Happy Thanksgiving Day to you as well!
In the United States, Thanksgiving is a federal holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year. It's a time for families and friends to come together, share a bountiful meal, and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives.
The traditional Thanksgiving celebration in the USA typically involves:
1. A large feast: The centerpiece of the celebration is a big dinner with all the trimmings, usually featuring roasted turkey as the main course.
2. Family and friends: Gathering together with loved ones to share in the festivities is an essential part of Thanksgiving tradition.
3. Gratitude: Expressing thanks for the good things in life, whether big or small, is a key aspect of the holiday.
4. Football and parades: Watching football games or participating in Thanksgiving Day parades are popular activities on this day.
The modern American Thanksgiving tradition has its roots in a 1621 harvest feast celebrated by the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony. This early celebration was likely inspired by harvest festivals held by European colonizers to mark the end of the growing season. Over time, Thanksgiving evolved into a national holiday, with President Abraham Lincoln declaring it a federal holiday in 1863.
In recent years, some people have begun to use the hashtag #NotMyThanksgiving to express their discontent with certain aspects of the holiday, such as commercialization or cultural appropriation. However, for many others, Thanksgiving remains a cherished time to come together and give thanks for the blessings in their lives.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, filled with joy, love, and gratitude!
Thanksgiving is a significant holiday in the United States, and its history is fascinating. So, let's dive into it!
**The Origin of Thanksgiving**
Thanksgiving has its roots in 1621 when English colonists, known as the Pilgrims, arrived at Plymouth Colony (now Massachusetts) after a grueling journey across the Atlantic Ocean. They had left England seeking religious freedom and a new life.
The Pilgrims faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, disease, and conflicts with Native Americans. Many of them died during their first winter in America, earning it the nickname "The Starving Time." Only half of the original 102 settlers survived.
**The Wampanoag's Help**
In March 1621, a Wampanoag tribe leader named Chief Massasoit (Massa-so-it) and his people arrived at Plymouth Colony. They had been watching the Pilgrims' struggles from afar and decided to make contact. This marked the beginning of an alliance between the two groups.
The Wampanoag helped the Pilgrims adapt to their new environment, teaching them how to farm and hunt in the area. In 1621, the Wampanoag's harvest was abundant, and they invited the Pilgrims to join them for a feast to celebrate the bounty of the land.
**The First Thanksgiving**
This feast, which took place between September 21 and November 11, 1621 (the exact dates are unknown), is considered the first Thanksgiving. It lasted for three days and involved over 200 Wampanoag people and around 50 Pilgrims.
The celebration was a time of great joy, with food, games, and storytelling. The Wampanoag brought deer, turkey, and other wild game to share with their new friends, while the Pilgrims contributed vegetables and other farm products.
**The Legacy of Thanksgiving**
In the years that followed, European settlers and Native Americans continued to interact, often with tense relationships. However, the idea of a harvest celebration persisted.
In 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving, partly in response to the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer and editor who campaigned for the holiday's establishment.
In 1941, Congress passed a law making Thanksgiving a federal holiday, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of each November. Today, Thanksgiving is a time for families, friends, and communities to come together, reflect on their blessings, and enjoy good food and company.
So, that's the story behind Thanksgiving! It's a celebration rooted in the complex history between European settlers and Native Americans, but one that has evolved into a unifying holiday for many people across the United States.
A Happy Thanksgiving card!
Here are some ideas for a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving card:
**Front of the Card:**
* A warm and cozy illustration of a turkey, pilgrims, or fall-themed elements.
* A simple yet elegant design featuring autumn leaves, pumpkins, or cornucopias.
**Inside Message:**
* "Wishing you a harvest full of love, laughter, and delicious food. Happy Thanksgiving!"
* "Thank you for being part of our family's traditions. We're grateful for your presence in our lives."
* "May this Thanksgiving season fill your heart with joy, your home with warmth, and your table with abundance."
**Add Some Personality:**
* A funny joke or pun related to turkey, stuffing, or pumpkin pie.
* A personal anecdote or memory you share with the recipient.
