Holidays have always occupied a special place in the cultural life of any nation. By what and how they celebrate in the country, one can understand what its residents value and respect. After all, some holidays disappear along with the era that gave birth to them, while the traditions of others are carefully preserved for centuries and passed on to new generations.
The United States of America is a seething cauldron of nations and peoples. And each of them tries to preserve their identity. And the easiest way to do this is through holiday traditions. But still, although it is a motley one, it is a single country with common laws and history. And especially important historical events for the country are proudly revered by all Americans.
The history of the country as a holiday
These holidays are public holidays and therefore are officially declared as days off. Martin Luther King's birthday is celebrated on the third Monday in January. It was he who actively and successfully fought for equal rights for all American citizens in the 50-60s of the 20th century.
The third Monday in February is the birthday of George Washington, the first American president. And on the second Monday in October, Christopher Columbus is remembered, to whom America owes its discovery.
July 4 - Independence Day - one of the most dear to the heart of an American holiday. On this day, the Declaration of Independence of the American colonies from Great Britain was proclaimed, and it is considered the birthday of the United States as a state.
Thanksgiving marks the time when the first settlers, along with the indigenous population - the Indians - organized celebrations on the occasion of the bumper harvest. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. On this day, it is customary to thank for all the good things that have happened in life in a year.
Traditional Thanksgiving dishes are turkey and pumpkin pie, just like that very first holiday dinner.
Together with the whole world
In addition to purely American holidays, the United States does not ignore the traditions that are popular all over the world. New Year is celebrated on January 1, and Christmas is on December 25. And some of the holidays that are popular in America have become popular all over the world. These are Valentine's Day (February 14) and Halloween (October 31).
As in many countries of the world, both Mother's Day and Father's Day are celebrated in the USA. Moms are honored on the second Sunday in May, and dads on the third Sunday in June.
Traditionally, on Mother's Day, a carnation is attached to clothes. A red or pink carnation is worn in honor of mothers who are still living, and a white carnation is attached if the mother is no longer alive.
Festivities
Since every American is a little bit and a representative of some other nationality, traditional holidays of various nationalities are also widespread in America. So in March you can take part in the parade in honor of St. Patrick, as in Ireland, or in October, get to the beer festival, as in Germany.
