|
We have learned that people all over the world celebrate holidays with traditions, ceremonies, festivals, and special events. Sometimes, even though these holidays are celebrated in places far from the United States, they are similar to those we celebrate here. We have also learned that other celebrations are very different from ours. Let's look at some of the holidays we celebrate right here in our own country. Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a holiday that is celebrated by many African Americans in the United States. Kwanzaa was started in 1966. This holiday is a time for African Americans to learn about their heritage. They do this by practicing some of the same traditions that their ancestors did back in Africa. Kwanzaa lasts for seven days, beginning on December 26th. Kwanzaa is a word meaning "first fruits" in an old African language, and the celebration marks the time of the first harvest of the year. Kwanzaa is not a time for gift giving, but is a chance for families to enjoy time together. It is a time to learn valuable lessons and morals. Kwanzaa teaches people the importance of getting along, caring, and helping one another. 
Click
on the postage stamp celebrating Kwanzaa and listen to   Passover
A very important holiday for Jewish Americans is Passover. Passover lasts for eight days. This year, Passover began on April 16th. Passover celebrates the time when Jewish people were led out of slavery in Egypt by Moses to reach freedom. This happened 3000 years ago! The Jewish people have some special traditions during Passover. One important tradition called Seder, lasts for the first two nights of Passover. During the Seder, people eat only special foods. They tell the story of how the Jewish people were freed from Egypt. They also sing songs, and say special prayers. Passover is an important holiday for Jewish people to spend time with their families. During this time they remember the terrible times and struggles their ancestors faced for thousands of years.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. was truly an American hero. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a law creating a national holiday to honor this great man. Now, on the third Monday of every January, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that all people were equal, and that it did not matter what color skin they had. In the 1960s, King was an important civil rights leader. He felt that black Americans deserved to be treated the same as white Americans, at a time when many people did not feel this way. He believed that African Americans should receive the same pay, and chance at an education as white Americans. Martin Luther King Jr. spread his message through peaceful speeches, instead of using violence. It was a sad day, on April 4th, 1968, when Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed by a man who did not believe his message. Today, we celebrate the good deeds of Martin Luther King Jr. by honoring him with a holiday, and studying his work. We must never forget his message, or dream of living in a world where all people are equal. Click here to learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
and hear him speak.
Fourth of July (Independence Day) 
On the Fourth of July, Americans of all religions and races celebrate their independence and freedom. On this day we are celebrating America's birthday. There are many traditions that mark Fourth of July celebrations, such as fireworks displays, barbeques, and parades. These are exciting events, but let's not forget those who fought for our freedom, and the reason we enjoy this holiday.
On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. The colonists no longer wanted to be ruled by Great Britain. The United States of America was born! In 2003, America celebrated its 227th birthday.
Halloween
Halloween is a favorite holiday of children in the United States. It is celebrated here every October 31st. But, did you know that the Halloween tradition goes back thousands of years? It wasn't always called Halloween, and there wasn't always "trick-or-treating." Halloween dates back 2000 years, to the ancient festival of Samhain (sow-in) celebrated in western Europe by a group of people called the Celts. It was a harvest celebration that marked the end of summer. The Celtic people lit bonfires and dressed in costumes to keep away the ghosts they believed came on that night. The idea of celebrating the dead and the spirit world has been a part of many different cultures for a long, long time.
Christmas
The first thing many children think of when they hear the word "Christmas" is receiving gifts, right? We sometimes forget the origin and true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is a religious holiday when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated each year on December 25th. The tradition of giving gifts during the Christmas season may go all the way back to the time when Jesus was born, when the wise men came bearing gifts for the baby.
Christmas is a time for people to be together with their families. It is a national holiday, so most people get time off from working to spend at home with their family. There are many traditions that take place during the Christmas season. Most Christian Americans celebrate Christmas by decorating their houses and putting up a Christmas tree. They hang stockings, send Christmas cards, and eat special foods. One very special tradition that is practiced during the Christmas season is the singing of Christmas songs, or carols. Christmas is perhaps the biggest and most celebrated holiday in all of America.
clipart
used with permission from Definitions
Copyright ©
2001-2010
Oswego City School District |
