The United States is a huge multinational country. It can even be called the country of immigrants. Each new nationality that once settled in America brought something new to the culture and traditions of the United States. Thus, the ingrained customs were mixed with many different and interesting traditions of other cultures. Therefore, for each day of the calendar, there will certainly be a national event that is peculiar, if not to one state, then to another.
What do Americans like to celebrate?
The Americans are a very cheerful people, which allows them to make a real holiday from any ordinary day, just a couple of friends and a barbecue are enough for this. If we talk about the traditions of the United States briefly, the people of the country do a lot, not only for fun, but also paying tribute to their memory and gratitude for many things that have ever happened and take place in the history of the country.
Many American holidays and traditions are no different from other fears. These include, for example, New Year and Christmas. But there are others that may seem unusual and funny to us. How about having a celebration in the parking lot before the football match, pinching people on St. Patrick's Day, or blowing up a huge pumpkin?
Same holidays as other countries
Christmas is December 25th. The difference is that we celebrate it in January, and not in December, and not so big. Christmas is one of the most beloved and important holidays for Americans. At this time, the entire territory of America resembles a real fairy tale. Not only do people decorate the house from the inside, decorating a Christmas tree and hanging colorful socks on the fireplace, they also attach great importance to decorating the house from the outside. A fir wreath is hung on the door, and the facade is decorated with many garlands. Some states even hold a contest for the title of the most beautifully decorated home. Some houses during the Christmas period can be safely called a work of art.
New Year - January 1. And this holiday, on the contrary, does not have such significance as ours. Of course, many celebrate it in the family circle and at the big festive table, but some do not attach any importance and go on the 1st day to work.
However, the traditions of celebrating this day in the United States also have their own characteristics. For more than a century, on the night of the 31st to the 1st, New Yorkers have been gathering in Times Square to watch the ball of time descend. The ball of time is a large luminous sphere that descends from a 23-meter column. It arrives at the base exactly at midnight, when the New Year arrives.
Easter. Like the rest of the world, this Christian holiday does not have an exact date. The only thing that is invariable is that it passes in the spring and always on Sunday. The Americans attend church that day, decorate eggs, and cook various sweets. Traditionally, the day after Easter, fun begins on the White House lawn. The President of the United States is engaged in an exciting hunt in which Easter eggs and chocolate hares become prey.
Public holidays
President's Day. Head of State Day falls on the third Monday of February. In fact, it is dedicated to a position, not a specific person. However, according to tradition, it is dedicated to the birthday of D. Washington, who went down in history as the first president of the United States. US traditions do not provide for a large-scale national celebration on this day, people simply pay tribute to their memory.
Martin Luther King Day. On the third Monday of the first month of the year, Americans recall a vibrant speaker, the leader of the Black Rights Movement in the United States, and the most famous African Baptist priest.
Memorial Day - May 30. This day is reminiscent of our parental day. But the Americans are sent to the cemetery not only for the sake of their deceased relatives, but also to pay tribute to all those who left. On Memorial Day, they remember and thank distant ancestors and people who gave their lives for the country.
Independence Day - July 4. In the cultural traditions of the United States, this day is of particular importance. Every year, starting in the distant year 1776, when the declaration of independence was signed, the country's population celebrates this holiday with great joy and solidarity. Thousands of costumed parades pass through the streets, and at the end of the day, fireworks explode across the country.
Veterans Day - November 11th. The holiday is dedicated to the memory of people who died in any of the wars in which the Americans took part. Most government agencies do not work on this day. The president goes to the national cemetery to lay a wreath on the grave of an unknown soldier.
Labor Day. The celebration takes place on the first Monday of autumn, in September. In the country are parades dedicated to workers. But not everyone refers to this day as to the day of honoring labor: for some, this is the end of summer, for others, the beginning of the school year.
