Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a day of giving thanks for the blessings of the past year, especially for the harvest. Thanksgiving is also a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy a traditional feast.
History of Thanksgiving
The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early days of European settlement in North America. In 1621, a group of English pilgrims, known as the Pilgrims, held a harvest festival to celebrate their first successful harvest in the New World. This feast was attended by the Wampanoag, a Native American tribe who had helped the Pilgrims survive the harsh winter.
Over time, the tradition of Thanksgiving spread throughout the American colonies. In 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation declaring Thanksgiving a national holiday. However, it was not until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln officially established Thanksgiving as a federal holiday.
Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is a time for many traditional activities, including:
Feasting: Thanksgiving dinner is typically a large meal that includes roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Parades: Many cities and towns hold Thanksgiving parades, which often feature marching bands, floats, and giant balloons.
Football games: Thanksgiving is a traditional day for professional football games in the United States.
Volunteering: Many people give back to their communities by volunteering their time and services on Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving in Canada
Thanksgiving is also celebrated in Canada, but it is held on the second Monday of October. The Canadian Thanksgiving tradition has its roots in the early days of European settlement in Canada, similar to the United States.
Thanksgiving around the World
Thanksgiving is also celebrated in other countries around the world, including Liberia, the Netherlands, and Norfolk Island. However, the traditions and dates of Thanksgiving vary from country to country.
Meaning of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for people to reflect on the blessings in their lives and to express gratitude for the things they are thankful for. It is also a time for people to come together and enjoy the company of family and friends.
