1

Mr. Peanut

Image: Tom Hermans

As familiar as snacking on a handful of peanuts, Mr. Peanut is a beloved symbol for us all. Incredibly, despite being a successful and recognizable character, Mr. Peanut's design only cost $5!

That's right, Planters Company created a contest in 1916 to find the ideal mascot. And guess who won? A 14-year-old boy! Antonio Gentile received $5 in exchange for his cute peanut-bodied mascot, to which the top hat and monocle were later added. Not only is his appearance sophisticated, but his name is, too. Mr. Peanut's full name is Bartholomew Richard Fitzgerald-Smythe. Fancy, right?

2

Tony the Tiger

Image: Sten Ritterfeld

One of the most famous felines, Tony the Tiger , the mascot of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal , first appeared in a TV commercial in 1952, more than 70 years ago!

Despite his age, Tony still embodies the ideas of strength and energy that the brand wants to associate with its delicious cereals.

His distinctive muscular body and unique red scarf around his neck make him one of the most recognizable characters for people of all ages. He is just gr-r-reat!

3

Energizer Bunny

Image: danilo.alvesd

We've all wished we had the incredible energy of the Energizer Bunny , right?

This cute, drum-beating mascot first appeared in a TV commercial in the late 1980s. Its characteristic endless energy symbolizes the power of the brand's batteries, summed up in its classic catchphrase, "It keeps going and going and going..."

Over time, this little pink bunny with sunglasses has gained worldwide fame and has become one of the most recognizable brand mascots.

4

Mr. Clean

Image: JESHOOTS.COM

We've already seen tigers, rabbits, and even peanuts with eyes; now it's the turn of a human-shaped mascot.

Mr. Clean is the legendary mascot of the Procter & Gamble cleaning product line, famous for his look and accessories. With his white eyebrows, classic earring, bald head, and white T-shirt, the beloved Mr. Clean is impossible to miss.

Created in 1958, this mascot has changed very little since his first appearance, making him even more iconic. If you're looking for a Halloween costume, you know who to imitate this year!

5

Ronald McDonald

Image: Brett Jordan

Ronald McDonald , the clown of the most famous fast food chain, has become a global star.

Over the decades, children around the world have excitedly lined up to see him, greet him, and take pictures with Ronald in McDonald's stores.

Created in 1963, Ronald looked a bit different than he does today. Ronald's appearance has evolved, with changes to his costume and makeup, making him more vibrant and approachable. But the magic of this character is still intact.

6

Pillsbury Doughboy

Image: Pablo Lancaster Jones

If we discuss cute mascots, we can't forget the Pillsbury Doughboy . This little man made of dough has been wearing a chef's hat and a scarf since his birth in 1965 when he first appeared in a TV commercial.

While his appearance has remained the same, his name has changed a few times. Originally called "Jonathan Pillsbury," his name was changed to "Poppin' Fresh" in the 1970s, though today we all know him as Pillsbury Doughboy.

His playful personality is captured in his classic catchphrase, "Hoo-hoo!"

7

The M&M’s Spokescandies

Image: Sebastian Gómez

Who can say "no" to a handful of delicious M&M's ? Definitely not us! And as if their great taste weren’t enough, M&M's also has a series of mascots with varied personalities that know how to win us over.

The original characters emerged in the 1950s, and there were only two mascots: the Plain (milk chocolate) and the Peanut characters. This evolved over time, and more characters were added, each with different colors and qualities.

Today, some of the most recognized are Red, Yellow, and Green .

8

Martin the GEICO Gecko

Image: Tate Lohmiller

The GEICO insurance company's Gecko is definitely one of the most famous brand mascots in the country.

Born in 1999, this little Gecko first appeared in a commercial in which he talked to the viewers, trying to convince them to choose GEICO. This appearance was so successful that the friendly and witty Gecko has remained the company's mascot to this day.

One of the peculiarities of this character is his distinctive British accent, which sets him apart from other talking mascots.

9

Kool-Aid Man

Image: Roksolana Zasiadko

If you were one of the many Kool-Aid fans as a child, you probably remember the charming and unique Kool-Aid Man fondly.

