Chief Public Holidays in the United States
Праздники в США, обзор - текст на английском языке. В конце текста - тематический словарик.
Each state has its national holidays which are dedicated to the important dates in the establishment and history of the country, interesting customs and traditions all its own.
Americans share some holidays such as Easter, Christmas and New Year’s Day with other countries of the world. Here are public holidays which are celebrated by the Americans.
New Year’s Day
January, 1
Most Americans spend the final hours of the old year and the first hours of the New Year celebrating with their families or friends. Champagne – the drink that traditionally symbolizes an important event is often served for the midnight toast on New Year’s Eve.
One of the noisiest celebrations takes place on the Times Square in New York City. The crowd, joined by millions of Americans across the country at their TV sets, watches the traditional Huge Apple (emblem of New York) strike midnight.
Lincoln’s Birthday
February, 12
Americans consider birthdays of their outstanding citizens George Washington and Abraham Lincoln public holidays.
Abraham Lincoln is considered by many the greatest of all American heroes. During his term as President the Civil War broke out. The most outstanding achievements of the Lincoln presidency were the preservation of the union and the abolition os slavery.
Washington’s Birthday
February, 15
Washington is called "the father of the nation" for he was the first president of the United States of America. the capital of the country, Washington D.C., was named in his honour and was moved from Philadelphia.
Independence Day
July, 4
This is the most important holiday of the nation, which celebrates its birthday. On this day in 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the famous Declaration of Independence declaring the former British colonies free, thus founding the United States of America.
Columbus Day
October, 10
Christopher Columbus, an Italian, discovered the American continents in 1493 by accident, while seeking a short route to Asia. Thus, he called the natives the Indians and the islands he explored, the West Indies which bear these names to this day. this event is widely celebrated in most Latin American countries as well. the district of Columbia was named in his honour as well as many cities, squares and streets.
Memorial Day
November, 5
This day was first established to honour the dead in the war between the North and the South, a mournful remembrance of the fallen.
Veteran’s Day
November, 11
This day, like Memorial Day, is a solemn occasion in honour of all American veterans of all wars. in many communities veterans march in parades, national flags are displayed, special ceremonies, observing two minute’s silence, are held at the tomb of the Unknown soldier in Arlington National Ceremony.
Thanksgiving Day
November, 24
It is the oldest national holiday. The pilgrims, the first English settlers searching for religious freedom, came on Mayflower to Plymouth bay, Massachusetts, in 1620. They suffered a very hard year. By the autumn of the next year assisted by the Indians they had a good harvest. And a feast was given of turkey corn and pumpkin pie to celebrate the harvest and give thanks to God for their survival. The old traditions of their feast are observed throughout the country today.
Christmas
December, 25
Christmas is a great American and British festivity, very rich in custom and tradition – with Santa Claus, the decorating of the Christmas tree, of card sending and gift giving. It is celebrated as the birthday of Christ. Now it is becoming more and more a folk holiday. It has always been observed as a family affair.
Words / Слова к теме
- which are dedicated — которые предназначены
- customs — обычаи
- celebrate — 1. праздновать 2. прославлять
- eve — 1. канун 2. (уст.) вечер
- share — 1. часть, доля, акция 2. делить, разделять, делиться
- such as — такие как
- noisy — шумный
- consider — считать, полагать
- outstanding citizens — выдающиеся граждане
- was named in his honour — был наименован в честь
- abolition of slavery — отмена рабства
- remembrance — 1. воспоминание 2. память 3. сувенир, подарок на память
- mournful — траурный
- adopt — принять; усыновить
- by accident — случайно
- seek (sought, sought) — искать
- short route — короткий маршрут
- bay — залив, бухта
- affair — дело, занятие; любовная связь
Смотрите также:
- Праздники Великобритании - British Holidays and London Pageantry
- Деловой английский - Busines Meeting Phrases
- История Великобритании Early English History
- Новогодние стихи на английском языке
- Christmas Poems
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