Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States that has a rich history and significance. Here's why it's celebrated:
**The Pilgrims' Journey**
In 1620, a group of English Separatists, known as the Pilgrims, set sail for North America to escape religious persecution in England. They landed at Plymouth Rock in present-day Massachusetts and established a colony.
**Harvest Festival**
After a challenging first winter, the Pilgrims learned how to farm and harvest crops from the Wampanoag Native American tribe. In 1621, they celebrated their first successful harvest with a three-day feast, which included foods like venison, turkey, and corn.
**The First Thanksgiving**
In 1623, Governor William Bradford organized a formal celebration to express gratitude for the previous year's bountiful harvest. This event became known as the "First Thanksgiving," where Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans came together to share food and give thanks for their blessings.
**English Settlements and European Influence**
As English settlements expanded in North America, Thanksgiving celebrations spread throughout the colonies. However, it wasn't until the mid-19th century that Thanksgiving became a national holiday.
**Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation**
In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. This was partly in response to Sarah Josepha Hale's efforts to make Thanksgiving a national holiday; she had been campaigning for this since 1827.
**Modern Celebrations**
Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated by Americans and Canadians alike. It's typically marked by:
1. Family gatherings: Many people spend the day with family and friends, sharing meals and stories.
2. Traditional foods: Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are popular dishes associated with Thanksgiving.
3. Football games: The National Football League (NFL) has traditionally featured games on Thanksgiving Day since 1934.
4. Parades: Some cities host parades, like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
**Symbolism**
Thanksgiving is also a time to reflect on the values of gratitude, generosity, and community. It serves as a reminder to appreciate the blessings in our lives, regardless of their origin or circumstances.
In summary, Thanksgiving is celebrated to commemorate the Pilgrims' successful harvest festival, express gratitude for the blessings we receive, and strengthen family bonds.
The real history of Thanksgiving is a complex and often misunderstood topic. The traditional narrative, which is widely taught in schools and celebrated through popular culture, is that the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to share a bountiful harvest feast in 1621. However, this narrative has been largely mythologized and oversimplified over time.
Here are some key points about the real history of Thanksgiving:
1. **The Wampanoag were not invited**: While it is often said that the Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag to join them for a feast, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, the Wampanoag had already been experiencing significant losses due to European diseases and conflicts, and may have seen the Pilgrims' presence as a threat.
2. **The harvest was not bountiful**: The Pilgrims did have a poor harvest in 1621, which was one of the reasons they were struggling to survive. They had planted their crops too late, and many of them failed due to drought and other factors.
3. **The Wampanoag helped the Pilgrims adapt to new land**: The Wampanoag had been living in the region for centuries and had developed a deep understanding of the local environment and its challenges. They taught the Pilgrims how to farm, hunt, and gather food in this new land.
4. **The "First Thanksgiving" was not a single event**: While there is evidence that the Pilgrims did hold harvest celebrations with Native Americans, these events were likely smaller and more frequent than the single, grand feast that has been mythologized over time.
5. **Pilgrims had already killed many Wampanoag**: The Pilgrims had already experienced conflicts with the Wampanoag before the supposed "First Thanksgiving." In fact, they had even killed a number of Wampanoag, including Passaconway, who was the brother of Chief Massasoit, in 1623.
6. **The Mayflower Compact was more significant**: The Pilgrims' arrival in Plymouth and the signing of the Mayflower Compact (which established the colony's government) were likely more significant events than the harvest feast itself.
7. **Native American deaths from disease exceeded Pilgrim losses**: While the Pilgrims did experience some losses due to disease and conflict, the Wampanoag suffered far greater losses due to European diseases, which decimated their population.
In recent years, many historians and Native American scholars have challenged the traditional narrative of Thanksgiving, arguing that it is a myth that has been used to obscure the complex and often violent history between European colonizers and Native Americans. Some have even called for a more accurate and inclusive representation of this history, such as by recognizing the contributions of Native American communities and acknowledging the ongoing impacts of colonization.
It's worth noting that there are many different perspectives on the "real" history of Thanksgiving, and some may disagree with these points or offer alternative interpretations. However, it is clear that the traditional narrative has been oversimplified and requires a more nuanced understanding to accurately represent the complex histories involved.
