Topic: Traditions of the Americans
Theme: Traditions of Americans
A great number of different nations live on our planet. various factors. The climate and the relief of the inhabited territory strongly influence the temperament of people. Historical events that also have their impact. According to the specific way of life and national spirit, each nationality has its own traditions and customs that are likely to have come from the early times and still play the great role in people’s life.
A large number of different peoples live on our planet. The nature of a nation is determined by various factors. The climate and topography of the inhabited area strongly influence the temperament of people. The historical events that the people have experienced also have an impact. In accordance with a certain way of life and national spirit, each nationality has its own traditions and customs, which originated in ancient times and still play a huge role in people's lives.
Speaking about the traditions of the USA, it is important to consider the characteristic peculiarities of the American nature. Who is a typical American? What associates more than three hundred million people living in this country and what makes them such a strong nation?
Speaking about traditions in the USA, it is important to take into account the characteristic features of the American character. Who is the typical American? What binds more than three hundred million people living in this country and what makes them such a strong nation?
Let us recall the historical events that have contributed to the early formation of the country. It is a well-known fact that it was European invaders . Those who came to conquer the New World had to create everything by themselves, endure hunger, battles with natives and hard times in general. Persistence, self-confidence and endurance – these traits of character are inherent to real Americans. Furthermore, these people are mostly individualists, freedom-lovers and risk-takers.
Let's remember the historical events that contributed to the early formation of the country. It is a well known fact that European invaders settled in North America. Those who came to conquer the New World had to create everything themselves, endure hunger, battles with the natives and go through hard times in general. Persistence, self-confidence and endurance - these character traits are inherent in real Americans. In addition, these people are mostly individualists, freedom-loving and risky people.
American culture has absorbed the customs of European colonizers and migrants from Europe and Africa. Natives, like the Indians and the Hawaiians, African slaves have made some contribution too. The USA is often called a “melting pot”. But the major country that has influenced the culture of the USA is England. It was England that brought the official language to the Americans.
American culture has absorbed the customs of European colonizers and immigrants from Europe and Africa. Aboriginal people like Indians and Hawaiians, African slaves also contributed. The US is often referred to as a "melting pot". But the main country that influenced the culture of the United States is England. England brought the official language to the Americans.
Nowadays, America itself spreads its traditions all over the world. American music, movies and television are popular in every corner of the world. It can be argued that the USA determines the life style for contemporary humanity. The major life aspirations of the Americans are expressed in the “American dream” idea and a lot of people, even if they are not from the USA try to follow its core principles. The material side of “an American dream” is embodied in possessing a private house and an automobile, and the moral side implies that everything must be achieved by the personal efforts.
Today, America itself spreads its traditions throughout the world. American music, film and television are popular in every corner of the world. It can be argued that the United States determines the lifestyle of modern mankind. The basic life aspirations of Americans are expressed in the "American dream" and many people, even if they are not from the United States, try to follow its basic principles. The material side of the "American dream" is embodied in the possession of a private house and a car, while the moral side implies that everything must be achieved through personal effort.
The Americans are very religious people. Church plays a great role in the life of every citizen. The government of the country endorses the freedom of choice of the religion, and, as a result have appeared here. The largest one is known as Mormon's sect. The representatives of this sect travel all over the world to spread Mormonism among other people.
Americans are very religious people. The Church plays a big role in the life of every citizen. The country's government approves of freedom in choosing a religion, and as a result, numerous religious sects have appeared here. The largest of these is the sect known as the Mormon sect. Representatives of this sect travel all over the world to spread Mormonism among other people.
