AMERICANCUSTOMSANDTRADITIONS

Valentines Day v February 14th,Valentines Day,is a sweethearts day,on which people in love with each other express their tender emotions.v People sometimes put their love message in heart shaped box of chocolates or a bunch of flowers tied with red ribbons.The symbol of valentine is a picture with a heart and Cupid armed with bow and arrow.EastervEaster,with its religious character,falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after March 21st.vIt commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the tomb where he had lain for three days following his Crucifixion.vThe name of Easter derives from the ancient Norse(挪威的）festival of Spring sun.vThe most popular custom is dyeing eggs.vPeople have lamb and ham as their main meat,for Christians lamb is the symbol of the sacrifice and pig the symbol of good luck.vPeople enjoy the message of hope,joy and love.Independence DayvIt falls on the 4th of July.It was on this day in 1776 when the Continental Congress representing the 13 colonies adopted by the Declaration of Independence.vThere are different ceremonies.In Washington D.C.,the president traditionally holds open house.v Philadelphia,birthplace of the nation,comes to the forefront on the 4th of July.v When one walks through Independence Hall,it is easy to see young Jefferson presenting the drafts of the Declaration of Independence to the members of the Continental Congress.HalloweenvIt is on October 31st.It is a night time festival,which is mostly held by children.vThey frighten their parents and other adults by their disguised masks.v It originated hundreds of years to the Druid（德鲁伊教）festival of Samhain（夏末节）.v In 1950,children began to ask for pennies instead of something to eat or play with.They sent the money to poor and miserable children.The program was awarded Nobel Peace Prize.Thanksgivingv It falls on the 4th Thursday of November.It is the most typical and true national holiday.v It originated in American and was first celebrated in 1621 by the pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony.v Under the help of Indians,the have a harvest.v They regarded it as a kind of deliverance by God.So they decided to have a day to express their thanks to God.v The dinner is mainly stuffed with roast turkey,squash and corn,and pumpkin pie.Christmasv It falls on December 25th,on which people believe Jesus Christ was born.This is the biggest and best-loved holiday.v Americans have special food,such as turkey or ham,sweet potatoes and vegetables.Christmas customsvExchanging gifts.vChildren receiving toys or sweets from Santa Claus.vHanging a stocking near the chimney.vHaving Christmas tree in every house.vSinging Christmas carols vSending Christmas cards结束！结束！