June 27, 2023

What is America's Independence Day (Fourth of July)?

Hello! I'm Karen from SoCalization Marketing . I'm a student at San Diego State University and will be entering my senior year!

It's hot and humid outside in Japan, and the rainy season can make you feel gloomy, but this time we'd like to introduce some fun and celebratory ideas that will help you forget those feelings!

Speaking of July in the United States, it's Independence Day ! Independence Day is a day to celebrate the independence of the United States on July 4th, and is also called the Fourth of July or July Fourth . Every year, events are held all over the United States to celebrate the independence day in the biggest way possible, and fireworks, barbecues, and parades are especially common. These traditional events are just a few of the things that many people think of when asked, "What is the Fourth of July?"

You may be wondering why we celebrate the 4th of July and where the name Independence Day comes from. Today we will take a closer look at the topics related to American independence!

1. What is Independence Day? The origin of the name and its history

July 4th is also known as Independence Day, and is the day to celebrate the establishment of the Declaration of Independence. In short, the American colonies sought freedom from Britain, and resolved to become independent at the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776. However, the Declaration of Independence was actually revised and signed two days later, on July 4th.

In the 1600s, people from Great Britain (now England) began settling in what is now North America. Between 1607 and 1732, the English founded 13 colonies: Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.

What was the reason for independence from Britain in the first place?

As these colonies developed, people there became very unhappy because they felt that the British government treated them unfairly - for example, they had to pay taxes on things like tea and they had to allow British soldiers to stay in their homes.

The colonists had to obey these laws, but they couldn't bear it and rebelled, which led to the start of the War of Independence between the colonies and Great Britain in 1775.

Then, on July 4, 1776, representatives from the 13 colonies met and published the United States Declaration of Independence.

The beginning of the history of the United States of America is a story of how, despite the power of Great Britain at the time, the United States stood up to the British, overcame great obstacles, and "won its freedom!"

Is it no exaggeration to say that the great American culture of "freedom and equality" comes from the Fourth of July?

2. What was your first celebration like?

In pre-Revolutionary colonies, it was traditional to celebrate the King's birthday each year with bells, bonfires, speeches, etc. However, in the summer of 1776, some colonists celebrated the birth of their independence with a mock funeral for King George III as a way to symbolize the end of monarchy and the triumph of freedom in America.

Shortly after the Declaration of Independence was adopted, celebrations included concerts, bonfires, parades, cannon and musket firings, and the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

While Congress was still preoccupied with the war, Philadelphia held its first Independence Day celebrations on July 4th, 1777.

After the Revolutionary War, America began celebrating Independence Day every year!

3. How we celebrate and spend our time today

Many of today's Fourth of July traditions stem from that first celebration in 1777.

Many people across the United States enjoy BBQ!

In the old days, barbecues might include the whole town or a more intimate group of friends and family. At a barbecue, you might be served roast beef or barbecued beef or lamb.

Currently popular 4th of July barbecue menu items include:

hot dog
hamburger
beans
Potato chips
salad
Dessert
Corn on the Cob
Watermelon
Cut vegetables
lemonade
Ice cream or popsicles

Fireworks are another beloved Fourth of July tradition. The tradition of fireworks on the Fourth of July dates back to a 1777 celebration in Philadelphia, when a ship fired 13 cannon to honor the 13 colonies and set off fireworks on Boston Common.

Some states now allow the personal use of fireworks, but many do not for safety reasons.

Instead, families across the US tend to pack up their lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the fireworks at their local park!

There will also be parades and concerts, and the whole country will be decorated in the three colours of red, white and blue!

Behind the super fun events like fireworks and parades there is a deep history.

A new craft beer that's perfect for July 4th has arrived at SoCalization!