4th of July recognizes the birth of our nation; our independence from Great Britain through the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We all know that…but do you ever wonder why we do what we do on this Independence Day? Why we blast fireworks or hold barbecues with the smell of fresh meat smoke hitting the grill? Why we really honor the red, white, and let’s not forget about the “all-american” apple pie. But what truly makes all of these things American? Here are the top four traditions and the significance behind their existence:
1. The BBQs
We all do it on 4th of July. Hold BBQs in our backyards, grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. But why? How does that connect to the signing of the Declaration of Independence?
Well the concept of barbecuing actually started in the early 1800’s when colonists would hold a celebration barbecue every year to celebrate the king’s birthday, feasting on pig and oxen; no hamburgers yet because cattle ranches were nonexistent at the time. However, as the summer of 1776 rolled around, political leaders began holding rallies to fight for independence, and the best way they knew how to draw people in was holding barbecues. Then, when the 4th of July came around, instead of celebrating the king’s birthday, the colonists celebrated their long-awaited independence, and hence, the prideful celebration stuck for years to come.
2. Red, White, and Blue
On this day, we wear everything red, white, and blue, almost to the point of throwing it up, and yet never really stop and think why America’s colors are what they are.
Well it turns out the three colors actually never had an official meaning when the American flag was created in 1777. See, the colors trace not back to the flag, but instead to the Great Seal created for our nation in 1776. On July 4th, the Continental Congress passed a resolution to develop a seal for our country, and the one primary instruction for the colors was that they represent the beliefs and values of the Founding Fathers. It was therefore through the values of these great leaders that our colors were chosen. Red, the color that signifies valor, white, the color that stands for purity and innocence, and lastly blue, for the Founding Fathers perseverance and fight for justice.
Fun Fact: If you take a second glance at our colors, you’ll notice they aren't exactly ours to own alone. The Union Jack flag of England has the SAME exact colors. Red, white, and blue. Coincidence… maybe, but it’s only fitting we took a part of ancestry with us.
3. Fireworks
You see them sold at each highway stand and illuminate every sky on this summer night. But why use these explosions? Where did the reason for their illumination come about?
Because of the one and only, John Adams. He wrote a letter to his wife on July 3rd 1776, predicting all that would happen to celebrate the nation’s independence. He wrote, “the occasion should be commemorated with Pomp and Parade, with Shrews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and illuminations from one end of the content to the other.” And just as he guessed, fireworks were indeed set off, however unlike the 14,000 displays the American Pyrotechnics Association estimate hit the sky each year nowadays, only 13 were set off in 1777. One rocket for each of the 13 original states.
4. Apple Pie
Brave yourself for this one! Another thing we took from England besides the colors of their flag…ya you guessed it, their apple pie
The first known recipe of apple pie actually dates back to an English cookbook from 1381. The first record of its consumption in America was not until 1697.
I guess the phrase “as american as apple pie” might have a little less oomph to it the next time you allude to it. At least we still have the all-american baked apple pie sleeves at McDonalds staying true to our name.
