Thanksgiving Day holds a special place in the hearts of Americans, transcending just a public holiday. It is a time-honoured tradition deeply rooted in history, dating back to 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln officially declared it a federal holiday.
This annual celebration is marked by a gathering of families and friends who come together to express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. The centrepiece of the Thanksgiving feast is a delicious roast turkey, accompanied by stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, and the quintessential pumpkin pie.
For many, Thanksgiving also signifies the start of the holiday season, with parades taking place in various cities and towns, marking the official commencement of Christmas shopping. In more than 20 states, the day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is observed as a holiday, creating an extended long weekend for families to travel, visit loved ones, and enjoy quality time together.
On Thanksgiving Day itself, a majority of government offices, businesses, schools, universities, and colleges close their doors to allow people to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of gratitude and celebration. The following day, commonly known as the Day After Thanksgiving or Black Friday, witnesses a similar closure of many establishments, contributing to a four-day weekend for many.
This extended break leads to increased travel activity, making Thanksgiving one of the busiest periods for travel in the United States. However, it also brings about challenges such as congestion, overcrowding, and disruptions to local traffic due to seasonal parades and football games.
While Thanksgiving has become a beloved and widely celebrated holiday, it is not without its controversies. Some members of the Native American community view the holiday’s mythology as overlooking the devastating impact of European settlement on indigenous cultures. In response, since 1970, a group of Native Americans and their supporters have organized an annual protest known as the National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, Massachusetts, coinciding with Thanksgiving Day.
The history of Thanksgiving is rich and varied, with claims suggesting the first Thanksgiving occurred in El Paso, Texas, in 1598, or in the Virginia Colony in 1619. However, many attribute the origins of modern Thanksgiving Day to the Pilgrims’ harvest celebration in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621. The first official national Thanksgiving Day was proclaimed by George Washington in 1789.
As Thanksgiving approaches and we anticipate the holidays in 2023, it becomes crucial to ponder the importance of this day in American culture. Thanksgiving acts as a moment for expressing gratitude, introspection, and solidarity, uniting individuals to recognize the blessings in their lives and nurture a sense of community. Despite historical debates, Thanksgiving persists as a fundamental aspect of American traditions, shaping how we commemorate and engage with our collective history.
When is Thanksgiving Day 2023?
23 November 2023
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