Public holidays in the United States

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

The United States does not have national holidays in the sense of days on which all employees in the U.S. receive a day free from work and all business is halted. The U.S. Federal government can only recognize national holidays that pertain to its own employees; it is at the discretion of each state or local jurisdiction to determine official holiday schedules. There are eleven such Federal holidays, ten annual and one quadrennial holiday.

The annual Federal holidays are widely observed by state and local governments; however, they may alter the dates of observance or add or subtract holidays according to local custom. Pursuant to the Uniform Holidays Bill of 1968 (taking effect in 1971), official holidays are observed on a Monday, except for New Year's Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. There are also U.S. state holidays particular to individual U.S. states.

Most retail businesses close on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas days, but remain open on all other holidays. Private businesses often observe only the "big seven" holidays (New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). Some also add the Friday after Thanksgiving, Good Friday, or one or more of the other federal holidays.

Contents

[edit] Federal holidays

Main article: Federal holidays in the United States

Federal holidays are designated by Congress in Title V of the United States Code (5 U.S.C. § 6103). If a holiday falls on a Saturday it is celebrated the preceding Friday; if a holiday falls on a Sunday it is celebrated the following Monday. Most, but not all, states and most private businesses also observe a Sunday holiday on the following Monday.

It is less common, however, for a state or private business to observe a Saturday holiday on the preceding Friday. Some states and private businesses may observe it then, a few may observe it on Monday, and some may not observe the holiday at all in those years. In particular, banks that close on Saturdays do not observe a holiday when it falls on Saturday.

Date Official Name Remarks
January 1 New Year's Day Celebrates beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Festivities include counting down to midnight (12:00 AM) on the preceding night, New Year's Eve. Traditional end of holiday season.
Third Monday in January Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Honors Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil Rights leader, who was actually born on January 15, 1929; combined with other holidays in several states.
January 20, the first January 20 following a Presidential election Inauguration Day Observed only by federal government employees in Washington D.C., and the border counties of Maryland and Virginia, in order to relieve congestion that occurs with this major event. Swearing-in of President of the United States and Vice President of the United States. Celebrated every fourth year. Note: Takes place on January 21 if the 20th is a Sunday (although the President is still privately inaugurated on the 20th). If Inauguration Day falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is not a Federal Holiday.
Third Monday in February Washington's Birthday Washington's Birthday was first declared a federal holiday by an 1879 act of Congress. The Uniform Holidays Act, 1968, shifted the date of the commemoration of Washington's Birthday from February 22 to the third Monday in February (between February 15 and 21, meaning the observed holiday never actually falls on Washington's actual birthday). Because of this, many people now refer to this holiday as "Presidents' Day" and consider it a day honoring all American presidents. However, neither the Uniform Holidays Act nor any subsequent law changed the name of the holiday from Washington's Birthday to Presidents' Day.[1]
Last Monday in May Memorial Day Honors the nation's war dead from the Civil War onwards; marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season. (traditionally May 30, shifted by the Uniform Holidays Act 1968)
July 4 Independence Day Celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence from British rule, also called the Fourth of July.
First Monday in September Labor Day Celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement; marks the unofficial end of the summer season.
Second Monday in October Columbus Day Honors Christopher Columbus, traditional discoverer of the Americas. In some areas it is also a celebration of Italian culture and heritage. (traditionally October 12)
November 11 Veterans Day Honors all veterans of the United States armed forces. It is observed on 11 November to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918 (major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice).
Fourth Thursday in November Thanksgiving Day Traditionally celebrates the giving of thanks for the autumn harvest. Traditionally includes the sharing of a turkey dinner. Traditional start of the holiday season.
December 25 Christmas The day Western Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. For many non-Christians as well as Orthodox Christians, December 25 is celebrated as a holiday without regard to Jesus Christ. For many children regardless of religion, Christmas is the day Santa Claus seemingly brings presents to their home.

[edit] Federal observances

The Congress has designated various United States federal observances—days, weeks, months, and other periods for the observance, commemoration, or recognition of events, individuals, or other topics. These observances do not have the status of holidays in that Federal employees do not receive any days free from work for observances.

[edit] Other holidays observed nationwide

In addition to the official holidays, many religious, ethnic, and other traditional holidays populate the calendar, as well as observances proclaimed by officials and lighter celebrations. These are rarely observed by businesses as holidays; indeed, many are viewed as opportunities for commercial promotion. Because of this commercialization, some critics apply the deprecatory term Hallmark holiday to such days, after the Hallmark greeting card company.

