Both in the United States and Canada, people celebrate “Thanksgiving Day”, however the celebration takes place on different dates. In the United States, it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, while in Canada, it is on the second Monday of October.
This celebration brings together families and friends who sit together at a table to share a delicious feast, which often consists of roasted turkey and rice, salads and different sauces.
Although in the first celebrations the colonists and natives shared the game with lambs or turkeys, it was not until 1856 that the turkey became the main course of Thanksgiving Day, because the settlers had caught turkeys and because this animal was not common for them, the turkey began to be seen as a more attractive option for festivities.
In the United States, this tradition goes back to the year 1621, in the city of Plymouth, what is now the state of Massachusetts. In that year a celebration was held to thank for the good harvest of the year. It caused so much impact that they wanted to repeat the celebration in the following years and until today it continues to be celebrated.
Although this celebration has a religious origin, civilians as well as authorities and leaders participate in this important celebration that every year is gaining more importance for the American society in general.
In Canada, the celebration dates back to the beginning of the 17th century, and they also celebrate their important harvests.
This celebration was extended to several countries around the world, because the immigrants arrived in the United States or Canada and participated in Thanksgiving Days, then they moved back to their countries of origin and continued to celebrate it.
At present, “Thanksgiving Day” is a non-working day and the next day the traditional “Black Friday” is held, which consists of the merchants lowering the prices of the products and the citizens going out shopping to take advantage of the offers.
It is a tradition that in Manhattan, New York, United States, a chain of department stores organize a colorful parade to attract both tourists and locals. In this parade, giant balloons and live performances of different artists happen.
Another tradition associated with Thanksgiving is that the president of the United States grants a pardon to a turkey, that is, save him from death.
Today, several countries in the world such as India, China, Malaysia and Korea celebrate Thanksgiving. It is not the same holiday, but it is also based on gratitude.
Thanksgiving Day is probably different in every country, however there is something that characterizes all the celebrations and it is the harmonious and peaceful meeting, in an atmosphere of gratitude, tranquility, peace and love for the family.
ALFA