WHY IS THANKSGIVING CELEBRATED?

The Historical Origins of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada, commemorating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. The holiday has its roots in the 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people.

The Pilgrims’ Arrival in America

The Pilgrims were a group of English Puritans who left England in 1620 seeking religious freedom. They endured a treacherous journey across the Atlantic Ocean, arriving in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the fall of 1620. The first winter in the New World was harsh, and many of the Pilgrims died from disease and starvation.

The First Thanksgiving

In the fall of 1621, after a successful harvest, the Pilgrims decided to hold a feast to celebrate their survival and give thanks to God. They invited the Wampanoag people, who had helped them learn how to survive in the new land. The Wampanoags brought deer, turkey, and other food to the feast, and the Pilgrims contributed corn, bread, and other dishes. The feast lasted for three days, and it is considered to be the first Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Becomes a National Holiday

Thanksgiving was first celebrated as a national holiday in the United States in 1789, when President George Washington proclaimed a day of thanksgiving and prayer to be held on the last Thursday in November. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln designated the last Thursday in November as a permanent national holiday. In 1941, Congress passed a law making the fourth Thursday in November the official Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to gather together and celebrate. Traditional Thanksgiving foods include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many families also enjoy watching football games or parades on Thanksgiving Day.

The Meaning of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the past year and be grateful for all the good things in life. It is also a time to celebrate the harvest and the bounty of the earth. Thanksgiving is a reminder that we are all connected to each other and that we should be thankful for the people in our lives.

FAQs

1. What is the history of Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving has its roots in the 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people.

2. When is Thanksgiving celebrated?

In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.

3. What are some traditional Thanksgiving foods?

Traditional Thanksgiving foods include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

4. What is the meaning of Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the past year and be grateful for all the good things in life. It is also a time to celebrate the harvest and the bounty of the earth.

5. How can I celebrate Thanksgiving?

There are many ways to celebrate Thanksgiving. You can gather with family and friends, enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal, watch football games or parades, or volunteer at a local soup kitchen.