't look only at physical beauty - look rather at the family - 'For charm is false, and beauty is vanity. A G-d - fearing woman is the one to be praised...' ("Mishlei"/Proverbs 31:30)" (less)