Opposite the most purists in terms of national traditions, there are those who understand the importation of festivals from other places as a cultural enrichment. Halloween is already celebrated in style in many parts of the world and Black Friday is also established among our consumption habits. But what about Thanksgiving? We still don’t celebrate it, but everything will work out.
Curiosities about Thanksgiving
So that we don’t get caught off guard when they start treating us to exquisite banquets just before Christmas, we’ve caught up on that celebration we know about from the movies. We tell you all about Thanksgiving.
When is Thanksgiving celebrated?
In English it is called ‘Thanksgiving’ and in Spanish it translates as Thanksgiving Day. Every year it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, to whet your appetite before Christmas.
Where is Thanksgiving celebrated?
The idea is that this Day is celebrated in the United States, but the truth is that it is also a deeply rooted tradition in Canada, although it is celebrated a little earlier: the second Monday of October.
When was Thanksgiving Day celebrated for the first time?
There are several versions about the first time this day was celebrated. We are left with the date of 1621 in Play mouth (Massachusetts) when a group of recently arrived settlers managed to overcome the difficulties to obtain food with the help of the natives. This collaboration deserved a special thanks in the form of a banquet.
When did it become a national holiday?
That was an anecdote that established the tradition. In 1863 Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday, but it would not be until 1941 that it was officially declared a holiday.
Why is Thanksgiving celebrated?
The objective of this special day is to be grateful for what we have. If in principle it was about celebrating the harvests and giving thanks for food, today gratitude extends to all areas of life.
Is Thanksgiving a religious holiday?
Not necessarily. It is true that most families gather on this day around a table to thank God. But God is not the only recipient of thanks, it all depends on your religious beliefs.
What do you eat on Thanksgiving?
Besides turkey, of course. The traditional and almost obligatory menu consists of roast and stuffed turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. In addition to these essentials, green beans, braised turnips, corn and carrots are also usually found on the table.
And why turkey?
Turkey is one of the most consumed meats in the United States. In fact, President Franklin wanted to make the turkey the true symbol of the country instead of the eagle. On Thanksgiving Day, some 44 million turkeys can be consumed.
How is Thanksgiving celebrated?
Thanksgiving is more important than Christmas. It is on this date when families gather for a spectacular dinner. But it has also become traditional to attend the parade organized by Macy’s in New York.
And after Thanksgiving, what?
Thanksgiving Day marks the start of the shopping season before Christmas. Right the next day is Black Friday, a tradition we’ve already embraced as our own.