* A quote about gratitude or the importance of family and friends.
**Design Elements:**
* Add some fall-themed stickers, stamps, or doodles to make it more playful.
* Incorporate a photo of your family's Thanksgiving celebrations or a favorite memory.
* Use a warm, golden color scheme to evoke feelings of coziness and warmth.
Remember, the most important thing is to express your genuine gratitude and appreciation for the recipient. A thoughtful, heartfelt message will always be cherished!
In Canada, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October every year. This holiday has a different history and significance than its American counterpart, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.
Canadian Thanksgiving has its roots in European harvest festivals, specifically the Wampanoag Native American harvest celebration that took place in present-day Massachusetts in 1621. This festival was later influenced by English and Scottish traditions, and it became a national holiday in Canada in 1879.
The first Canadian Thanksgiving is believed to have taken place in 1578, when French explorer Martin Frobisher held a feast with his crew to give thanks for their safe arrival in what is now Newfoundland. However, it wasn't until the mid-19th century that Thanksgiving became a widely celebrated holiday across Canada.
In modern-day Canada, Thanksgiving is typically celebrated on the second Monday in October, which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the fall season. It's a time for Canadians to come together with family and friends, share meals, and express gratitude for their blessings and accomplishments.
Some common traditions associated with Canadian Thanksgiving include:
1. Family gatherings: Many Canadians spend Thanksgiving Day with loved ones, sharing traditional dishes like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
2. Feasting: A big part of the holiday is enjoying a hearty meal together, often featuring roasted meats, vegetables, and desserts.
3. Expressing gratitude: Canadians take time to reflect on their blessings and express thanks for the good things in their lives.
4. Sports and games: Some families enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or playing sports, while others spend the day indoors engaging in board games, card games, or video games.
Overall, Canadian Thanksgiving is a unique celebration that combines elements of harvest festivals, family traditions, and national pride.
Thanksgiving 2024 will be on Thursday, November 28th. Mark your calendars!
Here are some fun facts and tidbits to get you excited for the holiday:
1. **Date:** As mentioned, Thanksgiving 2024 will take place on Thursday, November 28th.
2. **Falling on a Thursday:** This is important because it means many people will have a four-day weekend, which can be a great excuse to relax and enjoy some extra time off with family and friends!
3. **Holidays around the corner:** Thanksgiving often marks the unofficial start of the holiday season, which means Christmas and New Year's are just around the corner! Get ready for festive vibes and cheer.
4. **Family gatherings:** Thanksgiving is a time for loved ones to come together and share a meal. Make sure to plan ahead and schedule those family get-togethers or make new memories with friends.
5. **Food coma ahead:** Let's be real – the star of the show is always the food! Start thinking about your favorite dishes, from turkey and mashed potatoes to pumpkin pie and more.
Remember to take time to appreciate the little things in life, like good company, delicious meals, and the warmth of the holiday season.
The real history of Thanksgiving is a complex and nuanced topic that has been debated among historians and scholars. The traditional narrative of the first Thanksgiving, which is often taught in schools and celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is that it was a harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native American tribe in 1621. However, this narrative has been criticized for being overly simplistic and Eurocentric.
Here are some alternative perspectives on the real history of Thanksgiving:
1. The Wampanoag were not invited to the feast: While it is true that the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag did have a harvest feast together, it was not an invitation-only event. In fact, many historians believe that the Wampanoag were forced to attend the feast as part of a peace treaty between the two groups.
2. The Pilgrims had already taken land from the Wampanoag: Prior to the feast, the Pilgrims had already taken control of the land and resources of the Wampanoag, which was a significant blow to their way of life. This has led some historians to argue that the "Thanksgiving" was not a celebration of friendship and gratitude, but rather an attempt by the Pilgrims to assert their dominance over the native population.
3. The Wampanoag had already been affected by disease: By 1621, many Wampanoag had already died from diseases brought over by European settlers, such as smallpox and influenza. This has led some historians to argue that the "Thanksgiving" was a celebration of the Pilgrims' good fortune in surviving their first year on American soil, rather than a celebration of friendship and gratitude.
