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Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

By AbirPublished 2 years ago 3 min read

Thanksgiving is a holiday that holds a special place in American culture. It started with a 1621 feast where Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans celebrated a successful harvest together. Nowadays, it's a time for giving thanks, enjoying the company of family and friends, and eating lots of food.

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Historical Roots:

The first Thanksgiving lasted three days, with Pilgrims in Plymouth Colony celebrating their plentiful harvest. This feast brought Pilgrims and Native Americans together in unity and thankfulness. Although they didn't call it "Thanksgiving" back then, this event is seen as the beginning of what we now celebrate every November.

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Evolution of Thanksgiving:

As years went by, Thanksgiving changed. Different places had their own versions of harvest festivals. Then, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. This decision really put Thanksgiving on the map in U.S. traditions.

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Traditions and Celebrations:

On the fourth Thursday in November, people gather to eat meals that typically include roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. It's all about creating a cozy atmosphere, making memories with loved ones, and being grateful for good things that happened during the year.

Gratitude and Reflection:

This holiday is also about looking back and feeling thankful. Many share aloud what they appreciate, bringing attention to the importance of showing gratitude not only for material goods but also for relationships, personal achievements, and life's shared moments.

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Modern Significance:

In our times, Thanksgiving is about more than its past. Many people help out at shelters or gather food donations to give back to others. It also kicks off the festive season, with Black Friday coming right after Thanksgiving, signaling the rush of Christmas shopping kicks off.

Hiccups and Complaints:

Though many people celebrate Thanksgiving, it's not free from criticism. Some point out that it brings up the unpleasant parts of American history, such as the suffering of Native Americans and how their customs have been taken and used by others. People are talking about changing the holiday to remember this past and its effects.

Thanksgiving in Entertainment:

In movies, books, and TV shows, Thanksgiving is everywhere. You can see it in old movies like "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" and famous TV shows like "Friends" or "Charlie Brown." It pops up a lot, often showing both the mess and happiness of family get-togethers.

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Global Perspectives:

Although Thanksgiving is mainly celebrated in America, many cultures worldwide have their own way of giving thanks and celebrating a good harvest. These variations of Thanksgiving show that being grateful and rejoicing in prosperity are common across the globe.

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Future of Thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving may change as our society changes. People are talking more about making the holiday welcoming for everyone, taking into account different backgrounds and traditions. Many suggest we should think about the meaning of gratitude and Thanksgiving in a wider context than just one historical story.

Festive Traditions:

Thanksgiving is a time when families come together to enjoy each other's company and eat lots of food like roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. There's a cozy feeling that fills houses, as people watch parades, play football, and laugh together. These moments become precious memories.

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Gratitude and Reflection:

The holiday isn't just about the big meal; it's also a chance for everyone to think about the good things that happened over the year. Being thankful goes beyond just having stuff – it includes personal growth, our relationships, and the experiences we share with others. It teaches us to be aware and thankful for all the little things in life.

Contemplation and Critique:

However, the holiday isn't free from criticism. It sparks conversation about the less-known stories from the time when Pilgrims met Native Americans., Many people think we should rethink how we celebrate to be more inclusive and respectful of different perspectives.

Conclusion:

The holiday of Thanksgiving continues to be important for Americans. It brings people together and is a time to be thankful and show appreciation. Although it started from historical events, today's celebrations focus on unity and thankfulness, which goes beyond any one culture, religion, or ethnic group.

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