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The USA holidaysThe USA holidays

New New

YearYear

January – New Year’s Day.January – New Year’s Day. Throughout the western world the Throughout the western world the

traditional “New Year” is celebrated traditional “New Year” is celebrated beginning on December 31 by partying beginning on December 31 by partying until the wee hours of the morning usually until the wee hours of the morning usually ending with a countdown of the seconds ending with a countdown of the seconds until midnight ,the magic hour, when the until midnight ,the magic hour, when the new year is officially ushered in. A new year is officially ushered in. A different twist on this traditional different twist on this traditional celebration might include creating one’s celebration might include creating one’s own party favors i.e.: funny hats, noise own party favors i.e.: funny hats, noise makers and the like. Inspire your friends, makers and the like. Inspire your friends, family and guests to be creative by family and guests to be creative by offering a special prize for the most offering a special prize for the most original design. You can check out the original design. You can check out the local library or bookstore for books that local library or bookstore for books that will offer you how to ideas that are fun will offer you how to ideas that are fun and inexpensive to make.and inexpensive to make.

Another way to make your New Year’s Another way to make your New Year’s celebration unique and memorable is to celebration unique and memorable is to surprise your friends, family andsurprise your friends, family and

guests with a special one of a kind gift to guests with a special one of a kind gift to get their year started off right. get their year started off right.

Martin Luther KingMartin Luther King January- the Third Monday.January- the Third Monday. The History of Martin Luther King DayThe History of Martin Luther King Day It took 15 years to create the federal Martin It took 15 years to create the federal Martin

Luther King, Jr., holiday. Congressman John Luther King, Jr., holiday. Congressman John Conyers, Democrat from Michigan, first Conyers, Democrat from Michigan, first introduced legislation for a commemorative introduced legislation for a commemorative holiday four days after King was assassinated holiday four days after King was assassinated in 1968. After the bill became stalled, petitions in 1968. After the bill became stalled, petitions endorsing the holiday containing six million endorsing the holiday containing six million names were submitted to Congress. Conyers names were submitted to Congress. Conyers and Rep. Shirley Chisholm, Democrat of New and Rep. Shirley Chisholm, Democrat of New York, resubmitted King holiday legislation York, resubmitted King holiday legislation each subsequent legislative session. Public each subsequent legislative session. Public pressure for the holiday mounted during the pressure for the holiday mounted during the 1982 and 1983 civil rights marches in 1982 and 1983 civil rights marches in Washington.Washington.Congress passed the holiday legislation in Congress passed the holiday legislation in 1983, which was then signed into law by 1983, which was then signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. A compromise President Ronald Reagan. A compromise moving the holiday from Jan. 15, King's moving the holiday from Jan. 15, King's birthday, which was considered too close to birthday, which was considered too close to Christmas and New Year's, to the third Christmas and New Year's, to the third Monday in January helped overcome Monday in January helped overcome opposition to the law.opposition to the law.

St. Valentine Day.St. Valentine Day. February 14February 14 Valentine’s Day has its origins Valentine’s Day has its origins

dating back to the Roman dating back to the Roman Empire when a young Christian Empire when a young Christian man was martyred for refusing man was martyred for refusing to give up his faith. According to give up his faith. According to legend, before he died he to legend, before he died he wrote a farewell note to a young wrote a farewell note to a young daughter of one of his jailer’s, daughter of one of his jailer’s, who had befriended him, and who had befriended him, and signed it “from your Valentine”.signed it “from your Valentine”.

Today, modern traditions Today, modern traditions include cards, flowers and include cards, flowers and candy as ways to say I love you. candy as ways to say I love you. But if you are looking for But if you are looking for something that will really say it something that will really say it in a BIG way try saying it with in a BIG way try saying it with one of the following ideas.one of the following ideas.

PRESIDENTS’ DAYPRESIDENTS’ DAY Presidents' Day is celebrated in Presidents' Day is celebrated in

February to honor two of our greatest February to honor two of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln and presidents, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. The holiday is George Washington. The holiday is celebrated in the United States on the celebrated in the United States on the third Monday in February. third Monday in February.

