US Independence Day: the history of the holiday

Perhaps the most popular in the United StatesAmerica's secular holiday is Independence Day - USA Independence Day, which is celebrated on July 4. Since this holiday is not religious, it is celebrated by all believers and non-believers residing in the USA. What is this holiday, which most Americans call simply by date - July 4, and why is it given so much importance in the life of American society?

To understand the significance of July 4, it is necessarygo deeper into history. In the 70's. XVIII century, the British colony in the North American continent began the struggle for independence from the mother country. Then there were only 13, located along the Atlantic coast of modern US territory. At that time they were called United Colonies. In 1775, the war between Great Britain and the Colonies began. And a year later, on the day of July 4, 1776, the city of Philadelphia became the site of a significant event - it was there that they proclaimed and signed the Declaration of Independence. And, even though the document proclaimed free territories were called "United Colonies", which in future were to become "United Education", July 4 was proclaimed a holiday, called the Independence Day of the United States.

But to be more strict, the document wasprepared and approved two days earlier - July 2. It was developed by the Committee of Five, headed by Thomas Jefferson, and on July 4 it was approved by Richard Henry Lee Continental Congress (predecessor of the modern Congress of the USA). According to some historians, only Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, and the Second Continental Congress approved it on August 2, almost a month later. But, whatever it was, it was from the time that this Declaration was signed, and the history of the United States began as a state. Therefore, July 4 - the Day of Independence of the United States - and is celebrated everywhere.

The solemnity of this holiday is emphasizedstill by the circumstance that soon after the Declaration of Independence the US official flag also appeared. He was sewed by the patriot Betsy Ross, whom the Continental Congress Committee instructed, (it is interesting that George Washington included him - in the future he became the first President of the United States). The flag had the same design as the modern US banner, only the stars on it were not 50, as now, but 13 - in terms of the number of connected colonies. The flag was called Old Glory "Ancient Glory". By the way, Washington was asked to portray the 6-star "stars of Bethlehem", as a sign of the passionate nature of the American nation, but Betsy Ross embroidered the 5-end because it was so easy with embroidery techniques. Historians argue that the flag was made in May 1776 and only presented on the Independence Day of the United States.

The traditions of celebrating this holidaybegan at the very beginning of the XIX century. So, until now, in all military units, where there is artillery, this day they are fired from guns. In different cities and towns this day is celebrated with a festive salute. In general, Independence Day in the United States is very large. In addition to the fact that this day is considered a national holiday and it is declared a weekend, in different - even very small towns - colorful parades are held along the main streets on 4 July. Ordinary Americans come to the parade not only singly, but also whole families, with young children. After the parade, it is customary to organize picnics in nature, to swim, to fry sausages on the grill. And when the evening descends, everyone comes out to admire the festive fireworks.

Deeply religious people go to the DayIndependence of America in the church, to offer prayers for the well-being and prosperity of their country. Recently, the holiday has become associated with the rallying of the American nation: different nationalities and ethnic groups, different religious denominations, inhabiting the country, on July 4 are going to celebrate the birthday of their homeland.