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Page №2. «Holidays of the USA».
Student 1.
July 4th — Independence Day
On July, 4, 1776, a group of Americans representing the thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic coast of North America signed a document stating that these colonies had the right to be free and independent.
This document is known as the Declaration of Independence.
July 4 is celebrated by Americans as a national holiday — Independence Day.
There is a building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which is called Independence Hall.
Here the Declaration was signed. On the building there is the famous Liberty Bell which rang to tell people in the streets that a new country had been born.
But Britain did not recognise this fact until 1783, when the American colonists were victorious in the war of Independence with Britain. June, 14 is Flag Day in the USA. On that day in 1777, the Americans adopted their own flag. No one really knows who sewed the American flag but many Americans believe that it was made by Betsy Ross in her own home. You can see Betsy Ross sewing the flag on an American stamp.
Student 2.
Thanksgiving Day
Eight other holidays are uniquely American.
For most Americans, two of those sand out above the others as occasions to cherish national origins:
Thanksgiving Day and the 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day is the fourth
Thursday in November, but many Americans take a day of vacation on the following Friday to make a four-day weekend, during which they may travel long distances to visit family Rand friends.
The holiday dates back to 1621, the year after the Puritans arrived in Massachusetts, determined to practise their dissenting religion without interference.
After a rough winter, іn which about half of them died, they turned for help to neighbouring Indians, who taught I them how to plant com and other crops.
The next fall's bountiful harvest inspired the Pilgrims to gіve thanks by holding a feast. The Thanksgiving feast became a national tradition — not only because so many other Americans have found prosperity but also because the Pilgrims' sacrifices for their freedom still captivate the imagination. To this day, Thanksgiving dinner almost always includes some of the foods served at the first feast: roast turkey, cranberry sauce, potatoes, pumpkin pie.
Before the meal begins, families or friends usually pause to give thanks for their blessings, including the joy of being united for the occasion.
Student 3.
Mother's Day
Mother's Day comes on the second Sunday In May.
It is a day when Americans honour their mothers.
It is not a national holiday.
Mothers Day is an American national observance in honour of motherhood. The holiday, suggested by Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, was set by an act of Congress in 1914 for annual celebration.
It is also observed in England and Germany.
In 1907, the day was celebrated in a church in Philadelphia, Pensylvania.
A member of that church planned the Sunday morning service to honour her own mother.
More and more churches in cities and states set aside the day to honour mothers.
Since 1914, the whole country has observed Mother's day.
Most mothers like to celebrate the day with family reunions.
Many people send their mothers a card or a gift.
Some people take their mothers to a restaurant for dinner. It is a custom to wear a red or pink flower if one's mother is living. It is the custom to wear a white flower if one's mother is dead.
Student 4.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formally known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women, who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.
Memorial Day remembers those who died serving the United States military.
It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half mast from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is combined with Jefferson Davis' Birthday in Mississippi.
Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. This day is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season for cultural events. For the fashion conscious, it is seen as acceptable to wear white clothing, particularly shoes from Memorial Day until Labor Day. However, fewer and fewer people follow this rule and many wear white clothing throughout the year.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices are closed, as are schools, businesses and other organizations. Most public transit systems do not run on their regular schedule. Many people see Memorial Day weekend as an opportunity to go on a short vacation or visit family or friends. This can cause some congestion on highways and at airports.
Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers, who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women, who died in any war or military action.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.
Student 5.
Halloween
On October 31, Halloween (the evening before All Saints), American children dress up in funny or scary costumes and go "trick or treating": knocking at doors in their neighbourhood.
The neighbours are expected to respond by giving them small gifts of candies or money.
Adults may also dress in costumes for Halloween parties.
People usually put pumpkins on the window-sills.
They cut nose, eyes and mouth on the pumpkin and put the candles into them.
Video about USA.
Teacher:
You know what in the USA there many famous people are and now will listen to some pieces of information about them. Are you ready to start? Good luck then!