From the 4th of July to Bastille Day: How France and America reinvent their nations through ritual

The article explores how the United States and France use national holidays like the 4th of July and Bastille Day to redefine their identities and values, emphasizing their foundational principles over ethnic ties. These celebrations reflect deeper tensions about democratic narratives and national identity, revealing how these nations grapple with contemporary crises. The significance lies in understanding how these rituals shape and are shaped by the evolving socio-political landscapes, highlighting a broader global trend in the use of tradition to navigate modern challenges.