If you doubt this statement, visit any supermarket or store and take note of the large amount of shelf space dedicated to cleaning and personal hygiene products. The celebration of some of U.S. holidays has been moved to the Monday nearest the date of the event which the holiday commemorates. Many businesses, schools and government offices close to observe legal holidays. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 day period of penitence and fasting in Christian denominations. On this day some Christians attend a church service where a small smudge of ash is placed on their foreheads - symbolizing man s return to dust.
Children wear costumes and masks and knock on neighbor s doors for candy or fruit.
Black and orange are the colors used for decorations - witches, black cats and ghosts are the symbols of the day. Thanksgiving dinner usually includes turkey, pumpkin pie and other foods that the pilgrims ate on the first Thanksgiving Day.