American Holidays

Americans enjoy dozens of federal, State, and non-governmental holidays every year. Many have a uniquely American character and origin. But many Americans do not know why we celebrate certain events, where those celebrations originated, or how long they have been celebrated in the United States. Even our holidays with a religious background can be mysterious. Traditions matter, and many of our events are overtly political, even if they were never intended to be so. This five lecture course reviews some of the most important holidays on the American calendar, from Thanksgiving and Christmas to Memorial Day and Veterans Day. I also review three recent holidays--Columbus Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Juneteenth--and discuss their impact on modern American society. I throw in St. Patrick's Day and Halloween for fun. This class was a blast to make, and you'll have fun taking it.