Almost everyone in the United States of America looks forward to the Fourth of July, as they know there is an excuse for a big party in the name of patriotism.
As an extremely patriotic country, July 4 is a very big deal in the USA. It is perhaps more commonly referred to as ‘Independence Day’, as that is what it represents.
What is the origin of Fourth of July?
Fourth of July is an annual public holiday which, of course, fall on July 4.
It is also an extremely old public holiday, given that it stems all the way back to the year 1776.
It can be argued that July 4 is the most significant date in American history, as this is when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the USA officially became an independent nation, hence the term ‘Independence Day’.
In order to declare independence, you need to be declaring it from another nation. In this case, as has historically been the case many times all over the world, it was Britain that America was declaring independence from.
America used to be 13 colonies which were established by the British rulers. They were: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
Various economic legislation from the Brits angered the Americans, primarily in the form of taxes to service the debt from other wars the British were fighting around the world. This is what triggered the movement for independence and subsequently, the Fourth of July celebrations.
How to properly celebrate the 4th of July
Fourth of July tends to be celebrated with fireworks, bonfires a reading of the Declaration of Independence and, in many parts of the country, concerts.
Back in the day, they would read the declaration aloud, followed by muskets and cannons firing.
Nowadays, many families hold their own parties at their homes, inviting friends around for a BBQ, making the most of the summer weather.