1. HOLIDAYS IN THE USA
The population of the USA is made up of people of different nationalities. Centuries ago they brought
with them their native celebrations. Some holidays, which are marked in the United States, originated in
America. Most American holidays are not religious, but commemorative in nature and origin. The number
of holidays is different in different states - from 8 in the District of Columbia to 20 in Oklahoma. But the
most important holidays are celebrated throughout the USA.. Ten holidays per year are proclaimed by the
federal government. They are:
1.NEW YEAR'S DAY (January 1);
2.MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY (traditional - January 15, official - third Monday in January)
3.GEORGE WASHINGTON ’S BIRTHDAY (traditional - February 22, official - third Monday in
February);
4.MEMORIAL DAY (traditional - May 30, official - last Monday in May);
5.INDEPENDENCE DAY (July 4);
6.LABOUR DAY (first Monday in September);
7.COLUMBUS DAY (traditional - October 12, official - second Monday in October);
8.VETERAN'S DAY (traditional - November 11, official - second Monday in November);
9.THANKSGIVING DAY (fourth Thursday in November);
10.CHRISTMAS (December 25).
In 1971, the dates of many federal holidays were officially moved to the nearest Monday by
President Richard Nixon. Many Americans think of 2 religious holidays - Easter and Christmas - as the
most important celebrations of the year.
On New Year's Day people see the old year off and the New Year in. A favourite place to see the
old year out is New York City's Time Square.
Most people stay up all night, even children. At midnight many people go outside and shout "Happy New
Year"! Some people set off fireworks and blow automobile horns which are heard everywhere.
Washington's birthday is ma rked o n Feb ru a ry 22 . Ge o rg e Washington led the
American Army to victory in the War for Independence. Later he was elected President of the United
States and was in office for 8 years. The national capital of United States, a state and several towns are
named after George Washington.
Memorial Day honours the nation's armed services killed in wartime. The holiday, originally called
Decoration Day, is traditionally marked by parades, memorial speeches and ceremonies, and the
decoration of graves with flowers and flags. Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, on the
order of General John Alexander Logan for the purpose of decorating the graves of the American Civil War
dead.
One of the greatest holidays is Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of
Independence was signed in Philadelphia. It proclaimed independence of thirteen British colonies from
Great Britain. July 4 has become the greatest holiday since. In the past this day was marked with big
parades and fireworks, but now it is celebrated more quietly. Cities and towns are decorated with flags on
that day, there are parades on some places, but most people just go on picnics to the countryside. Family
picnics and outings are a feature of private Fourth of July celebrations.
Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September. Peter McGuire, the president of the
first Labour union in the USA, which started in 1869, chose September 5, 1882, for the first Labour Day.
On this day workers make a public show with marches, meetings and picnics honouring all the workers in
the US. It also marks the beginning of school year and the end of summer.
On Columbus Day Americans remember that Christopher Columbus reached America on October
12th, 1492. For Italian-Americans this is a very special holiday. Columbus sailed for the Spanish king, but
he was in fact an Italian. The biggest celebrations are in New York City, with huge parades through the
streets.
Veteran's Day is a solemn occasion in honour of all American veterans of all wars. In many
communities veterans march in parades, national flags are displayed, special ceremonies, observing two
minutes' silence, are held at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
Thanksgiving Day, a legal holiday in the U.S., was first celebrated in early colonial times in New
England. The actual origin is probably the harvest festivals that are traditional in many parts of the world.
After the first harvest was completed by the Plymouth colonists in 1621, Governor William Bradford
proclaimed a day of thanksgiving.
In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln appointed a day of thanksgiving, and since then each president
has issued a Thanksgiving Day proclamation, generally designating the fourth Thursday of November as
a holiday.
Christmas is an annual festival, held on December 25, to celebrate the Nativity, or birth of
Christ. The Christmas tree, an evergreen trimmed with lights and other decorations, is derived from the so-
called paradise tree, symbolizing Eden.