Thanksgiving Day. The celebration takes place on the fourth day of November. People spend it in the family circle, at a large table, on which a turkey should traditionally be. According to the tradition of the United States, those gathered say thanks for everything that they have. This can apply to both God and family, friends, or government. Each person has someone to whom and for what to express words of gratitude.
Columbus Day They recall and thank the discoverer of America on the second Monday of October.
US National Holidays and Traditions
Halloween - October 31. It is also called All Saints Day. A favorite American holiday, to which many approach with full responsibility, regardless of age. People put on a variety of costumes: from terrifying to funny, and go to the celebration. Some have fun at home, others go to theme parties. Children gather in groups and go home. Knocking on the door, they tell the owners: "Candy or life." As a rule, for such a case, the owners of the houses should have sweets in store.
Father's day. Celebrate on the third Sunday of June. A good holiday, which is dedicated, at least sometimes to strict, but still loving fathers. There are no definite rules for holding, each family at its discretion decides how to spend this day, but most Americans prefer gatherings in the circle of close people.
Valentine's Day - February 14th. This holiday is loved and celebrated almost all over the world. A wonderful occasion to show your soulmate your love. The main symbol of the holiday is a valentine in the form of a heart. But many are bought with gifts, balls and flowers.
Unusual holidays
Groundhog Day - February 2. This is an interesting tradition of the USA and Canada. The festival has been held annually since 1886. On this day, people wait for the marmot to emerge from its mink. If he went out calmly - spring will come soon, if he was afraid of his own shadow and returned to the hole - it will come no earlier than in 6 weeks.
Mardi Gras. Celebrate on Tuesday before fasting. A cheerful and noisy holiday is akin to our Pancake week. People arrange carnivals on the street, eat pancakes and dress up in national costumes. If this is a parade, then it is headed by the king and queen of the holiday. They shower a lot of different little things, coins and beads. There is a legend that if the celebration does not end at midnight, then the devil will steal the souls of the merry night.
Tailgate party. Long before the start of a sports match, fans come to have a picnic in the parking lot. People grill steaks, drink beer, sing and dance. Some come back in the evening to take a good place and be in the thick of things. There are those who bring comfortable chairs and televisions with them.
Become a pirate. September 19, all Americans have a unique opportunity to feel like a real pirate. You can put on a pirate hat, fight on sabers and use slang to conquer the seas. And most importantly, you can drink rum from a bottle as much as you like.
American dream. A holiday whose meaning has long been lost. Few can tell what an American dream she is. But the main point of the celebration is to remind the population of freedom, and that any dream is possible.
Punk Chunking. Autumn holiday that Americans spend on farms. People greet autumn, enjoy the harvest and just relax. But the most important thing this event is possible without is a pumpkin explosion.
US traditions and customs that are not for everyone
St. Patrick's Day - March 17th. On this day, the Irish go from head to toe in green clothes and hats, visit Irish pubs and drink a lot of beer. Each of the celebrants can pinch that person on whom there is no green clothes.
Kwanza is the last week of December. This is a New Year for African Americans. The celebration begins on December 26 and ends on January 1. On this day, it is customary to thank and give gifts to your loved ones. The entire weekly festival is accompanied by candles and a daily appeal to philosophy.
Wedding traditions
The moment of marriage is not much different from that in other countries, but the marriage proposal should take place exactly six months before the celebration. It is customary to inform about the engagement in the newspaper, which provides for a section of upcoming weddings. It is also necessary to hold a rehearsal of the wedding, at which the newlyweds and guests will gradually rehearse the upcoming event.
Birthday celebration
Children's birthdays are extremely rare at home or in institutions. Mostly for the event, the courtyard of a private house is used. American parents try not to give ordinary gifts in order to surprise both the child and the guests. Invited artists, circus artists and even animals entertain the gathered audience all day. Gifts are not accepted to be opened immediately; they are put on a special table. Only at the end of the evening everyone gathers, and the child begins to open gifts, aloud voicing the wishes and name of the donor. Parents write down this information, and then send a letter of thanks to everyone.
