Thanksgiving is a popular holiday in the United States, but what is it and where did it come from? Hey, it’s Dan Zimmerman, welcome back to Illustrate to Educate. In this video we’ll take a simple and informative look at the origins, history, celebrations and traditions of the holiday.

The origins of Thanksgiving in the United States trace back to the early 17th century when a group of English Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, arrived at Plymouth Rock in 1620. The winter of 1620-1621 was harsh, and nearly half of the Pilgrims perished. However, in the following spring, the Wampanoag Native Americans, particularly Squanto, played a crucial role in helping the Pilgrims learn to cultivate crops and navigate the local terrain.

The first Thanksgiving is often attributed to a three-day feast held in November 1621, attended by Pilgrims and Native Americans to celebrate the successful harvest. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that Thanksgiving became a nationally recognized holiday. Sarah Hale, a prominent American writer and editor, advocated for a national Thanksgiving Day. Her efforts, including letters to political leaders, eventually led to President Abraham Lincoln, in the midst of the Civil War, proclaiming Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. The day is marked by expressions of gratitude, family gatherings, and a festive meal. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City has been a tradition since 1924, featuring large balloons, floats, and performances. Additionally, football games, particularly the National Football League (NFL) games, are a prominent part of the day for many families.

The centerpiece of the Thanksgiving celebration is the feast. Traditional foods include roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. The idea of giving thanks and counting one's blessings is emphasized, often accompanied by expressing gratitude. Parades, community events, and volunteering to help those in need are also common Thanksgiving traditions.

Sources:
"Thanksgiving History | Plimoth Plantation." Plimoth Plantation
"Thanksgiving." History.com
"The Thanksgiving Story." Scholastic
"Thanksgiving (United States)." Wikipedia

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