What is the History of Presidents' Day?
Learn about the history of Presidents' Day, an American holiday that is popularly recognized as honoring presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who were both born in February.
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Transcript
Presidents’ Day
Just the Facts
Presidents’ Day celebrates the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Observed annually on the third Monday in February, it is also sometimes understood as a celebration of the birthdays and lives of all American presidents.
Its origin lies in the 1880s, when Washington’s birthday was first celebrated as a federal holiday.
During debates about a new bill that would move many federal holidays to Mondays, it was suggested that the celebration of Washington’s birthday be combined with Lincoln’s and that the holiday be renamed Presidents’ Day. That name change was rejected.
But when the bill became law in the early 1970s, Presidents’ Day became the commonly accepted name anyway, since Washington was born on February 22 and Lincoln on February 12 and the holiday falls between their birthdays.
Today, Presidents’ Day is celebrated with public ceremonies, political speeches, and holiday sales from retailers.
Curious about another holiday’s origin? Ask your questions at beyond.britannica.com.
Just the Facts
Presidents’ Day celebrates the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Observed annually on the third Monday in February, it is also sometimes understood as a celebration of the birthdays and lives of all American presidents.
Its origin lies in the 1880s, when Washington’s birthday was first celebrated as a federal holiday.
During debates about a new bill that would move many federal holidays to Mondays, it was suggested that the celebration of Washington’s birthday be combined with Lincoln’s and that the holiday be renamed Presidents’ Day. That name change was rejected.
But when the bill became law in the early 1970s, Presidents’ Day became the commonly accepted name anyway, since Washington was born on February 22 and Lincoln on February 12 and the holiday falls between their birthdays.
Today, Presidents’ Day is celebrated with public ceremonies, political speeches, and holiday sales from retailers.
Curious about another holiday’s origin? Ask your questions at beyond.britannica.com.