First Thanksgiving: How Native Americans and Pilgrims Started It All
From 1621 to the present, the Thanksgiving tradition still lives on. It just looks a little different than when the Pilgrims and Native Americans first met.
USA TODAY
Thanksgiving is approaching, bringing a flurry of activity as people prepare meals and travel to spend time with friends and family.
Thanksgiving was the nation’s most celebrated holiday in 2023, and with this year’s celebration on the horizon, expect even more festivities and cheer.
The holiday gives Americans a reason to gather with family and friends; spending time nurturing each other; and eating delicious foods like turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
But why do we celebrate it like this?
Here’s everything you need to know about the November holiday, including when it is and why it’s celebrated in the United States.
When is Thanksgiving Day 2024?
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This year that day falls on November 28.
Is Thanksgiving a federal holiday?
Yes, Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, which means federal offices are closed and no mail is delivered. Banks and their branches will also be closed.
Because it is a federal holiday, schools are closed that day. Many will also be closed the day after.
Expect busy airports and roads on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving week is historically one of the peak travel times in the US. Last year, airports saw record numbers, the busiest since the pandemic.
Although Thanksgiving Day itself is one of the lowest traffic travel days of the holiday season, the days leading up to Thanksgiving and the days following Thanksgiving are often some of the worst travel days of the entire year.
The days just before Thanksgiving and the Sunday ending the holiday weekend are routinely ranked among the worst days to fly.
Why is Thanksgiving celebrated? What is the origin of the holiday?
Americans generally believe that their Thanksgiving is modeled after a 1621 harvest festival shared by English colonists.
People tend to believe that the Plymouth Pilgrims shared a meal with the area’s native Wampanoag people.
The traditional fare of a Thanksgiving meal typically consists of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberries and pumpkin pie.
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