Thanksgiving Day, observed annually on the fourth Thursday of November, is a national holiday in most parts of the United States. The day is dedicated to celebrating the harvest season and expressing gratitude for the blessings of the year. This year, the day will be observed on November 23.
History of Thanksgiving
The historical origins of America’s first Thanksgiving meal, while lacking complete consensus, are commonly traced back to 1621 in present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts. Upon the arrival of the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, the Pilgrims, facing the loss of 46 of their original 102 colonists, received crucial assistance from the Wampanoag Indians. Together, they learned to cultivate crops and endure the harsh conditions of their initial winter in the New World.
The summer of 1621 was a significant turning point for the American settlers. They had a bountiful harvest and organized a three-day festival to celebrate it. The festival drew inspiration from traditional English or Native American practices. Historical accounts differ on the attendance of the natives and pilgrims at this celebration, but the general consensus suggests that settlers wanted to express gratitude to the natives by hosting a grand feast.
Despite this narrative, the validity of the claim is clouded by the long and tumultuous history of conflict between Native Americans and European settlers.
How is Thanksgiving celebrated?
Originally holding religious significance, Thanksgiving has evolved into a predominantly social event. Most Americans view it as a day to gather and express gratitude with traditional feasts in the gathering of family and friends.
The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, featuring floats, performers and giant balloons, adds to the festive spirit. The day is also marked by a traditional feast, where turkey takes centre stage, along with other staples like stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Why is this day celebrated with turkey?
Turkey has been associated with Thanksgiving since the 19th century. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton proclaimed that no “Citizen of the United States should refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day.” The tradition of consuming turkey on Thanksgiving Day has endured, with almost 90% of Americans roasting, baking or deep-frying it. The choice of turkey is attributed to its size, making it suitable to feed many people, and its versatility, as turkeys don’t serve purposes like laying eggs or making milk.
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