Why is it we celebrate Holidays we don't know the meaning behind?

Fourth of July well wishes - glitter graphics of flag in celebration of Fourth of July
United States
June 28, 2007 12:45am CST
It saddens me to think that our children only know most holidays as a day off from school. We no longer teach our children at home like we used to. Even some adults are in the dark. Do you know the reason we celebrate the Fourth of July? Yes but Independence from what,whom? In your own words to the best of your ability can you describe what the meaning is or the origin of the last 3 National Holidays we celebrated this year? Or at least share why we celebrate the 4th of July?
2 people like this
3 responses
@filmbuff (2909)
• United States
28 Jun 07
If our children don't know why they celebrate these holidays, especially the 4th of July than it is schools fault, as well as that of the parents. July fourth is to celebrate our independence from the English Monarchy. The english were essentially taxing everyone here like crazy, forcing us to pay for conducting everyday business with the introcduction of the "stamp act." July 4th, 1776 is when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Nation, declaring ourselves a free country, with our own independant government.
• United States
29 Jun 07
Way to go, very nicely said I would love to see how many of our children would know that.
1 person likes this
@filmbuff (2909)
• United States
29 Jun 07
I didn't sleep through Political Science in College, nor in grade school for that matter. I always found Independance and our founding fathers to be extremely interesting.
@nuttmeg (440)
• United States
28 Jun 07
Have to agree with you on this one. Feels like, nowadays, society's diluting whatever historical meaning there is. Granted, my history's not that great either, but I at least have an idea lol. January was Martin Luther King's birthday, followed by President's Day, which celebrates two of our presidents - George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who I think were both born in February--though I -think- it was originally for Washington, then Lincoln was added to it after his time. May was Memorial Day, honoring those who were killed in battle, and I believe started after the Civil War. The Fourth celebrates the writing/adoption by congress of the Declaration of Independence from Britain during the Revolutionary War.
• United States
29 Jun 07
Yes you are pretty much on the money but your answer was direct and all inclusive as to the general celebrations and for that I applaud you for not being one of the people who have contributed to the downfall of the commemoration of these special events.
@lyndee22 (1210)
• Philippines
28 Jun 07
Now a days that is what realy happening. It's like a senseless tradition. In our country we also celebrate memorable holidays but when you asked what it is all about you just get a few words answer. The deeper meaning is missing. Recently we celebrated our Independence Day (June 12) on a different day. Our leaders trasfered the date of the main holiday ahead so that people working could spent more time with their family. I think the main event was not given the real meaning.
• United States
29 Jun 07
I totally agree it seems that we are only celebrating traditions and no one seems to care as long as they get a day off.