With his pitcher-shaped body filled with Kool-Aid, the character first appeared on the product's packaging in 1954. It wasn't until over 20 years later that he made his first TV commercial, always smiling and uttering his traditional catchphrase, "Oh yeah!"

The now classic character became very popular and even had cameos in famous animated TV series!

10

Chester Cheetah

Image: Ryan Quintal

If you love snacks, you've probably smeared your fingers with Cheetos crumbs at some point, right? We get it; these cheesy snacks are simply irresistible.

And if you've ever tasted Cheetos, you're likely familiar with the famous Chester Cheetah . With its cool look and relaxed attitude, Chester Cheetah was created in 1986. This feline appeared in TV commercials and on Cheetos packages, always enjoying the snack and never without his trademark sunglasses.

His fame grew to the point that in the '90s, Chester starred in a couple of video games!

1

United States flag

For years, Americans loved telling the story of Robert G. Heft , the Ohio high school student who supposedly designed the modern 50-star flag as part of a class project in 1958. According to the tale, his teacher gave him a B minus, only to change it after President Dwight Eisenhower selected his design for the nation.

But real history turned out to be more complex. When Alaska and Hawaii officially joined the U.S. in 1959, the government received roughly 1,500 proposals for a new flag. In 2022, writer Alec Nevala-Lee dug deeper into the records and found that the final version was actually credited to the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, not a teenager from Ohio. The current version first flew in 1960 and has now lasted longer than any other American flag design. Those 13 stripes still honor the original colonies, while the 50 stars honor the states.

2

National anthem: "The Star-Spangled Banner"

You’ve probably sung it hundreds of times, but did you know that "The Star-Spangled Banner" didn’t begin as a song? Our national anthem started as a poem written during one of the most dramatic moments in early American history.

In September 1814, lawyer Francis Scott Key watched from a ship as British forces bombarded Fort McHenry near Baltimore, Maryland. The darkness was heavy, but at dawn, Key spotted the American flag still waving over the fort. That moment inspired him to write a poem called "Defence of Fort M’Henry," and the melody that kept matching in his head for the poem was borrowed from an old British drinking song called "To Anacreon in Heaven," from 1775. Ironic, considering the circumstances. The song became widely popular across the country, but it became the official national anthem in 1931, under Hoover’s presidency.

3

Pledge of Allegiance

For generations of Americans, the school day began the same: standing by a desk, hand over heart, facing the flag. But the Pledge of Allegiance has changed since it was first written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy for a nationwide Columbus Day Celebration.

The original version didn’t even mention the U.S. by name. Children simply said, "I pledge allegiance to my flag." Years later, in 1923, the words were changed so that every school kid, native or immigrant, would think of "the flag of the United States of America" when reciting it.

4

National bird: bald eagle

The first relevant appearance of the bald eagle wasn’t as the national bird; it was in the design of the Great Seal. This was in 1782, when the first committee appointed to design the task suggested this bird. The committee was formed by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, who was the only one who thought of the bald eagle as a bird of "bad moral character." Jefferson and Adams, instead, thought the bald eagle represented strength and independence, which seemed perfect for a young country trying to stand on their own. Moreover, the bird was unique to North America at the time, which made it feel distinctly American.

While it has appeared on the Great Seal, currency, and documents since that year, it was only in 2024 when it was designated as the national bird by an Act of Congress under Biden’s administration.

5

National motto: "In God We Trust"

Many Americans assume that E pluribus unum is still our national motto, but in 1956, that changed. The modern motto "In God We Trust" first appeared during one of the country’s darkest moments.

In 1864, as the Civil War tore the nation apart, several religious leaders urged President Lincoln to recognize God on American currency. Many believe the nation needed a symbol of faith and stability during such uncertain times. That same year, the motto appeared for the first time on a two-cent coin. But it was during the Cold War in the 1950s that the words took on new importance and officially became the national motto in 1956 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law.

6

Great Seal of the United States

The seal is printed on passports, official government documents, and even the back of the one-dollar bill. It features a complex design, and every detail on it means something.

