America’s culture is rich with unique traditions that often appear peculiar to those from other parts of the world. From the frenzied shopping of Black Friday to the elaborate rites of college fraternities and sororities, these customs can be as bewildering as they are fascinating. In this guide, we explore 19 such American traditions, shedding light on everything from the lavish celebration of Prom Night to the peculiar practice of presidential turkey pardoning. These customs, steeped in history and local culture, offer a snapshot of the varied and sometimes mystifying ways in which Americans celebrate, commemorate, and come together.
1. Black Friday Madness
Image Credit: Shutterstock / DC Studio
The day after Thanksgiving sees Americans lining up before dawn to score discounted goods, often leading to chaotic scenes of shopping frenzy.
2. Super Bowl Sunday
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rawpixel.com
Beyond just a football game, this day is marked by extravagant parties, over-the-top commercials, and the infamous halftime show, making it a uniquely American spectacle.
3. College Fraternities and Sororities
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fitzcrittle
Greek life on college campuses involves elaborate initiation rituals, strict hierarchies, and a strong sense of brotherhood or sisterhood, which can seem strange to those outside the system.
4. Tailgating
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images
Pre-game parties in stadium parking lots involve grilling, drinking, and socializing, creating a unique sports-watching experience that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
5. Tipping Culture
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kamil Zajaczkowski
Americans often tip service workers, from waitstaff to baristas, as a way to supplement their income, a practice that can be confusing or even offensive in other countries where service charges are included.
6. Fourth of July Celebrations
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sal Augruso
Independence Day festivities include fireworks, barbecues, and parades, all centered around commemorating America’s birth as a nation.
7. Prom Night
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roman Samborskyi
A rite of passage for American teenagers, prom involves elaborate formalwear, corsages, and dancing, with some schools even electing prom kings and queens.
8. Halloween Trick-Or-Treating
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rawpixel.com
Children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door collecting candy, a tradition that can seem strange to those unfamiliar with the holiday’s origins.
9. Thanksgiving Turkeys
Image Credit: Shutterstock / LightField Studios
The centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal, roasted turkeys are often so large that they boggle the minds of non-Americans, who may wonder how anyone could eat such a massive bird.
10. Pledge of Allegiance
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dennis MacDonald
Reciting this pledge in schools is a daily ritual for many American children, instilling a sense of patriotism that can seem excessive to outsiders.
11. State Fairs`
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ronnie Chua
These annual events feature bizarre attractions like butter sculptures and deep-fried foods, showcasing a unique blend of Americana and eccentricity.
12. Presidential Pardoning of Turkeys
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tory Kallman
Each year, the president ceremoniously spares a turkey from the Thanksgiving dinner table, a tradition that has its roots in folklore but can seem odd to those outside the U.S.
13. Baby Showers
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Larysa Vasylenko
Expectant mothers are showered with gifts and well-wishes at these celebratory events, which can seem overly extravagant to those from cultures with different traditions around childbirth.
14. Homecoming
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ruth Peterkin
High school and college students celebrate the return of alumni with spirited events like pep rallies, football games, and dances, showcasing a strong sense of school pride.
15. Groundhog Day
Image Credit: Shutterstock / marekuliasz
Every February 2nd, Americans eagerly await the prediction of Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog said to forecast the arrival of spring, a tradition that might leave non-Americans scratching their heads.
16. Sweet Sixteen Parties
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alexmegapixel
Lavish celebrations to mark a girl’s 16th birthday, complete with extravagant gifts and elaborate parties, can seem excessive to those from cultures with different coming-of-age traditions.
17. County Fairs
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture
These rural gatherings feature contests like pie-eating and pig races, offering a glimpse into Americana that can be puzzling to outsiders.
18. High School Graduation Ceremonies
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Prostock-studio
With caps, gowns, and diplomas, these ceremonies often involve speeches, processions, and pomp and circumstance, symbolizing the culmination of years of academic achievement.
19. Ingrained in American Culture
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rawpixel.com
These traditions, while deeply ingrained in American culture, can be perplexing to those from outside the country, highlighting the unique quirks and customs that make America what it is.
More Articles Like This…
Mastering Underwater Photography on Your Travels
One Day in…Ayutthaya, Thailand
Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations According to Tripadvisor 2024
The post 19 Bizarre American Traditions That Leave Foreigners Scratching Their Heads! was republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Hamara.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.
