Hello Dear Friends, š
Happy Thanksgiving to One and All!
Well, since its Thanksgiving tomorrow I thought I will shed some light on the background of this festival.
The US residents and some non-US residents too probably know all this, but it may be interesting for some history buffs here!
Thanksgiving in US is traditionally celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November!
This festival has its roots in American history and is more of a harvest festival celebrating the bounty from the earth accompanied with prayers as a way to be 'Thankful' for the whole year.
The harvest during this time of the year traditionally consists of pumpkins, squashes , corn apples,, cranberries , and of course meats, like ham and turkey! Elaborate multi-course meals are prepared and the central attraction is the Big Turkey, although turkey was not involved in the first thanksgiving.
Traditionally in a lot of families this may be most important festival! This is the day when families as a rule come together, even if they stay poles apart. Families travel throughout the country to be with each other. It is the busiest travel day in the country! š
This tradition was started by the first settlers from Europe (mainly England) who were called the Pilgrims and who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts (US State) on a ship called the Mayflower in the 1600s.
After some altercations with the native Americans, friendships were extended. The first Thanksgiving meal was spread over 3 days and both the Pilgrims and the native people took part in it when the Pilgrims successfully cultivated their first harvest in 1621.
Incidentally it was inspired by their own European harvest festivals. But it was the declaration by President Abraham Lincoln that turned it into a national holiday and another one by President Franklin Roosevelt that turned the fourth Thursday in November as the day for Thanksgiving.
In modern day America, the holiday season officially begins on this day and ends with the New Year! After an early dinner families sit down to watch sports, typically American football!
And the day after Thanksgiving is a day for shopping, called Black Friday, with big sales all around.
Well, friends, this year tomorrow is the day Americans celebrate Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Cricket
Music Corner
