Thanksgiving (United States)

Thanksgiving-Brownscombe

Thanksgiving at Plymouth, 1925, Brownscombe

Berkeley Plantation, Shrine marking 1st Thanksgiving in America

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Pilgrim Fairmount 2

The First Thanksgiving cph.3g04961

Thanksgiving (United States) is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It originated as a harvest festival, and to this day the centerpiece of Thanksgiving celebrations remains a Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner traditionally consists of foods and dishes indigenous to the Americas, namely turkey, potatoes (both sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes), squash, corn (maize), green beans, cranberries (typically as cranberry sauce), and pumpkin pie. In addition to Thanksgiving dinner, many Americans spend the holiday weekend engaging in various activities, including shopping for the upcoming Christmas season, watching football games, and participating in parades.

History

The event that Americans commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in October 1621. This feast lasted three days, and—as accounted by attendee Edward Winslow—it was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims. The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating "thanksgivings"—days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought.

Significance

The significance of Thanksgiving has evolved over the centuries. It has become a day for Americans to gather for a day of feasting, football, and family. It marks the beginning of the holiday season that continues through Christmas and New Year's Day. The holiday is a reminder of the early days of American colonization and the perseverance of the Pilgrims.

Traditions

Thanksgiving traditions in the United States include family gatherings for a special meal, which typically includes a turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, pumpkin pie, and vegetables. Parades have also become an integral part of the holiday in cities and towns across the United States. The most famous Thanksgiving parade is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, which features large balloons, floats, marching bands, and performances. Football is another significant part of Thanksgiving traditions in the United States, with the National Football League (NFL) holding special Thanksgiving Day games.

Controversies and Criticisms

Thanksgiving has also been a day of controversy and criticism, particularly from Native American groups who view the holiday as a celebration of the conquest and subsequent oppression of Native American peoples by European settlers. Some observe the day as a National Day of Mourning to remember the struggles and injustices faced by Native American peoples.

Thanksgiving in Popular Culture

Thanksgiving has been depicted in various forms of popular culture, including movies, television shows, and songs. These depictions often focus on the themes of family togetherness, gratitude, and the traditional Thanksgiving meal.

See Also

• Pilgrims (Plymouth Colony)
• Native Americans in the United States
• Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
• Thanksgiving dinner
• National Day of Mourning (United States)