Since its almost thanksgiving i think people should know the history of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated mostly in the United States and Canada, with its origins deeply rooted in history and tradition. The holiday is a time for giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Here’s a brief essay on the history of Thanksgiving
The history of Thanksgiving in the United States dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims, English settlers who had arrived on the Mayflower, celebrated their first successful harvest in the New World. This event took place in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and was attended by 50 Pilgrims and around 90 Native Americans. The feast lasted for at least three days and had a variety of foods such as venison, fish, and corn. This gathering is often considered the “First Thanksgiving,” although similar harvest celebrations had been held by Native Americans long before the arrival of the Pilgrims
Although Thanksgiving was not an annual event. Various colonies and states held their own days of thanksgiving at different times, usually in response to specific events or successful harvests. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the idea of a national Thanksgiving holiday began to take shape. Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent writer and editor, campaigned for many years to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Her efforts were successful when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1863. He set the date as the last Thursday in November, aiming to foster a sense of unity and gratitude among the American people.
Thanksgiving in Canada has almost the same exact theme of giving thanks but has different historical roots. The first Canadian Thanksgiving is traced back to 1578 when English explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in Newfoundland to give thanks for surviving his journey through the Northwest Passage. Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October and includes many of the same traditions as the American holiday, such as family gatherings and festive meals.
In conclusion, Thanksgiving is a holiday with a history that reflects the values of gratitude, unity, and celebration of the harvest. Its origins in both the United States and Canada highlight the importance of giving thanks and coming together with loved ones to share in the bounty of the season.