American Traditions: Exploring our Nation’s Culture, History, and Values
There are a plethora of traditions, values, and customs that make up American culture. From celebrating the 4th of July to taking part in religious customs such as Passover or Easter, the American traditions run deep and have a rich history. This article dives into the unique American traditions that are both timeless and constantly evolving.
What Does ‘American Tradition’ Mean?
American tradition is the shared habits, customs, beliefs and values that are unique to the United States of America. Nearly all regions and institutions in the United States have their own unique culture and American traditions. American traditions also encompass the nation’s national holidays, philosophical values and monuments.
Popular Holidays
The most widely recognized holidays celebrated in the US are Thanksgiving, Independence Day (the 4th of July) and Christmas, but there are several other religious, historical and seasonal holidays that are widely celebrated.
Thanksgiving: This holiday of giving thanks has been a part of American culture since 1621, when settlers in Plymouth Colony celebrated with a harvest feast. On the fourth Thursday in November, many families in the US gather around the dinner table to thank God for the blessings that they have received.
Independence Day: This patriotic holiday is celebrated every year on the fourth of July and commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The nation’s founders declared independence from Great Britain on this day in 1776 and it has been celebrated ever since.
Christmas: Christmas is a long-standing holiday celebrating the nativity of Jesus. The holiday has become increasingly secularized in the US, with most celebrations of Christmas now centering around trees, gifts, food and time with family.
Passover: Jewish Americans celebrate the holiday of Passover each spring. The holiday commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The primary rituals associated with this holiday include the service known as the Seder and the eating of special unleavened bread called matzah.
Easter: Easter is the most important holiday of the Christian calendar and is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox. The holiday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Popular Easter activities include egg dying and the Easter egg hunt.
Seasonal Traditions
In addition to celebrating holidays, many Americans also enjoy the changing of the seasons with a mix of fun traditions.
Spring: The end of winter marks the beginning of spring in the US. This seasonal change is often welcomed with outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. As the weather becomes warmer, outdoor sports such as baseball and golf become popular.
Summer: Summertime brings a range of outdoor activities, from swimming in the local pool to going to the beach. New Englanders often mark the first day of summer by attending Yankee Doodle Pops concerts. Americans also celebrate Independence Day in states across the nation during this season.
Fall: Fall is a favorite season in the US, as the leaves of the trees turn to oranges and reds. This is a time of pumpkin-spiced-everything, harvest festivals and of course tailgating before college football games.
Winter: Winter marks the start of the holiday season in America. Christmas lights are hung around towns across the nation, as families come together to bake cookies and exchange gifts. Festive ski trips and ice-skating trips also become popular in the colder months.
Regional American Traditions
Every region of the country celebrates its own unique traditions, with some festivals and observances unique to particular states or cities.
New England: From the famous Salem Witch Trials to the annual Passover Seders of Boston, New England is full of traditions. Fenway Franks and clam chowder at Fenway Park, Presidents’ Day ski trips to the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and sailing off the coast of Maine are all part of being a New Englander.
The South: In the south, many communities celebrate Mardi Gras, rejoice in the country/western music of Nashville, and hold motorcycling festivals in honor of veterans in Daytona Beach and other cities. Don’t forget Crawfish boils in the spring, bluegrass festivals in the fall, and rodeos throughout summer.
The Midwest: The midwest is known for its Main Streets and Saturday night dances, the State Fairs of Minnesota and Wisconsin, the numerous fishing tournaments of Michigan and Wisconsin, the wing eating competitions in St. Louis, and the Bean Soup cook-offs in Indiana.
The Southwest: The American southwest is often thought of for its unique food culture and customs. The Tex-Mex cuisine of Texas and New Mexico is beloved by many, with chiles and asadero cheese often showing up in signature dishes like fajitas and tamales. In Arizona, the traditions of Native American cultures span everything from arts and music to ceremonies and festivals.
The West: The state of California is known for its laid-back beach culture, its fusion cuisine, and its burgeoning wine industry. However, skiing in Colorado, salmon fishing in Alaska, and waiting in line in Portland are all activities considered “traditionally” Western.
Reflection on American Traditions
From solemn holidays to raucous music festivals, American traditions span all different kinds of celebrations and experiences. While some of these traditions date back to the nation’s beginnings, many have evolved over the years to reflect the new experiences and diversity of the nation’s residents. Americans can reflect on their traditions with joy, as they are a large part of the country’s culture, history and spirit. Through the study of American traditions, Americans can gain perspective on their shared past and recognize the importance of their nation’s unique customs and values.
