Thanksgiving Day | Meaning, History, & Facts | Britannica

Thanksgiving Day: Meaning, History, and Facts

Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada to express gratitude for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. The holiday reflects traditions rooted in both European and Indigenous cultures.

Origins and Early Celebrations

In the United States, many believe the holiday is inspired by a 1621 harvest feast shared between the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people. This gathering symbolized cooperation and gratitude after a successful harvest.

In New England and Canada, early settlers often held days of “thanksgiving,” which were devoted to prayer and gratitude for safe voyages, military victories, or plentiful harvests.

Canadian Tradition

The first recorded Canadian thanksgiving dates back to 1578. Explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew held a ceremony to give thanks for their safe arrival in North America after a challenging expedition.

Modern Observances

In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, following a 1941 congressional resolution and a proclamation by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In Canada, the holiday falls on the second Monday in October, a tradition established in 1957.

Contemporary Customs

Today, both Americans and Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving by gathering with family and friends for festive meals. Traditional American dishes often include roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

“Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and unity, honoring both shared history and enduring cultural traditions.”

Author’s summary: Thanksgiving Day honors gratitude and communal spirit, linking North American history with enduring family and cultural traditions across generations.

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Britannica Britannica — 2025-11-03

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