George Washington was born on George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. When he was February 22, 1732. When he was born, America was not a nation yet. It born, America was not a nation yet. It belonged to England, a country across belonged to England, a country across the ocean. People in America didn't the ocean. People in America didn't want to belong to England so they want to belong to England so they fought a war to become a separate fought a war to become a separate country. George Washington was an country. George Washington was an American general in the war. American general in the war. America won the war and picked a America won the war and picked a new name for itself: The United States new name for itself: The United States of America. George Washington was of America. George Washington was elected to be its first President. elected to be its first President.

March. St. Patrick’s Day.March. St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick is the patron saint Ireland who St. Patrick is the patron saint Ireland who

spent his life converting the Irish to spent his life converting the Irish to Christianity. March 17 commemorates Christianity. March 17 commemorates the anniversary of his death in 461 A.D. the anniversary of his death in 461 A.D. Irish Americans celebrate by having Irish Americans celebrate by having parades and even those who are not of parades and even those who are not of Irish descent get into the act. Wearing Irish descent get into the act. Wearing something green is one way that many something green is one way that many show their solidarity. Shamrocks and show their solidarity. Shamrocks and leprechauns symbolize the folklore leprechauns symbolize the folklore traditions of the old country. traditions of the old country.

One way to allow children to enjoy the One way to allow children to enjoy the spirit of the holiday is to play “Find the spirit of the holiday is to play “Find the Hidden Treasure”. According to legend Hidden Treasure”. According to legend Leprechauns, those tiny imaginary Leprechauns, those tiny imaginary creatures akin to fairies, will try to buy creatures akin to fairies, will try to buy their freedom if captured by offering to their freedom if captured by offering to tell where a pot of gold is hidden. Simply tell where a pot of gold is hidden. Simply hide the pot of gold (use the chocolate hide the pot of gold (use the chocolate gold foil wrapped coins) and let the gold foil wrapped coins) and let the children rush to find the hidden gold children rush to find the hidden gold treasure. A variation of “Warm, Hot & treasure. A variation of “Warm, Hot & Cold” will be a helpful aid for younger Cold” will be a helpful aid for younger children.children.

April 1 – All Fools’ Day.April 1 – All Fools’ Day. Unlike most of the other nonfoolish Unlike most of the other nonfoolish

holidays, the history of April Fool's holidays, the history of April Fool's Day, sometimes called All Fool's Day, Day, sometimes called All Fool's Day, is not totally clear. There really is not totally clear. There really wasn't a "first April Fool's Day" that wasn't a "first April Fool's Day" that can be pinpointed on the calendar. can be pinpointed on the calendar. Some believe it sort of evolved Some believe it sort of evolved simultaneously in several cultures at simultaneously in several cultures at the same time, from celebrations the same time, from celebrations involving the first day of spring. involving the first day of spring.

The closest point in time that can be The closest point in time that can be identified as the beginning of this identified as the beginning of this tradition was in 1582, in France. tradition was in 1582, in France. Prior to that year, the new year was Prior to that year, the new year was celebrated for eight days, beginning celebrated for eight days, beginning on March 25. The celebration on March 25. The celebration culminated on April 1. With the culminated on April 1. With the reform of the calendar under Charles reform of the calendar under Charles IX, the Gregorian Calendar was IX, the Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved to January 1. moved to January 1.

March –March – April.April. Easter Sunday.Easter Sunday.

Easter is a Christian holiday Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating Christ’s resurrection. It celebrating Christ’s resurrection. It falls on the first Sunday following the falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring first full moon after the spring equinox. Easter bunnies, lilies and equinox. Easter bunnies, lilies and colored Easter eggs are a few of the colored Easter eggs are a few of the traditional symbols of this holiday.traditional symbols of this holiday.

Easter egg tips include Never boil Easter egg tips include Never boil eggs. Boiling causes eggs to be tough eggs. Boiling causes eggs to be tough with a greenish ring around the yolk. with a greenish ring around the yolk. The best way to hard cook eggs is to The best way to hard cook eggs is to place eggs in cold water and bring to a place eggs in cold water and bring to a boil. Remove immediately from the boil. Remove immediately from the heat, cover and let them stand for heat, cover and let them stand for about 15 minutes for large eggs. about 15 minutes for large eggs. Medium eggs take about 3 minutes Medium eggs take about 3 minutes less and extra large eggs for about 3 less and extra large eggs for about 3 minutes longer. minutes longer.

