NORFOLK, Va. — George Washington, much like his fellow Founding Fathers, was not particularly fond of the idea of celebrating his own life publicly. As the first president of the United States and a figurehead for a fledgling nation, he maintained a distinct separation from the notion of monarchy. Yet, this Monday marks 293 years since his birth, prompting the nation to once again honor its inaugural leader.
The significance of Presidents Day has transformed significantly. What once was a relatively uncelebrated occasion filled with work for Washington has morphed into a day typified by consumerism and sales events. Some historians suggest that the original essence of the holiday has been nearly lost, overshadowed by a focus on commercial gain.
Historian Alexis Coe, who wrote “You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington,” draws a parallel between Presidents Day and the imposing monument in Washington D.C. bearing his name. “While it’s intended to honor Washington, can you honestly point to anything that captures his essence?” she remarked. “Contrast that with Jefferson and Lincoln, who are represented with distinct identities and ideas tied to their memorials, while Washington is reduced to an undetailed, granite structure.”
As we reflect on the evolution of this celebration, it’s worth noting that Washington’s birthdays were acknowledged, albeit informally, during his lifetime. Born on February 22, 1732, at Popes Creek Plantation in Virginia, he initially celebrated his birthday according to the Julian calendar, which was in use until 1752. By adopting the Gregorian calendar, his birthday effectively gained eleven additional days.
Despite this, Washington himself paid little concern to birthday celebrations, as indicated by historical records from Mount Vernon. His contemporaries in government did take note of his birthday during his presidency, but these observances were not consistent. According to Coe, during his final birthday in office, he faced diminishing popularity and increasing political rivalries that led many to openly disregard the occasion.
After Washington’s passing in 1799, a wave of interest in memorabilia related to him emerged. His legacy quickly sparked a market for items like pottery and prints depicting him in a grandiose manner, portraying him almost as an iconic figure heading to the heavens. “From the very beginning, there was a blending of patriotism and consumer culture,” noted history professor Seth Bruggeman.
The effort to officially celebrate Washington’s birthday took shape much later. In 1832, a congressional committee was formed to coordinate national celebrations on the centennial of his birth. It wasn’t until 1879 that his birthday was established as a federal holiday in the District of Columbia, albeit still known formally as Washington’s Birthday.
Over the years, Presidents Day has loosely come to celebrate other presidents as well, particularly Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is close in date. While some states commemorate both leaders, on a federal level, the holiday retains its official designation as Washington’s Birthday.
By the late 1960s, Washington’s Birthday was among nine federal holidays moved to a specific Monday to create long weekends. This shift, governed by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971, was partly driven by economic factors, promoting retail sales and leisure travel. Consequently, Presidents Day falls on the third Monday of February, transforming into a day filled with sales promotions.
Bruggeman expressed concern that both Washington and his contemporaries would be alarmed at the holiday’s commercial hijacking. He pointed out, “They harbored worries about the rising influence of corporations because they saw them as entities that could threaten the Republic’s integrity.”
Coe reflected on how, in contemporary society, the day lacks the traditions or moments of meaningful reflection originally intended. She argued that given today’s political landscape—comprising widespread skepticism toward the presidency—a period of contemplation might be particularly beneficial on this day.
