Thanksgiving Day - Public Holiday in the USA, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. In 2012, it falls on November 22. This is one of the most popular holidays in the country.

The very idea of ​​celebrating autumn and the end of the harvest dates back to ancient times. However, the Americans' holiday traces its history back to the first settlers who arrived from England to America at the end of 1620 after a two-month voyage on the Mayflower ship. The passengers, a group of English pilgrims fleeing religious persecution in their homeland, embarked on such a dangerous journey in the hope of founding a colony in the New World where they could finally find the longed-for freedom.

The first year in the new place turned out to be very harsh. The settlers had to endure hunger, cold, hardships and diseases. After a harsh winter, during which about half of the settlers died, they, with the help of Indian neighbors, learned to grow corn and other crops adapted to local conditions, distinguish edible from poisonous plants, find springs with drinking water, hunting trails and fishing grounds. In the fall of 1621, the colonists reaped a good harvest, for which they decided to thank the Lord by arranging a festive meal. For the holiday, which lasted three days, Indians were invited to help the colonists.

It was the first Thanksgiving. It is believed that this holiday originated from the European tradition of celebrating Harvest Day. In subsequent years, the colonists arranged a celebration only when the harvest was good, and then from time to time. Over time, the holiday has lost its religious significance.
In different states, the holiday was celebrated in different days, and then began to coincide with military victories.

For a long time, the holiday was unofficial in New England. The first official Thanksgiving Day was declared in 1777 by the Continental Congress, which established December 18, 1777 as Thanksgiving Day.

In 1789, the first President of the United States, George Washington, proclaimed this holiday a national event and, at the request of Congress, set the date - November 26, Thursday. But Thanksgiving became an entirely national holiday in 1863, during the Civil War, when President Abraham Lincoln announced that the last Thursday in November would henceforth be celebrated as Thanksgiving. True, already in 1865 the holiday was celebrated on the first Thursday of November - this is how US President Andrew Johnson proclaimed. In 1869, President Ulysses Grant chose the third Thursday for Thanksgiving. In other years, Thanksgiving was celebrated on the last Thursday in November.

In 1939-1941, President Franklin Roosevelt moved the holiday to the penultimate Thursday in November to expand the Christmas shopping season. But the postponement caused a rift among states - 23 states celebrated Thanksgiving on the last Thursday in November, the other 23 states on the penultimate Thursday. The rest of the states declared both Thursdays to be holidays. After two years of confusion and complaints, on December 26, 1941, US President Roosevelt signed into law a law establishing Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November. The holiday is celebrated at the present time.

Over the years of its existence, the holiday has developed a number of traditions that Americans sacredly preserve and observe. It is customary to celebrate Thanksgiving Day in the house of a family elder with relatives. On it, relatives and friends come from all over the country to sit at a common table filled with traditional treats. This is certainly turkey (in various versions of its preparation), sweet potatoes yams with whipped flower sauce, cranberry sauce, filling of rusks with spices, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and gravy - what, according to historians, was on the tables of colonists in the distant XVII century.

The house is decorated with autumn attributes - bouquets of orange, gold, brown chrysanthemums and branches with berries, which are identified with this year's rich harvest.

Before starting a meal, be it with family or friends, it is customary to offer thanks for these gifts, including the joy of meeting on the occasion of the holiday. If someone is left without a festive dinner, then charitable organizations will invite him. On this day, the president himself helps to feed the homeless, the poor and the elderly, putting generous portions on their plates. The head of state must show the country an example of charity.

Another tradition of the holiday is the solemn one, which is held in the White House on the eve of the holiday. In accordance with this tradition, at least one turkey should avoid the fate of being on the festive table.

The tradition of honoring a turkey on Thanksgiving Day, according to the most common version, began in 1947, when the National Turkey Federation (National Turkey Federation) first gave a bird to US President Harry Truman. However, until 1989, presidential turkeys were sent to the festive table of the head of state, and only in 1963, President John F. Kennedy broke the tradition and left the bird received as a gift alive.