The USA has its own federal holidays. Together with international holidays, like New Year and Christmas, the Americans celebrate a number of their own ones. They have got two military holidays. One of them – Memorial Day – is celebrated on the last Monday of May. the Americans honor the memory of those who were killed in military conflicts. Veteran's Day is dedicated to all living participants of the American wars. Inauguration Day and President's Day praise the ruler of the country. At the same time, George Washington – the first American president and other outstanding ones are . Independence Day is one of the favorite holidays of the Americans. On the fourth of July in 1776 the declaration of independence from the Great Britain was signed. The evening sky is lighted up with fireworks; the streets are full of carnival parades. The concerts are held and families go to barbeques and picnics. Summer in the USA finishes with Labor Day which symbolizes the end of the vacations. Also in America people celebrate such holidays as St. Valentine's Day, Halloween and St. Patrick's Day. These holidays are very colorful, cheerful and each of them brings a unique atmosphere. So, no wonder, that a tradition to celebrate the Atlantic Ocean. It is important to mention that the Americans are family people and they try to spend all the holidays together with their relatives exchanging presents and having fun.
The US has its own federal holidays. Along with international holidays like New Year's and Christmas, Americans celebrate a few of their own. They have two military holidays. One of them, Memorial Day, is celebrated on the last Monday of May. On this day, Americans honor the memory of all those who died in military conflicts. Veterans Day is dedicated to all living participants in American wars. The inauguration of the President and the Day of the President commemorate the ruler of the country. At the same time, George Washington - the first American President and other prominent ones are remembered on these holidays. Independence Day is one of the favorite holidays of Americans. On July 4th, 1776, the declaration of independence from Great Britain was signed. The evening sky lights up with fireworks, the streets are full of carnival processions. Concerts are held in the open air and families go to barbecues and picnics. Summer in the US ends with Labor Day, which symbolizes the end of the holidays. Also in America, people celebrate such holidays as Valentine's Day, Halloween and St. Patrick's Day. These holidays are very colorful, cheerful and each of them brings a unique atmosphere. So it is not surprising that the tradition of celebrating them spread across the Atlantic. It is important to note that Americans are family people, and they try to spend all the holidays with their relatives, exchange gifts and have fun.
The Americans are proud of their educational system. Schools and universities in the USA give the education of a very high quality. That's why many talented people from the other countries come here to enter Harvard, Stanford, Princeton or other institutions. The government of the USA is interested in attraction of clever individuals, and usually those who study in America never turn back home and remain to work in various companies.
Holidays in USA (2)
There are a lot of holidays in the USA. Many of them are associated with the history of the nation. The main holidays of the USA are New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.
The New Year's Eve is a time for fun. Most Americans spend this night with friends, at home or in restaurants. Thousands of people gather in New York in Times Square to see the New Year in. The Tournament of Roses takes place in Pasadena, California, on January 1 each year.
At Easter there is a tradition for people to buy new clothes. After church services many people take walks along the streets of their towns, wearing their new Easter hats and suits. This is usually called the "Easter Parade".
Memorial Day comes on May 30. It is dedicated to the memory of those who died for America in different wars. The national flags are put on the graves of soldiers on this day.
The 4th of July, an Independence Day, is the biggest national holiday of the USA. On this day in 1776 a document, known as the Declaration of Independence, was adopted. During this holiday American cities have parades, people shoot off fire-works in parks and fields.
Thanksgiving Day comes on the fourth Thursday of November. When the first settlers landed in America, their first year was very hard and 50 of 100 people died. But the Indians taught people how to plant corn and wild vegetables and in autumn they got a large harvest. Thanksgiving Day was their holiday, the day of giving thanks to God. It is a family holiday and Americans try to gather all family at home on this day.
There are also some holidays which are not celebrated nation-wide, but only by each state separately.
Holidays in USA (2)
There are many holidays in the USA. Many of them are connected with the history of the country. There are also holidays that originate from the old colonial days. The main US holidays are New Year, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
New Year's Eve is a time of fun. Many Americans spend this night with friends, at home or in restaurants. Thousands of people gather in New York at Times Square to celebrate the New Year. The Tournament of Roses is held annually on January 1st in Pasadena, California. Prizes are awarded to the cities that have made the most unusual flower arrangements.
