Thanksgiving Day bears its origin from the harvest festival. Generally, Americans give thanks to God for their autumn harvest and every other success they have achieved in the year. Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. is observed on the fourth Thursday in November. Turkey is the most common food served during the Thanksgiving Dinner. For this reason, Thanksgiving Day is also called the Turkey Day. The day is often full of pomp and color. It is a great time to exchange gifts with your loved ones and share beautiful Thanksgiving messages. If you would like to please your family and friends, get a special Thanksgiving menu and Turkey, potatoes and a variety of vegetables.
Although Thanksgiving Day has been observed for more than four centuries, its traditions continue to date. Family reunion and feasting are common as everyone offers prayers to God for His continuous grace. Thanksgiving ceremony is considered incomplete without turkey. Watching NFL football and playing Thanksgiving games such as scavenger hunt and picture puzzle is also a popular tradition on this day.
Why is it called Thanksgiving?
Blessing of the harvest: It began as a day where people took the opportunity of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.
Why is it celebrated with turkey?
Hamilton’s turkey: Eating turkey for Thanksgiving in the U.S.precedes President Abraham Lincoln’s nationalisation of the holiday in 1863. In the 19th century, founding father Alexander Hamilton proclaimed that no “Citizen of the United States should refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day.” Others believe the birds were chosen because they are large enough to feed many people, and they don’t serve a purpose like laying eggs or making milk.
A traditional Thanksgiving lunch is hosted by Northeastern University every year where hundreds of students join to celebrate the holiday season.
A student, Mrinalini Ramakandh, said, “This is my first Thanksgiving”. Ramakandh eyed a growing list of index cards across the room, on which students had written what they were grateful for. “I’m looking forward to saying thanks,” she added. Students from different cultural backgrounds attended the event to have a taste of the American culture.
“Definitely lives up to the hype,” said student Omkar Reddy from India. Across the table, Zigeng Fu, from China, tried his first taste of turkey, too. “Delicious,” he said, taking a bite.
Radhika Boruah