The first official ceremony of pardoning a turkey was conducted by George W. Bush in 1989. Since then, every year the turkey and its "stunt double" (the stunt double is chosen in case something suddenly happens to the first bird before the ceremony) get rid of the prospect of being fried and go to some of the children's parks.

Another attribute of the holiday is parades, most of them costumed - in 17th century clothes and Indian costumes. The most famous parade is held annually in New York City. Organized by the world's largest department store chain Macy's since the 1920s, the parade's main attraction is the oversized inflatable toys (characters from cartoons, fairy tales and TV shows) carried from Central Park to the department store entrance (between Seventh Avenue and Broadway.) The parade is televised and fireworks display over the East-River, which separates New York from Brooklyn in the evening.

There is also a tradition of writing songs for Thanksgiving. One of the relatively new traditions of Thanksgiving is watching a match between the teams of the National Fubal League (NFL).

After Thanksgiving, traditional Christmas sales begin across America.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from RIA Novosti and open sources

One of the most popular American holidays - Thanksgiving Day - is celebrated not only in the United States. Over time, the tradition has spread to many English-speaking countries.

history of the holiday

No one originally celebrated Thanksgiving in England. It was a holiday for the settlers who set foot on the lands called the New World. The colonists arrived in the territory of modern America in 1620. The first winter became too harsh for them, half of the people who arrived died from diseases. The settlers did not have time to plant grain crops, they did not have fresh food.

But the next spring, they had hope. The Indians showed them how to grow corn and other crops, hunt, fish. And already in the fall of 1621, the settlers were able to harvest a gorgeous harvest of pumpkins, beans, corn, and barley. In gratitude, they invited the leader and 90 Indians. The guests brought turkeys, deer and other animals with them. They also taught the settlers how to cook a variety of corn and pumpkin dishes.

Becoming a celebration

In the years that followed, the early colonists continued the tradition of celebrating the harvest day. It is called Thanksgiving Day. In England, of course, no one at that time yet knew about such a tradition, but in America it was becoming popular. Initially, the date November 26 was proposed by George Washington. But over time, at the request of President Abraham Lincoln, the celebration was moved to the fourth Thursday of the last month of autumn - November. This date was postponed several times until, in 1941, Congress established the last Thursday in November as the official Thanksgiving Day.

Over time, the holiday began to symbolize gratitude to God, gratitude to all family members, acquaintances for their good attitude and well-being. Initially, it was religious, but gradually it became popular among the people. Over time, the American tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving in England has taken root well.

Modern features

Taking into account the fact that the holiday was originally dedicated to an excellent harvest, it is customary to hold fairs on the last Thursday of the autumn month of November. On them you can find a variety of vegetables, fruits, plant seedlings, honey. For a treat, the hostesses prepare their best desserts. Typically, this is how Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in England. The date of this holiday changes annually. But the British themselves mostly say that they celebrate harvest day.

It is noteworthy that traditions have been preserved mainly in small provincial towns. By the last Thursday of November they prepare in advance: fairs, festivals are organized, and other festivities are held. By the way, it is at such farm holidays that you can buy organic products. This is often used by the local population.

If life in megalopolises practically does not change, in small cities food stands appear on the streets, and many bars extend their opening hours. There is an atmosphere of fun in the air.

Culinary nuances

One of the distinctive symbols of the holiday is the table. Roasted turkey traditionally takes pride of place on it. But this is not the only Thanksgiving dish in England. Pictures depicting a family at a festive table give the most complete picture of what else the British eat.

In addition to the baked turkey, pumpkin pie has a place of honor on the table. Also important are fruits and vegetables from the harvest. current year... The table is decorated with apples, corn cobs, grapes. They prepare the usual mashed potatoes and a variety of salads. Housewives can also make apple pudding.

By the way, there are many recipes for cooking turkey and sauces for it. When cooking, use a variety of spices, herbs, sauces. The technology by which it is baked is also important. Many consider it imperative that cranberry sauce should be served with poultry. He was at the first joint dinner, organized as a thanks to the settlers to the Indians and God for their help, and remains on the table with most people to this day.

