Festivities And Traditions Flashcards
1
Q
Thanksgiving Day
A
- oldest America holiday
- first celebrated in October 1621 (the pilgrims arrived on the May-flower in the winter of 1620)
- pilgrims worked hard, as the harvest was good they wanted to thank God for it
- the first Thanksgiving feast lasted 3 days
- 1863 - Thanksgiving was limited to a few stages in the east, than it was declared a National holiday
- stuffed turkey, pumpkin pie
- fourth Thursday of November - US
- the 2nd Monday of October (Canada)
2
Q
Independence day
A
- 4th July, 1776 (when the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence)
- the Fourth of July
- parades, picnics, speeches, fireworks, bonfires
- the army fires a thirteen-gun salute, to commemorate the first thirteen independent American States
3
Q
Columbus Day
A
- October 12th (the date of Christopher Columbus’ landing in the West Indies
- legal holiday in most states
4
Q
Halloween
A
- the name means “all hallows Eve” - the eve of all saints Day (October 31)
- the Celts (October 31 st - the Celtic New year and samhain, the lord of death)
- symbol: Jack O’Lantern - a hollowed pumpkin which has holes cut in it to represent human face
