📚 Major American Holidays: A Guide for International Students | 美国主要节日文化概览：留学生必知
Understanding American holidays is essential for international students who want to adapt to campus life, build friendships, and navigate the local culture. The United States celebrates a mix of federal public holidays, cultural observances, and unique shopping events that reflect its history, diversity, and values. This guide introduces the major holidays you are likely to encounter, explains their origins and customs, and offers practical tips on how to participate or prepare for closures.
对美国节日有所了解，对于想要适应校园生活、建立友谊以及融入当地文化的留学生来说至关重要。美国既庆祝联邦公共假日，也有丰富的文化纪念日和独特的购物活动，这些都反映了它的历史、多样性和价值观。本文将介绍你很可能遇到的主要节日，解释它们的由来和习俗，并提供如何参与或应对假期安排的实际建议。
1. New Year's Day | 元旦
New Year's Day falls on January 1st and marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is a federal holiday, so government offices, banks, and many businesses are closed. The celebration often begins on New Year's Eve, December 31st, with parties, countdowns, and firework displays.
元旦在1月1日，标志着公历新年的开始。它是联邦假日，因此政府部门、银行和许多商家都会关门。庆祝活动往往从前一天的新年夜开始，伴有派对、倒计时和烟花表演。
The most iconic event is the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City, watched by millions on television. Many Americans make 'New Year's resolutions,' setting personal goals for the year ahead. International students may be invited to gatherings or can attend public celebrations, but should be aware that public transport might run on a limited schedule and that some campuses close dining halls.
最具标志性的是纽约时代广场的水晶球降落仪式，数百万人通过电视观看。许多美国人会制定“新年决心”，为来年设定个人目标。留学生可能会被邀请参加聚会，也可以参加公共庆祝活动，但需要注意公共交通可能按假日班次运行，一些学校食堂也可能关闭。
2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 马丁·路德·金日
Observed on the third Monday of January, this federal holiday honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights leader who advocated for racial equality through nonviolent resistance. It was signed into law in 1983 and is often marked as a day of service, encouraging volunteer work in local communities.
这个联邦假日在每年1月的第三个星期一，纪念民权领袖马丁·路德·金博士，他倡导以非暴力抵抗争取种族平等。该节日于1983年签署成法，通常被视为服务日，鼓励人们在当地社区参与志愿服务。
Schools and universities often hold special lectures, film screenings, or diversity workshops. As an international student, you can use this day to learn more about American social history and participate in community service projects. It is also common to hear excerpts of King's 'I Have a Dream' speech. The holiday is a good reminder of the ongoing conversations around equity and inclusion in the U.S.
学校和大学通常会举办特别讲座、电影放映或多元化研讨会。作为留学生，你可以利用这一天来进一步了解美国社会历史，并参与社区服务项目。在这一天听到金博士“我有一个梦想”演讲片段也是很常见的。这个假日很好地提醒人们，美国社会关于公平与包容的对话仍在继续。
3. Presidents' Day | 总统日
Presidents' Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February. Originally established to honor George Washington's birthday (February 22), it has evolved into a general recognition of all U.S. presidents. It is a federal holiday, but not all employers give the day off.
总统日在2月的第三个星期一庆祝。它最初为纪念乔治·华盛顿的生日（2月22日）而设立，后来演变为对所有美国总统的致敬。这是一个联邦假日，但并非所有雇主都会放假。
Retailers often hold major sales over the long weekend, so you will see advertisements for 'Presidents' Day Sales' on everything from furniture to electronics. For students, it usually means a three-day weekend. Many take the opportunity to travel or shop. Historically, schools sometimes use the day to teach about presidential legacies, though academic activities vary.
零售商通常会在长周末推出大力度的促销活动，因此你会看到从家具到电子产品等各类“总统日大减价”的广告。对学生来说，这通常意味着一个三天小长假，很多人会借此出游或购物。历史上学校有时会利用这一天讲授总统的政治遗产，不过教学安排因校而异。
4. Memorial Day | 阵亡将士纪念日
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May and honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It originated after the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans visit cemeteries or memorials and hold parades.
