When is Thanksgiving this year?
Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday!
Thanksgiving Date:
Thanksgiving Day in the United States is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This year, 2023, Thanksgiving falls on thursday november 23.
A Brief History of Thanksgiving:
Thanksgiving has a rich history that goes back centuries, dating to the early 17th century. It has evolved over time and is now a day to give thanks for the year’s blessings and the bountiful harvest. Here’s a brief overview:
1. The Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving (1621): The origins of Thanksgiving are often traced back to the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. Facing a harsh winter and unfamiliar land, the Pilgrims were aided by Native Americans, particularly the Wampanoag tribe. In the fall of 1621, after a successful harvest, they celebrated a three-day feast, which is often considered the first Thanksgiving.
2. National Proclamations and Abraham Lincoln: The concept of a national day of thanksgiving was sporadically observed in the following years. In 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be celebrated on the final Thursday of November. It was intended as a unifying gesture during a tumultuous period in American history.
3. FDR Changes the Date: In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up by one week to extend the holiday shopping season during the Great Depression. This change caused some confusion and led to debates, with various states celebrating Thanksgiving on different dates.
4. The Modern Tradition: After a few years of inconsistency, Thanksgiving was officially set to the fourth Thursday of November in 1941 by a congressional resolution. This date has remained unchanged since.
Contemporary Celebrations:
Today, Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and a delicious feast. The traditional menu often includes turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It’s also a day for parades, football games, and the official pardon of a turkey by the President of the United States.
Conclusion:
Thanksgiving is a holiday deeply rooted in American history and continues to be a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection with loved ones. This year, as Thanksgiving approaches, we have the opportunity to express our thanks and appreciate the blessings in our lives. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional feast, volunteering to help those in need, or simply spending time with family and friends, Thanksgiving is a special occasion to cherish and celebrate.
Do you like usa news? You’ll love our Everything About USA section!