This Presidents’ Day, we’re taking a look back at the history of this holiday. It wasn’t always called Presidents’ Day – in fact, it was originally called Washington’s Birthday. Why was the name changed? Let’s take a closer look!
When did President’s Day celebration start?: A brief history of Presidents’ Day
President’s Day is a federal holiday that celebrates the birthday of George Washington, who was born on February 22, 1732. The first official celebration of Washington’s Birthday took place in 1885. However, the name wasn’t changed to Presidents’ Day until 1971. There are several theories about why the name was changed. Some people believe that Congress made the change to avoid honoring only one president, while others say that it was done to honor all presidents equally.
Washington’s birthday was originally celebrated on February 22 because that was the day he was actually born. However, in 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays in order to create more three-day weekends. It wasn’t until 1971 that Washington’s Birthday was moved to the third Monday of February (the same day as Presidents’ Day).
Presidents’ Day isn’t just about George Washington. Some people think that it is an official holiday for honoring both Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, but this isn’t true. There are only five holidays in total which celebrate individual presidents: President’s Day, Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday on February 12, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on January 15 every year since 1986 when it became a federal holiday; Ronald Reagan’s birthday on February 11 each year since 2004 when he turned 90 years old and was designated a “National Celebration Week”; John F Kennedy Jr.’s birthday on May 29 each year.
So, why do we celebrate Presidents’ Day? It’s not an official holiday to honor all presidents – it’s actually a holiday that celebrates the birthday of George Washington. But, over time, Presidents’ Day has come to be seen as a general celebration of American presidents, both past and present. And that’s why we celebrate it today!
How is President’s Day celebrated?
It’s easy! There are many ways you can celebrate this holiday, including having a barbecue, going shopping for school supplies (since most retailers offer sales during this time), or spending time with family members and friends.
You could also take your children out on an excursion like bowling or the movies – just make sure they stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before heading back home. And don’t forget about those yummy treats: ice cream sundaes always go down well after lunchtime activities have finished up for day one of our three-day weekend festivities!
Why do we celebrate President’s Day?
There are many reasons why we celebrate Presidents’ Day. Some people think of it as a day to commemorate all former American presidents, while others view it as a special holiday to honor George Washington specifically. However, the name of this federal holiday has changed over time, and its exact meaning is still up for debate.
What we do know is that Presidents’ Day is a great opportunity to get together with friends and family members and have some fun! There are plenty of ways to celebrate, so be sure to check out your local events calendar for ideas. And don’t forget to enjoy those delicious President’s Day treats – especially the ice cream sundaes!
Myths about President Washington
One of the most common myths about George Washington is that he had wooden teeth. This isn’t true – his dentures were actually made from hippopotamus ivory and human teeth! Another interesting factoid you might want to know about our first president: His favorite food was pea soup.
Myths about President Lincoln
One of the most common myths about Abraham Lincoln is that he was a vampire hunter. This isn’t true – there’s no evidence to support this claim! Another interesting factoid you might want to know about our 16th president: His favorite food was pumpkin pie.
When is President’s Day celebrated?
President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February each year. This federal holiday was originally established as George Washington’s Birthday in 1885, and it continued to be observed annually on February 22 until 1968, when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Under this act, several federal holidays were moved to Mondays in order to create more three-day weekends throughout the year.
It wasn’t until 1971 that Washington’s Birthday was officially moved to the third Monday of February (the same day as Presidents’ Day). So, if you’re wondering why President’s Day seems a little late this year, now you know!
How-To Guide For Presidents Day
Here are some fun ways to celebrate Presidents’ Day with your friends and family:
- Have a barbecue!
- Go shopping for school supplies (most retailers offer sales during this time).
- Spend time with loved ones.
- Take the children out on an excursion like bowling or the movies.
- Enjoy yummy President’s Day treats like ice cream sundaes!
- Don’t forget to check your local events calendar for more ideas on how to celebrate.
