Thanksgiving is celebrated primarily to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. The holiday commemorates historical harvest celebrations by early English settlers known as Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native American tribe, who shared a feast in 1621 to celebrate a successful harvest with mutual aid in survival. It has since evolved into a national holiday in the United States, declared officially by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 during the Civil War as a day to be thankful and to seek healing for the nation. Today, it is widely observed as a time for families and friends to gather, share a special meal, and express gratitude for what they have received throughout the year.
The Thanksgiving meal often includes traditional foods such as turkey, potatoes, squash, corn, cranberries, and pumpkin pie, symbolizing the harvest season. Beyond the historical origins, it is a day for gratitude, family togetherness, charitable giving, and various cultural traditions including parades and football games. While the holiday has complex and sometimes painful historical connotations, especially concerning Native Americans, it remains a significant cultural occasion focused on thankfulness and community.