4. The Native Americans had their own harvest celebrations: While the Pilgrims may have celebrated a harvest feast, it is important to note that Native Americans had their own harvest celebrations long before the arrival of European settlers. In fact, many Native American tribes celebrated the harvest season as a time of thanksgiving and feasting.
Some alternative ways to celebrate Thanksgiving include:
1. Learning about the history: Take some time to learn about the real history of Thanksgiving and the experiences of the Wampanoag and other Native American tribes.
2. Honoring the indigenous perspective: Consider incorporating traditional Native American foods, songs, and dances into your celebration, or visiting a local Native American cultural center.
3. Focusing on gratitude: While it is important to acknowledge the complex history surrounding Thanksgiving, you can also use this holiday as an opportunity to focus on gratitude for the good things in your life.
4. Celebrating harvest season: You can celebrate the harvest season by hosting a potluck dinner featuring local and seasonal foods, or by participating in community gardening or volunteer activities.
Some books that explore the real history of Thanksgiving include:
1. "The Wampanoag" by Howard Zinn
2. "A New England Thanksgiving" by Catherine O'Neill Grace
3. "Thanksgiving: A Survivor's Story" by Alex Shoumatoff
4. "We Are Still Here: And There Has Always Been Indigenous Resistance" by Jean M. Talley
Some films that explore the real history of Thanksgiving include:
1. "The New World" (2005)
2. "Pocahontas" (1995)
3. "The Squanto Saga" (1976)
4. "The Plimoth Gazebo" (2017)
It's important to remember that the true story of Thanksgiving is complex and multifaceted, and there are many different perspectives on what this holiday means. By learning about the real history of Thanksgiving and honoring the experiences of Native American communities, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable celebration.
You're referring to the 2011 comedy film "A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas"!
"A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas" is a holiday-themed spin-off of the popular stoner film series, following the misadventures of Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) as they search for the perfect Christmas tree. The movie features a mix of humor, heart, and wacky situations, blending elements of comedy, drama, and fantasy.
The film explores themes of friendship, family, and the true meaning of Christmas, all while maintaining the trademark wit, satire, and irreverence that defines the Harold & Kumar franchise. It's a fun, lighthearted holiday romp that will leave you laughing and feeling merry!
What do you think about this movie? Have you seen it or plan to watch it around Thanksgiving?
I understand that some people may have negative views or critiques about Thanksgiving, and I'm here to listen and provide information. It's important to acknowledge the complexities of historical events and cultural practices.
Some criticisms of Thanksgiving include:
1. Erasure of Indigenous experiences: Many Native American communities feel that their histories, cultures, and experiences are often erased or marginalized in discussions of the holiday. Some argue that the traditional narrative surrounding Thanksgiving is overly simplistic and doesn't accurately represent the perspectives of Indigenous peoples.
2. Historical inaccuracies: There have been debates about the accuracy of the Pilgrims' arrival and the Wampanoag people's involvement in the first Thanksgiving. Some historians argue that the event was not as peaceful or celebratory as commonly depicted, while others contend that it was a time of conflict and disease transmission between European colonizers and Native American populations.
3. Cultural appropriation: Critics argue that non-Native Americans often appropriate Indigenous cultural practices, symbols, and traditions for their own purposes without understanding or respecting the historical context. This can lead to feelings of disrespect and tokenization.
Some people choose not to celebrate Thanksgiving due to these concerns, or they opt for alternative commemorations that prioritize Indigenous perspectives and histories. Others might choose to focus on aspects like:
1. Intergenerational connections: Thanksgiving is often seen as a time to bring families together across generations.
2. Gratitude practices: Many people use the holiday as an opportunity to reflect on their blessings, express gratitude, and cultivate empathy for others.
3. Cultural exchange: Some individuals choose to celebrate Thanksgiving by engaging with Native American cultures, learning about local Indigenous histories, or participating in community service projects.
Ultimately, it's essential to acknowledge that people have different views and experiences surrounding Thanksgiving. It's crucial to listen to and respect diverse perspectives while working towards greater understanding and inclusivity.