What is Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. It originated as a harvest festival and is now a day to give thanks for the blessings of the past year.
History
The most commonly told story of the first Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony shared an autumn harvest feast with the Wampanoag Native Americans. This three-day celebration is considered one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.
Traditions
Modern Thanksgiving traditions include:
- Gathering with family and friends
- Sharing a traditional meal featuring roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie
- Watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade or football games
- Expressing what you are thankful for
When is Thanksgiving?
In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. In Canada, it is observed on the second Monday in October.