阵亡将士纪念日在5月的最后一个星期一，旨在纪念在美国军队服役期间牺牲的将士。它起源于南北战争后，于1971年成为官方联邦假日。许多美国人会前往墓园或纪念碑，并举行游行。
For most people, Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer. Barbecues, beach trips, and family gatherings are widespread. International students should note that this is one of the busiest travel weekends in the U.S., with heavy traffic and crowded airports. Additionally, many campus services may be reduced, and some summer session classes might not meet on this day.
对大多数人而言，阵亡将士纪念日也标志着夏季的非正式开始。烧烤、海滩旅行和家庭聚会非常普遍。留学生要注意，这是美国最繁忙的旅行周末之一，交通拥堵、机场拥挤。此外，很多校园服务会缩减，一些暑期课程当天可能停课。
5. Independence Day | 独立日
Commonly called the Fourth of July, Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is a federal holiday celebrated with fireworks, parades, concerts, and patriotic displays.
通常被称为七月四日，独立日纪念的是1776年7月4日《独立宣言》的通过。这是一个联邦假日，庆祝方式包括烟花、游行、音乐会和爱国主义展示。
The most typical activities are outdoor cookouts and firework shows in the evening. Cities across the country host public fireworks displays; the largest are in New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C. As an international student, you may be invited to a barbecue with American friends. Be mindful that many shops close or operate reduced hours, and public transport schedules may change. Also, safety is key—fireworks are illegal in some states for private use.
最典型的活动是户外烧烤和晚上的烟花表演。美国各地城市都会举办公共烟花秀，规模最大的在纽约、波士顿和华盛顿特区。作为留学生，你可能会被美国朋友邀请参加烧烤。要注意许多商店关门或缩短营业时间，公共交通时刻表也可能调整。同时安全不可忽视——在一些州私人燃放烟花是违法的。
6. Labor Day | 劳动节
Labor Day is held on the first Monday in September and honors the American labor movement and the contributions of workers. It has been a federal holiday since 1894. Festivities include parades, picnics, and outdoor sports.
劳动节在9月的第一个星期一，旨在赞扬美国工人运动及劳动者的贡献。自1894年起它成为联邦假日。庆祝活动包括游行、野餐和户外运动。
For students, Labor Day weekend signals the end of summer and the start of the academic year. It is often the first break after classes begin. Just like Memorial Day, it is a popular time for sales and short trips. However, be prepared for tight deadlines right after the holiday, as exams and assignments often pile up quickly in the fall semester.
对学生而言，劳动节周末意味着夏天的结束和新学年的开始，往往是开学后的第一个假期。和阵亡将士纪念日一样，这是一个购物和短途旅行的热门时段。不过要做好心理准备，因为秋季学期中考试和作业往往紧跟着假期蜂拥而至。
7. Halloween | 万圣节
Halloween is celebrated on October 31st. It is not a federal holiday, but it is one of the most culturally vibrant observances in the United States. Rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, it has evolved into a community-centered event with costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations.
万圣节在10月31日庆祝，虽然它不是联邦假日，却是美国最具文化活力的节庆之一。它源于古老的凯尔特传统，如今已演变成以服装装扮、“不给糖就捣蛋”和怪异装饰为主题的社区性活动。
Children go door-to-door collecting candy, while college students and adults often attend costume parties or haunted house attractions. International students will notice pumpkins carved into jack-o'-lanterns on porches and extensive seasonal products in stores. If you live in a neighborhood, it is polite to have some candy ready for trick-or-treaters. Campuses typically host safe Halloween events, so you can join in the fun without any religious obligation.
