Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Day: history, origins, traditions

At Thanksgiving, families come together to celebrate. The stuffed turkey is a must

Giacomo Martiradonna

The Thanksgiving Day it is a celebration steeped in history and tradition that reflect the fundamental values ​​of gratitude, family and generosity. Its importance in the United States goes beyond just a festive meal: it is a time when people come together to celebrate the blessings they have received and to share the joy with their loved ones. Through its unique traditions and culinary curiosities, Thanksgiving Day remains a mainstay of American cultureand this year it is celebrated on November 23.

origin of the festival

The Thanksgiving Day, or Thanksgiving Day, represents one of the most significant holidays in the United States of America, celebrated every fourth Thursday of November. A day that has deep roots and is characterized by a combination of historical, cultural and social elements which make it unique and appreciated by millions of people across the country. The origin of Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, when the first English settlers – the Pilgrim Fathers – who arrived aboard the Mayflower, after a difficult first winter in America, celebrated the abundant harvest with the Native Americans of the Wampanoag tribe. This friendly meeting between settlers and natives is often considered the first Thanksgiving of history. During this celebration, the settlers and natives are said to have shared food, including turkeys, corn, squash, and other local foods. The practice of giving thanks for the abundant harvest spread among the settlers and, over the years, it became a tradition celebrated in various ways. However, Thanksgiving Day as we know it today was officially established by the president Abraham Lincoln in 1863, in the midst of the Civil War. Lincoln proclaimed the fourth Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving, thus establishing a fixed date for the celebration.

community and generosity

In the US, Thanksgiving Day is a time when people come together for express gratitude for their own fortunes. It is an opportunity to reflect on one’s life and solidarity, strengthening family and social ties. It is a holiday that highlights the importance of generosity and mutual helpvalues ​​considered fundamental in American culture.

thanksgiving traditions

The party is often celebrated in the familywith a large lunch in which the main course is the stuffed turkey. The preparation itself is an important ritual, and many families follow recipes passed down from generation to generation. The turkey is stuffed with a stuffing composed of bread, vegetables, herbs and spices, and accompanied by a sweet blueberry sauce. In addition to lunch, the Thanksgiving Day parades they are the other distinctive element of the party. The most famous overseas is probably the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, which attracts millions of spectators every year. The parade, launched in 1924, features huge balloons in the shape of famous people, floats, bands and spectacular performances. After every Thanksgiving, finally comes the Black Fridaywhich marks the beginning of Christmas shopping season.

curiosity

Among the curiosities related to Thanksgiving Day there are some traditional dishes which occupy a special place on the table and in the hearts of the guests. The best known is probably the Pumpkin pie, a pie made with pumpkin, spices, and cream, often served with a generous portion of whipped cream or ice cream. The other great protagonist, however, is undoubtedly the fowl: it is estimated that they are consumed approximately every year 46 million turkeys during Thanksgiving Day in the United States.



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