America is known for its melting pot of cultures, but some traditions in the USA might make you do a double-take. From cheese-rolling contests to turkey pardoning, these customs can seem pretty weird to outsiders.
I’ve rounded up 18 of the most bizarre American traditions that’ll make you say, “Wait, that’s a thing?”
Groundhog Day
Every February 2nd, people wait for a groundhog to predict the weather. If the groundhog sees its shadow, there’ll be six more weeks of winter. If not, spring will come early. The most famous groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil from Pennsylvania. Thousands of people gather to watch this furry forecaster do his job.
Turkey Pardoning
Each Thanksgiving, the US President “pardons” a live turkey, saving it from becoming dinner. This odd tradition started in the 1940s but became official in 1989. The lucky bird gets to live out its days on a farm instead of a plate. It’s a lighthearted moment in the middle of serious politics.
Mardi Gras
New Orleans goes wild for this pre-Lenten celebration. People wear crazy costumes, throw beads, and party in the streets. There are parades with elaborate floats and music everywhere. It’s like Halloween, New Year’s, and a birthday party all rolled into one big, colorful mess.
Black Friday
The day after Thanksgiving, stores offer huge sales. People camp outside shops and sometimes fight over deals. It’s known for long lines and crowded malls. Some folks love the thrill of bargain hunting, while others think it’s just plain crazy.
Tailgating
Before big sports games, fans gather in parking lots to eat, drink, and party. They set up grills, play games, and hang out by their cars (thus “tailgating”). It’s like a picnic, but with team jerseys and face paint. Sometimes, the tailgate party is more fun than the game itself!
Prom
This high school dance is a big deal in American culture. Students spend lots of money on fancy clothes, limos, and flowers. There’s usually a king and queen crowned at the event. For many teens, it’s seen as a rite of passage into adulthood.
Homecoming
Colleges and high schools celebrate this tradition each fall. It usually involves a football game, a dance, and the crowning of a homecoming court. Alumni come back to join the fun. It’s a way to show school spirit and welcome former students back “home.”
Super Bowl Sunday
The championship game of American football is practically a national holiday. Even people who don’t like sports often watch the commercials and halftime shows. There are parties with special snacks and drinks. Some companies even give their workers the next day off!
Trick-or-Treating
On Halloween, kids dress up in costumes and go door-to-door asking for candy. They say “trick or treat,” and neighbors give them sweets. It’s like free candy day for kids. Some adults get into it as well, decorating their houses and dressing up to hand out treats.
Polar Bear Plunge
In various places, people jump into freezing water on New Year’s Day. It’s supposed to be refreshing and start the year off with a splash. Some do it for charity, others for the thrill. Participants often wear funny costumes before taking the icy dip.
Butter Sculptures
At some state fairs, artists create huge sculptures made entirely of butter. These can be anything from cows to famous people. They’re kept in refrigerated cases so they don’t melt. It’s art you can eat (but probably shouldn’t).
Punkin Chunkin
People build machines to launch pumpkins as far as possible. It’s part engineering contest, part wacky fall festival. Some pumpkins fly over 4,000 feet! It’s a fun way to get rid of leftover Halloween pumpkins.
Burning Man
This weeklong event in the Nevada desert is part art festival, part social experiment. People build a temporary city and create huge art installations. At the end, they burn a giant wooden man statue. It’s all about self-expression and leaving no trace behind.
Cheese Rolling
In some parts of the country, people chase a wheel of cheese down a steep hill. The first person to catch the cheese wins it. It’s dangerous and silly, but people love it. Participants often end up rolling down the hill themselves.
Sadie Hawkins Dance
At this school dance, girls ask boys to be their dates instead of the other way around. It’s based on an old comic strip character. Some see it as outdated, but others enjoy the role reversal. It’s often a more casual dance than prom.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties
People wear the most outrageous, tacky Christmas sweaters they can find. The uglier, the better. There are often contests for the worst sweater. It’s a fun way to laugh at over-the-top holiday fashion.
Groundhog Day Movie Marathons
Some TV stations play the movie “Groundhog Day” over and over on February 2nd. The movie is about a man living the same day repeatedly. Watching it on repeat is like living the movie in real life. It’s a meta tradition that plays with the movie’s theme.
Shooting Guns on New Year’s Eve
In some rural areas, people fire guns into the air at midnight on New Year’s Eve. It’s supposed to be celebratory, like fireworks. But it’s also dangerous and illegal in many places. Most people stick to safer ways to ring in the new year.
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