Future of us
History of Thanksgiving
By- Riya Patel
What is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada where we celebrate and give thanks to all the things we’re thankful for. Thanksgiving is celebrated by the United States, Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Liberia. This holiday is celebrated every year, usually on the fourth Thursday of November. The holiday falls during autumn which is the main season for harvesting crops.
History behind Thanksgiving?
The history behind this holiday goes way back to September 1620 when a small ship called the Mayflower left Plymouth, England. The passengers on the ship were on a journey to navigate the new world. After a faithless and painful crossing that lasted approximately 66 days, they ended up landing at Cape Cod. Then a month later the Mayflower ended up crossing the Massachusetts Bay, where then the Pilgrims (English settlers who came to North America on the Mayflower) began establishing a new village at Plymouth.
When the first cruel winter hit, many of the colonists decided to remain on board. This is where they suffer from things such as exposure, and outbreaks of various diseases. Sadly, only half of the original Pilgrims lived to see their first New England spring. Later in March the remaining settlers moved ashore and received an unexpected visit from a member of the Abenaki tribe. Who greeted the Pilgrims in English. Couple days later, he had returned with another Native American Squanto, who’s a member of the Pawtuxet tribe. Squanto had taught the Pilgrims how to dig and plow corn as well as withdraw sap from maple trees and catch fish near the water.
In November of 1621, is when the Pilgrims first corn harvest was successful. This is known as the first Thanksgiving. Although the Pilgrims did not use this term back in the day. Histories have said that many dishes that had originally been made on that day were most likely prepared using different methods because if you think about it, they did not have access to an oven back in the day. Fast forward, the Pilgrims hosted their second Thanksgiving in 1623 to symbol the end of a long drought that has occurred.
What are the typical traditions?
When most people think about Thanksgiving, the first thing that seems to come to mind is the food. Which is true, it is a holiday about food, as well as many other things too. Thanksgiving is a day most people spend with their families and have a big feast. Traditionally some foods cooked on this day include turkey, stuffing, gravy, corn bread, mash potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Some desserts include pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato and apple pie.
Many families like to watch the annual New York City Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Which is a fun event broadcasted on TV including cool floats, songs, marching bands and performances from musicals. As well as huge helium filled balloons. People also tend to watch football games. Thanksgiving is also a great time to help the less fortunate. Many people find themselves donating canned goods or even volunteering to service food to the homeless.
Interesting Information.
Some information about Thanksgiving I found interesting:
Abraham Lincoln first declared a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863.
The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in 1924.
The average number of calories consumed on Thanksgiving is 4,500.
Turkey wasn't served on the menu at the first Thanksgiving that ever occurred.
Links to more facts! Hope everyone who celebrates has a great Thanksgiving!