America is a region that has seen a lot of changes in terms of political factions affecting the lives, customs, beliefs, and the daily life of the nation throughout the years. The native inhabitants have their own customs and rituals, faiths and beliefs and pattern of living of their lives. All this has changed in a significant manner with the advent of the European migrants. Foreign customs, beliefs, and cultures made their way into the local way of life.

 

Canada

 

Canada is one of the live examples where we see local culture and heritage in a fine concoction of the native American beliefs tinged with a slight hue from the European customs. The Canadian contemporary life is much influenced by these social traditions that not only reflect the traditional American beliefs and rituals but also provide reflection of the European highlight. All these customs and traditions can be seen in the different aspects of the Canadian lives that will include their religious celebrations, social festivities and other traditions that more or less guide and control the daily live.

 

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Halloween – Halloween is one of the festivals that are celebrated in different parts of the world including Canada. However, this is a celebration that is carried out with a lot more fervor and enthusiasm in Canada. Recent trade surveys have revealed that Halloween between the years 2004 and 2014 has been one of the major reasons that have provided a huge boost to the industry of tourism and the economy of the country as a whole. People can buy fireworks and can set them off in their backyards all throughout the night. This is something for which ordinarily permission is required. However, on Halloween, this activity is considered to be one of the common parts of festivities. The purpose is to have light all throughout the Halloween night.

 

New Year’s Levee – Canada is, in fact, the only country in the world that observes this celebration. This is a tradition that dates back as long as the 1600s. This is an event that is generally started off by the Lieutenant Governor and the Governor General of every province. This is a celebration that marks the beginning of a brand new year. On this occasion, the citizens of the country pay their respect and homage. Normally the residents and the citizens are allowed to take a tour of the Government House and also enjoy refreshments over here. They can send wishes and postcards to the overseas Canadian troops. The headquarters of the Canadian Forces receive guests on this day.

 

Calgary Stampede – The Calgary Stampede is one of the biggest outdoor shows of not just Canada but the world as a whole. One of the traditional practices in Canada is to celebrate the elements of community spirit. This is the main essence that is celebrated in the Calgary Stampede. This is a huge celebration that encompasses different events like carnivals, concerts, parades, exhibitions and many other types of competitions. This Stampede is one of the prime traditions of Canada where nearly a million tourists from all over the world participate and witness the whole show. Along with being a tradition of Canada, this is also a great crowd puller that attracts a huge economic influx in the country.

 

New Shoes On Budget Day – As per this tradition, the Canadian Finance Minister and also the provincial ministers of finance needs to wear new shoes while giving out the new budget. This is a practice that has started back in the 1960s when the then Finance Minister Donald M Fleming had stated that he will purchase a new pair of shoes when the budget is delivered. As of this day, the majority of the finance ministers Canada has appointed afterwards do wear new shoes or boots at the Budget Day.

 

Thanksgiving – The tradition of Thanksgiving has been in vogue in Canada for a long time now. However, this tradition is a little different from the way it is observed and celebrated in the United States of America. Pumpkin pie and turkey remains to be the central attractions of the Thanksgiving feast amongst the Canadian states. The date is always celebrated on the second Monday of October. This is one of the principal holidays that are observed by all institutions of Canada. Exceptions are made in the provinces of Atlantic. The occasion of Thanksgiving was celebrated for different reasons and on varied days. However, in 1957 the Canadian Parliament declared that Thanksgiving should be celebrated on the same date each year. This is the day when everybody will thank God for the rich harvest and agricultural yields of Canada.

 

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French Traditions – As mentioned earlier, Canada is a country that has been influenced by various European cultures. This is one of the main reasons why we see a touch of European traditions in some of today’s Canadian holidays. Quebec is a region in Canada that has prominent and predominant French influenced traditions. In the other parts of Canada people often shake hands when they meet each other. People from Quebec kiss each other’s cheeks.

 

Life Events – There are many sociologists who have pointed out that unlike many countries and cultural heritage across the world the Canadian people do not have too many flashy dates and events that are associated with the culture of the country. The people of the country like to celebrate their life in general and the different events that are associated with their life. This is why birthdays, marriage, and other events are considered to be of great importance.

 

USA

 

The United States of America is one of the biggest countries in the world and is often considered to be the melting pot of the world. This is one of the truly cosmopolitan countries of the world where people from various parts of the world have come in and have contributed to the country, its people and its customs as a whole. This is a trend that has its origin from the past. The history of the USA will tell you that along with the native inhabitants, various European cultures have helped to mold and shape the customs, beliefs and the heritage of this country as a whole. This is a tradition that is also continued in the current times. The traditions of the USA have been shaped by the Latin Americans, the native Americans, the Africans and the Asians. The European countries especially Britain did have a very strong influence on the culture of the country as well.

 

Diversity Is The Order Of The Day – Given the fact that the USA is a country where you can find a wide plethora of immigrants from different parts of the world, you can hear all types of language. However, the national language or the language of business happens to be that of English. You can also hear a good amount of non-English languages like Spanish, Chinese, French and also German. People from Barbados make a significant part of immigrants in Canada. If curious to visit the Caribbean island, prepare for your trip at www.barbadostravelform.us.

In terms of religion again people have the freedom to practice any type of religion that they like to follow. The vast majority is Christian but all the other main religions as well as their sub-branches are present.

 

Food and eating are the other most popular examples of influence. Along with the iconic American food the hamburger, and hotdogs, the meat loaves, cheese and macaroni, the potato chips are part of the usual American meal. The Mexican touch can be found in the chilly dips and the burritos. Likewise, the different regions of the USA have their own influences when it comes to making food.

 

In terms of the national events and the occasions that call for holidays and the dates that are celebrated by the nation as a whole will include the dates of the National Independence Day, the birthdays of the important and iconic Presidents, the Thanksgiving Day, and so on.

 

Christmas – This is one of the most important holidays for the Americans. Along with the rich decorations indoors and outdoors, the stockings on the fireplace, and the gingerbread and the cinnamon cookies, the family gathering makes Christmas the most heartwarming holiday that is now celebrated beyond its religious bounds.

 

Valentine’s Day – This is a celebration that although did not originate in USA has become one of the most loved holidays in the USA. Started with a Saint in Italy who secretly married Christian couples in the III century and then killed for this, today, the name of Saint Valentine is linked to all those who wish to show their affections to their loved ones.

 

Independence Day – The 4^th of July is basically a day for fireworks and barbeque with friends. However, this is one of the most important civil holidays in the USA as on this date, back in 1776, the then 13 American colonies proclaimed their independence from Great Britain and the British Monarchy.

 

See also: How to avoid being refused the Canadian online travel permit and what to do if you are not allowed to travel with an eTA?

 

Halloween – Originated from the British islands, today Halloween is one of the most popular holidays on Earth mainly due to the way it is celebrated in the USA. From “Happy Halloween” to the candies chase and the rich costumes and parties, the American way of celebrating Halloween has been copies by almost all the Europeans.

 

Fortunately, although during the years both Canada and the United States of America have welcomed thousands of immigrants with their culture and beliefs, the customs of the native people have not been erased. The way of life of the today’s citizens reflects the rich culture and customs of all the ethnic groups that have once settled roots on this land.