July 4th

Have a Safe and Happy July 4th
From Mystickal Realms!!!!

Independence Day is the national holiday of the United States of America commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Many common Fourth of July traditions today have their roots in the celebrations of the early republic. On July 25, 1776, citizens of Williamsburg, Virginia celebrated the colonists’ victory with military parades and cannons firing. One year to the day after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphians participated in a huge birthday bash complete with fireworks, parades, music and the firing of cannons.

The first official Fourth of July celebration, as affirmed by a legislative act, occurred in Massachusetts in 1781. By the mid 1800s, it became a United States custom to commemorate Independence Day in states and territories. Today, we use parades, picnics and fireworks to honor our country’s fight for freedom.

Signing of the Declaration of Independence

At the time of the signing the US consisted of 13 colonies under the rule of England's King George III. There was growing unrest in the colonies concerning the taxes that had to be paid to England. This was commonly referred to as "Taxation without Representation" as the colonists did not have any representation in the English Parliament and had no say in what went on. As the unrest grew in the colonies, King George sent extra troops to help control any rebellion. In 1774 the 13 colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia Pennsylvania to form the First Continental Congress. The delegates were unhappy with England, but were not yet ready to declare war.

In April 1775 as the King's troops advanced on Concord Massachusetts Paul Revere would sound the alarm that "The British are coming, the British are coming" as he rode his horse through the late night streets. The battle of Concord and its "shot heard round the world" would mark the unofficial beginning of the colonies war for Independence. The following May the colonies again sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress. For almost a year the congress tried to work out its differences with England, again without formally declaring war.

By June 1776 their efforts had become hopeless and a committee was formed to compose a formal declaration of independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft which was presented to the congress on June 28. After various changes a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4th. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor of the Declaration, 2 - Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted No, Delaware undecided and New York abstained. To make it official John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence. It is said that John Hancock signed his name "with a great flourish" so "King George can read that without spectacles!."

The following day copies of the Declaration were distributed. The first newspaper to print the Declaration was the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6, 1776. On July 8th the Declaration had its first public reading in Philadelphia's Independence Square. Twice that day the Declaration was read to cheering crowds and pealing church bells. Even the bell in Independence Hall was rung. The "Province Bell" would later be renamed "Liberty Bell" after its inscription:

Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof

And although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of United States independence. The first Independence Day celebration took place the following year - July 4 1777. By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate America's birthday. And although fireworks have been banned in most places because of their danger, most towns and cities usually have big firework displays for all to see and enjoy.

Fourth of July Traditions

Nothing could be more American or more closely associated with patriotic traditions than the Fourth of July. While many American holidays such as Labor Day, Presidents Day and even Thanksgiving weren't widely celebrated until quite recently in our nations history, the first Fourth of July festivities took place in Philadelphia immediately after the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. And when Americans up and down the Eastern seaboard got word of the Declaration, they held their own celebrations with elaborate parades, the sounds of cannons, bells and the sight of bonfires and fireworks. Over two hundred years later, most of these Fourth of July rituals are still carried out today.

Parades, Marching Bands and Music

Parades, which usually begin mid-morning, are the first tradition followed each Fourth of July. The small-town parade, with baseball teams, baton twirlers and the high school marching band, is a common sight in cities across the country. Fathers hoist toddlers up on their shoulders for a clear view, while children munch popcorn and wave small flags. It’s a fun, inspiring way to get into a patriotic mood.

Picnics and Family Get-Togethers

The food at the first Fourth of July celebrations consisted mainly of barbecued sheep and hogs piled high on tables and prepared by the town's best cooks. Desserts were English-style steamed puddings, fruit syllabubs and fools. After the parade, folks usually head home or to a relative’s house for a family reunion or get-together. Americans today still pile the food high, but the offerings have changed to include slabs of spicy ribs, barbecued chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream and cake..

Fireworks**

Fireworks are one of the oldest and most stunning ways to commemorate America’s birthday. Frequently the nation’s colors—red, white and blue—are used in these spectacular displays of patriotism. Fireworks finally made a big bang in the U.S. before the Revolutionary War and fireworks displays have been synonymous with the Fourth of July since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

**Although fun, fireworks are potentially very dangerous explosives. Instead of putting yourself and your loved ones in danger, sit back, relax and let the professionals entertain you. Check your local newspaper for starting times and locations. If you have small children, consider bringing ear mufflers to the fireworks display. The loud noises can damage their ears. Also, if you have dogs or cats, don’t forget that they react to fireworks, too. Close the gate to your house so they don’t jump the fence, or have a family member stay at home with them. For especially sensitive animals, consult your veterinarian for advice.

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