Did you know that the Fourth of July is celebrated in the United States as Independence Day? It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This document declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire and were now independent nation. The Fourth of July is a major holiday in the United States. People will celebrate this day by joing  parades, watching fireworks, and having barbecues, sharing 4th of july quotes on soical media, wearing patriotic shirts or decorating their house with 4th of July decorations. 

Fourth of July History

So how did this holiday come to be? Let’s take a look at the history of Independence Day and how it’s celebrated today.

The Fourth of July has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of celebrating independence from Britain goes back much further. In 1776, on July second, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Britain. Two days later, on July fourth, they adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was written primarily by Thomas Jefferson.

The following year, in 1777, George Washington issued a proclamation declaring the first Thursday in May to be a day of Thanksgiving to God for his protection during the Revolutionary War. This holiday was celebrated annually until 1783, when the war came to an end.

In 1784, Massachusetts became the first state to officially recognize the Fourth of July as a state holiday. New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut soon followed suit. By the early 1800s, most states in the Union were celebrating Independence Day in some way.

The Fourth of July wasn’t declared a federal holiday until 1941, but it had been celebrated as a national holiday for many years before that. In 1870, Congress made Independence Day a paid holiday for federal employees. And in 1938, Congress established it as a day off for all federal workers.

4th Of July Activities and Celebration

Today, the Fourth of July is celebrated with parades, picnics, barbecues, and fireworks across the United States. It’s a day to come together and celebrate our country’s independence. And what better way to do that than by spending time with family and friends, eating good food, and watching some amazing fireworks.

4th of July fireworks

Lighting fireworks is a long-standing tradition for Americans on the 4th of July. Many people believe that the first public fireworks display in America was held in Philadelphia on July

Many towns and cities across the United States hold their own firework displays, often accompanied by patriotic music. One of the most famous is Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show in New York City. This event has been held annually since 1976 and attracts around three million spectators each year.

4th of July barbecues

Another popular way to celebrate the Fourth of July is by having a barbecue. This tradition dates back to the early 1800s, when Americans would cook food outdoors to avoid heating up their homes in the summer heat.

Nowadays, barbecues are typically held in backyards or parks, and feature a variety of grilled meats, vegetables, and side dishes. Potato salad, coleslaw, and corn on the cob are some of the most popular Fourth of July barbecue foods.

4th of July decorations

Patriotic decorations are often seen in homes and businesses around the Fourth of July. Commonly used symbols include the American flag, the colors red, white, and blue, and stars and stripes.

Some people also like to decorate their homes with Fourth of July flags. The American flag is one of the most popular Fourth of July decorations. People often display the flag in their homes, in their cars, or even on their clothes.

Red, white, and blue are the colors of the American flag, so it's no surprise that they're also popular Fourth of July colors. These colors can be seen in a variety of Fourth of July decorations, from banners and streamers to balloons

Wearing red, white, and blue

Wearing red, white, and blue is also a popular way to show patriotic pride on the Fourth of July. Many people choose to wear clothes in these colors, or even paint their faces with red, white, and blue face paint.

Fourth of July parades

One of the most common Fourth of July traditions is attending a parade. Parades are usually held in the morning and feature a variety of floats, marching bands, and other performers.

Some of the most famous Fourth of July parades include the Macy's Fourth of July Parade in New York City and the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.

So whether you’re spending the Fourth of July at a parade, a barbecue, or just relaxing at home, take a moment to think about what this holiday means and how lucky we are to live in such a great country. Happy Fourth of July!

Do you have any plans for the Fourth of July? Let us know!