George Washington was the first president of the country between 1789 and 1797, and the celebration of his birth had a particularity that is still enjoyed today
On the third Monday of February, the United States celebrates the day of its, so far, 46 presidents with a holiday, although it does not apply in all states of the country.
The commemoration of this day is given by the celebration of the birthday of George Washingtonalthough there is not so much precision in the date.
Washington was actually born on February 11, 1732. At least that’s how the Julian calendar in use at the time recorded him; however, by 1752 when England and the colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar, his birthday was moved to February 22.
(You may be interested in: Holidays in the US for workers and students to take a break this 2023)
The explanation is that in the Gregorian calendar a day is added to the calendar every four years to synchronize it with the solar year, and these are considered leap days or years.
That is why, remember CNN“Americans celebrated Washington’s birthday on both dates during his presidency between 1789 and 1797.”
The outlet notes that “in 1885, February 22 was established as a holiday for Washington’s birthday,” but 100 years later andCongress considered that they should combine the celebrations of Washington’s birthday with that of Abraham Lincoln, who was born on February 12..
Thus, talk of a holiday for Presidents’ Day began, but it did not become official because it was not approved in the vote.
(You may be interested in: Bad news for undocumented immigrants in the US: immigration reform will take a long time…)
However, in 1968 Congress did approve the Law on Holiday Mondays and since 1971 the commemoration for the birth of Washington has been set on the third Monday of Februaryand the holiday can vary between February 15 and 21 each year.
What states have the holiday today?
Since it was never made official, in some areas of the country they celebrate only Washington’s birthday, others also celebrate it for Lincoln and in some states they celebrate both or neither.
For example, it is Presidents’ Day in Alaska, Idaho, Maryland, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wyoming, Hawaii, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, and Washington, but it’s only President’s Day in Nevada, New Jersey, and Oregon.
(You may be interested: Colombians find a gold mine in the US with a “low-risk, high-profit business”)
AS picks up as well as all the options that are contemplated in other states:
- In Alabama George Washington/Thomas Jefferson’s birthday is observed.
- In Arizonait’s Lincoln/Washington Day and Presidents Day.
- In Arkansasboth George Washington’s birthday and Daisy Bates Day are recognized, honoring the late civil rights advocate.
- Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New York recognize it as Washington’s birthday.
- Maine he observes it as Washington’s birthday or President’s Day.
- Minnesota he recognizes it as Washington and Lincoln’s birthday.
- In Montana Lincoln and Washington’s birthday is celebrated.
- Ohio celebrate Washington-Lincoln Day.
- In Utahis known as Washington and Lincoln Day.
- Virginiawhere Washington lived, uses George Washington Day.
- In Georgia Washington’s birthday is recognized, but this 2023 will be observed until Tuesday, December 26.
- In Californiathe holiday is classified simply as “the third Monday in February.”
- Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin do not observe Presidents’ Day or George Washington’s birthday as a state holiday at all.
