The 4th of July is around the corner. This day is marked by a huge celebration throughout the United States of America. Many people perform fireworks displays, engage in water sports, eat delicious food, carry out parades, and even sport the American Flag on their clothing and accessories.
So, do you know why this day calls for such a huge celebration?
In America, the 4th of July is a federal holiday to celebrate the country’s independence from the British Empire. This day is a display of patriotism and pride in the country.
This year, the 4th of July falls on Monday, thus giving all Americans a three-day weekend to carry out their traditions that have been greatly observed over the past 200 years.
Here is everything to know about the 4th of July.
Why Does America Celebrate the 4th of July?
The 4th of July remains a notable date on the American calendar as it marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress. On this day, delegates from 13 colonies, called Continental Congress, formally agreed to seek independence from British rule.
The agreement came a month after Richard Henry Lee, Virginia Delegate, proposed the colonies seek independence. This declaration was largely written by Thomas Jefferson. Other members of the Continental Congress suggested edits and finally approved the final copy.
While the 4th of July happens to be the day of celebration, some people consider that it was the 2nd of July, 1776 on which the delegates voted in favor of independence. Only two delegates – John Hancock and Charles Thompson signed the declaration on the 4th of July. The last delegate put his signature on the Declaration of Independence on the 2nd of August.
How the first 4th of July was Celebrated?
The first 4th of July was celebrated by carrying out mock funerals for King George in the summer of 1776. King George II was the King of England when the Declaration of Independence was created. The celebrations became more elaborate and widespread in the following years. Today, this day is celebrated as a big festival throughout America.
When the Revolutionary War for independence was still underway, George Washington, the then President of the country, celebrated the first anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by providing extra rum to the soldiers who took part in the revolution.
On July 4th, 1777, celebrations also took place all over Boston and Philadelphia and included the tradition of fireworks by lighting cannons up in the sky. These cannons were fired 13 times to represent 13 original colonies.
What were the 13th Original Colonies of America?
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- New York
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Georgia
These 13 original states were the first 13 British colonies. British colonists traveled across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe. They arrived on the East Coast of the United States and founded colonies there. Massachusetts became their original state where the British landed in 1620. They wanted the freedom to practice their religion. The colonists also grew tobacco in large farms.
Interesting Facts about the 4th of July that Every American Should Know
The history of American independence is nothing less than fascinating. There are many interesting facts that every American would want to know.
- Some colonists celebrated this day during the summer of 1776. The mock funerals of King George II symbolized the death of the Crown’s rule in the country.
- The first annual commemoration of Independence Day in America happened on the 4th of July 1777, in Philadelphia.
- John Adams, a Founding Father and the second President, believed Independence Day should be celebrated on the 2nd of July. He was too stubborn to attend the events of the 4th of July as he strongly felt about the 2nd being the correct date of independence.
- Both Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the Founding Fathers, died on the 4th of July, 1826. Another President of the USA, James Monroe, died on the 4th of July, 1831.
- Thomas Jefferson became the first President to celebrate Independence Day at the White House. The celebration took place in 1801 and featured food, drinks, parades, and horse races.
- The 4th of July is considered a federal holiday all over America, but it didn’t become a holiday immediately. The announcement was made in 1870. In 1941, this day became a paid holiday for federal employees.
How is the 4th of July Celebrated Throughout America?
The modern traditions and celebrations of Independence Day in America stem from its roots. In ancient times, people would attend concerts, bonfires, and parades to showcase their love for the newly-freed nation. The Declaration of Independence would be read aloud, followed by the firing of muskets and cannons.
The traditions and celebrations have evolved over time. Here’s how the Americans celebrate their Independence Day at present.
Fireworks
Fireworks constitute the essential part of celebrating this day. People either buy and light their own fireworks or watch the local fireworks displayed by officials. Everyone takes part in this celebration.
Sparklers
Besides fireworks, the 4th of July is celebrated with hand-held sparklers. People carry them in their hands to color and light up the nooks and crannies of America and how.
Parades
The 4th of July Parades form an integral part of the celebration where the whole American community gathers to march on the streets. There is music, a color showcase of blue, red, and white, carnivals, fairs, and everything in between.
Every heart beats true colors of red, white, and blue, representing the American Flag, the pride of America.
Barbecues
The celebrations of Independence Day in America remain incomplete without a barbecue. Americans love hosting and attending barbecues. Hot dogs and hamburgers become a staple of the celebration, followed by picnic sides of fruits, desserts, baked beans, cookies, and more.
Celebration in the Backyards
Besides hosting a barbecue, people also participate in some backyard fun, such as playing indoor and outdoor games. Nowadays, it is also accompanied by clicking their best pictures for social media handles.
Travel and Shopping
Some people like to travel to other cities in America to see how they are celebrating this important day as the celebrations also vary from one state to another. Others love to shop by making the most of the excellent discounts the brands offer.
How are you celebrating the 4th of July? Tell us in the comments below.