Established traditions

Thanksgiving in England, as well as in the USA and Canada, is exclusively a family holiday. During the day, people go to fairs, exhibitions, festivities, and in the evening they gather in houses for a festive dinner. At the table, words of gratitude to God, loved ones and all the people around are said.

Also, attention is paid to decorations. Orange, brown and yellow tones are often used in home interiors. They symbolize a rich harvest.

But gifts are not customary to give on Thanksgiving Day in England. In English, the name of the holiday is Thanksgiving Day. Translated, it sounds like "the day when they say thank you." As gratitude, a festive dinner was being prepared, but there was no point in giving any things to each other. Over time, this tradition has not changed, but the day is distinguished by a special solemn atmosphere and home comfort.

After this holiday, preparations for Christmas begin. The Friday following Thanksgiving has already become world famous. This is the so-called Black Friday - the day of global sales.

American autumn is rich in holidays. In November, millions of US citizens and residents will celebrate their most beloved, long-awaited and family holiday (not counting Christmas) - Thanksgiving Day... Thanksgiving is called in English Thanksgiving day and is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. Most Americans also take Friday leave to get four days off, during which they can travel long distances to visit family and friends. In the United States, it is indeed very common for families and relatives to live in different states and cities.

In our country, we know about Thanksgiving primarily from Hollywood films, and thanks to the lessons in English at school. If you are lucky with a teacher and he loves the culture of the country whose language he teaches you, then you will also fall in love with the holidays of this great country and will discover a lot for yourself. And if not, then you should think about finding a private teacher.

Thanksgiving Day- this is a special holiday for Americans, but why this is so, you can understand from the lessons of American history. Unfortunately, it is impossible to tell all the subtleties of historical facts more than 400 years ago within the framework of this article. And I can immediately say that the official version of history is kinder, more joyful and happy than what actually happened. However, we will not go into such details, simply because in the framework of general education on this topic, it is not necessary to know this. American Thanksgiving Day began as a holiday in the early years of the American colonies, almost four hundred years ago.

In 1620, a ship with over one hundred passengers sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to stop in the New World. Pilgrims from England settled in what is now Massachusetts. Their first winter in the New World was very difficult. They arrived too late to grow enough grains, lack of fresh food and vitamins. Half of the colony died of illness in the first winter. The following spring, the locals, the Iroquois Indians, taught the colonists how to grow corn (maize), showed them other crops to grow, and taught them how to hunt and fish.

In the fall of 1621, the colonists harvested their first bountiful harvest of corn, barley, beans, and pumpkin. The first Americans received so much so that they were very grateful. They invited a local Indian chief and 90 Indians. The Indians brought with them deer, turkeys and other wild animals. The colonists learned from the Indians how to cook cranberries and various dishes from corn and pumpkin. According to legend, on the first Thanksgiving Day, the Indians even brought popcorn. This is the legend. This holiday is surrounded by many myths, many of which today have denied.

In the years that followed, many of the original colonists began to celebrate the harvest. George Washington proposed a date November 26 for the Thanksgiving celebration. Then, in 1863, at the end of a long and bloody civil war, Abraham Lincoln asked all Americans to celebrate the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving. To this day, Thanksgiving lunch almost always includes dishes that were served on the first feast: roast turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie. Before the meal, there is a pause and a prayer or words of gratitude are read to thank for everything, including the joy of gathering with the whole family. Thanksgiving has become a national tradition - not only because many Americans have found prosperity and wealth in this country, but also because pilgrims sacrificing for their freedom still captivate the imagination.

Thanksgiving traditions and symbols

The first football match (we mean American football) was broadcast in 1934. It started in Detroit with the Detroit Lions and the tradition continues to this day. The Thanksgiving Parade began in 1924 and it also marks the start of the Christmas season. This tradition is now known as. Franklin Roosevelt extended the Christmas shopping season and stimulated the economy by allowing Friday weekends.

Turkey, corn, pumpkin and pumpkin pie, as well as cranberry sauce are symbols that represent the first Thanksgiving dinner. Now all these symbols are printed on holiday decorations and Greeting Cards... Corn is also a symbol of the fall and harvest season. Sweet and sour cranberry sauce, or jelly, was on the first Thanksgiving table and still remains there.

