12 Traditions That Define U.S. Culture Like No Other

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There are traditions that unite America in celebration. Over time, these customs blend age-old practices with the customs and influences of other cultures and have become an important part of the nation’s new cultural identity.

These traditions go back centuries and are a reminder of events in our history that led to the celebrations we now enjoy with millions of Americans. Here are 12 traditions that define the American Culture today.

Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is a time to get together with families to eat a feast and say thanks. The fourth Thursday of November is celebrated as a day for commemorating the 1621 harvest celebration shared by the Pilgrims and Native Americans. Now it’s a holiday that has become cherished, and we all get together to see loved ones again and eat turkey and pie.

Fourth of July Celebrations

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Fireworks, parades, and pride mark the national day of freedom, Independence Day. Patriotism is on display as Americans gather across America to celebrate their shared identity and honor their nation’s history with barbecues and picnics.

Halloween

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Every person enjoys the Halloween tradition. Costumes, parties, and scary decorations all serve to celebrate with candy, and kids and grown-ups get into the celebration. Every October 31st, the streets are full of tricksters or treaters and it’s a good time for all ages.

Football

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Football is not just a sport to most Americans — it’s an American experience shared by nearly all. It gathers people together from the NFL season to the Super Bowl to cheer for their teams. Super Bowl Sunday is also particularly special because of parties, commercials, and a halftime show that draws millions of viewers.

Road Trips

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Road trips define American freedom, adventure, and the thrill of exploration. When it comes to touring the country’s beauty, road trips are the best because they provide the best platform for all of that, whether you are driving along beautiful highways, discovering hidden gems in small towns, or just going to the next city.

Barbecues

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In the U.S., barbecuing is a beloved summer tradition that brings people together. The tradition is good food like grilled burgers, slow-smoking ribs, and good company. It is a necessary part of American leisure, and people gather around the grill to talk and laugh.

Labor Day Weekend

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Labor Day, the first Monday in September, was created by the labor movement and is dedicated to American workers’ social and economic achievements. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to workers’ contributions to our country’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. Picnics, barbecues, and a break before fall starts make it a great time.

Bar Mitzvahs and Quinceañeras

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Jewish and Latino communities celebrate coming of age with their unique traditions: bar mitzvahs and quinceañeras. Those milestones are celebrated in these communities with elaborate parties, music, and dancing.

Country Music

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Country music is popular in the south and west and many Americans can identify with the story of country music. Artists who name-stamped and influenced the genre were artists like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. Country music festivals, as well, are a big cultural event and people come from everywhere.

Black Friday Shopping

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Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and marks the start of the holiday shopping season. It is a crazy time of deals and discounts, with some people even camping out for hours to get a deal. Though online shopping has made a huge difference, in-store shopping is still alive.

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Super Bowl Sunday

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Super Bowl Sunday is about more than just football. It’s a community food and entertainment celebration. The big game is a social and cultural event for many people. The game brings people together to watch, eat snacks, and have fun talking.

Thanksgiving Day Parade

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The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a tradition since 1924 when it officially started the holiday season. Famous for its larger-than-life balloons, masterful floats, and unforgettable spectacles by marching bands, celebrity participants, and Broadway stars, this iconic event is a must-see for fans of all ages. Millions of people, in person and on television, tune in every year to see the parade as it makes its way through the streets of New York City.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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