USA holidays and traditions

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The US population is known to be a mixture of many nations and races. That's why, it is not easy to speak about the American character.

The Americans are very different, that's true. However, there are some features common for all those who were born and live now in the USA. Most of them are enterprising, energetic, pragmatic and paident. They are simply fixed at making money and career. And may be because of this, they are ready to compete with everybody, even with their own friends. Almost all of them adore various receptions and banquets. They are rather informal and too talkative.

Many foreigners coming to the United States note the striking exclusiveness of the American society. In their opinion, the Americans are really interested only in their own country, their own success and their own careers. There are many workaholics among them. And they are very proud of their country.

As to their holidays, customs and traditions, they are also very different. The first settlers came to America from various parts of the Globe and, naturally, they brought with them their national celebrations and traditions. They are different in origin and vary from state to state. But there are some common holidays marked across the USA. The most important of them are:

New Year's Day is one of the greatest national holidays. Most Americans stay up all the night to see the Old Year off and the New Year in. At midnight they go outside, ring bells or blow automobile horns and set off fireworks. At home they exchange presents and good wishes. Most Americans, especially young, go to various clubs, restaurants, the New Year's parties and make merry.

Lincoln's Birthday is marked on the 12-th of February to honour the 16-th President of the US, Abraham Lincoln, who managed to keep the nation together and free the slaves. Thats's why, Lincoln was called "the Great Emancipator."

St. Valentine's Day isn't a national holiday. It is marked on the 14-th of Febaiary as a little holiday of love and friendship in honour of St. Valentine, all sweethearts' patron. On this day many people send the Valentine's cards and presents to their beloved.

Washington's Birthday is marked on the 22-d of February to commemorate the first President of the USA, George Washington, who led the American Army to victory in the war for Independence and who was called "the Father of the Nation".

Easter is the greatest religious holiday marked in memory of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a rule, the Americans attend the church services on this day. They exchange presents and coloured or chocolate eggs, which are known to be the symbol of new life.

Memorial Day, celebrated on the 30-th of May, is a great national holiday. On this day the Americans honour all those who gave their lives in the past wars, holding memorial services in churches and cemeteries. This holiday is also marked with colourful parades, fireworks, different sports competitions and mass outdoors fetes.

One of the greatest holidays in the USA is Independence Day celebrated on the 4-th of July. On this day, in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed and the country became an independent state. This holiday is usually marked with parades and fireworks. Most people go to picnics to the countryside. All cities and towns are decorated with flags and flowers.

Labour Day is a holiday of recreation. It is marked on the first Monday in September to honour all the working people of the country. But it also marks the beginning of the school year.

Halloween is celebrated on the 31-st of October, on the eve of All Saints' Day. On this day most Americans just have a good time and make merry. Their children put on various costumes, go out into streets and beg. They go from house to house, saying: "Trick or treat!" And in return they get many tasty things.

Veterans' Day is celebrated on the 11-th of November to honour all the nation's veterans, both living and dead.

Thanksgiving Day is a favourite national holiday, celebrated on the last Thursday in November, to honour the first settlers. This holiday was approved in 1941 by the USA President Franklin Roosevelt. It is a great family holiday when the Americans have their traditional dinner with a fried turkey.

Christmas Day is the greatest religious holiday celebrated on the 25-th of December to glory the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also a joyful family holiday with the Americans when they set the Christmas trees at their houses, exchange presents and enjoy themselves.

Дата добавления: 2014-12-29