American Public Holidays
Ten holidays are designated by the United States federal government as federal holidays, but the American public traditionally celebrates other holidays as well. Some of these holidays are religious while others celebrate other cultures or traditions. On a federal holiday, government workers are given the day off while some private businesses also give employees the day off on some of these holidays. Does this Spark an idea?
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January and February Holidays
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Three holidays take place in the first two months of the year. New Year's Day, which falls on January 1 each year, is the first of the yearly federal holidays. Martin Luther King Jr. day is held on the third Monday in the month of January so the actual date changes every year. The day marks the birth of American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. Washington's Birthday is celebrated on the third Monday of February every year in honor of President George Washington.
Memorial Day and Independence Day
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The next federal holiday isn't celebrated until May. The last Monday is May is Memorial Day. The day is a remembrance day to commemorate all military veterans who have died. Unofficially, Memorial Day marks the start of summer. Independence Day falls on July 4 every year. The day marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which happened on July 4, 1776 and declared the United States' independence from Great Britain.
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Fall Holidays
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Labor Day occurs on the first Monday in September. Originally, Labor Day started as a day recognized by labor parties, but now Labor Day marks the end of summer in the minds of many Americans and is celebrated with barbecues and summer activities. The second Monday of October is Columbus Day to mark the day that Christopher Columbus arrived in America. Veterans Day is November 11 and recognizes veterans of all branches of the United States military.
Thanksgiving and Christmas
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Christmas and Thanksgiving are two of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States. Thanksgiving Day is always the third Thursday in November. It's a harvest festival and a traditionally a time to give thanks for harvest, but has evolved for a day of thankfulness in general. Christmas Day is always on December 25 and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day rooted in Christianity, but also recognized by non-Christians in the form of giving presents and having family gatherings.
Other Holidays
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Holidays that aren't federal holidays but often celebrated by the American public include: Valentine's Day on February 14, a day celebrating love and affection; Saint Patrick's Day on March 17, a day to recognize Irish heritage; Easter, the first Sunday after the first full moon after the official start of spring, is a Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' resurrection; Halloween on October 31, also known as All Hallow's Eve; and Mother's and Father's days in May and June celebrating parents. .
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References
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