Perhaps the most popular secular holiday in the United States is Independence Day - the Independence Day of the United States, which is celebrated on July 4. Since this holiday is not religious, it is celebrated by all believers and unbelievers living in the United States. What kind of holiday is this, which most Americans call simply by date - July 4, and why is it given so much importance in the life of American society?
To understand the meaning of July 4, you need to delve into history. In the 70s. XVIII century the British colony on the North American continent began the struggle for independence from the mother country. Then there were only 13, located along the Atlantic coast of modern US territory. At that time they were called the United Colonies. In 1775, a war broke out between Britain and the Colonies. And a year later, on the day of July 4, 1776, the city of Philadelphia became the site of a momentous event - it was there that the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed and signed . And, although the document proclaimed the free territories were called the “United Colonies”, which were to become the “United Education”, July 4 was proclaimed a holiday called Independence Day.
But to be more strict, the document was prepared and approved two days earlier - July 2. It was developed by the Committee of Five, headed by Thomas Jefferson, and on July 4, it was approved by the Continental Congress (the forerunner of the modern US Congress) with the submission of Richard Henry Lee. According to some historians, the Declaration of Independence on July 4 was signed only by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, and the Second Continental Congress approved it on August 2, that is, almost a month later. But be that as it may, from the very time that this Declaration was signed, the history of the United States as a state began. Therefore, July 4 - Independence Day of the United States - and is celebrated everywhere.
The solemnity of this holiday is also underlined by the fact that soon after the Declaration of Independence the official flag of the United States appeared. He was sewn by the patriot Betsy Ross, who was entrusted with this by the committee of the Continental Congress (it is interesting that it included George Washington, who in the future became the first President of the United States). The flag had the same design as the modern banner of the USA, but there were not 50 stars on it, as it is now, but 13 - according to the number of connected colonies. The flag was called Old Glory "Ancient Glory." By the way, Washington was asked to depict the 6-pointed "stars of Bethlehem", as a sign of the American nation’s passion, but Betsy Ross embroidered 5-pointed ones, because it was easier with the embroidery technique. Historians claim that the flag was made back in May 1776 and was only unveiled on US Independence Day.
The traditions of celebrating this holiday began to take shape at the very beginning of the 19th century. So, until now, in all military units where there is artillery, this day they are scorching from cannons. In different cities and towns this day is celebrated with fireworks. In general, Independence Day in the United States is celebrated very widely. In addition to the fact that this day is considered a national holiday and it is declared a day off, in various - even very small towns - July 4, colorful parades take place along the main streets. Ordinary Americans come to the parade not only one by one, but also with entire families, with small children. After the parade, it is customary to have picnics in nature, swim, grill sausages. And when the evening comes down, everyone goes out to admire the festive fireworks.
Deeply religious people go to church on American Independence Day to offer prayers for the well-being and prosperity of their country. Recently, the holiday has become associated with the rallying of the American nation: different nationalities and ethnic groups, different religious denominations inhabiting the country, gather on July 4 to celebrate the birthday of their homeland.