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Stuffed turkeys, blueberry sauces, spiced bread, today in American homes Thanksgiving Day brings thanksgiving and peace. The plot of every TV series made in the USA has scenes of intimacy between relatives on one of the quietest days of the year. One of the most famous holidays in the United States, but also in Canada and other parts of the world. This day, that is every year falls on the last Thursday of Novemberan opportunity to reflect on the blessings we have received during the year and to gather with family and friends.
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The foundation
Thanksgiving has deep roots that go back to the early years of American colonization. The History of Thanksgiving Its roots lie in the first contacts between European settlers and Native Americans. The most famous version of its origin dates back to 1621, when a group of English settlers, known as the Pilgrim Fathers, they settled in Plymouth, in the present state of Massachusetts. During their first winter, the colonists suffered from hunger and hardship. They received help from the Wampanoag people, who taught them farming and hunting techniques, allowing them to survive. To celebrate the following year’s bountiful harvest, the colonists and natives gathered for a great feast, exchanging food and feasting together.
Although this event is generally considered to be the “First Thanksgiving”, the holiday was not immediately formal. It was only in 1863, during the American Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared a national holiday for Thanksgiving, being set for the fourth Thursday of November.
Since then, the consolidation celebration itself has become one of the most important traditions of American culture.
Thanksgiving traditions
Thanksgiving is a day dedicated to thanksgiving, but it’s also an opportunity to get together and share a big meal. Culinary traditions are a fundamental part of this holiday, with dishes that vary slightly depending on the region, but have some elements in common. Turkey is the symbolic dish of Thanksgiving. Cooked in a variety of ways but mainly roasted, it is an icon of abundance, representing the food that has nourished families since the early days of colonization. The stuffing is made from bread, onions, celery and spices, which are cooked inside the turkey or separately. Another traditional dish is cranberry sauce, which adds sweetness to the meal. Dessert cannot be missing. Pumpkin pie is the most typical Thanksgiving dessert, eaten as a dessert after the main meal.
In addition to food, the ”Parade” is one of the most widespread traditions during Thanksgiving, or parades held in many cities. The most famous is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, which attracts millions of spectators. This parade, which includes floats, marching bands and giant balloons shaped like cartoon characters, is one of the largest public performances in America.
The meaning of Thanksgiving
The true meaning of Thanksgiving goes beyond the feast. It is a time of reflection, to give thanks for the good things in life, for the people you love, and for the blessings you have, even in difficult times. It is also an opportunity to give backa tradition that has spread especially in recent years, with many people donating food and time to voluntary organisations.
Over the years the festival has taken different forms. Thanksgiving is still a traditional celebration, with a table set and turkey as the central dish, but new practices have also emerged. Many choose to spend Thanksgiving on vacation or travel, and some people use the day to go shopping, take advantage of the Black Friday night special starting the next day.
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How has Thanksgiving been influenced by different cultural traditions over the years?
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome to Time.news! Today we’re diving deep into one of the most cherished holidays in the United States—Thanksgiving. Joining us is Dr. Emily Carter, a cultural historian with a focus on American traditions. Emily, thank you for being here!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the significance of Thanksgiving and its rich history.
Interviewer: To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about the origins of Thanksgiving?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely! Thanksgiving’s origins trace back to the early contacts between European settlers and Native Americans. The most recognized story dates to 1621, when the Pilgrim Fathers, struggling to survive their first winter in Plymouth, Massachusetts, received assistance from the Wampanoag tribe. They shared agricultural knowledge that allowed the settlers to thrive, leading to a celebratory feast to give thanks for the bountiful harvest.
Interviewer: It’s fascinating how a moment of hardship turned into a celebration of gratitude! How did Thanksgiving evolve into a formal holiday?
Dr. Emily Carter: Initially, Thanksgiving wasn’t an official holiday. It wasn’t until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This decision was partly to unify the nation during turbulent times and promote a spirit of gratitude.
Interviewer: Speaking of unity, Thanksgiving is largely about family gatherings today. What are the key traditions that have developed around this holiday?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thanksgiving is indeed a time for families to come together. The centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals is the turkey, often roasted and served with stuffing made from bread, onions, celery, and spices. Cranberry sauce, which adds a sweet contrast, is another staple. Of course, there are various regional variations. For instance, in the South, you might find cornbread dressing or pecan pie featured prominently.
Interviewer: It sounds like a culinary feast! Are there any modern practices that you find particularly interesting?
Dr. Emily Carter: Yes! In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards inclusivity in Thanksgiving celebrations. Many families now incorporate diverse cultural dishes reflecting their backgrounds. From Indian curries to Mexican tamales, these variations enrich the traditional feast and highlight the multicultural fabric of American society.
Interviewer: That’s a lovely evolution of the holiday. Also, it seems that Thanksgiving is often followed by a shift in focus towards consumerism with Black Friday. What’s your take on that transition?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s certainly a juxtaposition! Initially, the day after Thanksgiving was centered around leftovers and family time. However, with the rise of consumer culture, Black Friday has become a major shopping event, often overshadowing the holiday’s original intent. That said, some families have found ways to incorporate both traditions—enjoying their time together while also getting ready for the holiday sales.
Interviewer: As we look ahead to the future of Thanksgiving, what do you hope it will signify for upcoming generations?
Dr. Emily Carter: I hope that it continues to embody a spirit of gratitude, unity, and inclusivity. It should not only be a day for families to come together and enjoy a meal but also a time to reflect on our shared history, honor those who helped shape it, and consider how we can contribute positively to our communities moving forward.
Interviewer: Beautiful thoughts to carry into the holiday! Thank you, Dr. Emily Carter, for sharing your insights on Thanksgiving. It’s been a pleasure!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your readers!