The Significance Of Inauguration Day In The US And How To Navigate Change In Leadership
The United States holds a presidential election every four years. After this election, Inauguration Day is celebrated on January 20th to celebrate the official starting day of office for the new U.S. president and vice president. Inauguration Day has a long history in the United States, with rich traditions and connections to democracy. Below, explore the significance and ways to navigate a change in leadership, including when changes might impact laws that directly impact your safety.
What is Inauguration Day?
According to the US government, Inauguration Day is a holiday celebrating the moment when the president-elect and vice-president-elect are sworn into office. This day usually occurs on January 20th but may be scheduled for January 21st if the 20th is a Sunday. Each year, an inauguration ceremony takes place at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., where the president and vice president take an oath of office and are sworn in. This oath has been used since 1884.
The history of Inauguration Day and its traditions
The first non-official Inauguration Day and inauguration ceremony occurred with the first president of the United States, George Washington, in 1789 after his election in April of that year. After Washington arrived in New York City, a celebration was held on April 30th to inaugurate the new president and vice president. George Washington made the first oath, which continues to be repeated by presidents to this day: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” He also prepared an inaugural address, which new presidents have read every inauguration since then. After his address, the first inauguration swearing-in ceremony was held. Later, an official presidential inaugural committee was formed alongside a joint congressional committee to streamline the process.
Other traditions of Inauguration Day and public inaugural ceremonies include being sworn in at the Capitol in Washington D.C., the first Inaugural Parade, and the inaugural open house. The open house allows the invited guests to meet the president after they are sworn into office and take the presidential oath at the presidential reviewing stand in front of the chief justice of the Supreme Court.
Celebrations may occur after, including the Inaugural Ball, which hasn’t occurred for every inauguration but is sometimes repeated since its beginning at the inauguration of James Madison, America’s fourth president. In the 21st century, tickets to the inauguration can be purchased, and individuals can watch the festivities in person.
The symbolic importance of Inauguration Day
Several symbolic gestures have arisen from the tradition of Inauguration Day. Several presidents made these gestures during past ceremonies to connect with the times and events happening during those years. For example, Abraham Lincoln had a parade in 1861 during the Civil War featuring one float holding 34 young girls, each representing one of each state in the US that upheld the Constitution and Union. In 1969, President Richard Nixon limited military presence in the parade to avoid harm to those who the Vietnam War had negatively impacted. Finally, President William Henry Harrison gave the longest inaugural address ever recorded, which was 8,445 words long.
The connection between Inauguration Day and democracy in the US
Democracy has been a driving point in US politics since the beginning, as the founding fathers wanted a country where the people could make a difference in the laws being passed and the people who were elected. Although the voting process has changed significantly since the 1700s, the US has upheld a somewhat democratic style of elections since the beginning. The inauguration is meant to be a day to celebrate this democracy and to allow the people to celebrate those they elected into office. However, in recent years, more people have been struggling with political divides and worries about the democratic process, as they perceive they are limited to a two-party system, which may not represent the voices of all voters.
The mental health impacts of the entrance of new leadership in the US
Elections have always evoked intense feelings among US citizens. However, recent elections have started to be more closely tied to mental health outcomes. With a more intense political divide, more people are expressing black-and-white opinions, and political outcomes are having a more intense impact on people’s quality of life and safety within the US. In 2024, political concerns were the number one stressor on Americans’ list for the Stress in America survey. Stress can also lead to higher rates of physical health conditions like cardiovascular disease and mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Some people may face post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being directly impacted by a change in laws caused by a change in leadership that has led to them experiencing a traumatic event.
Coping with a change in leadership for your mental wellness
If you’re struggling with your mental health during this time, you’re not alone. The inauguration is not a celebratory time for everyone. Below are some steps you can take to care for yourself.
Take a break from news and social media
Give yourself a break from inaugural events by avoiding news sources and social media profiles that share a lot about politics or Inauguration Day on this day or for a week after. Giving yourself some time away can allow you to prepare yourself mentally for the change and to work through challenging emotions. You may also use this time to make plans for yourself if you’ve decided to move to a different state or country due to a change in leadership. In addition, try to practice self-care, be gentle with yourself, and validate your emotional response, even if others don’t understand.
Write or vent about your emotions in a journal or on a device
Studies have found that expressive writing can improve mental health. Expressive writing includes journaling, writing poetry, or writing how you feel on your notes app on your phone. However, you can also benefit from emotional expression by venting over audio or video. If you don’t like writing, consider recording a video of yourself talking about everything you think and feel. The video doesn’t have to be shared with anyone but is a way to get your thoughts out without worrying about grammar, spelling, or writing techniques.
Surround yourself with people who lighten your environment
Other people, especially loved ones, may have strong opinions about the new leadership that doesn’t fit yours. Try to remain around people who lighten your environment, respect your identity, and treat you with respect, regardless of the political outcomes. Set boundaries with those in your life who frequently bring up political discussions or try to argue with you. Let them know you need space, and if they’re unable to give you space from political discussions, it’s okay to take time away from them to care for your mental health.