Pass OverPass Over This Hebrew festival is usually This Hebrew festival is usually

celebrated in late March or April. It celebrated in late March or April. It usually lasts seven or eight days usually lasts seven or eight days and commemorates when the angel and commemorates when the angel of God “passed over” the houses of of God “passed over” the houses of the Hebrews who sprinkled their the Hebrews who sprinkled their doorposts with the blood of the doorposts with the blood of the paschal lamb. Exploring the paschal lamb. Exploring the traditions of Passover is an traditions of Passover is an excellent opportunity for teaching excellent opportunity for teaching children. The Passover festival, children. The Passover festival, one that Jesus himself actively one that Jesus himself actively participated in, gives children a participated in, gives children a better understanding of the better understanding of the Christian faith as well as providing Christian faith as well as providing a deeper understanding of cross a deeper understanding of cross cultural beliefs. Check out books cultural beliefs. Check out books from the library and learn more from the library and learn more about this importantabout this important tradition.tradition.

April 22. Earth DayApril 22. Earth Day

The first Earth Day was held in The first Earth Day was held in 1970. This holiday is intended to 1970. This holiday is intended to create an awareness of create an awareness of responsible stewardship of our responsible stewardship of our fragile planet’s resources.fragile planet’s resources.

Earth Day is a good time to make Earth Day is a good time to make a donation or renew a a donation or renew a membership to an environmental membership to an environmental organization such as Defender’s organization such as Defender’s of Wildlife, Audubon Society, of Wildlife, Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy or the Nature Conservancy or the Sierra Club. There are numerous Sierra Club. There are numerous organizations to choose from organizations to choose from but it is a good idea to check out but it is a good idea to check out the track record before you make the track record before you make a decision.a decision.

Mother’s Day – The Second Sunday of May.Mother’s Day – The Second Sunday of May. Have you ever wondered why Mother's Day is Have you ever wondered why Mother's Day is

celebrated the second Sunday of every May? celebrated the second Sunday of every May? Do you want to know some things you can do Do you want to know some things you can do to make Mother's Day extra special? Read on to make Mother's Day extra special? Read on for the answer to these questions and more. for the answer to these questions and more.

Did Mother's Day begin in the United States? Did Mother's Day begin in the United States? No. Long, long, ago, in ancient Greece, the No. Long, long, ago, in ancient Greece, the

people paid tribute to Rhea, the Mother of the people paid tribute to Rhea, the Mother of the Gods, each spring. A little later in history it is Gods, each spring. A little later in history it is noted that England paid homage to mothers noted that England paid homage to mothers on "Mothering Sunday," the fourth Sunday on "Mothering Sunday," the fourth Sunday of Lent. of Lent.

In 1872, Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the In 1872, Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle hymn of the Republic) words to the Battle hymn of the Republic) suggested the idea of Mother's Day, but it was suggested the idea of Mother's Day, but it was Miss Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948), of Miss Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948), of Philadelphia, who began a letter-writing Philadelphia, who began a letter-writing campaign to a variety of influential people campaign to a variety of influential people that made Mother's Day a national holiday. that made Mother's Day a national holiday.

Memorial Day – Last Monday in May.Memorial Day – Last Monday in May. This holiday is a day on which Americans This holiday is a day on which Americans

honour the dead. Originally a day on which honour the dead. Originally a day on which frogs and flowers were placed on graves of frogs and flowers were placed on graves of soldiers who died in the American Civil War, it soldiers who died in the American Civil War, it has become a day on which the dead of all wars has become a day on which the dead of all wars and all other dead are remembered the same and all other dead are remembered the same way. Families and individuals honour the way. Families and individuals honour the memories of their loved ones who have died. memories of their loved ones who have died. Church services, visits to the cemeteries, flowers Church services, visits to the cemeteries, flowers on the graves, or even silent tribute mark the on the graves, or even silent tribute mark the day with dignity and solemnity. It is a day of day with dignity and solemnity. It is a day of reflection. However, to many Americans the day reflection. However, to many Americans the day also signals the beginning of summer - with a also signals the beginning of summer - with a three-day weekend to spend at the beach, in the three-day weekend to spend at the beach, in the mountains, or at home relaxing.mountains, or at home relaxing.