In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October every year. This date was chosen to commemorate the harvest season and the arrival of French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1603.
Canada's Thanksgiving has a slightly different history than that of the United States. The Canadian celebration is said to have originated with European settlers who held harvest festivals to give thanks for their blessings. In 1578, Martin Frobisher, an English explorer, held a feast to celebrate the safe arrival of his ships and the successful hunting season.
Over time, the tradition evolved, and in 1957, Thanksgiving was officially declared a national holiday in Canada by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. The second Monday in October was chosen as the date because it coincides with the peak harvest season in Canada.
So, if you're in Canada, make sure to mark your calendars for the second Monday in October to join in the celebrations and give thanks for the blessings of the past year!
Thanksgiving in 2024!
According to the United States federal government's holiday schedule, Thanksgiving Day will be on Thursday, November 28th, 2024.
Here are some fun facts and tidbits to look forward to:
1. **Date:** Thursday, November 28th, 2024
2. **Day of the Week:** Thanksgiving will fall on a Thursday in 2024.
3. **Countdown:** Only about 18 months left until Thanksgiving Day!
4. **Holiday Season:** 2024 Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season, which includes Christmas, New Year's, and other festive celebrations.
Mark your calendars for November 28th, 2024, and get ready to give thanks with family, friends, and loved ones!
Would you like some ideas on how to make your Thanksgiving celebration special?
Happy Thanksgiving Day in the USA!
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year. It's a time for Americans to come together with family and friends, reflect on the blessings of the past year, and enjoy a delicious meal.
The modern tradition of Thanksgiving is often credited to a 1621 celebration between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native American tribe at Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. The Pilgrims had arrived in America just a few years earlier and were struggling to adapt to their new environment. The Wampanoag, led by Chief Massasoit, helped the Pilgrims survive their first winter and taught them how to farm and hunt.
The celebration was held to mark the harvest season and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. It's said that 90 Native Americans joined 53 Pilgrims for a three-day feast, which included foods like turkey, venison, and corn.
In modern times, Thanksgiving has become synonymous with a big family dinner, complete with traditional dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many people also watch football games or parades on TV, and some cities and towns host their own unique Thanksgiving celebrations.
Some fun facts about Thanksgiving:
1. The first Thanksgiving lasted for three days.
2. The Pilgrims didn't necessarily eat turkey at the first Thanksgiving - it's a myth that's been perpetuated over time!
3. The National Turkey Federation estimates that Americans consume around 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving Day alone.
4. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is broadcast nationally, has been held annually since 1927 and features giant balloons of cartoon characters, musical performances, and celebrity appearances.
5. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 72% of Americans say they're thankful for their family on Thanksgiving.
Whatever your traditions may be, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with loved ones!
A Happy Thanksgiving card is a great way to express your gratitude and well-wishes to friends, family, or loved ones during the holiday season. Here are some ideas for creating a Happy Thanksgiving card:
**Design Ideas:**
1. Use autumnal colors like orange, yellow, red, and brown to create a cozy and inviting design.
2. Add some festive elements like turkey feathers, pumpkins, leaves, or cornucopias to give your card a seasonal feel.
3. Incorporate images of food, like roasted turkeys, mashed potatoes, or pumpkin pie, to represent the joy of sharing meals with loved ones.
4. Use simple, yet elegant designs featuring Thanksgiving-themed icons, such as pilgrims, Native American headdresses, or harvest baskets.
**Words of Appreciation:**
1. "Wishing you a happy and grateful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and delicious food!"
2. "Thank you for being an important part of my life. I'm grateful for our friendship and hope your Thanksgiving is filled with joy."
3. "As we gather around the table to give thanks, I want to express my gratitude for your presence in my life. Happy Thanksgiving!"
4. "May your Thanksgiving be a time of warmth, comfort, and appreciation for all the blessings in your life."
**Digital Cards:**
1. Use e-card platforms like Hallmark, American Greetings, or Canva to create a digital Happy Thanksgiving card.
2. Design your own digital card using graphics software or online design tools.
3. Send a video greeting or a personalized message to make it extra special.
**Tips and Variations:**
1. Make it personal by adding the recipient's name or a special message.
2. Create a themed card, like a "Thanksgiving in Space" or a "Pilgrim's Progress" design.
3. Use humor to add some lighthearted fun to your card, like a cartoon turkey or a joke about trying to cook the perfect Thanksgiving meal.
