Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in American Culture

Thanksgiving tradition is in the very fabric of modern American culture. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. In Canada it is celebrated on second Monday in October.

The First Thanksgiving

The first Thanksgiving celebration is believed to be held in United States of America in 1621.History links the origin of Thanksgiving to year 1621 meal held by Wampanoag and the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth Massachusetts. This meal was a Thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of bountiful harvest.

In Canada, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October. Martin Forbisher an English explorer celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day in Newfoundland in 1578, to thank God for surviving a long sea voyage. Thanksgiving Tradition.

Thanksgiving tradition has continued till today where Americans thank god for abundance. Over the years it has become a celebration of family, friends, culture and all that is good in America. Modern Thanksgiving customs involve a family dinner where gifts are exchanged to honor and appreciate each other.

A tradition associated with Thanksgiving holiday is "pardoning the turkey" every year by the President of USA.

Thanksgiving Dinner

The essential part of Thanksgiving is the large Thanksgiving dinner with the best china and silverware with entire family. The traditional menu includes a meal consisting of turkey, bread-crumb stuffing, cranberry sauce, squash, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

In America, it is customary to give a toast before Thanksgiving dinner, in order to express gratitude for good fortune in the past year.

People send gifts, flowers and cards to their loved ones and the reason behind this exchange of gifts and flowers is to appreciate them.

Modern Thanksgiving Celebration

American football is often a big part of modern culture of Thanksgiving in the U.S. and likewise in Canada. Professional games are traditionally played on Thanksgiving Day in both countries. Gifting tickets for Thanksgiving professional games is a good gift idea.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York is a public celebration. It has floats of various themes and some of them include popular TV stars. The last float is the one with Santa Claus which indicates the beginning of the Christmas Season.