In many communities, special ceremonies are In many communities, special ceremonies are held in cemeteries, or at monuments for the war held in cemeteries, or at monuments for the war dead by veterans of military services. Some hold dead by veterans of military services. Some hold parades and others hold memorial services or parades and others hold memorial services or special programs in churches, schools other special programs in churches, schools other public meeting places. public meeting places.

On Memorial Day, the President or Vice On Memorial Day, the President or Vice President of the United States gives a speech President of the United States gives a speech and lays a wreath on the tombs.and lays a wreath on the tombs.

Father’s Day – the 3 –Father’s Day – the 3 – rd Sunday of Junerd Sunday of June Mother's Day came first, but Father's Mother's Day came first, but Father's

Day wasn't too far behind. It's amazing Day wasn't too far behind. It's amazing what people accomplish when they put what people accomplish when they put their minds to good use and encourage their minds to good use and encourage others to join their cause. It just wouldn't others to join their cause. It just wouldn't be the same without many of our holidays be the same without many of our holidays and Father's Day is one of them. and Father's Day is one of them.

Who came up with the idea of Father's Who came up with the idea of Father's DayDay

Her name was Sonora Louise Smart Her name was Sonora Louise Smart Dodd and she lived in Spokane, Dodd and she lived in Spokane, Washington. Sonora was the oldest of six Washington. Sonora was the oldest of six children raised by their father, William children raised by their father, William Jackson Smart, when their mother died Jackson Smart, when their mother died during childbirth. Sonora honored and during childbirth. Sonora honored and revered her father, and while listening to revered her father, and while listening to a Mother's Day sermon, in 1909, she a Mother's Day sermon, in 1909, she determined there should also be a day to determined there should also be a day to honor fathershonor fathers. .

July 4, Independence DayJuly 4, Independence Day Happy Birthday America! What are we really Happy Birthday America! What are we really

celebrating every July 4? For many this celebrating every July 4? For many this holiday has become just another three day holiday has become just another three day week-end and a day for cookouts. It is on the week-end and a day for cookouts. It is on the 4th of July that we celebrate the day the 4th of July that we celebrate the day the American colonies declared their American colonies declared their independence from England in the year 1776. independence from England in the year 1776. Thomas Jefferson penned that famous Thomas Jefferson penned that famous document, the Declaration of Independence. It document, the Declaration of Independence. It is a good idea that we refresh our memories at is a good idea that we refresh our memories at this special holiday of just what that document this special holiday of just what that document says.says.

In Congress, July 4, 1776.The unanimous In Congress, July 4, 1776.The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united State of Declaration of the thirteen united State of America, when the course of human events, it America, when the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.-- causes which impel them to the separation.--

Labour DayLabour Day "Labor Day differs in every "Labor Day differs in every

essential way from the other essential way from the other holidays of the year in any holidays of the year in any country," said Samuel country," said Samuel Gompers, founder and Gompers, founder and longtime president of the longtime president of the American Federation of Labor. American Federation of Labor. "All other holidays are in a "All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. by one nation over another. Labor Day...is devoted to no Labor Day...is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation."race, or nation."

October 12 – Columbus Day.October 12 – Columbus Day. On October, 1492 , Columbus On October, 1492 , Columbus

discovered the first island in America, discovered the first island in America, the island of San Salvador in West the island of San Salvador in West Indies. The first celebration of the Indies. The first celebration of the discovery was held in New York City discovery was held in New York City in 1792. in 1792.

Many people say that Christopher Many people say that Christopher Columbus was not the first European Columbus was not the first European to discover America. The Irish and to discover America. The Irish and Norwegians claim their explorers Norwegians claim their explorers came to America first. But no one came to America first. But no one paid much attention to their paid much attention to their discoveries. discoveries.

