Traditions

The population in the USA is made up of people of different nationalities. Centuries ago they brought with them their native celebrations. Some holidays, which are marked in the United States, were originated in America.

One of the greatest holidays is Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. It proclaimed independence of the thirteen British colonies from Great Britain.

July 4th has become the greatest holiday since. In the past this day was marked with big parades and fireworks, but now it is celebrated more quietly. Cities and towns are decorated with flags on that day, there are parades in some places, but most people just go on picnics to the countryside.

Thanksgiving Day is marked on the fourth Thursday of November. On this day Americans honour the memory of the first settlers. It also marks the end of the harvest season. It is a longstanding tradition to make a festive meal with a fried turkey on this day.

Washington’s Birthday is marked on February 22nd. George Washington led the American Army to victory in the War for Independence. Later he was elected President of the United States and was in office for 8 years (1789-1797). The national capital of the USA, a state and several towns are named after George Washington.

Lincoln’s Birthday is celebrated every year on February 12th. Abraham Lincoln was President during the Civil War (1861- 1865). He led the fight to keep the nation together and to free the slaves. His life ended tragically. He was killed in the theatre during the performance soon after the victory of the North. In honour of this great man a beautiful memorial has been built in Washington, DC.

On New Year’s Day people see the old year off-and the New Year in. Most people stay up all night, even children. At midnight many people go outside and shout ’Happy New Year! ’ Some people set oft- fireworks and blow automobile horns which are heard everywhere. Everybody exchanges presents and good wishes. Offices, factories, banks and stores do not work on this day. In New York, a lot of people gather in Times Square, and watch the ’Big Apple’ fall. It is a moving picture of an apple on the side of the big building in Times Square. Every New Year’s Eve during the last few seconds before the midnight it starts to ’fall down’ the building, and when it gets to the bottom it’s the start of the New Year.

Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September. On this day workers make a public show with marches, meetings, etc. It also marks the beginning of the school year and the end of summer.

Sport

Americans are interested in different sports and activities. The major American sports are ice hockey, baseball, American football and basketball. The large choice of sports in America can be explained by the variety and size of the country, its different climates and the people's love of competitions of any type. The seasons of the " four major sports" often overlap.

Baseball is the most popular summer sport in America. But the first baseball games start in warm, sunny regions like Florida and Arizona in winter. The first American baseball match was held in 1839 in New York. There is an opinion that baseball comes from a much older game, played in Europe for many years. To play baseball, two teams of nine players are needed. The " pitcher" throws the ball, and the " batter" hits it with a bat. Americans start playing baseball young. There are " leagues" which children of eight can join. The top players become big stars.

Americans play most international sports, but they do not play football in the same way as the rest of the world. American football is a game that does not have much in common with soccer. The players can run with a ball, touch and push each other. The field is not traditional, and even the shape of the ball is different. American football players wear helmets on their heads, because the game is very dangerous. American football teams have eleven players.

Basketball was invented in the United States. A schoolteacher designed the rules for a game that his students could play indoors. There are only five players in a basketball team. Usually basketball players are very tall and they show that basketball can be exciting.

Ice hockey is America's favourite winter game. It is very fast. It can be dangerous and its players wear helmets too. Other sports and activities attract millions of participants and spectators in the USA.

They also like swimming, tennis, marathons, bowling, crosscountry skiing, skating, and badminton.

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