Thanksgiving Day 2023: Date, History, Significance, & Why it is Celebrated?
Thanksgiving Day 2023: It is observed on the fourth Thursday of November, and this year it is celebrated on November 24. Let us have a look at the history, significance, and story behind it to share with friends and family.
Thanksgiving Day 2023: It is a national holiday in the United States. The day celebrates the annual harvest and other blessings of the past year. This year, it falls on November 24.
Generally, Americans believe that their Thanksgiving is modeled on a harvest feast of 1621 and shared by the English colonists or Pilgrims of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people.
What is Thanksgiving and Why is it celebrated?
During the Civil war, on 3 October 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26.
Annually, the holiday for the day was proclaimed by every president thereafter, and with some exceptions, the date was chosen that is, the last Thursday in November.
Further, President Franklin D. Roosevelt extended the Christmas shopping season which generally begins with the Thanksgiving holiday, and also boosted the economy by moving the date back a week, to the third week in November.
In 1941, after a joint resolution of Congress, Roosevelt issued a proclaimed in 1942 and designated the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.
And so, the day became a time to gather together. The holiday on this day moved away from its religious roots and allowed immigrants of every background to participate in a common tradition.
In America, Turkey is central to Thanksgiving festivities. On this day, Americans gather around the table with their families and fill their plates with turkey, potatoes, cranberries, stuffing, and more.
The world's largest Thanksgiving parade is also held in New York City which consists of giant cartoon balloons that float above the sky accompanied by dancers and marching bands.
What does a Thanksgiving meal include?
This holiday in America is mainly rich in legend and symbolism. The traditional fare of Thanksgiving meal mainly includes turkey, bread stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie.
What is the story behind Thanksgiving?
Long debates surround the First Thanksgiving, but it is thought that colonists in New England and Canada observed "thanksgivings" on a regular basis, days of prayer for blessings like safe travels, victories in battle, or bountiful harvests. The harvest feast that the Wampanoag people and the English colonists known as the Pilgrims shared in 1621 served as the inspiration for Americans' holiday. The first Thanksgiving in Canada dates back to 1578 when an expedition under the command of Martin Frobisher gave thanks for its safe arrival.
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