thanksgiving day 感恩节资料

Thanksgiving Day is a communal celebration marked as a sense of gratitude people feel for all

the good things in life. This is done by offering prayers, gifting your near and dear ones. The

fourth Thursday in the month of November is marked for the yearly celebration. The tradition of

Thanksgiving continues till date in the form of

Family Reunion and Feasting

Family feast is an important tradition during Thanksgiving. The entire family sits at the table

during dinner and offer prayer to the Lord Almighty for his continuous grace. It is also a time for

relatives living in different places to come together and celebrate.

Tradition of Turkey

The traditional stuffed turkey adorns every dinner table during the feast. Pumpkin pie, Cranberry

sauce, Corns are some of the dishes cooked everywhere to mark the day. Though historians

don't have an evidence to prove that turkey was eaten during the first Thanksgiving dinner, but

the thanksgiving celebration will be incomplete without it.

Parades

The traditional Thanksgiving parade probably started with President Lincoln proclaiming it an

official day. The full- dress parade is a way to display the country's military strength and

discipline. The main aim of such parades is to lift the spirits of the spectators, provide them with

wholesome entertainment. In the present day, parades are accompanied with musical shows and

celebrities.

Football Games

Watching NFL football during Thanksgiving is a popular tradition. The traditional game between

the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers continues. One of the most memorable games

having been played on this day.

Thanksgiving Day Customs

The Thanksgiving legacy has been alive for hundreds of years.

The customs we see in our homes today remind us of ancient celebrations of harvest, thankfulness for

peace, and the endeavors of native Americans. It consists of stories of those who believe that gratitude

for blessings is a virtue all must possess.

Custom of Praying

For centuries, 'Thanksgiving Day' is associated with communal prayers in church and in homes. People

offer various meal time prayers during the day. It is a time, when mankind thanks God for all his blessings

and grace. It is also a day to show gratitude to your friends and relatives for all the good deeds.

Thanksgiving Day Tradition

Custom of Family Dinner

Everyone follows the custom of family dinner and reunion religiously every year. Distances don't really matter as relatives drive down to be with their family. Feasts are usually held at home. It is a time to enjoy their favorite 'Roasted Turkey' with the family.

Custom of Decoration

Thanksgiving is a time to decorate homes with wreaths, fresh and dried flowers. People beautify their homes, give the interiors a whole new look and feel. They light lamps to brighten the environment. Tables are adorned with best china and antique silver cutlery to mark the occasion.

Custom of sending messages

Thanksgiving is a day when people send loving messages and warm wishes to their relatives, colleagues at work place, superiors and subordinates, near and dear ones. It is a day of conveying their feelings through Thanksgiving cards.

First Thanksgiving Day Feast

The famous 'First thanksgiving feast' is said to have taken place in autumn, in the year 1621. The pilgrims organized the feast right after the first harvest. It was a gesture to thank God to help them survive the bitter winter. It was also celebrated as a display of gratitude towards Indians. The feast took place in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The traditional 'First feast' formed the basis for the modern 'Thanksgiving Day', celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November every year.

According to historians, the first thanksgiving feast was eaten outside, as the colonists didn't have sufficient space to accommodate everyone. Native Indians were invited to the feast as they were the ones who taught pilgrims how to grow food. The feast was held to rejoice their fruits of labour.

The feast is described in a firsthand account presumably written by a leader of the colony, Edward Winslow. According to him, the governor had sent four men to kill as many fowls. The feast was attended by 90 people including Indians (Native Americans). The food included, ducks, turkeys, geese, swan and venison, fish, berries, watercress, lobster, dried fruit, clams, and plums. The feast continued for three days. It was accompanied by lots of dancing and merry-making.

The feast was not repeated for the next few years. The next thanksgiving day was celebrated in the year 1676. The year witnessed a severe drought, which was eventually followed by rains due to prayers.

George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789. The idea attracted mixed reaction. After campaigning for nearly 80 years, in 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving.

Origin of Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is America's preeminent day. It is celebrated