Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States, observed on the fourth Thursday of November. Families and friends gather for a festive meal, express gratitude, and take part in traditions such as parades and football games.

• Held on the fourth Thursday of November in the US
• Traditional meal features turkey, potatoes, and pumpkin pie
• Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a major televised event
• American football games are a holiday staple
• Acts of charity and gratitude are central to the day

What it is

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday in the United States, centered on expressing gratitude for the good things in life. It brings together families and friends for a day of togetherness, reflection, and sharing. The heart of the celebration is a communal meal, often featuring dishes that recall the autumn harvest. Beyond the table, the day is marked by traditions such as parades, football games, and acts of charity. For many, Thanksgiving signals the start of the holiday season, blending moments of quiet thanks with lively gatherings and public festivities.

Where it comes from

The roots of Thanksgiving trace back to early colonial days in North America, with various communities holding days of thanks for successful harvests and survival. In 1621, Plymouth colonists and members of the Wampanoag people shared a harvest feast, which has become central to the Thanksgiving story, though it was not originally called Thanksgiving. Over time, New England communities developed their own regional traditions of giving thanks, often through prayer and communal meals. The holiday gradually evolved and, by the 19th century, became a national observance. In 1941, the United States set the date as the fourth Thursday in November.

How it is celebrated

On Thanksgiving, homes across the United States fill with the aromas of a special meal. Roast turkey is often the star, accompanied by mashed potatoes, squash, green beans, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Regional specialties and family recipes add unique touches to the table. Many people begin the day with religious services or acts of charity, such as volunteering or donating food. Televised parades, most famously the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, bring color and spectacle to the morning, while American football games are a staple of the afternoon. The holiday is also a time for reflection, as people share what they are thankful for before the meal. For some, the day marks the start of the holiday shopping season, with Black Friday following immediately after.

Joining in

If you visit the United States during Thanksgiving, you'll find most cities and towns observing the holiday with family gatherings and community events. Major celebrations, like the Macy's Parade in New York City, are open to all and broadcast nationwide. Many religious institutions and charities offer meals to those in need, and some welcome volunteers. Expect most businesses to close or operate on limited hours, as people spend the day at home. Joining a local celebration or accepting an invitation to a Thanksgiving dinner is a memorable way to experience the warmth and traditions of the holiday.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Thanksgiving (United States), whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Thanksgiving (United States) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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