It's OK to admit we're weird
Luck of the Irish
It doesn't matter in the U.S. if you're Irish when it comes to St. Patrick's Day. The holiday, celebrated every March 17 after being brought over by Irish immigrants, is responsible for the American tradition of wearing green for good luck. While it's not too weird to wear the color, the tradition of pinching people who aren't wearing green is.
Wearing the Flag
Speaking of wearing things, the U.S. has an annoyingly weird tradition of wearing flag-inspired clothes during patriotic holidays like the 4th of July, Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. Based on the U.S. Flag Code, the tradition of wearing this style of clothing is technically a violation, although you can't be arrested for it. For the record, some people say flag-inspired clothing is perfectly respectable, as long as it's not made from an actual flag.
Celebrating on Memorial Day
Every year, on the last Monday in May, our nation observes Memorial Day. The holiday was established in 1971 to honor military members who have died in service to our country. What makes it so strange is that many Americans treat the day like a celebration, saying things like "Happy Memorial Day!" while throwing backyard BBQs loaded with flag-themed foods and decor. Perhaps they're confusing the day with Veteran's Day, where we thank military members and veterans for their service.
An egg-hiding, house-invading rabbit
How does this tradition even make sense? Every Easter, American families celebrate a combination of the coming of spring and the resurrection of Jesus by telling our kids that a life-size bunny is going to break into our homes, hide colorful eggs (that we have to make) and leave them baskets full of fake grass, toys and candy. Yeah, sounds legit to us.
Speaking of eggs ...
Can we focus on this bizarre tradition for just a second? Have you ever wondered why we boil eggs (and make our house smell like farts for days) and then dye them bright colors, only to hide them outside, let our kids find them and then, well, eat them? Rumor has it the tradition was contrived from its probable pagan roots by the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, which believed dying eggs red was symbolic of the blood of Jesus. Cracking the eggs was meant to honor his resurrection. Obviously, we've adapted the tradition a bit over the years.
Carving faces into pumpkins
What is our fascination with pumpkins? They're not even that tasty! (Except pumpkin pie, that's the best.) Imagine how weird it must be to visit the U.S. in October and see, to your horror, doorsteps lined with terrifying, jaggedy-toothed faces taunting those who walk by. It turns out the jack-o'-lantern tradition actually isn't American at all. Irish immigrants brought the tradition of lighting carved-out turnips to ward away evil spirits. Since pumpkins were plentiful in the U.S., they took the turnips' place.
