American holidays and celebrations

PLAN:

1. National Celebrations---------------------------------------------------------------------4

2. Uniquely American Holidays------------------------------------------------------------8
3. Ethnic and Regional Holidays----------------------------------------------------------10
4. Fun Days----------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
5. Halloween---------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
6. Conclusion--------------------------------------------------------------------------------16
7. Bibliography------------------------------------------------------------------------------18


INTRODUCTION
American Holidays is an introductory survey of the historical and social background of American culture.
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 US originated in America. There is no provision for national holidays in the USA. The number of holiday is different in different states – from 8 in the District of Columbia to 20 in Oklahoma.
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!"
In the strict sense, there are no federal (national) holidays in the United States. Each of the 50 states has jurisdiction over its holidays. In practice, however, most states observe the federal ("legal or public ") holidays, even though the President and Congress can legally designate holidays only for federal government employees.
The following ten holidays per year are proclaimed by the federal government:
New Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King Day - third Monday in January
Washington's Birthday - third Monday in February
Memorial Day - last Monday in May
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - first Monday in September
Columbus Day - second Monday in October
Veterans Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - fourth Thursday in November