National and World Holidays
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What you will learn
- 1Explain why communities observe national and world holidays
- 2Match each holiday to what it celebrates or commemorates
- 3Tell the difference between a national and an international holiday
Mini Lesson
A holiday is a special day set aside to celebrate, honor, or remember something important — a historical event, a person, a religious tradition, or a shared value. Holidays connect people to their history, culture, and community.
National vs world holidays
- A national holiday is celebrated by one country — it often marks a key moment in that country's history, such as independence or the birthday of a national leader.
- A world or international holiday is observed by many countries around the globe to honor a shared value or cause.
Six holidays and what they commemorate
- Independence Day (USA) — July 4; celebrates the United States declaring independence from Britain in 1776.
- Bastille Day (France) — July 14; marks the start of the French Revolution in 1789 — a turning point for freedom and democracy in France.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (USA) — honors the civil rights leader who fought for equality and justice for all people.
- International Women's Day — March 8; observed worldwide to celebrate women's achievements and push for gender equality.
- Earth Day — April 22; observed globally to raise awareness about protecting the environment.
- United Nations Day — October 24; marks the founding of the United Nations in 1945 to promote world peace and cooperation.
Words to know
Holiday
A special day set aside to celebrate, honor, or remember something important
e.g. Independence Day is a national holiday in the United States.
Commemorate
To remember and honor a person or event from the past
e.g. Bastille Day commemorates the start of the French Revolution.
Celebrate
To mark a happy or important event with activities, gatherings, or traditions
e.g. Many people celebrate Earth Day by planting trees.
Independence
The freedom of a country to govern itself and not be ruled by another
e.g. The USA declared its independence from Britain in 1776.
National
Belonging to or observed by one specific country
e.g. A national holiday is celebrated by only one country.
International
Involving or observed by many different countries around the world
e.g. International Women's Day is observed in many countries.
Equality
Treating people fairly and giving them the same rights and opportunities
e.g. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for equality for all.
Tradition
A custom or way of doing something that is passed down through time
e.g. Fireworks on July 4 are a long American tradition.
Ask yourself: "What holiday does my country celebrate? What does it commemorate? Is it a national holiday or observed around the world?"
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