Consider activism
Activism is a way for people to make a change when they don’t like something happening in the government. Protests, non-profits, and activism groups are all ways to get involved. Consider joining a group near you or organizing a protest or gathering. If you feel unsafe in your city, you can consider donating to organizations you support, calling government members to talk about your opinion of bills that might be passed, voting in primaries, and signing up for online volunteer or activism opportunities. You can also sign petitions, share other people’s posts on social media, and talk about your feelings online.
The importance of feeling your emotions after election results
After an election or the presidential inauguration, you might be tempted to ignore the reality of the situation, shut off your emotions, and go about life as usual. Although emotional suppression can be a tool to cope with challenging moments, studies show it is directly harmful to mental and physical health. Feeling your feelings can help you release difficult ones and find time for productive forms of resistance, such as activism.
When safety is in question: How to protect yourself under new leadership
Some people may face presidential decisions that may impact their safety. For example, a president may send a potential law to Congress that could harm someone based on their identity. Previous laws that have harmed people include laws regarding race and slavery in the Civil War era, which made it legal for Black people to be enslaved in the US.
Other groups that have previously and currently faced potential harm include those in the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, those living in poverty, other people of color (POC), Indigenous tribes and individuals, and people with disabilities. When beliefs are mentioned by political candidates regarding social welfare, identity, and humanity, people may fear for their reality in the country they live in. Because the U.S. has had damaging moments historically, some wonder whether a change in leadership could mean the same for the future.
Below are a few ways to protect yourself if you are part of a marginalized identity group:
- Distance yourself from those who openly support laws that could harm you
- Consider moving to a new location if you live somewhere where state laws already exist that harm you
- Reach out to advocacy groups that work with people from your identity group
- Call a hotline for support if you’re in a crisis
- Ask for help from loved ones to ensure your safety
- Consider joining in on activism efforts in your area or elsewhere
- Don’t share your identity if it would put you in danger
- Consider talking to an accepting and compassionate therapist
Mental health support options
Political anxiety, depression, stress, and other related mental health challenges can be difficult to cope with. If you’re struggling with your mental health this Inauguration Day or at any point, you may benefit from speaking to a therapist. During a difficult time, having some degree of separation during therapy may be helpful. In these cases, talking to a provider through an online platform like BetterHelp can be an accessible way to receive care from home.
Through an online platform, you can talk to a therapist via phone, video, or live chat and set sessions at a time that works for you. In addition, you can access unique resources like journaling prompts, support groups, and worksheets that can be helpful when processing your emotions or thoughts. Studies also back up the effectiveness of online therapy, with one study showing that 71% of participants found online therapy more effective than in-person alternatives.
Takeaway
Inauguration Day is a U.S. holiday celebrating the first day of the presidency of the vice president and president of the United States every four years. There will not be a second ceremony if the outgoing president or former president is re-elected. People can buy tickets to attend the inaugural ceremonies and inaugural address. However, not everyone celebrates the inauguration. Regardless of which presidential candidate won, people may face fears about the future. If you’re struggling this year, consider seeking support from a therapist online or in your area. You’re not alone, and your feelings are valid.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic.
When is Inauguration Day?
Inauguration Day is regularly scheduled every four years on January 20. If January 20 falls on a Sunday, Inauguration Day occurs on January 21. When January 20 falls on a Sunday, the President takes the oath discreetly and is sworn in that day, but retakes the oath in a public ceremony the following day. As Inauguration Day is a federal holiday, federal employees receive the day off.
What events take place on Inauguration Day?
The most notable event occurring on Inauguration Day is the presidential inauguration ceremony, during which the incoming presidents (the vice-president-elect and president-elect) are sworn into office. This is broadcast nationally in a television broadcast by multiple major networks.
On the same day, after the President has taken the oath of office and delivered an Inaugural address, they attend the traditional Inaugural Luncheon and move into the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. The President’s first official actions take place in the President’s Room, which is located near the Senate Chamber on Capitol grounds.
Often, inaugural balls are held in the evening as well. According to the White House Historical Association, the first inaugural ball took place in 1809 to honor President James Madison, with the President invited alongside approximately 400 guests.
What are some fun facts about Inauguration Day?
President James K. Polk was featured in the first-known newspaper illustration of the Presidential Inauguration, which depicted the President sworn into office. This first newspaper illustration was followed by many more.
As President Abraham Lincoln was sworn into office for his second term in 1865, African Americans participated in the Inaugural parade for the first time.
President George Washington was sworn in as the nation’s first president on the second-floor balcony of the original Federal Hall.
The inaugural ball for President Garfield was the first event held in the new United States National Museum building.
Ever since 1981, the Inauguration Ceremony has taken place at the Capitol’s west front, facing the National Mall.
The oath read by the President as they are sworn into office reads, “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day takes place around the same time as Inauguration Day, on the third Monday in January. Sometimes, these two federal holidays take place on the same day.
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