American Holiday Culture｜What is Independence Day and Thanksgiving?

-What is an American Holiday? Its History and Significance

Holidays in the United States are important clues to a deeper understanding of the country's history and culture. The United States has many holidays, each with its own history and significance. These holidays are important times for Americans to spend with family and friends, and they also reflect the values and traditions of the country.

First, one of the most famous holidays in the United States is Independence Day. This day commemorates the Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776, and is celebrated with great fanfare throughout the country as a day to honor freedom and patriotism. Many events take place, including fireworks and parades, and people celebrate by raising the Stars and Stripes in the streets.

Next, "Thanksgiving Day," also known as Thanksgiving Day, is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This day began as a tradition to give thanks for the harvest. In modern times, the main way to spend the day is for families to gather and enjoy a meal together. Turkey has become the symbolic dish of the day.

In addition, Memorial Day and Labor Day are also important holidays. Memorial Day is the last Monday in May and is set aside as a day of remembrance for the war dead. Labor Day, on the other hand, is observed on the first Monday in September to honor workers.

In addition to these, there are other holidays that are unique to a country that values diversity. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a tribute to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. There are also events such as "Pride Month" that show understanding and support for the LGBTQ community.

As you can see, holidays in the United States are diverse in their historical background and social significance. Each day has its own special meaning, and each day provides an opportunity for people to reflect on themselves and their society. Therefore, when visiting from Japan, such background knowledge will lead to a deeper understanding.

-Independence Day: A day to celebrate freedom and patriotism

Independence Day in the United States is a special day celebrated annually on July 4. This day commemorates the declaration of independence of the United States of America from Great Britain in 1776. The Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and later approved by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. This event remains a proud moment in history for many Americans today as an important symbol of freedom and patriotism.

Independence Day is a national holiday and an opportunity for many people to gather with family and friends and enjoy the day together. Generally, there are fireworks displays and parades, and many unique local events are held. At these events, people express their pride in their country by displaying the stars and stripes and singing patriotic songs.

Outdoor activities such as barbecues and picnics are also popular on this day. Many families enjoy barbecues in their backyards and have a good time with their close friends. In the evening, large fireworks displays are held in various locations, and spectators are enthralled by the grandeur of the displays.

In this way, Independence Day also provides an opportunity for people to reflect on the values of freedom and democracy. It is also celebrated in a way that is unique to the United States, with its richly diverse cultural backgrounds, and each community has its own unique way of celebrating.

This day is not only a time to honor the past, but also a time to reflect on our future. For many, therefore, the Fourth of July continues to be more than just a holiday. In this way, Independence Day will continue to be cherished as a day to celebrate freedom and patriotism.

-The origins of Thanksgiving Day and how it is spent today

Thanksgiving Day is widely regarded as one of the most important holidays in the United States. This holiday is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year and is a day for family and friends to gather and share thanksgiving. The origins of Thanksgiving Day date back to 1621. At that time, the Pilgrims, who immigrated from England, held a feast with the Native Americans to thank God for the first harvest in the New World.

On this first Thanksgiving, turkey, corn, and other ingredients obtained from the land graced the table. These have continued to be a staple of Thanksgiving dinner dishes in modern times. Roasted turkey, in particular, has become an iconic dish of the day. Other diverse dishes include cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.

On modern Thanksgiving Day, many families not only enjoy a traditional dinner, but also look forward to a massive sale the following day, known as "Black Friday. Also popular on this day is watching American football games. Families often watch televised games together.

In addition, many communities hold parades and charity events to help people connect with their communities. One famous example is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. In this way, Thanksgiving Day has evolved from a mere harvest festival to an opportunity for people to reaffirm their gratitude and bonds with one another.

In this way, Thanksgiving Day blends historical background with modern elements, but at its heart, it is always about gratitude. This day may be a good opportunity to look at our own daily lives and think about small happiness and gratitude for our surroundings.

