Thanksgiving: History, Celebrate and Turkey
Thanksgiving is a significant American holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, deeply rooted in history, tradition, and gratitude. It's a day when families and friends gather to give thanks for the year’s blessings, enjoy traditional foods, and share time together. Here’s a closer look at the history of Thanksgiving, how it’s celebrated in the U.S., and the iconic foods that define the holiday.
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The History of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving traces its origins back to the early 17th century when English Pilgrims seeking religious freedom sailed to the New World on the Mayflower, eventually settling in Plymouth (in present-day Massachusetts) in 1620. The first winter was harsh, and many of the settlers didn’t survive due to cold and starvation. However, the Wampanoag Native Americans helped the struggling settlers, teaching them essential skills like fishing, hunting, and planting crops suited to New England’s climate. Thanks to these skills and newfound knowledge, the settlers’ harvest the following year was abundant, and in the autumn of 1621, they organized a three-day feast to celebrate their survival and prosperity, inviting the Wampanoag as a gesture of gratitude. This gathering is often cited as the “First Thanksgiving.”
The holiday wasn’t celebrated annually or consistently after this initial event. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, intended to promote unity and healing across the divided nation. He set the date as the final Thursday in November. Later, in 1941, Congress officially established the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day, where it remains today.
How Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving Today
Today, Thanksgiving is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States, emphasizing themes of family, gratitude, and giving back. Here’s a look at some popular Thanksgiving traditions:
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| Watching American football on Thanksgiving is a long-standing tradition. |
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Family Gatherings: Thanksgiving is a time for families to reunite, often traveling long distances to share in the day’s festivities. The gathering is typically centered around a large meal, with multiple generations coming together to celebrate.
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Expressing Gratitude: Many families have the tradition of going around the table and sharing what each person is grateful for. This practice helps reinforce the day’s focus on gratitude and reflection.
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Thanksgiving Parades: Some cities hold parades to mark the holiday, with the most famous being Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Established in 1924, this parade features large floats, marching bands, and enormous helium balloons of popular characters, and is watched by millions on television and in person.
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Football: Watching American football on Thanksgiving is a long-standing tradition. The National Football League (NFL) hosts several games on Thanksgiving Day, and many families enjoy tuning in to watch together.
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Volunteer Work: Many people also spend time volunteering, particularly at food banks or soup kitchens, to help those in need. Thanksgiving often serves as a reminder to give back to the community, and many organizations host food drives or special meals for the less fortunate.
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The Beginning of the Holiday Shopping Season: Thanksgiving also unofficially marks the start of the holiday season. The day after Thanksgiving, known as “Black Friday,” has become synonymous with large sales and the beginning of holiday shopping.
Traditional Thanksgiving Foods
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| Thanksgiving in the United States is Thanksgiving dinner (informally called turkey dinner) |
Thanksgiving is renowned for its food, with a menu that has become iconic and widely recognized. The following are some of the most traditional dishes:
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Roast Turkey: Turkey is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal, often roasted and served with stuffing or dressing. Its association with Thanksgiving dates back to the original feast, and it has since become a symbol of the holiday itself. Many families prepare large turkeys, and “carving the turkey” is a ritual in many households.
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Stuffing or Dressing: This is a mixture of bread cubes, herbs, and vegetables like celery and onions, often cooked inside the turkey or separately as a side dish. Each family tends to have its own take on stuffing, sometimes adding ingredients like sausage, nuts, or fruits.
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Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Creamy mashed potatoes served with rich, savory gravy are a Thanksgiving staple. The gravy is typically made from the turkey’s drippings, adding depth of flavor and tying the various dishes together.
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Cranberry Sauce: Cranberries are native to North America, making cranberry sauce a fitting addition to the Thanksgiving table. The sauce provides a tart contrast to the rich flavors of the turkey and other sides.
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Sweet Potatoes or Yams: Sweet potatoes, often prepared with marshmallows or a sugary topping, add a sweet note to the meal. They can be roasted, mashed, or even served in a casserole form.
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Turkey is the most common main dish of a Thanksgiving dinner, to the point that Thanksgiving is sometimes colloquially called "Turkey Day". -
Green Bean Casserole: Made with green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and topped with crispy fried onions, this casserole has become a Thanksgiving classic in many households since its creation in the 1950s.
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Pumpkin Pie: No Thanksgiving meal is complete without dessert, and pumpkin pie is by far the most traditional option. Made from spiced pumpkin custard baked in a flaky crust, it is the quintessential fall dessert, symbolizing the end of the meal and the holiday.
Other popular Thanksgiving desserts include pecan pie and apple pie, with regional variations and family recipes adding to the diversity of flavors on the table.
Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings people together, emphasizing gratitude, community, and shared traditions. Though its historical origins are complex and reflect both the struggles and cooperation between the early settlers and Native Americans, the holiday has evolved to be a cherished time for reflection, family, and generosity. With its traditional foods, heartfelt rituals, and festive atmosphere, Thanksgiving holds a special place in American culture as a day of thankfulness and togetherness.
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