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By Shailendra Singh
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Updated on 11 Mar 2025, 11:22 IST
Thanksgiving : Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday celebrated by families and friends in the United States and Canada. It’s a time to come together, enjoy a delicious feast, and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. In this blog, we’ll explore the essence of Thanksgiving, its history, why it’s celebrated on a Thursday, and why this holiday holds such significance.
Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. It is a time-honored tradition that brings families and friends together to express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. Typically observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada, Thanksgiving revolves around a special meal featuring roasted turkey and a variety of side dishes. Beyond the festive feast, it is a day for reflection, thankfulness, and coming together in a spirit of unity and appreciation for the abundance and joys of life. It is a cherished occasion marked by gratitude, tradition, and the warmth of shared moments with loved ones.
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In , Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27th in the United States, and on Monday, October 9th in Canada. It’s a time when people take a break from their usual routines to spend quality time with loved ones and express appreciation for the good things in life.
Thanksgiving’s history is rooted in a tale of early cooperation between English Pilgrims and Native Americans in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. In 1620, the Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower seeking religious freedom. Their first winter was harsh, with many suffering from hunger and disease. In the following spring, Native Americans, particularly the Wampanoag tribe, taught the Pilgrims essential survival skills, including farming techniques and the cultivation of native crops like maize (corn).
By the end of 1621, the Pilgrims had a bountiful harvest, and they invited the Wampanoag to join them in a three-day feast to give thanks for their successful harvest and to celebrate their newfound cooperation and friendship. This event is often considered the first Thanksgiving.
Fast forward to 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday during the American Civil War. He proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens” to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November. The aim was to foster unity and gratitude during a challenging time in the nation’s history.
Over time, Thanksgiving became an enduring tradition celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. While its historical roots are tied to a successful harvest and cooperation between settlers and Native Americans, modern Thanksgiving celebrations focus on gratitude, family gatherings, and enjoying a special meal. It has evolved into a cherished holiday that transcends its historical origins and is celebrated with diverse customs and traditions across the United States and Canada.
Thanksgiving is celebrated on a Thursday because of historical traditions. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday and designated the last Thursday in November as the official date. However, it was later moved to the fourth Thursday in November by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941. This change was made to extend the holiday shopping season and boost the economy during the Great Depression.
Thanksgiving traditions are an integral part of the holiday’s celebration and help create lasting memories with family and friends. While traditions can vary from one household to another, here are some common Thanksgiving customs:
These traditions vary from region to region and from family to family, but they all share the common theme of celebrating gratitude, togetherness, and the blessings of life.
Thanksgiving holds significant meaning for individuals and communities, and its importance extends beyond simply enjoying a festive meal. Here are some key aspects of the significance of Thanksgiving:
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time-honored holiday that reminds us to pause, be grateful, and celebrate the joys of life with our loved ones. It’s a tradition that continues to bring people together, fostering a sense of unity, gratitude, and appreciation for the many blessings that surround us.
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It involves a special meal and expressing gratitude for the good things in life.
Thanksgiving 2025 is on Thursday, November 27th in the United States and on Monday, October 9th in Canada.
Thanksgiving is celebrated on a Thursday because of historical traditions. President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday and designated the last Thursday in November as the official date. It was later moved to the fourth Thursday in November by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941.
Thanksgiving has its origins in a 17th-century harvest feast shared by English Pilgrims and Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts. President Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday in 1863.
Thanksgiving is significant because it encourages gratitude, strengthens family and community bonds, upholds cherished traditions, promotes generosity, and celebrates the spirit of abundance and plenty in our lives.
Traditional Thanksgiving dishes include roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, and pumpkin pie.
People celebrate Thanksgiving by gathering with family and friends for a special meal, often followed by activities such as watching parades or football games, and expressing gratitude.
While Thanksgiving is most commonly associated with the United States and Canada, variations of harvest and gratitude festivals are celebrated in other countries around the world, though the dates and traditions may differ.
The Thanksgiving Day parade, most notably the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, is a cherished tradition that features giant balloons, floats, and performances, kicking off the holiday season and bringing joy to millions of spectators.
Yes, some families and communities engage in activities like touch football games, volunteering at local charities, or participating in turkey trot races on Thanksgiving Day as part of their traditions.