Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated annually in the United States and Canada. It honors the harvest and the blessings received throughout the year. In both nations, it is a time for family gatherings, shared meals, and gratitude.

Historical Origins

In the United States, Thanksgiving is commonly believed to be inspired by a feast held in 1621 between the English colonists, known as the Pilgrims, and the Wampanoag people. This event symbolized cooperation and the sharing of abundance after a difficult first year for the settlers.

In Canada, the earliest thanksgiving celebrations can be traced back to 1578, when explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew gave thanks for their safe arrival after a long voyage across the Atlantic.

Religious and Cultural Traditions

Early New England and Canadian settlers often observed days of “thanksgiving” to express gratitude for safe travels, military victories, or plentiful harvests. These practices formed the cultural foundation for the modern holiday.

“Thanksgiving is an annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year.”

Modern Observance

In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, as established by Congress in 1941 and confirmed by a proclamation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In Canada, it has officially been observed on the second Monday in October since 1957.

Traditional Foods and Gatherings

Roast turkey as the centerpiece of the meal
Cranberry sauce and stuffing as staple side dishes
Pumpkin pie for dessert

Friends and family unite for feasts and festivities, reflecting on gratitude and togetherness as the core themes of the day.

Author’s Summary

Thanksgiving Day unites people across North America in gratitude, blending historic roots with modern traditions of family, food, and shared appreciation.

Britannica — 2025-11-03