Date Name Remarks
February or March, date varies Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday A festive season (Carnival) leading up to Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras. Closes with Ash Wednesday (40 days before Easter, not counting Sundays), which starts the penitential season of Lent in the Christian calendar.
First Sunday in February Super Bowl Sunday The day of the National Football League's championship, the Super Bowl, which is the top prize in the sport of American football and (since the relocation of the Pro Bowl) the final football game of the season. Festivities generally include in-home parties and watching the game on television with beverages and snacks.
February 2 Groundhog Day The day on which the behavior of a groundhog emerging from its burrow is said to predict the onset of Spring.
February 14 Valentine's Day Traditional celebration of love and romance, including the exchange of cards, candy, flowers, and other gifts.
March 17 Saint Patrick's Day A celebration of Irish heritage and culture, based on the Roman Catholic feast of Saint Patrick. Primary activity is simply the wearing of green clothing ("wearing o' the green"), although drinking beer dyed green is also popular. Attending St. Patrick's Day parades has historically been more popular in the United States than in Ireland.[citation needed]
April 1 April Fools' Day A day to play tricks on family, friends, and coworkers, if so inclined. This day used to be the start of the New Year. The tradition started when New Year's Day was moved from April 1 to January 1.
The Friday before Easter Good Friday Friday of Holy Week, where Christian people commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
some Sunday in the range March 22 to April 25 (see Computus) Easter Celebrates the beginning of spring and the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus. For some Christians, Easter is a day of religious services and the gathering of family. Many Americans follow the tradition of coloring hard-boiled eggs and giving children baskets of candy. On the next day, Easter Monday, the President of the United States holds an annual Easter egg roll on the White House lawn for young children. Not generally observed by most businesses as it always falls on a Sunday. Most financial markets and some other businesses close on the Friday prior, Good Friday (which is a state holiday in many states). Protestant Churches, and the Roman Catholic Church celebrate Easter on a different Sunday (most years) than the Eastern Orthodox churches.
April 22 (varies by location and observance) Earth Day A celebration of environmentalism.
Last Friday in April Arbor Day A day for planting trees.
May 5 Cinco de Mayo Primarily a celebration of Mexican culture by Mexican-Americans living in the United States. Although this is the anniversary of the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, Cinco de Mayo is far more important in the USA than in México itself, often celebrated even by non-Mexican-Americans. Additionally, this "holiday" is often mistaken by Americans as being Mexican Independence Day, which is actually observed on September 16.
Second Sunday in May Mother's Day Honors mothers and motherhood (made a "Federal Holiday" by Presidential order, although most Federal agencies are already closed on Sundays)
June 14 Flag Day Commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, in 1777.
Third Sunday in June Father's Day Honors fathers and fatherhood.
August 26 Women's Equality Day Celebrates the fight for, and progress towards, equality for women. Established by the United States Congress in 1971 to commemorate two anniversaries: Passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution ensuring Woman Suffrage in 1920 and a nation-wide demonstration for equal rights, the Women's Strike for Equality, in 1970.
September 11 Patriot Day Discretionary day of remembrance designated in memory of the 2,977 casualties in the September 11, 2001, attacks.
September 17 Constitution/Citizenship Day Commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of the United States.
September or October (depends on Hebrew calendar) Rosh Hashanah Traditional beginning of the Jewish High Holidays. It is also celebrates the beginning of a new year on the Hebrew calendar.
September or October (depends on Hebrew calendar) Yom Kippur Traditional end of and highest of the Jewish High Holidays.
October 9 Leif Erikson Day A holiday to swim, imitate Vikings, and celebrate that Leif Ericson was the first European to set foot on America.
October 31 Halloween Celebrates All Hallow's Eve, decorations include jack o'lanterns, costume wearing parties, and candy such as candy corn are also part of the holiday. Kids go trick-or-treating to neighbors who give away candy. Not generally observed by businesses.
First Tuesday after the first Monday in November Election Day Observed by the federal and state governments in applicable years; legal holiday in some states.
Fourth Friday in November Black Friday The day after Thanksgiving, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season in the United States. Black Friday is not actually a holiday, but many employers give their employees the day off, increasing the number of potential shoppers.
December (depends on Hebrew calendar) Hanukkah an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BC.
December 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Day to mourn the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on December 7, 1941
December 21 Winter Solstice The winter solstice is the day with the least daylight in the Northern Hemisphere.
December 24 Christmas Eve Day before Christmas Day
December 26 through January 1 Kwanzaa African American holiday celebration created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga
December 31 New Year's Eve Final Day of the Gregorian year. Usually accompanied by much celebration.

