In a strict sense, there are no national holidays in the United States. Each of the 50 states has jurisdiction over its own holidays.
American Holidays is an introductory survey of the historical and social background of American holidays.
People in every culture celebrate holidays. Although the word “holiday” literally means “holy day,” most American holidays are not religious, but commemorative in nature and origin. Because the nation is blessed with rich ethnic heritage it is possible to trace some of the American holidays to diverse cultural sources and traditions, but all holidays have taken on a distinctively American flavor. In the United States, the word “holiday” is synonymous with “celebration!” The following are the most popular American holidays which really do make America what it is today.
January
January 1. – New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day is a celebration of the New Year. People usually celebrate with parties, fireworks, and family gatherings to bring in the New Year.
January 3. – Martin Luther King Day
Martin Luther King Day is a holiday which celebrates civil rights leader Martin Luther King.
February
February 14. – Valentines’ day
Originally a pagan festival, the holiday eventually was recast as a Christian feast day in honor of St. Valentine-but there are at least three different early saints by that name. How the day became associated with romance remains obscure, and is further clouded by various fanciful legends.
Third Monday in February – Presidents Day
Presidents day is to honor the previous presidents of the USA. Many stores generally feature many great sales throughout the day.
Mart
March 17. – St. Patrick’s Day
St Patrick’s Day is generally celebrated by those who have an Irish background. People tend to dress up in green on this day.
April
April 1. – Fools Day
Although not really a holiday, April fools day is a day where people play harmless tricks and pranks on those around them in innocent fun.
Friday, April
The Friday before Easter, it commemorates the Crucifixion, which is retold during services from the Gospel according to St. John. A feature in Roman Catholic churches is the Liturgy of the Passion; there is no Consecration, the Host having been consecrated the previous day. The eating of hot-cross buns on this day is said to have started in England.
Sunday, April
Observed in all Western Christian churches, Easter commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or next after the vernal equinox (fixed at March 21) and is therefore celebrated between March 22 and April 25 inclusive. This date was fixed by the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325.
May
Sunday, May
Observed the second Sunday in May, as proposed by Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia in 1907. West Virginia was the first state to recognize the holiday in 1910, and President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1914.
Last sanday in May- Memorial Day
Memorial Day commemorates those who served, fought and died for America in the Wars. The Indi 500 race is usually held on this day
June
Sunday, June
Observed the third Sunday in June. The exact origin of the holiday is not clear, but it was first celebrated June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Wash. In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation making Father’s Day official.
July
July 4. – Independence Day
Independence Day celebrates the independence of America from Britain in 1779. It is a very important day and is celebrated by fireworks, parades, picnics, and more.
September
First Monday in Septembar- Labor Day
Labor Day commemorates the working traditions of Americans. Many people travel this weekend because it is a long weekend.
Oktober
October 31. – Halloween
More of a festival than holiday, Halloween is a day where people can dress up and scare people. This is a day that celebrates the dead. Many people carve faces in pumpkins and trick or treat around neighbourhoods
November
November 11. – Veterans Day
Armistice Day, a federal holiday, was established in 1926 to commemorate the signing in 1918 of the armistice ending World War I. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all men and women who have served America in its armed forces.
Fourth Thursday in November
December
Thanksgiving is a holiday which gives thanks to those around you. It is based from pilgrims giving thanks to Native Americas when they helped them survive the harsh winters by showing them how to catch and grow their food. People normally celebrate this holiday with making large feasts and reunite with families.
December 25.- Christmas
Christmas is celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is the biggest festival for Christians throughout the whole year. Christmas is highly commercialized and is now celebrated by giving gifts, cooking large meals, spending time with family, and putting up Christmas lights.
Recommended link:
https://ch.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/americans-celebrate-christmas-many-traditions/