November 28 - Thanksgiving Day in the USA: who and what Americans give thanks for on the holiday date

In late fall, the United States celebrates Thanksgiving, one of America's most beloved and popular family holidays. The annual celebration takes place on the fourth Thursday in November. In 2024, the date falls on November 28. About what this holiday is, how it is celebrated and whom Americans thank on the holiday, tell "Izvestia".

History of Thanksgiving in the United States - 2024

The celebration originated in the early 17th century, when settlers from England began to arrive to the shores of the American continent. The first such ship docked in Massachusetts Bay on a frosty November day in 1620. It was carrying residents of Foggy Albion who had left their native country because of religious persecution.

However, nearly half of the hundred arrivals could not survive the harsh winter and died of cold, hunger, and disease. In the spring, the survivors established Plymouth Colony in southeastern present-day Massachusetts, which lasted for more than 70 years. It became the oldest English settlement in the United States and is better known as The Old Colony.

With the help of the Indians, the settlers adapted to the local conditions, learned to grow pumpkins, barley, beans, maize (corn), till the land, and fish. This knowledge helped them reap a bountiful harvest the following fall. To show their gratitude, the English threw a large celebratory feast to which they invited the Indians. The event is considered the first Thanksgiving celebration in history.

Official recognition of the holiday (English name - Thanksgiving Day) received in the presidency of George Washington - the first popularly elected president of the United States. In 1789 he issued a proclamation in which he proposed to celebrate Thanksgiving Day on November 26. Later on, the date was changed several times. In 1941, the U.S. Congress officially approved the fourth Thursday of November as a holiday.

How Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in the United States

Every year on the holiday, Americans gather in the house of the elders for a festive dinner. Traditionally, baked turkey with cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie are on the table. Before beginning the meal, those gathered offer words of thanksgiving for all the joyous events of the year. Also on this day, giving away free lunches to those in need is encouraged.

Another Thanksgiving tradition is the "pardoning" of the turkey by the President of the United States. The ceremony usually takes place in the White House Rose Garden. Several dozen birds are selected for the ceremony and only the two best are sent to Washington.

Names are chosen for the turkeys by online voting. In 2023, the birds were named Liberty ("Liberty") and Bell ("Bell") in honor of the bronze Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, which is one of the main symbols of the struggle for independence for Americans. After the ceremony, the turkeys are sent to universities, farms or parks.

Also on Thanksgiving Day, various cities hold costume parades, the most famous of which is the Macy's department store parade in New York City, and holiday soccer games. The day after the holiday, Black Friday starts in the United States, which opens the season of preparation for Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Interesting facts about Thanksgiving Day on November 28

Among the holidays, Thanksgiving takes a special place in the United States. Many Americans are eager to spend it with their loved ones. Therefore, the days before the celebration become the busiest days for air travel. In 2024, more than 50,000 flights are predicted nationwide. In addition, according to the American Automobile Association, the number of auto travelers will increase dramatically.

In addition to the United States, Thanksgiving Day (French: Jour de l'Action de grâce) is celebrated in Canada. Its history dates back to French navigators and settlers arriving on the territory of modern Canada since the 16th century. Each year, the event falls on the second Monday in October. On this day there are festive services in churches, fall fairs and home celebrations in the family circle.

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the traditions of celebrating Halloween in different countries of the world.