[edit] Legal holidays by states

Alabama Alabama[2]

Alaska Alaska [5]

Arizona Arizona[6]

Arkansas Arkansas [7]

California California [8]

Colorado Colorado[9]

Connecticut Connecticut[10]

Delaware Delaware[11]

Washington, D.C. District of Columbia[12]

Florida Florida[13]

Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia [14]

Hawaii Hawaii [15]

Idaho Idaho[16]

Illinois Illinois [17]

Indiana Indiana[18]

Iowa Iowa[19]

Kansas Kansas [20]

Kentucky Kentucky [21]

Louisiana Louisiana [22]

Maine Maine

Maryland Maryland

Massachusetts Massachusetts [23]

Michigan Michigan

Minnesota Minnesota

Mississippi Mississippi

Missouri Missouri

Montana Montana

Nebraska Nebraska

Nevada Nevada

New Hampshire New Hampshire [24]

New Jersey New Jersey

New Mexico New Mexico

New York New York

Also see New York State holidays.

North Carolina North Carolina

North Dakota North Dakota [25]

Ohio Ohio

Oklahoma Oklahoma

Oregon Oregon

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania

Rhode Island Rhode Island

South Carolina South Carolina

South Dakota South Dakota

Tennessee Tennessee

Texas Texas [26]

Utah Utah

Vermont Vermont

Virginia Virginia[27]

Washington (U.S. state) Washington

West Virginia West Virginia

Wisconsin Wisconsin

Wyoming Wyoming[28]

