Top 10 Most Celebrated Holidays in America
America is a country of diverse cultures, traditions, and beliefs. It is also a country that loves to celebrate. From national holidays that commemorate historical events to religious holidays that honor different faiths, Americans have many reasons to mark their calendars and enjoy some festive time with their families and friends. But what are the most popular holidays in America? And how do Americans celebrate them? In this article, we will explore the top 10 most celebrated holidays in America, based on a survey conducted by Statista, and share some fun facts and tips on how to join the festivities.
1. Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the most popular holiday in America, with a popularity rating of 82 percent. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, and it originated as a harvest festival in the early days of the American colonies. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians, who shared a feast of turkey, corn, and other foods. Today, Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for the blessings of life, and to enjoy a traditional meal with family and friends. The typical Thanksgiving menu includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and more. Some other Thanksgiving traditions are watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which features giant balloons, floats, and performers, and watching or playing football.
2. Memorial Day
Memorial Day is the second most popular holiday in America, with a popularity rating of 77 percent. It is celebrated on the last Monday of May, and it honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. The origins of Memorial Day date back to the Civil War, when people decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. Today, Memorial Day is a time to remember and pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country, and to enjoy the unofficial start of summer. Many Americans visit cemeteries or memorials, attend parades or ceremonies, or host barbecues or picnics with their loved ones.
3. Veterans Day
Veterans Day is the third most popular holiday in America, with a popularity rating of 77 percent. It is celebrated on November 11th, and it honors all those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, and it marked the end of World War I in 1918. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day, to recognize all veterans of all wars. Today, Veterans Day is a time to thank and celebrate the service and sacrifice of all veterans, both living and dead. Many Americans attend ceremonies or parades, visit veterans’ hospitals or homes, or volunteer for veterans’ organizations.
4. Father’s Day
Father’s Day is the fourth most popular holiday in America, with a popularity rating of 76 percent. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, and it honors fathers and father figures for their role and influence in the family and society. The idea of Father’s Day was proposed by Sonora Smart Dodd in 1909, who wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran and single parent of six children. The first Father’s Day was celebrated in 1910 in Spokane, Washington. In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making Father’s Day a national holiday. Today, Father’s Day is a time to show appreciation and love for fathers and father figures, by giving them cards, gifts, or spending quality time with them.
5. Christmas
Christmas is the fifth most popular holiday in America, with a popularity rating of 76 percent. It is celebrated on December 25th, and it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. The word Christmas comes from the Old English term Cristes maesse, which means Christ’s mass. The date of December 25th was chosen by the Roman Catholic Church in the fourth century A.D., to coincide with a pagan festival that celebrated the winter solstice. Today, Christmas is a time to celebrate the spirit of joy, peace, and goodwill among people of all faiths and backgrounds. Many Americans decorate their homes with lights, wreaths, trees, ornaments, and nativity scenes. They also exchange gifts, cards, and greetings with their family and friends. Some other Christmas traditions are singing carols, attending church services, watching movies, and leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus.
6. Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is the sixth most popular holiday in America, with a popularity rating of 75 percent. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, and it honors mothers and mother figures for their love and care for their children and families. The modern Mother’s Day was founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908, who wanted to honor her mother, a social activist and peace advocate. The first Mother’s Day was celebrated in Grafton, West Virginia, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making Mother’s Day a national holiday9. Today, Mother’s Day is a time to show gratitude and affection for mothers and mother figures, by giving them flowers, cards, gifts, or spending quality time with them.
7. Easter
Easter is the seventh most popular holiday in America, with a popularity rating of 73 percent It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring, and it marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, according to the Christian faith. The word Easter comes from the Old English term Eostre, which was the name of a pagan goddess of spring and fertility. The date of Easter varies from year to year, depending on the lunar calendar. Today, Easter is a time to celebrate the hope and renewal of life, and to share the message of love and forgiveness. Many Americans attend church services, wear new clothes, or decorate eggs. They also enjoy Easter traditions such as hunting for eggs, eating chocolate bunnies or candy, or visiting the Easter Bunny.