On Easter, people traditionally buy new clothes. After the church service, many stroll through the streets of the city in their new Easter hats and costumes. This is the so-called "Easter Parade".
Remembrance Day is celebrated on May 30. It is dedicated to the memory of those who died for America in different wars. On this day, national flags are laid on the graves of soldiers.
July 4th, Independence Day, is the biggest national holiday. On this day in 1776, the document known as the Declaration of Independence was adopted. On this day, parades are held in American cities, people set off fireworks in parks.
Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. When the first settlers landed in America, the first year on the new land they lived very hard - 50 people out of 100 died. But the Indians taught the people how to grow corn and wild vegetables, and in the autumn they had a great harvest. Thanksgiving is a day of expressing gratitude to God. This is a family holiday, and Americans try to get together with the whole family to celebrate it.
There are also holidays that are celebrated not throughout the country, but in individual states.
The United States does not celebrate national holidays. But Congress has designated 10 "legal public holidays," during which most federal institutions are closed and most federal employees have days off work. Since 1971, a number of the holidays have been fixed on Mondays, so as to afford workers a long holiday weekend. Among the most favorite American holidays are the following ones:
New Year's Day (January 1)- Americans celebrate the beginning of a new year at home, with friends, and in gatherings from the Tournament of Roses Parade in California to the giant gathering in New York's Times Square.
Independence Day (July 4)- The Independence Day holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental
Congress on July 4, 1776. The holiday was already widely observed throughout the nation when Congress declared it a federal legal holiday, in 1870.
Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)- Thanksgiving is a variant of the harvest festival. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. The holiday is typically celebrated at home with a large and festive meal, and in order to express thanks for that bounty.
Christmas Day (December 25)- Most Protestants and Roman Catholics and some Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25.
These holidays are observed nearly universally throughout the public and private sectors. Sometimes, although, states and private employers are free to adopt their own holidays.
Dictionary
to designate smth - designate something
an employee (s) - employee, employee
to afford smb smth - allow someone to do something
to commemorate the adoption of some document - commemorate, mark the adoption of a document
a festive meal - festive table; holiday dish
to express thanks for smth - express gratitude for something
the birth - birth
in employer (s) - employer
Holidays in the USA - Holidays in the USA (2)
Holidays in USA (2)
There are a lot of holidays in the USA. Many of them are associated with the history of the nation. The main holidays of the USA are New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.
The New Year's Eve is a time for fun. Most Americans spend this night with friends, at home or in restaurants. Thousands of people gather in New York in Times Square to see the New Year in. The Tournament of Roses takes place in Pasadena, California, on January 1 each year.
At Easter there is a tradition for people to buy new clothes. After church services many people take walks along the streets of their towns, wearing their new Easter hats and suits. This is usually called the "Easter Parade".
Memorial Day comes on May 30. It is dedicated to the memory of those who died for America in different wars. The national flags are put on the graves of soldiers on this day.
The 4th of July, an Independence Day, is the biggest national holiday of the USA. On this day in 1776 a document, known as the Declaration of Independence, was adopted. During this holiday American cities have parades, people shoot off fire-works in parks and fields.
Thanksgiving Day comes on the fourth Thursday of November. When the first settlers landed in America, their first year was very hard and 50 of 100 people died. But the Indians taught people how to plant corn and wild vegetables and in autumn they got a large harvest. Thanksgiving Day was their holiday, the day of giving thanks to God. It is a family holiday and Americans try to gather all family at home on this day.
There are also some holidays which are not celebrated nation-wide, but only by each state separately.
Holidays in USA (2)
There are many holidays in the USA. Many of them are connected with the history of the country. There are also holidays that originate from the old colonial days. The main US holidays are New Year, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
New Year's Eve is a time of fun. Many Americans spend this night with friends, at home or in restaurants. Thousands of people gather in New York at Times Square to celebrate the New Year. The Tournament of Roses is held annually on January 1st in Pasadena, California. Prizes are awarded to the cities that have made the most unusual flower arrangements.