4. Design a card for specific groups, such as kids, seniors, or fellow foodies.
Remember, the most important thing is to express genuine gratitude and appreciation for those in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!
A contrarian perspective!
While many people view Thanksgiving as a joyous and meaningful holiday, others have raised concerns and criticisms about its history, cultural significance, and impact on various communities. Here are some reasons why some might consider Thanksgiving "bad":
1. **Erasure of Native American experiences**: Many argue that the traditional narrative of the Pilgrims' arrival and the Wampanoag tribe's role in their survival is overly simplistic and dismissive of the devastating effects of European colonization on Native American populations.
2. **Cultural appropriation**: Some critics contend that Thanksgiving has become a holiday where non-Native Americans celebrate the cultural traditions of indigenous peoples without proper understanding, respect, or compensation.
3. **Colonialism and imperialism**: The history of European settlement in North America is marked by violence, displacement, and exploitation of Native American populations. Celebrating Thanksgiving can be seen as perpetuating these harmful legacies.
4. **Furor over food**: The focus on turkey and stuffing can obscure the complex social and economic issues facing many communities today, such as food insecurity and systemic poverty.
5. **Complicity in systemic injustices**: Some argue that by participating in or ignoring the problematic aspects of Thanksgiving, individuals are inadvertently supporting systemic injustices perpetuated against Native American communities.
6. **Disregard for intersectionality**: The struggles faced by marginalized groups, including racialized and indigenous communities, are often overlooked in discussions around Thanksgiving.
7. **Lack of inclusivity**: The traditional narrative surrounding Thanksgiving does not account for the diverse experiences of people from various backgrounds, cultures, and identities.
It's essential to acknowledge these concerns and engage in respectful conversations about the complex history and cultural significance of Thanksgiving. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society that honors the diversity of human experience.
Remember, there is no single "right" or "wrong" way to celebrate Thanksgiving. It's crucial to consider multiple perspectives and prioritize empathy, understanding, and mutual respect in our interactions with others.
A fascinating and complex topic. While Thanksgiving is often celebrated as a time of gratitude and unity, it also has a darker history that is often overlooked or minimized. Here are some aspects of the holiday's past that are worth acknowledging:
1. **The Wampanoag genocide**: The Pilgrims' arrival in Plymouth, Massachusetts, was not met with open arms by the native Wampanoag people. In fact, the Wampanoag had already suffered greatly from European diseases to which they had no immunity, and their population was significantly reduced. The Pilgrims' arrival brought further devastation, as they took land and resources without consent.
2. **The impact of European settlement on Native American populations**: The arrival of Europeans in North America had a profound impact on the native populations. Diseases like smallpox, measles, and influenza to which the natives had no immunity spread rapidly, killing an estimated 90% of the population in some areas. Additionally, the displacement of Native Americans from their land, forced assimilation, and violent conflicts resulted in significant trauma and loss.
3. **The Thanksgiving myth**: The traditional story of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag coming together to celebrate a bountiful harvest is largely a myth. While it's true that there was a meal shared between the two groups, it was not a joyful celebration but rather a meeting called by Massasoit, the Wampanoag leader, to negotiate a peace treaty with the English.
4. **The role of violence and coercion**: The Pilgrims' settlement was built on land taken from the Wampanoag without their consent. There were also violent conflicts between the two groups, including the Plymouth colony's involvement in the Pequot War (1636-1638), which resulted in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans.
5. **The erasure of Native American experiences**: The dominant narrative surrounding Thanksgiving often focuses on the Pilgrims' experiences and ignores the stories of the Wampanoag and other Native American communities affected by European settlement. This erasure perpetuates a lack of understanding and empathy for the ongoing struggles faced by Native Americans today.
6. **The contemporary relevance of these issues**: The darker aspects of Thanksgiving history are not just historical relics; they have significant implications for Native American communities today. Many Native American communities continue to face issues like land dispossession, cultural erasure, and violence, which are deeply connected to the country's founding and ongoing colonialism.
It's essential to acknowledge and learn from these complexities as we approach Thanksgiving. By doing so, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable understanding of this holiday, one that recognizes the diverse experiences and histories of all people involved.