What is Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, marking one of the country’s most significant national holidays. It is a day dedicated to gratitude, where families and friends come together to share a meal and reflect on the blessings of the year. Rooted in a blend of religious and secular traditions, Thanksgiving is widely considered the start of the holiday season in the U.S.

This holiday is also a time for generosity and community outreach, with many using the occasion to give back through acts of kindness, charity, and volunteering. Although Thanksgiving originated in the United States, its message of gratitude and togetherness resonates globally.

History and Origin

Thanksgiving has its origins in 1621, when the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony held a feast to celebrate their first successful harvest in the New World. They were joined by members of the Wampanoag tribe, who had helped the settlers adapt to their new environment by teaching them farming techniques and sharing food. This event is often referred to as the “First Thanksgiving” and is symbolic of cooperation between the settlers and Indigenous peoples, though the broader context of colonialism adds complexity to the narrative.

For many years, Thanksgiving was celebrated sporadically across the colonies and later the states, without an official date. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday during the Civil War, encouraging Americans to pause and give thanks for their blessings despite the nation’s struggles. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt formalized the holiday’s date as the fourth Thursday of November.

Today, Thanksgiving is both a celebration of gratitude and a reflection on history, prompting conversations about the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities.

Who Celebrates Thanksgiving?

• American Families: Across the United States, families gather for a traditional meal and spend the day reconnecting and reflecting on what they are thankful for.
• Friends and Colleagues: Many people celebrate “Friendsgiving,” a modern twist on the tradition, where friends gather for a meal, often potluck-style, to enjoy the holiday together.
• Charitable Organizations: Food banks, shelters, and nonprofits organize events to provide meals to those in need, ensuring everyone has the chance to celebrate.
• International Communities: Americans living abroad and others inspired by the holiday often adopt Thanksgiving, adapting it to their own cultures.
• Indigenous Communities: For some Native Americans, Thanksgiving is observed as a day of mourning to reflect on the losses and injustices their ancestors faced.

Themes and Slogans

Thanksgiving revolves around themes of “Gratitude, Togetherness, and Generosity.” These themes encourage people to focus on the positives in their lives and to share their blessings with others. Another recurring theme, “Giving Back,” highlights the importance of charity and acts of kindness during the holiday. Popular slogans include “Give Thanks, Share Love” and “Grateful Hearts, Giving Hands,” which emphasize the dual nature of the holiday;expressing gratitude and extending generosity.

These themes reflect Thanksgiving’s broader cultural importance, blending historical reflection with modern-day values.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

Colors

• Orange: Evoking autumn and harvest, orange is a prominent Thanksgiving color, symbolizing warmth and abundance.
• Brown: Representing the earth and seasonal crops, brown ties the holiday to its agricultural roots.
• Gold: Associated with prosperity and celebration, gold adds a festive touch to Thanksgiving traditions.

Symbols

• Turkey: Often called “Turkey Day,” Thanksgiving’s iconic symbol is the turkey, which is traditionally the centerpiece of the meal.
• Cornucopia: Also known as the horn of plenty, the cornucopia symbolizes abundance and gratitude.
• Pumpkin: Commonly used in pies and decorations, pumpkins represent the harvest season.

Patterns

• Autumn Leaves: Leaf patterns in vibrant fall colors evoke the beauty of the season.
• Harvest Motifs: Images of wheat, corn, and gourds connect the holiday to its agricultural roots.
• Plaid and Checkered Patterns: Often seen in tablecloths and decorations, these patterns bring a cozy, rustic feel to Thanksgiving celebrations.

Most Used Hashtags

• #Thanksgiving
• #Gratitude
• #TurkeyDay
• #Friendsgiving
• #ThankfulHeart

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is celebrated in countless ways, with each family or community adding its own traditions to the mix. Here are some common ways to mark the occasion:

• Prepare a Festive Meal: The centerpiece of Thanksgiving is the traditional feast, which often includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many families also prepare dishes unique to their regional or cultural backgrounds.
• Host a Friendsgiving: This modern twist on Thanksgiving gathers friends to celebrate, often with a more casual and collaborative approach to the meal.
• Give Back to the Community: Volunteer at a food bank or donate meals to those in need. Many organizations host events to ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday.
• Watch Thanksgiving Traditions: Tune in to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or enjoy a football game, both of which have become iconic parts of the holiday.
• Reflect on Gratitude: Take a moment to express what you’re thankful for, either privately or with loved ones. Many families share their gratitude around the dinner table.
• Engage in Post-Meal Activities: Board games, family movies, or taking a walk are common traditions after the big meal. Some people also begin their holiday shopping, as Thanksgiving leads into Black Friday.

Why is Thanksgiving Important?

Thanksgiving is important because it provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and express gratitude. In a fast-paced world, it emphasizes the importance of togetherness, encouraging people to spend time with loved ones and reconnect with the values of gratitude and generosity. The holiday also promotes a spirit of giving, inspiring many to help those in need through donations, volunteering, and community service.

Thanksgiving’s historical context also offers a chance for reflection. While it celebrates gratitude and unity, it also prompts dialogue about the experiences of Indigenous peoples, fostering a more inclusive understanding of the holiday. For many, Thanksgiving is a reminder to balance celebration with acknowledgment of history and a commitment to justice and equity.