The story of the Great Seal begins on the 4th of July, 1776, when the Continental Congress recognized that the new nation needed a seal to sign official documents. But that was just the beginning. Six years and three committees later, in 1782, Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, designed the seal we know today. The olive branch and the arrows held in the eagle’s talons denote the power of peace and war. The eagle faces the olive branch, but gazes toward the arrows, meaning it’s ready to defend. The 13 stars honor the colonies, and the escutcheon represents the eagle’s courage, along with the motto E pluribus unum, which was the official motto at the time.

7

National march: "The Stars and Stripes Forever"

Today, no Independence Day is complete without the bass of "The Stars and Stripes Forever," but its origin goes back to 1896. The national march began during a difficult trip across the Atlantic.

In 1896, composer John Philip Sousa was traveling home from Europe after learning that his close friend and business partner, David Blakely, had suddenly died. As Sousa paced the deck of a ship, a melody kept playing in his mind. By the time the ship reached New York, the entire march had taken shape. Inspired by the American flag waving as he returned home, Sousa later added the title we know today. But it was on December 10, 1987, that the march was named the "Official March of the United States of America" under Reagan’s administration.

8

National mammal: American bison

Long before highways crossed the country, bison herds thundered across the American grasslands from Texas all the way to Canada. But in the late 1800s, hunters began massively exterminating them to the point of extinction. Oddly enough, that’s when Americans began paying attention to them. Bison started appearing everywhere: on state flags like Wyoming’s, official seals, coins, and giant statues in cities across the country.

President Roosevelt became a big defender and helped create the American Bison Society in 1905 to protect the remaining herds. More than a century later, in 2016, Congress officially named the bison the national mammal of the U.S. and, today, more than 400.000 bison once again roam American grasslands.

9

National floral emblem: rose

Roses have been part of American life for generations. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5574, declaring the rose the national floral emblem of the United States. This choice was highly practical since roses are grown in all fifty states and have been cultivated in American gardens since the nation’s inception. Reagan noted that Americans have long used the rose to "speak the language of the heart," making it a fitting symbol for the country.

10

National tree: The Mighty Oak Tree

The oak tree didn’t become America’s national tree through congressional debate alone. In 2004, the National Arbor Day Foundation opened the decision to the public, and Americans of all ages cast votes for their favorite tree over four months. From the start, t he mighty oak was the frontrunner, earning more than 101,000 votes and beating out redwoods, maples, and pines.

The choice came from the symbolism behind it. Oaks are some of the most widespread trees in the country, with more than 60 species stretching across the states. Besides, it carries roots in American history: The USS Constitution earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" because its oak hull was strong enough to repel British cannonballs during battle. Strong, enduring, the oak was a perfect match.

1

Baseball

Image: Chris Chow

Baseball isn’t called America’s favorite pastime for nothing. The heartbeat of American sports, it was already recognized as the national sport in the 19th century, when it originated as a blend of older bat-and-ball games.

Curiously, the first official baseball game on record didn’t take place in the United States but in our northern neighbor, Canada, which is often credited with creating the basis for most modern baseball rules. However, New York City clubs were responsible for further shaping the game into what it is today.

2

Fishing

Image: Greysen Johnson

Fishing has long been a beloved pastime for millions of Americans, luring people in with a peaceful and nature-immersed experience. No longer a necessity for survival in everyday life, most people today enjoy fishing recreationally, with many anglers choosing to release their catch unharmed.

Celebrated American writers like Ernest Hemingway have portrayed fishing as a reflective and rewarding pursuit, capturing the romantic longing for a simpler life and the joy of the great outdoors that remains at the heart of this pastime. Moreover, the hobby encompasses more than just fishing, with many enthusiasts taking pride in creating their own custom lures, often crafted to resemble various types of live bait.

3

Camping

Image: Chris Holder

Camping became popular in the early 20th century as Americans sought respite from growing urbanization. Today, it remains a beloved way to explore the country's vast landscapes, from national parks to remote forests. Extensive networks of protected foot trails crisscross the nation, offering opportunities for both short and long excursions.

