Thanksgiving is one of America’s favorite holidays, full of family, food and thankfulness. But really, have you ever stopped and thought, “Uh, what is Thanksgiving the one we celebrate again?” It examines the history and significance of the holiday, and explains some of the traditions that have developed around Christmas over the centuries, and why we still love it today. Why is thanksgiving celebrated?
The History of Thanksgiving
To know how it came to be, we have to go to 1621. The first Thanksgiving dinner was put on by the Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts following their first successful harvest after a brutal winter. They were accompanied, too, by the Native American (or Indian) people, primarily the Wampanoag tribe, who had helped them to cultivate crops and make their lives in this new world.
The meal was a token of gratitude and a gesture of unity, laying the foundation for what we now celebrate as Thanksgiving. But it was not until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday to be observed on the last Thursday every November, as a way to give hope and gratitude to the nation.
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Why Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving Today?
Today Thanksgiving is a mix of its humble beginnings and contemporary customs. The core reason we make a big deal about Thanksgiving in the first place is unchanged, after all: Gratiude. It’s a time when families and friends gather, eat a meal and think about what they are grateful for.
Contemporary Thanksgiving has expanded to embrace aspects that are both cultural and commercial, including televised parades, football games and the start of the holiday shopping season with Black Friday.
Key Thanksgiving Traditions
- Feasting Together
- The meal is the heart of the feast. Traditional dishes include:
- Roast turkey- The centerpiece of the meal.
- Dressing – A tasty side dish.
- Creamed Potatoes – They are soft and soothing.
- Pumpkin Pie – I mean traditional dessert.
The act of sharing a meal reflects both gratitude and connectivity, two of the reasons people celebrate Thanksgiving in the first place.
Giving Thanks
At the heart of it all, Thanksgiving is about gratitude. This serves to reinforce the holiday’s original intent as many families take turns going around the table sharing for what they are thankful.
Parades and Football
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition; football games add an extra jolt of excitement to the day. These games and exercises are all about the happiness and unity that Thanksgiving creates.
FAQs: What Is the History of Thanksgiving?
Why do we have Thanksgiving in November?
They celebrate it in November because it was made a national holiday in November by Abraham Lincoln to be on the Fourth Thursday of  November. Dates were chosen based on harvest season.
Does Thanksgiving the only happen in the US?
Though it’s a significant holiday in the United States, other countries also have their own celebrations of thanksgiving (on different days and with some unique traditions), including Canada and Liberia.
The real meaning of Thanksgiving?
More than just food and festivities, Thanksgiving embodies gratitude, unity, and reflection. It’s a season for recognizing the blessings of our own lives and sharing them with others.
Celebrating Thanksgiving in a Deeply Feeling Way
If you have found yourself asking about why Thanksgiving is observed, or how to make Thanksgiving special, here are several other meaningful ways to remind yourself, or to remind others, about why the day matters:
Volunteer – Serve the homeless at a food shelter or give to the less fortunate.
Gather for a Gratitude Circle – Tell loved ones what you are grateful for.
Get Together with Your History – Find out the history of Thanksgiving and share with one another.
Cook Together – Get everyone in the family to help with Thanksgiving dinner.
Final Thoughts: Why Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving: reminding us to be grateful and to share our gratitude with others. It’s heritage is one of coming together, endurance, and gratitude- a history that remains alive today. Regardless of whether it is over a meal, in gratitude or in service to others, it’s a day to be reminded of the goodness that exists in life and to gather with friends and family.
