American & Korean Holidays

In the United States, the word "holiday" is synonymous with "celebration! " In the strict sense, there are no federal (national) holidays in the United States. Each of the 50 states has jurisdiction over its holidays. In practice, however, most states observe the federal ("legal or public ") holidays, even though the President and Congress can legally designate holidays only for federal government employees. The following ten holidays per year are proclaimed by the federal government.

New Year's Day -January 1
Martin Luther King Day - third Monday in January
Presidents' Day - third Monday in February
Memorial Day - last Monday in May
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - first Monday in September
Columbus Day - second Monday in October
Veterans' Day - second Monday in November
Thanksgiving Day - fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day - December 25

In 1971, the dates of many federal holidays were officially moved to the nearest Monday by then-President Richard Nixon. There are four holidays which are not necessarily celebrated on Mondays: Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Day, Independence Day and Christmas Day.

When New Year's Day, Independence Day, or Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, the next day is also a holiday. When one of these holidays falls on a Saturday, the previous day is also a holiday. Federal government offices, including the post office, are always closed on all federal holidays. Schools and businesses close on major holidays like Independence Day and Christmas Day but may not always be closed, for example, on Presidents' Day or Veterans' Day.

It is entertaining to see many American Holidays exclusive of New Year's Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day are celebrated on certain week Monday, not fixed date. Interestingly, however, our holidays are fixed at the specific date, not a certain week Monday in a certain month. For honor the memory of National Holidays, we are urged to hoist the national flag, yet only a small number of people put up the flags outside their houses. Our national and public holidays are as following below.

*4 National Holiday

The Anniversary of the Samil Independence Movement

Constitution Day

National Liberation Day

National Foundation Day

*Public Holidays

The New Year's Day

The Lunar New Year´s Day

Arbor Day

Children´s Day

The Buddha´s Birthday

Memorial Day

Chuseok;the Thanksgiving Holiday

Christmas Day