In the United States, people begin celebrating the New Year on December 31, New Years Eve. Read about the traditions surrounding this holiday and how many Americans celebrate it.

Martin Luther King Day honors the life and legacy of one of the visionary leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and recipient of the 1964 Nobel Prize for Peace. It is celebrated on the third Monday in January.

This federal holiday is formally called "Washington's Birthday" and is celebrated on the third Monday in February. However, it is a common practice to celebrate the birthdays of both Presidents Lincoln and Washington on this day.

Memorial Day is a holiday to honor the men and women who have died in wars or in the service of their country. It is observed on the fourth Monday in May.

Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4 because on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, officially breaking bonds with England and forming a new independent nation, the United States of America.

Labor Day was established as a holiday for workers, both as a tribute to their contributions to the nation, and as a means of bringing more public awareness to their struggles. It is celebrated on the first Monday of September.

Columbus Day is a legal federal holiday that commemorates the first voyage of Christopher Columbus, who sailed west from Spain in 1492 and reached the islands of present day Bahamas. It is celebrated on the second Monday in October.

In the United States, Thanksgiving is a time for tradition and sharing. People gather with family and friends on the fourth Thursday in November to enjoy a traditional meal and to give thanks for life's many blessings.

Christmas is a joyful holiday of Christian origin that is recognized by many people in the United States. It is celebrated on December 25.

Chinese New Year is one of the most important and festive Chinese holidays. More than 2.5 million people of Chinese descent live in the United States and Chinese New Year's celebrations provide an important connection to Chinese culture and heritage.

Valentine's Day is a day for sweethearts. It is the day that you show your friend or loved one that you care. Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14.

A Pow-Wow is a large social gathering of Native American tribes and individuals. Every year, hundreds of powwows occur on Native American reservations and in other locations across the nation from March through August.

Both Arbor Day and Earth Day focus on the environment. Here we discuss environmental awareness in America. National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April and Earth Day is April 22.

Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May and Father's Day is recognized on the third Sunday in June. On these days, American children show their appreciation by treating fathers, mothers, or those who have served as parental figures in their lives, to something special.

Graduation ceremonies celebrate the completion of one part of a person's education. The ceremony marks a transition from one stage in a student's life to another.

National Flags are not merely symbols of a country; their colors and designs convey past history and future goals. The flag is one of the nations's most powerful and significant symbols, and as such, is celebrated every June 14th in the United States.

Juneteenth is the oldest celebration in the nation to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19.

Halloween orginated, in part, as a celebration connected with evil spirits and the dead. Popular Halloween traditions in the United States include trick-or-treat costumes and decorations for greeting cards and windows. It is celebrated on October 31.

Anniversary celebrations are those that commemorate a particular date or past event. Birthdays are also celebrated in a variety of ways in the United States. Read about these two types of celebratory days.

Black History Month is celebrated in February. One aim of Black History Month is to expose the harmful effects of racial prejudice; another is to recognize significant contributions made by people with African heritage, including artists, musicians, scientists, political figures, educators, and athletes.

Women's History Month is celebrated in March with special programs and activities in schools, workplaces, and communities. These programs recognize women's achievements in such areas as science, math, politics, arts, and athletics.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month originated with a congressional bill. It is celebrated in May with community events that involve historical, educational, and cultural activities, and the recognition of famous Asian Americans in such fields as architecture, entertainment, athletics, education, art, and science.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 each year. Celebrations often include cultural activities and programs with speeches, food, dance, and music that recognize the political, artistic, athletic, and educational achievements of Hispanic Americans.