17 Unusual American Traditions You May Not Know About
America is a melting pot of cultures, and with that comes a mix of unique and sometimes unusual traditions. These customs might seem strange to outsiders, but they hold special meaning for those who celebrate them. From quirky holidays to regional practices, these traditions add to the rich tapestry of American culture. Here are 17 American traditions that you might not know about, but are definitely worth learning.
1. Supersize Food Portions
In the USA, food portions are notoriously large. This extends from fast food joints to upscale restaurants. The ‘supersize’ culture is particularly prominent in fast food, where for just a few extra cents, customers can significantly increase the size of their meals.
2. Tipping Culture
Tipping is deeply ingrained in American society. It’s customary to tip not just restaurant servers, but also baristas, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff, among others. This practice can be puzzling to visitors from countries where tipping is not the norm.
3. Sales Tax Not Included in Price Tags
In most states, the price tags on items do not include sales tax. This means the price you see on the shelf is not the final price you pay at the checkout. The sales tax is added on at the register, which can be confusing for visitors.
4. Pledge of Allegiance in Schools
Many schools across the USA start the day with students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, a practice that might seem unusual to those from other countries. This daily ritual is a unique aspect of American patriotism.
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5. Baby Showers
A baby shower is a party thrown for a woman who is expecting a baby, where guests bring gifts for the mother-to-be and the unborn child. This custom, while spreading to other cultures, has its roots in the USA and is a significant event in many American families.
6. Black Friday Shopping
The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Retailers offer significant discounts, leading to frenzied shopping sprees, long lines, and, in some cases, chaos in stores.
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7. College Sports Fanaticism
The level of enthusiasm for college sports, particularly football and basketball, is exceptionally high in the USA. College games often attract as much attention and fervor as professional sports, which is unusual compared to other countries.
8. Prescription Drug Advertisements
In the USA, it’s common to see advertisements for prescription drugs on television, a practice that is banned or highly restricted in most other countries. These ads often list potential side effects in detail, creating an unusual viewing experience for non-Americans.
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9. Peanut Butter Obsession
Peanut butter is a staple in American pantries, and the USA consumes more peanut butter than any other country. This obsession with peanut butter, particularly in combination with jelly, is a culinary quirk specific to American culture.
10. The Imperial Measurement System
While most of the world uses the metric system, the USA still predominantly uses the imperial system for measurement. This means distances are in miles, temperatures in Fahrenheit, and weight in pounds, which can be confusing for visitors.
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11. Overzealous Air Conditioning
In many parts of the USA, air conditioning is used extensively, often set to temperatures that visitors from other countries might find excessively cold, especially in public places like malls, offices, and movie theaters.
12. Extreme Halloween Celebrations
Halloween is taken very seriously in the USA, with elaborate decorations, costumes, and parties. This level of enthusiasm for Halloween is not commonly found in other countries.
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13. 24/7 Open Stores
The concept of stores, particularly pharmacies and grocery stores, being open 24/7 is a distinctly American custom. This convenience is something many Americans take for granted but is unusual in many parts of the world.
14. Drive-Thru Everything
The USA loves its drive-thrus. Beyond just fast food, there are drive-thru banks, pharmacies, coffee shops, and even liquor stores. This convenience culture is a unique aspect of American life.
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15. Jaywalking Laws
In many American cities, jaywalking, or crossing the street outside of a crosswalk, is illegal. This is strictly enforced in some areas, which can be a surprise to visitors from countries where jaywalking is more common and less regulated.
16. Cheerleading
Cheerleading, complete with pompoms, acrobatics, and chants, is a unique American creation. While it has spread to other countries, its prominence and competitive nature in American culture, especially in schools and colleges, is particularly notable.
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17. Rehearsal Dinners Before Weddings
It’s customary in the USA to have a rehearsal dinner the night before a wedding. This dinner, which is almost as significant as the wedding itself, is a chance for the wedding party and close family to gather before the big day.
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