Thanksgiving Day 2023: Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. In the United States, it is observed on the fourth Thursday of November, while in Canada, it is celebrated on the second Monday of October. The holiday has historical roots in both countries, but the specific reasons for celebrating may vary.
History of Thanksgiving: history of thanksgiving is different in America and Canada. Here we will tell you about the history i.e. how this tradition of Thanksgiving started and later become one of the major festivals in the USA & Canada. It’s the official start of festival season and time of spending for shopping, as lot of discount offers and deals announced by various stores and malls.
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Thanksgiving America
The history of Thanksgiving in America is often traced back to a 1621 harvest feast between English Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Here is a brief overview of the historical background:
- Pilgrims’ Arrival: In 1620, a group of English Separatists, known as the Pilgrims, sailed on the Mayflower to the New World to escape religious persecution. They arrived in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts, in December 1620.
- Harsh First Winter: The Pilgrims faced a harsh winter with many hardships, including disease and a lack of food. By the spring of 1621, many of the colonists had died.
- Help from Native Americans: The Wampanoag, a Native American tribe in the region, played a crucial role in the survival of the Pilgrims. Squanto, a Wampanoag who had learned English, helped the Pilgrims by teaching them agricultural techniques and serving as an interpreter between the Pilgrims and other Native Americans.
- Successful Harvest: With the help of the Wampanoag, the Pilgrims were able to cultivate crops successfully, resulting in a bountiful harvest in the fall of 1621.
- Thanksgiving Feast: To celebrate their successful harvest and express gratitude for the assistance they had received, the Pilgrims organized a three-day feast. This event is considered the first Thanksgiving. It is believed that around 50 Pilgrims and around 90 Native Americans attended the feast.
- Continuation of Thanksgiving: While the 1621 event is often cited as the first Thanksgiving, it wasn’t an annual tradition at that time. However, the idea of a day of giving thanks for a good harvest became a part of colonial American culture.
- National Holiday: In the 19th century, various states and presidents proclaimed Thanksgiving as a holiday, but the date varied. In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the final Thursday of November.
- Modern Tradition: In 1941, Congress officially established Thanksgiving as a national holiday on the fourth Thursday of November, where it remains today.
While the historical details may be debated, the essence of Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude and sharing a meal with family and friends. The event of 1621 is often seen as a symbol of cooperation and goodwill between the Pilgrims and Native Americans.
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Thanksgiving Canada
In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October. The Canadian Thanksgiving has different historical roots compared to its American counterpart.
The origins of Canadian Thanksgiving are often traced back to English explorer Martin Frobisher. In 1578, Frobisher was in search of the Northwest Passage, and his journey led him to what is now Frobisher Bay in Nunavut, Canada. After surviving the long and perilous journey, Frobisher held a formal ceremony to give thanks for his safe return and for the bountiful harvest.
Over the years, various dates were chosen to observe a day of thanksgiving in Canada. It wasn’t until 1957 that the Canadian Parliament officially declared Thanksgiving to be a national holiday. The second Monday in October was chosen as the date for the celebration.
While the historical roots may differ, the modern celebration of Canadian Thanksgiving is similar to that in the United States. It is a time for families and friends to gather for a special meal, often featuring turkey and other traditional foods. Canadians also take the opportunity to give thanks for the blessings of the past year and to spend time together in a spirit of gratitude.
Canadian Thanksgiving is not associated with a specific historical event like the 1621 Pilgrims’ feast in the United States. Instead, it is a time to celebrate the harvest and express gratitude for the good things in life. The holiday is marked by festive meals, autumn decorations, and, in some regions, outdoor activities that take advantage of the fall weather.
When is thanksgiving Day Celebrated?
In USA it’s celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year.
In Canada it’s celebrated on 2nd Monday of November every year.
Thanksgiving Day 2023: When is thanksgiving this year?
When is Thanksgiving day in USA 2023: In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, as specified in a joint resolution passed by Congress in 1941 and a proclamation issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942.
America/USA Thanksgiving 2023: in USA / America Thanksgiving day 2023 is on 23 November 2023.
Thanksgiving Day 2023: When is Thanksgiving in Canada 2023
Canada Thanksgiving 2023: In Canada Thanksgiving day falls on 2nd Monday of the October month. In 2023 thanks giving day in Canada was on 09th October 2023.
Thanksgiving Day 2023: When is Thanksgiving in Canada 2024
in 2024 Thanksgiving Day in Canada is on 14th October 2024.
Thanksgiving day parade | Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual parade in New York City presented by the U.S.-based department store chain Macy’s.
