These different people brought to their new land a wonderful mixture of customs and traditions. The Germans brought Christmas trees. The Irish brought St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The Scots brought Halloween. Sometimes, in fact, the old celebrations are more important in the U.S than in the countries they came from. January 1st- New Year’s Day
On this day, families and friends meet for meal. A New Year’s Day there are big football games and colorful parades. Not everyone can go to see them, so many people watch them on television. There is usually a parade in the morning and the game is played in the afternoon. The best college teams play in “The Rose Bowl” in California, “The Cotton Bowl” in Texas and “The Orange Bowl” in Florida. In the U.S there are four different time zones, so it is possible to spend the whole day watching parades, football games..
Third Monday of January – Martin Luther King’s Birthday
Martin Luther King was an important black leader who wanted equal rights for black people. He was murdered in 1968, Congress made his birthday a public holiday in 1968.
February 29th
Every four years February has an extra day. Tradition says that on this day girls can ask boys to go to the movies or out to dinner. A girl can even ask a boy to marry her! Life is changing nowadays, however. Girls often invite boys to parties or dinners any day of the year. So this traditions may be dying
March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick was an Irish saint and St. Patrick’s Day is very popular in cities where there are many Irish Americans. Green is the Irish color and some bars sell green beer. People often wear something green on this day. If you aren’t wearing green – be careful someone may pinch you!
Last Monday of May- Memorial Day
This special day is for people to remember those who died in wars. Many people remember their dead friends and relatives on this day too.
June 14th – Flag Day
In 1777 the “Stars and Stripes” became the official flag of the U.S.A Flag Day was first celebrated in 1877 on the flag’s hundredth birthday. Many people display a flag on this day, but it is not a major holiday and businesses stay open.
July 4th – Independence Day
On this day in 1776 the U.S declared her independence from England. It was the beginning of a new nation. On the 4th of July families and friends celebrate and every town and city has parades, games and sports with prizes. First Monday of September – Labor Day
This is day of rest for the workers. It is celebrated by labor union parades.