National and state holiday celebrated each July 4 (hence often called “the Fourth of
July”). The Second Continental Congress voted for independence from England on July
2, 1776. Two days later, the group ratified the Declaration of Independence, which John
Hancock, president of the congress, and Charles Thomson, secretary, then signed. The
first celebration of these events occurred on July 2, 1777, when Philadelphians sounded
bells and lit bonfires and fireworks. Though contemporary sentiment favored retaining
July 2 as the festive date, July 4 soon supplanted the anniversary of the actual vote for
independence.
Factional displays by Republicans and Federalists marked Independence Day until
about 1820, when observances shifted to nonpartisan celebrations of American freedom.
That focus, though, yielded to increasing stress on recreation and amusement, manifested
especially in noisy, dangerous fireworks. By the early 1900s, injuries resulting from
fireworks had reached such proportions that Independence Day became known as the
“Barbarous Fourth.” In response to what they viewed as degeneration of the holiday and
to the growing presence of non-English-speaking immigrants, reformers successfully
shifted the emphasis to a generalized Americanism, which foregrounds points of common
concern across partisanly political, ethnic, and regional lines.
The federal government and all of the states and territories recognize Independence
Day. Public observances usually feature parades, martial music, decorations using
national colors and symbols, bell ringing, fireworks, and speech making. Precedents for
these activities may be found in mid-19th–century celebrations such as those in frontier
Nebraska. These might begin with a dance on July 3. Another dance—this one
outdoors—took place on the afternoon of the Fourth itself, with still another scheduled
for the evening. The day commenced with bell ringing and fireworks, and a mid-morning
parade with military escort set an appropriate tone. In addition to orations on patriotic topics, the morning’s schedule might include
vocal soloists and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
In addition to dancing, the afternoon program, which followed an elaborate feast,
usually featured ball games and horse races. Other competitions included three-legged
races, potato races, sack races, and greased-pole climbings. Perhaps a picnic would
conclude the daylight festivities before more dancing began, which could last until the
next morning.
Family-oriented celebrations of Independence Day, which lack overt patriotic
trappings, involve trips to recreational areas such as lakes or parks. Picnic menus include
foods (for example, hamburgers and hot dogs) easily prepared on outdoor grills,
summertime beverages such as lemonade and beer, and handcranked ice cream. In
addition to gossip and storytelling, celebrants may use the day for swimming, fishing, or
informal sports such as softball. Neighborhood observances and block parties often center
on collaborative meals, each household providing a dish to be generally shared.
Frequently, family and neighborhood gatherings adjourn at dusk so that participants can
watch community-wide fireworks displays.
Independence Day festivities often evince distinctive ethnic or regional flavors. Italian
Americans, for instance, may stage bocce tournaments. Western communities schedule
rodeos for the date. Native Americans are likely to hold powwows and other events
reflecting tribal or pan-Indian identity on July 4.
William M.Clements
References
Cohen, Henning, and Tristram Potter Coffin, eds. 1991. The Folklore of American Holidays. 2d. ed.
Detroit: Gale.
Cohn, William H. 1976. A National Celebration: The Fourth of July. Cultures 3(2):141–156.
Hatch, Jane M., ed. 1978. The American Book of Days. 3d. ed. New York: H.W.Wilson.
Pound, Louise. 1959. Nebraska Folklore. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.
Samuelson, Sue, and Ray Kepner. 1984. Bocce Ball Meets Hacky-Sack: A Western Pennsylvania
Independence Day Gathering. Keystone Folklore 3 (2):26–35.