When Is Thanksgiving 2017? Dates And Story Behind Thanksgiving in USA
It's nearly time to carve up the turkey and taste some scrumptious pumpkin pie because Thanksgiving is almost here. While the holiday has been synonymous with the start of the Christmas season, it would still be nice to reminisce on this unique American tradition.
It's celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, putting this year's Thanksgiving on Nov. 23. While everyone knows about the story of the pilgrims, its place in history is often taken for granted.
The first Thanksgiving was celebrated to give thanks for the bountiful harvest back in 1621. This was made possible after Squanto, a Patuxet Native American, taught the settlers how to grow corn and other crops without which, the first Puritan settlers would have perished.
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The pilgrims' first harvest meant that they will survive. Soon after, many more will follow but it is the brave few who sacrificed everything in exchange for a new life in the New World, who will forever be considered as the true founders of the country.
But while the tradition often entails a uniquely American story, the United States is not the only country where the holiday is celebrated. Canada, Puerto Rico, Grenada and Liberia do so too with very slight variations.
For years, how the holiday is celebrated has adapted to the changing times. However, a number of things, such as dishes made from pumpkin and the turkey can be traced to the country's infancy.
Still, while traditions remain, the times have certainly caught up. As many families come together to enjoy a nice dinner, there is always the Black Friday sales to look forward to and the Christmas season to enjoy.
Nevertheless, even as tradition gives way to new ideas, hopefully, their meaning is left intact. Because while Thanksgiving celebrations might change over the years, its significance should always be remembered.
