Thanksgiving Day: Origin and Traditions
Thanksgiving Day is a special holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. In the United States, it is observed on the fourth Thursday of November. In Canada, it takes place earlier, on the second Monday of October. The holiday is about giving thanks for the blessings of life, such as food, family, and friends. It is a time to celebrate gratitude, kindness, and community.
The Origin of Thanksgiving in the United States
The history of Thanksgiving in the United States begins in 1620. A group of people called the Pilgrims travel from England to America. They leave their country on a ship called the Mayflower. The Pilgrims want to practise their religion freely and start a new life.
After a long and difficult journey, the Pilgrims arrive in a place they name Plymouth, in present-day Massachusetts. However, their first winter in America is very hard. The weather is cold, and they do not have enough food to eat. Many Pilgrims become sick, and nearly half of them die.
In the spring, the Pilgrims meet the Wampanoag people, a Native American tribe. The Wampanoag are kind and generous. They teach the Pilgrims how to grow crops like corn, beans, and squash. They also show them how to catch fish and hunt wild animals.
By the autumn of 1621, the Pilgrims have their first successful harvest. To celebrate this, they organise a big feast to thank God for the food and the help they receive from the Wampanoag. The Pilgrims invite the Wampanoag people to join them, and together they share a meal. This feast becomes known as the first Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving as a National Holiday
Thanksgiving becomes an official holiday in the United States much later. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declares it a national day of thanksgiving. He chooses the last Thursday of November as the date. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year.
Traditional Thanksgiving Foods
The centrepiece of Thanksgiving celebrations is the dinner. The meal is usually large and includes many delicious dishes. The most important dish is roast turkey. It is often stuffed with bread, herbs, and vegetables. Many people also prepare gravy to pour over the turkey and mashed potatoes.
Other popular dishes include cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, green beans, and cornbread. For dessert, pumpkin pie is a favourite. Some families also serve apple pie or pecan pie. Each family may have its own special recipes that they enjoy year after year.
For example, one family might make a sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows, while another might prepare a cranberry salad with orange zest. Some people even include dishes from their cultural heritage, such as tamales, pasta, or rice dishes.
Thanksgiving Traditions in Modern Times
Thanksgiving is not just about food. It is also about spending time with loved ones and enjoying traditions. One of the most famous traditions is the Thanksgiving Day Parade. The biggest parade happens in New York City and is organised by Macy’s department store. It features giant balloons shaped like popular characters, marching bands, dancers, and floats.
Another popular activity is watching American football. On Thanksgiving, professional football teams play special games. Many families gather around the television to cheer for their favourite teams.
After the big meal, some families go for a walk to enjoy the autumn weather. Others play board games or watch classic Thanksgiving movies. A few examples of these films are A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving or Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
Many people also use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to give back to the community. They volunteer at soup kitchens, donate food to shelters, or help neighbours in need. Schools often organise food drives to collect canned goods for families who need extra support.
The Meaning of Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a time to focus on gratitude. Families often take a moment before the meal to share what they are thankful for. For example, a child might say they are thankful for their toys or their pet, while an adult might express gratitude for their health or job.
This tradition helps people remember the positive things in their lives. It also encourages kindness and appreciation. Some families keep a “thankfulness jar” where everyone writes something they are grateful for and reads it aloud at dinner.
Thanksgiving in Canada
In Canada, Thanksgiving has a similar meaning but a different history. The first recorded Thanksgiving in Canada happens in 1578. An explorer named Martin Frobisher gives thanks after surviving a dangerous journey.
Canadian Thanksgiving also celebrates the harvest. Since it takes place in October, it is more closely tied to autumn. Families in Canada enjoy similar foods, like turkey and pumpkin pie, but they may also include regional dishes like butter tarts or Nanaimo bars.
The Spirit of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it is a time to connect with others and reflect on what matters most. It teaches us to be generous, patient, and kind. Even during challenging times, Thanksgiving reminds us that there is always something to appreciate.
For example, a person who feels sad might find joy in spending time with friends. A family with little money might still find happiness in a warm meal shared together.
Thanksgiving is also about looking forward to the future with hope. Just as the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag worked together to overcome difficulties, the holiday encourages everyone to work together to build stronger communities.
Thanksgiving Day is a celebration of gratitude, history, and togetherness. Whether you enjoy a traditional turkey dinner, watch a parade, or simply spend time with loved ones, the holiday is a chance to pause and appreciate life’s blessings. It reminds us of the importance of kindness, generosity, and thankfulness—not just on one day, but every day of the year.