8. Halloween
Halloween is the eighth most popular holiday in America, with a popularity rating of 72 percent. It is celebrated on October 31st, and it originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on this night, the spirits of the dead returned to earth and caused mischief and harm. To ward off these spirits, they lit bonfires and wore costumes made of animal skins. Later, the Christian church adopted this festival and called it All Hallows’ Eve, the eve of All Saints’ Day. Today, Halloween is a time to have fun and express creativity. Many Americans carve pumpkins, decorate their homes with spooky themes, dress up in costumes, or watch horror movies. They also go trick-or-treating, which is a custom of going door-to-door asking for candy or other treats.
9. Independence Day
Independence Day is the ninth most popular holiday in America, with a popularity rating of 71 percent. It is celebrated on July 4th, and it commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which declared the 13 American colonies free and independent from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and signed by 56 representatives from the colonies. Today, Independence Day is a time to celebrate the freedom and democracy of America, and to honor the founding fathers and patriots who fought for it. Many Americans display the American flag, wear patriotic colors, or attend historical reenactments. They also enjoy fireworks displays, parades, concerts, or barbecues with their family and friends.
10. Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is the tenth most popular holiday in America, with a popularity rating of 61 percent. It is celebrated on February 14th, and it honors Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who was executed by the Roman emperor Claudius II in 269 A.D.. According to legend, Saint Valentine performed secret marriages for young lovers who were forbidden by the emperor to wed. He also wrote a letter to his jailer’s daughter before his death, signing it “From your Valentine”. Today, Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and romance, and
to express affection and appreciation for their partners, friends, or family. Many Americans exchange cards, flowers, chocolates, or jewelry with their loved ones. They also go on dates, dinners, or parties with their special someone.
These are the top 10 most celebrated holidays in America, according to a survey by Statista. Each holiday has its own history, meaning, and traditions that reflect the diversity and richness of American culture. Whether you are an American or a visitor, you can join the celebrations and enjoy the festive spirit of these holidays.
Conclusion
Holidays are an important part of American life. They provide opportunities to connect with others, to celebrate values and beliefs, and to have fun and relax. They also help to preserve and share the heritage and identity of America. By learning about the most popular holidays in America, you can gain a deeper understanding of the American people and their way of life.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most asked questions and answers about the most celebrated holidays in America:
Q: What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
A: Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the U.S. military, while Veterans Day honors all those who have served in the U.S. military, both living and dead.
Q: What is the origin of Halloween costumes?
A: Halloween costumes originated from the ancient Celtic tradition of wearing animal skins and masks to disguise themselves from the spirits of the dead on Samhain night.
Q: Why do Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
A: Turkey is associated with Thanksgiving because it was one of the foods that the Pilgrims and the Indians shared at the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621. Turkey is also a native bird of North America, and it was plentiful and cheap at that time.
Q: What is the meaning of Easter eggs?
A: Easter eggs symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as eggs represent new life and rebirth. Easter eggs are also related to the pagan tradition of decorating eggs to celebrate the spring equinox.
Q: Who is Santa Claus?
A: Santa Claus is a mythical figure who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. He is based on Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop who was known for his generosity and kindness to children.
Q: How do Americans celebrate Independence Day?
A: Americans celebrate Independence Day by displaying the American flag, wearing patriotic colors, attending historical reenactments, watching fireworks displays, parades, concerts, or barbecues with their family and friends.
Q: What is the significance of Valentine’s Day?
A: Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and romance, inspired by Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who performed secret marriages for young lovers who were forbidden by the Roman emperor.
Q: How do Americans celebrate Mother’s Day?
A: Americans celebrate Mother’s Day by giving flowers, cards, gifts, or spending quality time with their mothers or mother figures. They also thank them for their love and care for their children and families.
Q: How do Americans celebrate Father’s Day?
A: Americans celebrate Father’s Day by giving cards, gifts, or spending quality time with their fathers or father figures. They also honor them for their role and influence in the family and society.
Q: How do Americans celebrate Easter?
A: Americans celebrate Easter by attending church services, wearing new clothes, or decorating eggs. They also enjoy Easter traditions such as hunting for eggs, eating chocolate bunnies or candy, or visiting the Easter Bunny.