Thanksgiving 2024 in US: Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, which means this year it will be celebrated on November 28. It is one of the most celebrated holidays across the country as families come together to prepare festive meals, enjoy time together and express gratitude for blessings. On Thanksgiving Day, traditionally, farmers thank God for their autumn harvest. However, beyond the coming together of family, Thanksgiving has a deep historical and cultural significance.
When was Thanksgiving first celebrated?
The origins of Thanksgiving date back to 1621 when a harvest feast was held between the Wampanoag, a native tribe that had long ago occupied the land, and English colonists newly settled in America.
In 1789, following Congress’ recommendation, President George Washington issued a proclamation designating Thursday, November 26, 1789, as a day of public thanksgiving – the first time it was observed under the new Constitution, according to the White House. Was.
Later in 1863, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, who guided the country during the Civil War, declared Thanksgiving a holiday and a day off for employees. He also urged the citizens to heal its wounds and restore peace and harmony across the country.
How is Thanksgiving celebrated?
On Thanksgiving Day, families and friends gather for a meal, games, and fun. Pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roast turkey are all staples. Other customs of the day include Thanksgiving Day parades, especially the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, donating essentials to those in need, and presidential turkey pardons.
This year, President Joe Biden relieved Peach and Blossom, two white-plumaged turkeys, at the White House, continuing a long tradition. It is believed that this tradition began during the Civil War when President Abraham Lincoln’s son Tad requested him to exclude a turkey named “Jack” from his holidays and he did.
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Controversy over Thanksgiving
While most Americans enjoy carving a turkey and sharing it with family on Thanksgiving, Native Americans and Alaska Natives believe the holiday hides a real history of oppression and bloodshed. In the years following the first harvest feast, many Native Americans died due to foreign-born diseases brought from Europe. Others died during conflicts with English settlers who were trying to gain control of native lands.
