The Independence of the United States is what is celebrated on July 4 – a federal holiday in the country since 1941 and celebrated annually. But the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.
This day is incredibly significant in American history, as it marks the day when the United States officially became its own nation. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776 – and thus America was born.
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence, and two days later the delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, the historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson . From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to family reunions and more casual barbecues.
How is the 4th of July celebrated today?
Many 4th of July traditions today in the United States came from those first celebrations in 1777. Early Fourth of July traditions included public gatherings where participants celebrated their hard-fought independence by ringing bells in revelry, building bonfires, lighting fireworks, and firing cannons. It was a time to remind people of their rights and freedoms. It was also used as a time to encourage support for the Federalist or Democratic-Republican Party.
The traditional 4th of July celebration could also include a band, town festival, and a barbecue. Barbecues usually included the entire town or a more intimate group of friends and family. If you attended a barbecue at that time, a beef or beef roast or roast lamb may have been served.
Americans celebrate the Fourth of July with a barbecue. Today, the popular holiday menu includes the following and more:
Hot dogs
Hamburgers
Beans
Snacks
Salads
Desserts
Corn on the cob
Watermelon
Cut vegetables
Lemonade
Ice cream or popsicle
Fireworks are another favorite Fourth of July tradition.
Some states allow the use of fireworks privately; however, many do not do so for safety reasons. Instead, families in the United States gather lawn chairs, blankets, and perhaps mosquito repellent and head to a local park for a fireworks show, which may sound reminiscent of the cannon fire of the first celebrations in the late 1700s!
