What is Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a day for giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest and the preceding year.

Historical Origins

The origin of Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims—English settlers who founded Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts—held a harvest feast with the Wampanoag Native Americans. This event is often regarded as the “First Thanksgiving,” although earlier thanksgiving services had been held by other European settlers in North America.

Modern Traditions

Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals featuring roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many people also watch parades such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and enjoy American football games. It is also a time to reflect on gratitude and give back through charitable activities.

National Holiday

Thanksgiving became a federal holiday in 1863, during the Civil War, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise.” Since 1941, it has been officially observed on the fourth Thursday of November.