Thanksgiving Day, which is just around the corner, is a precursor to Christmas celebrations in the United States. The Thanksgiving is celebrated on fourth Thursday of November and is an American national holiday. The schools, colleges and government offices and businesses are closed on Thanksgiving Day. The following day which is on Friday is also a holiday which marks a four-day national holiday in the country.
1Thanksgiving with a sumptuous meal
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The Thanksgiving Day is celebrated with a sumptuous meal including turkey, stuffing, and vegetables. Eating yams is also famous on the day. Yams are a starchy root vegetable grown across the Caribbean islands. It is nothing but a sweet potato. The Thanksgiving Day meal is completed with a pumpkin pie and a walnut crust.
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2Thanksgiving parades organized across the country
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Thanksgiving Day parades are also organized in many cities across the US. The most famous Thanksgiving Day parade is celebrated as Macy’s parade in New York. Usually a three-hour long event, the parade features floats, costumes and huge helium balloons in the shape of cartoon characters including Mickey Mouse.
USA is not only the nation which celebrates Thanksgiving. It is also celebrated in countries like Canada, Puerto Rico, Grenada, and Liberia. Thanksgiving Day is actually celebrated as the harvest festival.
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3Thanksgiving dates back to 1620 and its history
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The Thanksgiving Day history dates back to 1620 when a group of pilgrims visited American soil and got settled in an area known as Plymouth which is located in the south of Boston. The pilgrims got settled in the season of tough winter when getting a ration was difficult and it actually was a difficult time.
When spring arrived, the pilgrims wanted to sow crops, and in the process, were helped by local American named Squanto. Squanto was instrumental in teaching them how to plant corn, pumpkins, and squash. Besides, Squanto also taught them how to fish and hunt as well.
As they acquired skills to produce their own food, the pilgrims got successful in creating their own ration and store enough food for the upcoming winter season. They were well-equipped to counter the harsh winter season ahead.
As the pilgrims were grateful, they invited local Americans who helped them with harvest for a sumptuous meal. The meal was known as harvest meal. And, since then, the harvest meal had become famous as Thanksgiving.
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