Columbus’s discovery caused Columbus’s discovery caused Europeans to realize that a new land Europeans to realize that a new land – America – existed. – America – existed.

Columbus didn’t know that he Columbus didn’t know that he discovered America. He thought he’d discovered America. He thought he’d landed near China or Japan.landed near China or Japan.

November – the 4-th Thursday.November – the 4-th Thursday.Thanksgiving Day.Thanksgiving Day.

The idea of a Harvest Feast goes The idea of a Harvest Feast goes back to ancient times. The first back to ancient times. The first American Thanksgiving was American Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 at the Plymouth celebrated in 1621 at the Plymouth colony in Massachusetts. After the colony in Massachusetts. After the American Revolution President American Revolution President George Washington proclaimed George Washington proclaimed November 26, 1789, Thanksgiving November 26, 1789, Thanksgiving Day to honor the adoption of the Day to honor the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and later in 1863 U.S. Constitution and later in 1863 President Abraham Lincoln named President Abraham Lincoln named the last Thursday in November as the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. It did not Thanksgiving Day. It did not become an official national holiday become an official national holiday until 1941 under President Franklin until 1941 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt when Congress passed D. Roosevelt when Congress passed a special resolution declaring that a special resolution declaring that Thanksgiving would be celebrated Thanksgiving would be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of on the fourth Thursday of November. November.

December Festival of Lights.December Festival of Lights.

Hanukkah usually falls Hanukkah usually falls sometime during the month of sometime during the month of DecemberDecember

Hanukkah, a Jewish festival, Hanukkah, a Jewish festival, was first celebrated in the was first celebrated in the second century B.C.E. by Judah second century B.C.E. by Judah the Maccabee and his followers the Maccabee and his followers to mark to reconsecration of the to mark to reconsecration of the Temple in Jerusalem after its Temple in Jerusalem after its recapture from the Syrian recapture from the Syrian Greeks. This festival is held Greeks. This festival is held over eight days and nights to over eight days and nights to commemorate the miracle of the commemorate the miracle of the oil recorded in the Talmud oil recorded in the Talmud regarding the rekindling of the regarding the rekindling of the Eternal Light in the temple.Eternal Light in the temple.

December December

Christmas DayChristmas Day The traditional day to celebrate The traditional day to celebrate Christ’s birth is December 25. It Christ’s birth is December 25. It was not until after the 4th century was not until after the 4th century A.D. that the tradition of celebrating A.D. that the tradition of celebrating Jesus’ birth became associated Jesus’ birth became associated with the winter solstice festivities. with the winter solstice festivities. The Romans celebrated a feast The Romans celebrated a feast dedicated to the Sun on December dedicated to the Sun on December 25. The tradition of the 12 days of 25. The tradition of the 12 days of Christmas replaced the winter Christmas replaced the winter solstice celebrations that were solstice celebrations that were observed between December 25 observed between December 25 and January 6. Gift giving probably and January 6. Gift giving probably began sometime during the Middle began sometime during the Middle Ages and was inspired by the Ages and was inspired by the account of the Magi who following account of the Magi who following the star to Bethlehem bearing gifts the star to Bethlehem bearing gifts for the Christ child. for the Christ child.

Kwansaa. December 26 through Kwansaa. December 26 through New Year’ DayNew Year’ Day

This is a cultural observance for This is a cultural observance for black Americans or others of black Americans or others of African descent. Mr. Maulana African descent. Mr. Maulana Karenga, a college professor, Karenga, a college professor, created the idea in the 1960’s. created the idea in the 1960’s. Kwanzaa is Swahili and is Kwanzaa is Swahili and is translated to mean the first translated to mean the first fruits of harvest. To celebrate fruits of harvest. To celebrate Kwanzaa the family members Kwanzaa the family members gather together each day to gather together each day to discuss one of seven principles discuss one of seven principles and for the lighting of a candle. and for the lighting of a candle. A Kinara, which is a seven A Kinara, which is a seven branched candleholder, branched candleholder, symbolizes the continent and symbolizes the continent and the peoples of Africa is used for the peoples of Africa is used for this ceremony.this ceremony.