In fact, it could be argued that camping is part of the wild heritage of the American frontier spirit, encouraging Americans to reconnect with nature. Much like fishing—and these two pastimes often go hand in hand—camping is about adventure, self-sufficiency, and the pursuit of simplicity away from the hustle of daily life.

4

Football

Image: Carol Highsmith's America

American football—also known as gridiron football or simply football—originated in the 19th century, evolving from various older ball games related to rugby. In recent decades, it has grown into a national obsession, rivaling baseball and even surpassing it in viewership, with millions tuning in every weekend.

The Super Bowl and similar events have become iconic elements of American culture, transforming into major community celebrations that draw more than just football fans. Major events like the Super Bowl bring families and friends together across the country, often featuring entertainment segments and halftime shows that transform these sporting events into full-blown celebrations.

5

Barbecuing

Image: Vincent Keiman

Barbecuing is an art form in America, with roots tracing back to indigenous peoples and early settlers. Whether it’s a Fourth of July cookout or a casual weekend gathering, the grill is central to American social life. The tradition initially spread through pit barbecues, where meats were smoked and cooked over a dug trench filled with burning embers.

Over time, this technique evolved into the conventional backyard grilling we use today. Despite the widespread popularity of standard barbecues, styles vary significantly by region, each with its own distinct flavors and techniques, often featuring elaborate sauces or unique smoking methods.

6

Auto Racing

Image: Tim Trad

Auto racing—and particularly stock car versions of the sport like NASCAR—has captivated the imaginations of Americans almost since the invention of motor cars in the early 20th century. Drawing inspiration from popular European races like the Paris-Rouen contest, the enthusiasm for motor racing quickly took hold in the U.S.

The first American automobile race is generally considered to be the Thanksgiving Day Chicago Times-Herald race on November 28, 1895. As cars became more accessible and the automotive industry developed, racing grew in popularity, eventually evolving into the high-octane spectacle that is now a distinctly American tradition.

7

Gardening

Image: Benjamin Combs

Gardening has always been a cherished American hobby, providing a peaceful retreat within one’s home while also beautifying one’s surroundings. From victory gardens during wartime to modern suburban flower beds, gardening remains a thriving pastime for Americans everywhere.

It’s a way to create something beautiful and sustainable, connecting with nature in a personal and meaningful way. Recently, interest in homegrown vegetables and organic food has surged, with an estimated 40 percent of American households—33 million—growing their own produce.

8

Movies

Image: Kilyan Sockalingum

Since the early 20th century, movies have been integral to American culture. Whether going to a local theater or, more recently, enjoying a cozy movie marathon at home, millions of Americans have shared this experience for almost a century. As Hollywood and the film industry evolved, American movies reached audiences worldwide, earning acclaim for their excellence.

Today, the magic of cinema continues to captivate Americans just as it did decades ago. This is no surprise, as the love for good storytelling and innovation—two true American passions—lies at the heart of this cherished tradition. Although the 2020 pandemic dealt a blow to movie attendance, it has been steadily recovering, showing no signs of slowing down.

9

Home-Cooking

Image: Or Hakim

More than just a necessity, home-cooked meals are a true American passion. Food is a key part of a nation's identity, so it’s no surprise that cooking at home holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans. Our country’s incredibly diverse culinary heritage offers a vast array of edible experiences to choose from, and gathering with friends and family to enjoy delicious homemade dishes is one of our favorite pastimes.

Whether preserving family recipes passed down through generations or trying new culinary experiments, home cooking is always a way to connect with loved ones, celebrate traditions, and enjoy the satisfaction of a meal crafted with love and skill.

10

Road Trips

Image: averie woodard

With a country as vast and beautiful as ours, it’s no wonder Americans often choose to spend their vacations exploring its diverse landscapes. From bustling cities to scenic countryside, domestic travel is not always just about relaxation—it can also be an adventure of self-discovery and a journey through our shared history.

And there’s certainly no shortage of sights to see! From the breathtaking vistas of our national parks to meticulously preserved historic sites, few experiences foster a deeper connection to our heritage. Whether it’s the towering peaks of the Rockies, the rolling hills of the Appalachians, or the sun-kissed shores of the coasts, every corner of the country offers something new to discover.