Everything You Need To Know About Thanksgiving Day!
According to SHAHEDNEWS, In this short post, I want to talk specifically about Thanksgiving Day, its history, and how it's celebrated in different parts of the world.
History of Thanksgiving Day
The story behind the naming of this day dates back almost 400 years. The first celebration of this holiday was held in 1621 in Plymouth, which is now part of Massachusetts. In 1620, hundreds of people traveled across the Atlantic to the Plymouth and Massachusetts areas. That winter, the region faced extremely harsh conditions. The bitter cold caused most of the people's crops to fail. Many died from hunger and lack of food. A few survivors, who were Native Americans, managed to save themselves from poverty and hunger by planting corn and other crops.
In the following autumns, crop production in the area increased. The settlers were able to grow not only corn, but also barley, beans, and pumpkins. So, in 1621, they decided to hold a celebration to give thanks for their survival and the blessings God had given them. The date of Thanksgiving varies by country and region. In many parts of the United States and Australia, it’s celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, while in Canada, it’s celebrated on the second Monday of October. Thanksgiving is rooted in the religious and cultural beliefs of the people. It’s a public holiday in most parts of the United States and Canada.
Traditions and Customs of Thanksgiving Day
One of the most beloved traditions in North America is the celebration and ceremonies held on Thanksgiving Day. This tradition is common across all cultures and races in the U.S.
On this day, people celebrate and give thanks to God for the material and spiritual blessings that they and their families have received.
Common foods prepared for this day include turkey, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, pumpkin soup, green beans with shallots, and various vegetables.
Interestingly, Australians don’t celebrate Thanksgiving like Americans or Canadians. Instead of cooking turkey for Thanksgiving, they gather at Christmas to enjoy turkey and celebrate.
Thanksgiving Celebrations in Different Countries
Norfolk Island, Australia
Norfolk Island, part of Australia's territory, is located in the Pacific Ocean, between New Zealand and New Caledonia. Thanksgiving here is celebrated during whale hunting season. Though part of Australia, this tradition was started by American whale hunters who worked on the island in the 1960s.
United States
Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. is a major pre-Christmas tradition, celebrated on the last Thursday of November. It’s an official holiday, and families gather to celebrate with delicious food. The main dish is turkey. After eating, people often go for walks, and the final part of the celebration involves watching football.
Canada
As previously mentioned, Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday of October. During this celebration, people use a dish shaped like a horn, filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables, symbolizing abundance, a tradition rooted in ancient Greek culture.
Germany
In Germany, Thanksgiving is celebrated in the harvest season, often by rural and religious communities. It’s known as "Erntedankfest" and is held in early October by Christians.
Japan
In Japan, Thanksgiving is known as "Kinrō Kansha no Hi" and is celebrated on November 23 each year. This day, also known as Labor Thanksgiving Day, is a time to thank God for blessings and appreciate the work of farmers.
Grenada
In Grenada, Thanksgiving is also celebrated, but the difference is that there’s no turkey involved. The celebration marks the anniversary of the U.S. intervention in 1983 to rebuild the country.
India
Thanksgiving in India is a religious celebration held by Christians. It’s not widely recognized and is celebrated under various names.
