What Thanksgiving is All About

Thanksgiving is a holiday to be enjoyed with good food amongst family and friends. It is a time to prepare the turkey and enjoy the company of your family and loved ones. The question is though, what do we really know about the history of Thanksgiving?

History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a traditional American holiday, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November every year. Thanksgiving has been an annual holiday since approximately 1863, although this date is not completely certain. It is a holiday which is surrounded by tales and legends. The story of Thanksgiving was said to have begun with the Pilgrims giving thanks to a good harvest and good blessings for the preceding year. In history, it is said that the first Thanksgiving lasted three days. However, this factor remains to be seen as there are many other clues to other “First Thanksgivings”. For example, a marker in Texas says “Feast of the First Thanksgiving – 1541”. Another Thanksgiving day was also declared in 1631 when a ship carrying supplies that were believed to have been lost at sea pulled into Boston Harbor. The governor proclaimed this day a day of Thanksgiving. In 1789, George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving Proclamation. Although it was not agreed by other presidents to agree to such a resolution, many states continued celebrating Thanksgiving on different days, but it was always celebrated in November.

Present Day Thanksgiving

Whatever the history of thanksgiving is, in the present day it is a national holiday celebrated by all Americans. This is a time for families and friends to get together for a meal that includes delicious turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. (Turkey, cranberry, and pumpkin pie were the New England fall harvests). It is also a special day when every American gives special thanks for what they have. It’s a day for parades and festivities which are held on or around this traditional day. Thanksgiving usually marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season and in some places is a four-day holiday – an opportunity for everyone to visit with friends and family. As a result, Thanksgiving is the busiest time of the year for travel within the USA.

Thanksgiving is now just a few days away folks. Have you bought your turkey and stuffing yet? If not, now would be the time to get to the shops, before you are the only one celebrating Thanksgiving without a turkey with your family.

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