American holidays
Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day is observed in the third month of February.
It is a day when people remember and learn about American Presidents. At
school, students read about George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas
Jefferson, and other former US presidents. Do you know who the first US
president was? It was George Washington, a brave soldier and honest man.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is the last Monday of May. On this day, people remember
soldiers and sailors who died while serving in wars. On that day, people also
remember their dead relatives and friends and visit cemeteries and tombs. Some
people have family gatherings and recite prayers for their lost loved ones,
while others participate in parades. At school, students learn about the Civil
War and any conflict in the U.S. history.
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a popular holiday in New Orleans, the city of
parades. It is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday. It marks the close of
the pre-Lenten season. In English, it is translated into Fat Tuesday. On Mardi
Gras, it is customary to use all the fats in the home before the fasting season
of Lent when people abstain from meat and fatty food. For two weeks, there are
parades in New Orleans, Louisiana. People also have parties and dance. The
parade Misters and Mistresses throw small presents to the crowds of people who
shout, “Throw me something, Mister!” They fight to catch the small presents
thrown to them, which may be Mardi Gras coins or colorful beads. On Mardi Gras,
many jazz musicians from all over the world come to New Orleans and play live
music in the street.
Independence Day
On July 4th, 1776, the United States declared
their independence from England. Since then, it has become a free nation. To
celebrate this national holiday, families and friends watch parades, play games
and sports with prizes. On this day, people have picnics, barbecues, and in the
evening, they watch fireworks and play with firecrackers.
Columbus Day
Columbus Day is the second Monday of October. It is a federal
holiday in many U.S. states in commemoration of the landing of Columbus in the
Bahamas in 1492. That day marks the beginning of recorded American history.
People observe Columbus Day by hosting parades and street fairs. They wear
colorful costumes and participate in several cultural events such as pow-wows
and other traditional events. At school, students learn about Native American
culture.
Halloween
Halloween is celebrated on the 31st October. Children
wear scary costumes and disguise themselves as witches, ghosts, or vampires.
They go out together in the evening and knock on people’s doors, holding a bag,
and shouting “Trick or treat!” It is customary to give them a piece of candy or
they may put soap on your window. People decorate their homes with pumpkin
lanterns, which is put in the window or next to the door.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is another important tradition in the U.S.A. It
is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The American Pilgrims were
faced with hardship when they first came to the U.S.A. therefore, they could
hardly have anything to eat. Yet, the American Indians helped them to grow
crops for food. Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for the first harvest in
the New World. it was initiated by William Bradford in 1621. He was the
Governor of Massachusetts, and he wanted to thank God for many things. So, he
decided to have a thanksgiving dinner for all the people. The feast lasted
three days. Thanksgiving meal is usually composed of sweet potatoes, corn,
roast turkey, and pumpkin pie. It is a day for family get-togethers and
thanksgiving.