Join WhatsApp Channel
Join Telegram ChannelThe 4th of July is celebrated every year as people across our country wave their American flag for Independence Day.
Barbecues, boats and beers are often associated with summer vacations, but American holidays also have a rich history, commemorating America's independence.
“Happy 4th of July” is a popular saying among patriots on this day, but there are also other unique expressions with interesting origins.
WHY DO WE SAY “POKER FACE” AND OTHER POPULAR EXPRESSIONS? HERE ARE 3 IDIOMS AND THEIR ORIGINS
Why do we say “Have a Yankee Doodle Day” and “Home of the Brave,” for example?
Here are three idioms related to the Fourth of July with interesting national stories.
July 4 is celebrated every year to commemorate the founding of America. (iStock)
3 popular sayings around the 4th of July
1. “Have a Yankee Doodle Day”
A “dandy Yankee doodle” was originally a term used in the 1770s: “Yankee” meaning an American colonist and “doodle” meaning a fool.
WHY DO WE SAY “ALL HANDS ON DECK” AND OTHER POPULAR EXPRESSIONS? 3 FUNNY EXPRESSIONS WITH UNIQUE MEANINGS
Over the years, the song “Yankee Doodle” grew in popularity, particularly during the battles of Lexington and Concord.
That's when “patriotic colonists defeated the British soldiers” and sang the tune, according to the Golder Lehrman Institute of American History.
“Have a Yankee Doodle Day” is a popular phrase that some people use on the Fourth of July. (iStock)
The song was also often used as a joke about the way certain people would dress and the emphasis they would place on their appearance.
“IF THE SHOE FITS” AND OTHER POPULAR PHRASES: WHERE DO THEY COME FROM? 3 FUN ORIGIN STORIES
Telling people to “have a Yankee Doodle day” is essentially telling them to enjoy their holiday in whatever style they want.
2. “Happy Birthday, America”
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of the United States of America.
The 13 North American colonies would secede from Britain, as Britannica noted.
“Happy Birthday, America!” is a popular expression used every year to celebrate Independence Day. (iStock)
From that day on, July 4 was celebrated as America's birthday – which is why people say “Happy Birthday, America” on this day of celebration.
AMERICA WILL CELEBRATE ITS 250TH ANNIVERSARY AND EVERYONE IS INVITED: “BE INSPIRED FOR OUR COUNTRY’S FUTURE”
This year, America will turn 248 on July 4.
3. “The House of the Brave”
The popular phrase “Home of the Brave” is most recognizable as a lyric from “The Star-Spangled Banner” – with a rich American history.
ON JULY 4, “REMEMBER THE BLESSING OF LIVING IN THE MOST FREE AND PROSPEROUS SOCIETY ON EARTH”
An American lawyer and poet named Francis Scott Key is believed to have written a poem that would eventually be “The Star-Spangled Banner” as we know it.
Key was aboard a British ship negotiating for the release of a prisoner when he was forced to spend a night on the enemy ship, according to the New Jersey State Bar Foundation.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
During this period, he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry before seeing the American flag still standing the next day, September 18, 1814, during the War of 1812.
“Home of the Brave” appears in “The Star-Spangled Banner,” our national anthem. (iStock)
Key was so moved by the sight that he decided to write a poem based on what he saw called “Defense of Fort McHenry,” what we know as “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
For more lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews/lifestyle
In the poem, the lyrics “Home of the Brave” are written – and now sung daily – to represent the brave soldiers who fought for America.
In 1931, Congress passed a bill to make “The Star-Spangled Banner” the national anthem, according to the Kennedy Center — and it was signed by President Herbert Hoover.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
The flag raised on Fort McHenry at first light on September 14 occupies a place of honor at the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. It is known as the Grand Garrison Flag.
Kerry J. Byrne of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.