[edit] Other holidays locally observed

[edit] Non-holiday notable days

[edit] See also

Calendar icon.svg Holidays portal

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode05/usc_sec_05_00006103----000-.html
  2. ^ "AL holidays". http://www.personnel.state.al.us/Content.aspx?Pg=48. Retrieved 2010-03-07. 
  3. ^ "Section 1-3-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975". http://www.legislature.state.al.us/codeofalabama/1975/1-3-8.htm. 
  4. ^ "Section 1-3-8 of the Code of Alabama, 1975". http://www.legislature.state.al.us/codeofalabama/1975/1-3-8.htm. 
  5. ^ "Alaska State Holidays". http://www.library.state.ak.us/akholidays.html. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  6. ^ Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records (2010-12-30). "ASLAPR - Helpful Links - About Arizona". Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records. http://www.lib.az.us/links/holidays.aspx. Retrieved 2011-01-18. 
  7. ^ "State Holidays in Arkansas". http://www.sosweb.state.ar.us/state_holiday_calendar.html. Retrieved 2010-03-05. 
  8. ^ "State Holidays". Department of Personnel Administration. http://www.dpa.ca.gov/personnel-policies/holidays.htm. Retrieved 2010-02-11. 
  9. ^ Office of the Governor of Colorado (2010). "Satellite" (PDF). Office of the Governor of Colorado. http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=application%2Fpdf&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1251606502218&ssbinary=true. Retrieved 2011-01-18. 
  10. ^ Connecticut Department of Banking (2011). "DOB: Year 2011 Legal Holidays in Connecticut". Connecticut Department of Banking. http://www.ct.gov/dob/cwp/view.asp?a=2226&q=465152. Retrieved 2011-01-18. 
  11. ^ Delaware Office of Management and Budget (2010-07-06). "Delaware - Office of Management and Budget - 2009 State of Delaware Holidays". Delaware Office of Management and Budget. http://www.delawarepersonnel.com/labor/holidays/2011.shtml. Retrieved 2011-01-18. 
  12. ^ District of Columbia Department of Human Resources. "Department of Human Resources: 2011 Holidays". District of Columbia Department of Human Resources. http://www.dchr.dc.gov/dcop/cwp/view,a,1220,q,644584.asp. Retrieved 2011-01-18. 
  13. ^ Florida Department of Management Services (2010). "2010 and 2011 State Holidays / For State HR Practitioners / Human Resource Management / Human Resource Support / Department of Management Services - DMS". Florida Department of Management Services. http://dms.myflorida.com/human_resource_support/human_resource_management/for_state_hr_practitioners/2010_and_2011_state_holidays. Retrieved 2011-01-18. 
  14. ^ State of Georgia. "georgia.gov - State Holidays". georgia.gov. State of Georgia. http://www.georgia.gov/00/channel_modifieddate/0,2096,4802_64437763,00.html. Retrieved 2011-01-18. 
  15. ^ "State Holidays of Hawaii". http://hawaii.gov/hrd/quicklinks/2007_2008%20STATE%20HOLIDAYS%20working%20copy.pdf. Retrieved 2010-02-27. 
  16. ^ Idaho State Treasurer's Office (2011). "Idaho State Treasurer's Office". Idaho State Treasurer's Office. http://sto.idaho.gov/aboutouroffice/Holidays.aspx. Retrieved 2011-01-18. 
  17. ^ "Holidays in Illinois". http://www.state.il.us/CMS/2_servicese_per/holidays.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  18. ^ Indiana State Personnel Department. "SPD: State Holidays". Indiana State Personnel Department. http://www.in.gov/spd/2555.htm. Retrieved 2011-01-18. 
  19. ^ The Iowa Legislature (2011). "Iowa Legislature - Advanced Search". The Iowa Legislature. http://search.legis.state.ia.us/nxt/gateway.dll/ic/1/13/14/15/41/42?f=templates&fn=default.htm. Retrieved 2011-01-18. 
  20. ^ "State Holidays". Department of Administration. http://www.da.ks.gov/ps/subject/holiday.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-05. 
  21. ^ "Kentucky". http://personnel.ky.gov/stemp/holiday.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-04. 
  22. ^ "Louisiana state holidays". http://doa.louisiana.gov/osp/aboutus/holidays.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-07. 
  23. ^ "State Holidays". http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cishol/holidx.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-05. 
  24. ^ [1]
  25. ^ "State Holidays". http://www.nd.gov/hrms/managers/lawguide/holidays.html. Retrieved 2010-02-27. 
  26. ^ "Official Texas State Holidays". Texas State Library and Archives Commission. http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/holidays.html. Retrieved 2010-02-11. 
  27. ^ "Commonwealth of Virginia 2011 Pay and Holiday Calendar". Virginia Department of Human Resource Management. http://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/payandholidaycalendar2011.pdf. Retrieved 2011-01-10. 
  28. ^ "State Holidays". http://soswy.state.wy.us/Holiday.aspx. Retrieved 2010-03-05. 
  29. ^ Section 1-3-8

[edit] External links

v · d · eHolidays, observances, and celebrations in the United States
Days
Arbor Day • Ash Wednesday • Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day • César Chávez Day • Child Health Day • Christmas Eve • Christmas Day • Cinco de Mayo • Columbus Day • Confederate Memorial Day • Constitution Day • Courir de Mardi Gras • Earth Day • Easter Monday • Easter Sunday • Father's Day  • Festivus • Flag Day • Four Chaplains Day • Free Comic Book Day • Gold Star Mothers Day • Good Friday • Groundhog Day • Halloween • Independence Day • Jefferson's Birthday • Juneteenth • Labor Day • Lee–Jackson Day • Leif Erikson Day • Lincoln's Birthday • Lyndon Baines Johnson Day • Mardi Gras • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day • May Day (Law Day / Loyalty Day) • Memorial Day • Mother's Day • National Aviation Day • National Day of Prayer • National Defense Transportation Day • National Freedom Day • National Grandparents Day • National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day • National Maritime Day • Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day • New Year's Day • New Year's Eve • Palm Sunday • Pan American Aviation Day • Parents' Day • Patriot Day • Patriots' Day • Peace Officers Memorial Day • Ronald Reagan Day • Robert E. Lee Day • Rosh Hashanah • Saint Joseph's Day • Saint Patrick's Day • Stephen Foster Memorial Day • Susan B. Anthony Day • Thanksgiving • Truman Day • Valentine's Day • Veterans Day • Walpurgis Night • Washington's Birthday (Presidents Day) • White Cane Safety Day • Women's Equality Day • Wright Brothers Day • Yom Kippur
Weeks
(or multiple weeks)
Months
v · d · eNon-holiday traditions in the United States
v · d · eLife in the United States
v · d · ePublic holidays in North America
Sovereign states
Dependencies and
other territories
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_the_United_States"
Personal tools
Namespaces
Variants
Actions
Navigation
Interaction
Toolbox
Print/export
Languages