-Fireworks and barbecue: traditional Independence Day fun

July 4, American Independence Day, is a special day to celebrate freedom and patriotism. Many Americans enjoy fireworks and barbecues as an integral part of the traditional enjoyment of this day. These activities are an opportunity to spend time with family and friends while also experiencing a sense of pride in one's country.

First of all, fireworks are the highlight of the Independence Day celebrations, as they light up the night sky. Large-scale fireworks displays are held in various locations, and many people gather in parks and plazas to enjoy the beautiful spectacle. Fireworks were first set off in Philadelphia on Independence Day in 1777. Since then, fireworks have become an iconic part of the holiday and continue to make a strong impression on people's hearts.

Next comes the barbecue, which many families hold in their yards or parks on this day. Hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, and other items are prepared as part of the standard menu, each cooked to their own recipe. This is a very popular event because it allows family and friends to bond and feel a sense of togetherness around a meal together. Fresh salads and cornbread are also often served at these meals, each with its own regional characteristics.

In addition, in many cases, parades are held on Independence Day. Children and adults alike can participate in these events, which also feature musical bands and dance performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. In this way, people renew their attachment and appreciation for their country while sharing a good time.

As mentioned above, fireworks and barbecue are traditional and important elements of American Independence Day. There are many ways to celebrate this day, born from a rich diversity of cultural backgrounds, but always with the desire for freedom and unity at the center. Each way of celebrating has its own historical background and memorable stories that are worth experiencing.

-What are the essential dishes for the Thanksgiving table?

Thanksgiving Day, or Thanksgiving Day, is one of the most important holidays in the United States and a special time to spend with family and friends. On this day, traditional dishes grace the table. Here are some of the essential dishes for your Thanksgiving table.

First of all, the star of Thanksgiving is the turkey. A large, magnificent turkey is slow-roasted in the oven, and its savory aroma spreads throughout the house. The turkey is usually cooked with a stuffing. This stuffing usually consists of bread, onions, celery, and herbs.

Next up are the mashed potatoes. Creamy and smooth mashed potatoes are often served with gravy. This gravy is made from the juices from the turkey, and its flavorful taste is a perfect match for the mashed potatoes.

Cranberry sauce is also a must. The sweet and sour cranberry sauce is a perfect accompaniment to meat dishes, and its refreshing acidity is a perfect palate cleanser when you take a bite. And for celebratory occasions, vegetable dishes are also plentiful. For example, there is a casserole with green beans, roasted root vegetables, and a wide variety of other vegetable dishes.

Another popular dessert is pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie, which is flavored with spices unique to this season, is often served with whipped cream. Its perfect balance of sweetness and spice is loved by many.

Thus, on Thanksgiving Day, a variety of traditional dishes are served, and each plate is steeped in history and culture. The essence of this holiday is to enjoy the company of family and friends over these dishes.

-Diverse Cultural Backgrounds in American Holidays

Holidays in the United States reflect its diverse cultural background and are influenced by various ethnic and religious groups. Because the United States is a nation of immigrants, different cultures brought from different parts of the country have blended together to create new forms of holidays. Therefore, American holidays not only commemorate historical events, but also symbolize diversity and coexistence.

For example, Christmas is a traditional holiday of Christian origin, but many non-Christians also gather with family and friends to exchange gifts during this time. This is because it is widely accepted as an opportunity to strengthen bonds with family and close friends, rather than for its religious significance. Jewish festivals such as Hanukkah are also celebrated on a large scale in some areas, and diversity is respected.

In addition, holidays related to the desegregation movement, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month, provide important opportunities to reflect on human rights and equality. On these days, activities are held across the country to promote understanding of the Civil Rights Movement, and many people participate.

There are also days such as Cinco de Mayo and Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) that are celebrated with great pomp and circumstance by certain ethnic communities in some areas. These are not just festivals, but have different histories and cultures behind them. They also provide an opportunity for people of different backgrounds to learn about each other's cultures.

Seen in this way, American holidays are diversity itself. Each date has its own unique history, but more importantly, the country as a whole is a place where diversity is recognized and where understanding and compassion for one another is fostered. The rich cultural exchange that results from this background is one of the strengths of American society.