Thanksgiving Day: Everything You Need to Know

Thanksgiving Day is a cherished holiday that transcends borders and brings people together to celebrate gratitude, tradition, and togetherness. It’s a day to reflect on our blessings, appreciate the warmth of family and friends, and indulge in a feast that symbolizes abundance. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Thanksgiving, its significance, and some tips and ideas for creating a memorable Thanksgiving celebration.

What is Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving, also known as Thanksgiving Day, is a celebration of the harvest and a time to give thanks for the abundance of life provided by a higher power, often referred to as God. Thanksgiving is an official holiday in the United States and Canada, dedicated to honoring the labor force. In the minds of many around the world, Thanksgiving Day is often associated with images of turkeys.

Origin of Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is closely linked to ancient harvest festivals in Europe. In North America, this festival was organized in Newfoundland by the Frobisher expedition to give thanks for their survival after a long and treacherous journey. Over the years, more and more Thanksgiving feasts were held by various groups of people. The first official Thanksgiving Day took place in 1623 to express gratitude for the end of a drought. 

By 1789, U.S. President George Washington officially recognized Thanksgiving as a national holiday. In 1863, Thanksgiving Day became an annual holiday for American workers. On Thanksgiving Day, families and friends gather to enjoy a special meal together. Some may also use this holiday to travel, visit family, or spend time with friends.

The Legend of Thanksgiving Day

Around the 16th to 17th century, followers of the Catholic and Anglican churches in England were ordered by the emperor to convert. These individuals resisted and were imprisoned. Even after a period of time, they remained steadfast in their beliefs and refused to convert according to the king’s wishes. 

Consequently, the emperor decided not to keep them imprisoned any longer. Instead, he told them that if they did not adhere to his faith, they must leave England. These people chose to depart for the Netherlands to live, and they came to be known as the Pilgrims. However, they soon realized that they couldn’t fully assimilate into their new surroundings and were concerned about losing their cultural heritage for future generations. As a result, a group of them left England for the Americas. They embarked on a ship, and set foot on the Plymouth Colony during the winter season.

Harsh weather conditions, combined with hunger and cold, led to the unfortunate loss of half their number. By the arrival of spring, they were fortunate enough to encounter kind-hearted Native Americans who provided them with some provisions. The indigenous people taught them how to survive in this land. Once they were able to sustain themselves, they began to organize a feast to give thanks to God for allowing them to live up to this day. From then on, the descendants of the Pilgrims have always held an annual Thanksgiving Day to express gratitude for the blessings in their lives.

When does Thanksgiving Day take place?

Thanksgiving is a traditional holiday in both the United States and Canada. According to American history, President George Washington proclaimed Thursday, November 26, 1789 as the first national Thanksgiving in the U.S. Thanksgiving has been continued to be celebrated by successive U.S. presidents. The fixed date for Thanksgiving was declared in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln. He chose the last Thursday of November each year as Thanksgiving Day. 

However, due to some controversies, the U.S. Congress eventually amended the law so that Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday of November. Typically, people get a four-day weekend for this holiday in the U.S. In Canada, Thanksgiving Day is usually observed on the second Monday of October each year.

Activities on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated as a family and friends’ dinner party. The main dish on Thanksgiving Day is roasted turkey. Additionally, there are side dishes such as potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, green beans, …

Pardoning the turkey

On Thanksgiving Day, the U.S. President will select a turkey to pardon. This turkey will not be taken for slaughter, but will be sent to a turkey farm to live out the rest of its days. This tradition dates back to President Lincoln’s time, when his son wrote a pardon for the turkey slated to be used in the family’s meal.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

On Thanksgiving Day, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place. The parade is broadcasted nationwide on national television and travels through the heart of New York City. The highlight of this parade is the giant balloons, featuring cartoon characters and animals.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for our loved ones. It is a day to create lasting memories, uphold cherished traditions, and extend a helping hand to those in need. Whether through a festive feast, acts of kindness, or expressions of thankfulness, Thanksgiving serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude and togetherness.