Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. It is considered to be one of the most popular holidays, filled with delicious food, family gatherings, parades, and football games. But do we really know the history behind this beloved holiday? Let's explore the origin of Thanksgiving as well as some fun facts that you may not know about.

History Of Thanksgiving

The history of Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims, a group of English settlers in Plymouth, Massachusetts, celebrated their first harvest. The Native Americans also joined in the celebration and brought food to share with the Pilgrims. This feast is known as the "First Thanksgiving" and is often cited as the inspiration for the modern-day Thanksgiving.

Throughout history, there have been similar celebrations of thanksgiving in various cultures and religions. However, it wasn't until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. A bill was signed in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, making it an official holiday on the fourth Thursday of November.

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving

• The first Thanksgiving feast lasted for three days.

• Turkey was not the main course at the "First Thanksgiving," but rather, it was venison (deer meat).

• Cranberries had been used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes before becoming a popular side dish at Thanksgiving dinners.

• The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 and originally featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo.

• The tradition of a turkey pardon started with President Harry S. Truman in 1947 when he was gifted a live turkey and decided to spare its life.

• Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is one of the busiest shopping days in the United States.

• Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada.

• The football-watching tradition began on Thanksgiving in 1876 when the New York Giants played against the Brooklyn Athletic Club

• Thanksgiving is a popular day for charity runs and walks, with the largest one being the "Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger" in Washington, D.C., which has over 20,000 participants each year.

Thanksgiving isn't just a holiday for turkey and pumpkin pie; it has a rich history and cultural significance. It's a time to reflect on what we are thankful for and to come together with loved ones. So this Thanksgiving, remember the history behind the feast and have fun sharing these facts with your family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!