On Easter, people traditionally buy new clothes. After the church service, many stroll through the streets of the city in their new Easter hats and costumes. This is the so-called "Easter Parade".
Remembrance Day is celebrated on May 30. It is dedicated to the memory of those who died for America in different wars. On this day, national flags are laid on the graves of soldiers.
July 4th, Independence Day, is the biggest national holiday. On this day in 1776, the document known as the Declaration of Independence was adopted. On this day, parades are held in American cities, people set off fireworks in parks.
Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. When the first settlers landed in America, the first year on the new land they lived very hard - 50 people out of 100 died. But the Indians taught the people how to grow corn and wild vegetables, and in the autumn they had a great harvest. Thanksgiving is a day of expressing gratitude to God. This is a family holiday, and Americans try to get together with the whole family to celebrate it.
There are also holidays that are celebrated not throughout the country, but in individual states.
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There are a lot of holidays in the USA. Many of them are associated with the history of the nation. The main holidays of the USA are New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.
The New Year's Eve is a time for fun. Most Americans spend this night with friends, at home or in restaurants. Thousands of people gather in New York in Times Square to see the New Year in. The Tournament of Roses takes place in Pasadena, California, on January 1 each year.
At Easter there is a tradition for people to buy new clothes. After church services many people take walks along the streets of their towns, wearing their new Easter hats and suits. This is usually called the "Easter Parade".
Memorial Day comes on May 30. It is dedicated to the memory of those who died for America in different wars. The national flags are put on the graves of soldiers on this day.
The 4th of July, an Independence Day, is the biggest national holiday of the USA. On this day in 1776 a document, known as the Declaration of Independence, was adopted. During this holiday American cities have parades, people shoot off fire-works in parks and fields.
Thanksgiving Day comes on the fourth Thursday of November. When the first settlers landed in America, their first year was very hard and 50 of 100 people died. But the Indians taught people how to plant corn and wild vegetables and in autumn they got a large harvest. Thanksgiving Day was their holiday, the day of giving thanks to God. It is a family holiday and Americans try to gather all family at home on this day.
There are also some holidays which are not celebrated nation-wide, but only by each state separately.
Text translation: Holidays in the USA - Holidays in the USA (2)
There are many holidays in the USA. Many of them are connected with the history of the country. There are also holidays that originate from the old colonial days. The major US holidays are New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
New Year's Eve is a time of fun. Many Americans spend this night with friends, at home or in restaurants. Thousands of people gather in New York at Times Square to celebrate the New Year. The Tournament of Roses is held annually on January 1st in Pasadena, California. Prizes are awarded to the cities that have made the most unusual flower arrangements.
On Easter, people traditionally buy new clothes. After the church service, many stroll through the streets of the city in their new Easter hats and costumes. This is the so-called "Easter Parade".
Remembrance Day is celebrated on May 30. It is dedicated to the memory of those who died for America in different wars. On this day, national flags are laid on the graves of soldiers.
July 4th, Independence Day, is the biggest national holiday. On this day in 1776, the document known as the Declaration of Independence was adopted. On this day, parades are held in American cities, people set off fireworks in parks.
Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. When the first settlers landed in America, the first year on the new land they lived very hard - 50 people out of 100 died. But the Indians taught the people how to grow corn and wild vegetables, and in the autumn they had a great harvest. Thanksgiving is a day of expressing gratitude to God. This is a family holiday, and Americans try to get together with the whole family to celebrate it.
There are also holidays that are celebrated not throughout the country, but in individual states.
References:
1. 100 topics of oral English (V. Kaverina, V. Boyko, N. Zhidkih) 2002
2. English for schoolchildren and applicants to universities. Oral exam. Topics. Reading texts. Exam questions. (Tsvetkova I.V., Klepalchenko I.A., Myltseva N.A.)
3. English, 120 Topics. English language, 120 conversation topics. (Sergeev S.P.)
