Thanks Giving Day is a traditional harvest festival in the North American continent. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year with great fervor. In the USA, it is celebrated as a national holiday. It falls on different dates in Liberia, Caribbean islands, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Canada, and the United States.
This day is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada as Columbus Day. Liberia has it on the first Thursday of November. Japan and Germany also observe similar kinds of festivals. It is a day of giving thanks for the benediction of the harvest and the previous year. Although the festival has an origin in religion and tradition nowadays it is celebrated in modern ways as a secular holiday.
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History
Pilgrim Fathers immigrated to the United States from Europe. After successful farming here, a feast was organized for neighbors to say thanks at Massachusetts, America. As per Americans, it was the first 'Thanksgiving day' in 1621. Some historians differ that It started in Florida in 1565. Others believe that it first started in Canada in the year 1578.
In New England, after harvesting the crops in November, a party is given to appreciate the cooperation of people and show gratitude to one another. Annual or occasional fasting and thanksgiving are common in New England settlements.
Sarah Josepha Hale, noted writer and editor, launched a drive for Thanksgiving as a national celebration. She went on publishing editorials and sending letters to presidents, senators, and governors to mark it a holiday for 36 years. President Lincoln finally heard her request in 1863. She is called the mother of Thanksgiving Day.
Former US President George Washington proclaimed it to celebrate at the national level in 1789. Since then, America has been celebrating it as a national festival. His successors, including Lincoln, Roosevelt, John Adams, James Madison, also designated days of thanks. New York was the first state to adopt it as an annual Thanksgiving holiday in 1817.
Celebrations
On this auspicious day, people pray to God for the next year and thank one another. As per tradition, all the people say thanks for the good harvest. If you missed saying thanks to someone who helped you sometimes you can take this opportunity to say thanks to them in a special way.
The celebration involves family and friends on this special occasion. Making each other feel special and spending time with dear ones are the quintessence of this festival. You realize and show the importance of having your near and dear ones in your life.
To Americans, it is a gala day to express thanks through family, football, and feasting. People jot down things about they are thankful and read them aloud. The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in New York City. It features performers, bands, giant balloons.
Food
Traditional food is cooked and enjoyed together at home. Having food together is a part of the celebration. ‘Thanks Giving Day’ party food comprises mashed potato, corn, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and gooseberry as essential food items. Around 90% of Americans eat Turkey(bird) on this day. The president has pardoned one or two turkeys every year since the mid-20th century.
Black Friday
Black Friday follows the ‘Thanks Giving Day in the United States. This day marks the beginning of the month-long shopping season in winter. Stores offer promotions on sales. It has been the busiest shopping day in the USA since 2005.
Thanks Giving Day 2021
This year Thanks Giving Day is going to be celebrated on Thursday, November 25, 2021. Black Friday follows on November 26, 2021.
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