孩子们挨家挨户讨糖果，而大学生和成年人通常参加化妆派对或鬼屋探险。留学生会注意到门廊上雕刻成南瓜灯的南瓜以及商店里大量的季节性商品。如果你住居民区，准备一些糖果给来敲门的孩子是礼貌的做法。校园里通常也会举办安全万圣节活动，让你无需任何宗教义务也能参与其中。
8. Thanksgiving | 感恩节
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November and is one of the most family-oriented holidays in the U.S. It dates back to a harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in 1621. Today, the central tradition is a large meal featuring turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
感恩节在每年11月的第四个星期四，是美国最注重家庭团聚的节日之一。它起源于1621年清教徒与原住民万帕诺亚格人共享的丰收盛宴。如今，节日的核心传统是一顿以火鸡、填料、蔓越莓酱和南瓜派为主角的丰盛大餐。
Many international students are invited to the homes of local friends or host families, which is a wonderful opportunity to experience American hospitality firsthand. The day often includes watching parades, such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and American football games. It is also a time to reflect on gratitude. Practically, be aware that almost everything closes on Thanksgiving Day, including grocery stores and campus dining halls. So plan your meals ahead if you stay on campus.
很多留学生会收到当地朋友或寄宿家庭的邀请，这是亲身体验美式待客之道的绝佳机会。看游行（如梅西感恩节大游行）和橄榄球赛也是惯例。同时这也是表达感恩的时刻。现实层面要注意，感恩节当天几乎所有场所都关门，包括超市和学校食堂，所以如果留校务必提前安排好饮食。
9. Black Friday | 黑色星期五
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and is widely regarded as the biggest shopping day of the year. Although not a public holiday, it has become a nationwide commercial event, with retailers opening early and offering steep discounts both in-store and online.
黑色星期五是感恩节后的第二天，被普遍视为一年中最盛大的购物日。虽然不是公共假日，但它已成为全国性的商业盛事，零售商早早开门，在店内和线上提供大幅折扣。
International students can take advantage of Black Friday to buy electronics, clothing, and other necessities at significantly reduced prices. It is important to plan ahead: make a list, compare prices, and be cautious of impulsive spending. The following Monday is known as Cyber Monday, focusing on online deals. Also, note that the shopping frenzy can lead to crowded malls and websites, but for many it is a fun cultural experience and a chance to get holiday gifts.
留学生可以利用黑色星期五以较低价格购买电子产品、衣物和其他必需品。重要的是提前计划：列好清单，比较价格，避免冲动消费。接下来的星期一被称为“网络星期一”，主打线上促销。另外要注意购物狂潮可能导致商场拥挤、网站繁忙，但对许多人来说，这是一次有趣的文化体验和购买节日礼物的好时机。
10. Christmas | 圣诞节
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th and is a federal holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It has both religious and secular dimensions, encompassing church services, gift-giving, and elaborate decorations. The season often begins right after Thanksgiving.
圣诞节在12月25日，是联邦假日，纪念耶稣基督的诞生。它兼具宗教和世俗内涵，包括教堂礼拜、互赠礼物和精美的装饰。节庆季通常从感恩节过后便拉开序幕。
Common customs include hanging stockings, setting up Christmas trees, and exchanging gifts. Figure such as Santa Claus are central to the folklore. For international students, many campuses become very quiet over Christmas break, with residence halls potentially closing. It is crucial to check housing policies early, as some universities require students to vacate or apply for break housing. If you stay, you might join friends' celebrations or explore decorated neighborhoods. Many stores and public services have reduced hours or closures on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
常见习俗包括挂长袜、装点圣诞树和交换礼物。圣诞老人等形象是节庆传说的核心。对于留学生来说，圣诞假期期间很多校园会变得非常安静，宿舍可能关闭。务必提早了解住宿政策，因为有些大学要求学生离校或申请假期住宿。如果留校，你可以加入朋友的庆祝活动或游览装饰一新的街区。许多商店和公共服务在圣诞前夕和圣诞节当天会缩短营业时间或关门。
Published by TutorHao | American Culture & Holidays Revision Series | aleveler.com
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