Celebrating the Fourth of July is possibly the most American tradition of all. But with all the barbeques, fireworks and family fun, sometimes we overlook the origins of this beloved holiday. So grab a fork and dig into our original Fourth of July Fun Facts Pie!
Things you may or may not have known about the 4th of July:
- In order for all colonies to appear equal, the original American flag displayed the stars in the shape of a circle.
- Though they have been in China for 2000 years, fireworks became a tradition of the July 4th holiday as of July 8, 1776. Of course, they are still made in China.
- According to History.com, some of the fireworks used may have been used mockingly, because in England fireworks were used as a birthday celebration for the kings and queens. Therefore firing the fireworks on Independence Day was to some the celebration of the “death” of the king’s power over them.
- The first White House Fourth of July party took place in 1801.
- The Fourth of July is also “Republic Day” in the Philippines and Rwanda.
- 74 million Americans barbeque on the Fourth of July, marking it the highest selling Hot Dog day.
- Ironically, both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4th 1826, which can be verified on the History.com website.
- Some argue that the 2nd would be the appropriate day to celebrate independence, since John Adams wrote home to Abigail “this day July 2nd will go down in history.”
