What Is Thanksgiving And How Is It Celebrated?

What Is Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. It is a time to give thanks for the blessings of the harvest and the good things in life. This special day brings families and communities together to share a delicious feast and express gratitude for all that they have.

History of Thanksgiving

The roots of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early settlers in America. The first Thanksgiving is believed to have taken place in 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans came together to celebrate a successful harvest. This gathering symbolized the spirit of cooperation and gratitude between two different cultures.

Over time, Thanksgiving became an official holiday in the United States during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It was proclaimed as a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

How Is Thanksgiving Celebrated?

Thanksgiving is a time of joy, gratitude, and feasting! Families and friends gather around a table laden with a variety of delectable dishes and traditional Thanksgiving foods. The centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal is often a roasted turkey, which is symbolically connected to the first Thanksgiving celebrated by the Pilgrims.

Here are some common traditions and customs associated with Thanksgiving:

• Thanksgiving Dinner: Families prepare a scrumptious feast, featuring dishes such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, stuffing, and, of course, pumpkin pie.
• Thanksgiving Parade: Many cities hold extravagant parades, with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City being the most famous. These parades feature giant floats, marching bands, and performances, kicking off the festive spirit of the day.
• Football: Sports enthusiasts often spend the afternoon watching American football games, either at home or in stadiums.
• Volunteering and Giving Back: Thanksgiving is also a time for people to help those in need by volunteering at food banks, homeless shelters, or participating in various charitable activities.
• Expressing Gratitude: Many families take a moment during the meal to express their gratitude by sharing what they are thankful for. It’s a heartwarming tradition that strengthens family bonds.

Thanksgiving Around the World

While Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated in the United States and Canada, similar harvest festivals can be found in various cultures around the world. In Germany, they celebrate “Erntedankfest,” in Japan, there is “Labor Thanksgiving Day,” and in Liberia, they have “Thanksgiving Day” as well. These celebrations share the common theme of expressing gratitude for the bountiful harvest and blessings in life.

Thanksgiving is truly a special holiday that brings people together, encourages reflection on our blessings, and reminds us to appreciate the simple joys in life. It is a time to savor delicious food, create lasting memories, and show gratitude for all that we have. So, as Thanksgiving approaches, let’s embrace the spirit of this wonderful holiday and give thanks for the abundance in our lives.