Thanksgiving in United States
Thanksgiving is a holiday in United States.
When is Thanksgiving in United States
Thanksgiving is celebrated on 23, November, 2023 in United States.
About Thanksgiving in United States
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a time for people to come together with family and friends, express gratitude, and enjoy a festive meal. Here are some key aspects of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States:
Historical Origins: Thanksgiving has its roots in the early 17th century when English Pilgrims, known as the Pilgrims, arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, after a long and challenging journey. They celebrated their first successful harvest in 1621 by organizing a feast and inviting the local Wampanoag Native Americans. This event is often considered the first Thanksgiving.
Traditions: The most prominent tradition of Thanksgiving is the Thanksgiving dinner, which typically includes a roasted turkey as the centerpiece. Other common dishes include mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, pumpkin pie, and various vegetables. Many families have their own unique recipes passed down through generations. It is also common to have parades, watch football games, and participate in charitable activities during Thanksgiving.
Family Gatherings: Thanksgiving is a time when families gather together, often traveling long distances to be with loved ones. It is considered one of the busiest travel periods in the United States. Family members come together to share a meal, catch up, and spend quality time together. It is seen as an opportunity to express gratitude for the blessings in life.
Giving Thanks: The essence of Thanksgiving lies in expressing gratitude. People take the time to reflect on the things they are thankful for, such as family, friends, good health, and other blessings. Many families go around the table, taking turns to share what they are grateful for.
Black Friday: The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. It is characterized by massive sales, discounts, and promotions, with many stores opening early and offering doorbuster deals. Black Friday has become a significant shopping event in the United States.
National Holiday: Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, meaning that most schools, businesses, and government offices are closed. It allows people to have an extended weekend and spend more time with their families.
Overall, Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday in the United States, promoting gratitude, togetherness, and reflection. It serves as a reminder to appreciate the blessings in life and create lasting memories with loved ones.
History of Thanksgiving in United States
The history of Thanksgiving in the United States dates back to the early 17th century. The holiday has its roots in English traditions of giving thanks for a bountiful harvest. Here is a brief overview of the history of Thanksgiving in the United States:
-
Pilgrims and Native Americans: The most commonly known origin of Thanksgiving is the celebration held by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. The Pilgrims, who were English Separatists seeking religious freedom, had arrived in Plymouth in 1620. With the help of the Wampanoag Native Americans, they learned to cultivate crops and survive in the new land. To express gratitude for their first successful harvest, the Pilgrims organized a feast, which is often considered the first Thanksgiving.
-
Early Observances: While the Pilgrims’ feast is often credited as the first Thanksgiving, it wasn’t an annual event. Early colonists in different regions of America held various thanksgiving celebrations to express gratitude for successful harvests or other significant events. These observances were often religious in nature and were not standardized across the colonies.
-
National Proclamations: In 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation for a day of thanksgiving. However, it wasn’t until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. Lincoln’s proclamation aimed to foster unity and healing during a time of division and strife.
-
Influence of Sarah Josepha Hale: Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential writer and editor, campaigned for the establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday. She wrote numerous editorials and letters to politicians, including President Lincoln, advocating for a unified day of thanksgiving. Her efforts eventually led to Lincoln’s proclamation.
-
Official Recognition: In 1941, Thanksgiving was officially recognized as a federal holiday by the United States government. It was designated to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, a tradition that continues to this day.
Today, Thanksgiving is a widely celebrated holiday in the United States. It is a time for families and friends to come together, express gratitude, and enjoy a festive meal. While its historical origins are rooted in the Pilgrims’ feast, the holiday has evolved over time to encompass broader themes of gratitude and unity.
How is Thanksgiving celebrated in United States
Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a national holiday and one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in the country. Here is how Thanksgiving is typically celebrated in the United States:
-
Family Gatherings: Thanksgiving is often seen as a time for families to come together. Many people travel long distances to spend the holiday with their loved ones. It is common for families to have a big meal together and spend quality time catching up and expressing gratitude.
-
Thanksgiving Dinner: The centerpiece of Thanksgiving celebrations is a large meal, often referred to as the Thanksgiving dinner. The traditional Thanksgiving meal usually includes a roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, green beans, corn, and dinner rolls. Pumpkin pie is a popular dessert. Some families also incorporate their own cultural or regional dishes into the meal.
-
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual event held in New York City. It features giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and performances. The parade is broadcasted on television, and many people make it a tradition to watch it with their families.
-
Football: American football is closely associated with Thanksgiving. It is a tradition for families and friends to watch football games on Thanksgiving Day, both at home and in stadiums.
-
Volunteer Work: Many people engage in acts of charity and volunteer work during Thanksgiving. This can include serving meals at homeless shelters, donating food to food banks, or participating in community service projects. Giving back to the community is an important aspect of the holiday for many Americans.
-
Black Friday: The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is a major shopping day in the United States. Many retailers offer significant discounts and sales, and people often start their holiday shopping on this day.
Overall, Thanksgiving is a time for Americans to come together, express gratitude, enjoy a delicious meal, and spend quality time with their loved ones.
Dates
Thanksgiving will be celebrated in United States on 2023-11-23, 2024-11-28, 2025-11-27, 2026-11-26, 2027-11-25 in the comming years.