The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in 1924. At the time, most of the department store’s employees were first generation immigrants to America, and they wanted to celebrate their newfound love of country with a festival similar to the ones their parents had participated in when they were living in Europe.
It’s the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States with America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit.
Thanksgiving Day 2023: Thanksgiving Decorations Ideas
Here are some creative Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas to enhance the festive atmosphere in your home:
- Fall Wreaths
- Adorn your front door with a beautiful fall wreath. Use autumn leaves, pine-cones, and small decorative elements like mini pumpkins or acorns.
- Gratitude Tree
- Create a gratitude tree by placing bare branches in a vase and attaching paper leaves. Encourage guests to write down what they’re thankful for and hang the leaves on the branches.
- Candle Lanterns
- Place candles in decorative lanterns on tables or around the house. Consider using flameless candles for safety.
- Cornucopia Display
- Arrange a cornucopia (horn of plenty) filled with an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and fall foliage as a centerpiece for your table.
- Thanksgiving Banner
- Create a banner with messages of thanks or use pre-made ones to hang in the dining area or living room.
- Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece
- Hollow out a pumpkin and use it as a vase for a stunning floral arrangement. Combine fall flowers like sunflowers, mums, and eucalyptus for a seasonal touch.
- Harvest Garland
- String together leaves, acorns, and mini pumpkins to create a harvest-themed garland. Hang it on the mantel, staircase, or along the dining table.
- Wooden Signs
- Display wooden signs with Thanksgiving quotes, blessings, or expressions of gratitude throughout your home.
- Table Runner with Fall Elements
- Use a table runner adorned with fall elements like leaves, acorns, or pumpkins to add a festive touch to your dining table.
- Pinecone Place Card Holders
- Attach small name cards to pinecones and use them as place card holders. This adds a natural and rustic element to your table setting.
- Autumn Pillows and Throws
- Decorate your living spaces with throw pillows and blankets in fall colors and patterns to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- Gourd Candle Holders
- Hollow out small gourds and use them as candle holders. Place tea lights or small candles inside for a warm and intimate glow.
- Fall-themed Tableware
- Invest in or DIY fall-themed plates, napkins, and drinkware to elevate your Thanksgiving table setting.
- Rustic Wooden Decor
- Incorporate rustic wooden elements such as trays, crates, or wooden signs to add warmth and a touch of nature.
- Thanksgiving Corn Husk Dolls
- Craft corn husk dolls as a charming and traditional Thanksgiving decoration.
Thanksgiving Day 2023: Things to Keep in Mind During Thanksgiving Table Decorations
Creating a festive and inviting Thanksgiving table decor involves combining elements of autumn colors, natural elements, and a touch of creativity. Here are some ideas to help you set a beautiful Thanksgiving table:
- Autumn Colors
- Stick to a warm color palette, including shades of orange, red, brown, and gold.
- Consider using a tablecloth or table runner in fall colors to set the tone.
- Natural Elements
- Use natural materials like burlap, wooden chargers, or woven placemats for a rustic touch.
- Incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables like pumpkins, gourds, apples, or pears as centerpieces or scattered decorations.
- Centerpieces
- Create a stunning centerpiece using a combination of candles, autumn foliage, and seasonal flowers like sunflowers or mums.
- Arrange mini pumpkins or decorative gourds in a decorative bowl or spread them along the center of the table.
- Place Settings
- Use elegant dinnerware in fall colors or consider mixing and matching complementary colors.
- Tie napkins with twine or ribbon and add a sprig of rosemary or a small decorative element.
- Candles and Lighting
- Place candles in various sizes and shapes down the center of the table for a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Consider using candle holders or lanterns in metallic finishes for a touch of sophistication.
- Name Cards
- Create personalized name cards for each guest. You can use small pumpkins, leaves, or even mini chalkboards.
- Attach a small note expressing gratitude for each guest to the name card.
- DIY Decorations
- Get creative with DIY projects like making a thankful tree where guests can write down what they’re thankful for on paper leaves and hang them on branches.
- Craft simple but charming place card holders using pinecones, acorns, or twigs.
- Tableware and Utensils
- Consider using antique or vintage silverware for a touch of elegance.
- Choose glassware that complements the overall color scheme.
- Layered Look
- Layer different textures and elements to add depth to the table setting. For example, layer a burlap runner over a tablecloth or use a combination of different types of plates.
- Personalized Touch
- Add personal touches that reflect your family’s traditions or cultural background.
- Consider incorporating family heirlooms or items that hold sentimental value.
Remember to keep in mind the size of your table and the number of guests to ensure that the decor doesn’t overcrowd the space. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a Thanksgiving table decor that suits your style and preferences.
Happy Thanksgiving Day!!!