Today's Thanksgiving Day in America is a delicious family dinner with obligatory dishes on the table, a soccer game, city parades, and a must-have pre-Christmas mood. And of course, obligatory prayers and words of gratitude.

Public recognition of the role of Indians in Thanksgiving is an important part of American history. Until now, most schoolchildren believe that the pilgrims cooked the entire festive dinner and brought it to the Indians. In fact, without the help of the Indians, the early settlers would not have survived.

How many holidays are there in the world? This question is almost impossible to answer. And not because there are many of them, but because every country celebrates, in addition to traditional ones (for example, Christmas, New Year,) also others, national. Some are quite young - appeared in the 20th century. Others are several centuries old. And what is surprising - they continue to be celebrated almost in their original form.

Of course, people and surroundings have changed, but the very essence of the holiday has remained unchanged. The most striking example is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Let's tell in more detail what kind of holiday it is, where it came from and what it means.

Background

In ancient times (of course, we are not talking about very distant centuries), people did not have shops, supermarkets. How to survive? Of course, to equip a small vegetable garden near the house (if the size of the land allowed, you don't have to waste time on trifles). As now, the inhabitants of Europe were worried hard times, and if life became completely unbearable, they left their native land and went to where, in their opinion, it was possible to safely start everything from scratch. America was such a paradise for Europeans of the New Time.

Far from all religious and political problems, it seemed to be the very corner that would shelter exiles and give a chance to new life... Many dreamed of going to this blessed land, but the distance and the raging Atlantic stopped many. The British were the first to decide on a dangerous and long journey. In 1620 the ship "Mayflower" (May Flower) left the port of Plymouth. There were 102 people on it, including women and children. These were the first settlers. After several months of sailing, they landed at the easternmost point of the American continent and founded a small settlement here, which was also called Plymouth. Having built houses, the new inhabitants of America began to equip their life.

As already mentioned, there were no stores then, and it was only possible to survive with the help of natural products. But this method had one big BUT - weather conditions. Those who are happy owners of summer cottages and vegetable gardens know how the weather affects the harvest. It was the same 500 years ago. If nature favored the settlers, then the harvest was rich. And if not, the newly minted American citizens had a hard time. In those days, various religious habits were still strong, if the harvest was rich, people thanked God for help and prayed that next year was just as rich in food. This is where the tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving began.

The first holiday was held on American soil in 1621. Invaluable help was provided by local residents - Indians, who were invited to the celebration. After all, the settlers arrived in America only in November, when it was too late to sow anything. The winter was harsh, many died. The Indians came to the aid of the visitors (or rather, those who had arrived). The first celebration lasted three days. A real feast was arranged - turkeys, corn, fish, fruits and vegetables were on the tables.

Of course, not only the first Englishmen sought to go overseas. Many Europeans from other countries also gradually moved to new lands (everyone had their own reasons for immigration). Settling along the entire east coast of the American continent and going inland, new Americans got used to new holidays, including Thanksgiving. They loved this celebration so much that not a single year in America was complete without it. And the nationality of those who arrived here no longer mattered - everyone, without exception, celebrated Thanksgiving Day.

In the first years, it was considered unofficial and was celebrated only on those occasions when a rich harvest was gathered. And the first president in 1789 declared Thanksgiving as a state and timed a certain date for it - the fourth Thursday of November. True, in subsequent years the dates changed (depending on the presidential decrees) - either the second or the third Thursday were proposed. This dance continued until 1941, when President Franklin Roosevelt signed a decree on the last Thursday of November. So the holiday is still celebrated.

Holiday traditions

So how is one of America's biggest holidays celebrated? To begin with, first of all, this is a family celebration, to which the whole family gathers, even if relatives are scattered all over the country or even overseas. Traditionally, the main dish on the table is turkey in cranberry sauce, which takes center stage on the table.

Also, the hostesses prepare pumpkin pie, different options gravy, sweet potatoes - in a word, copy (if possible) those dishes that were on the tables of the first colonists. Houses these days are decorated with garlands, straw figures, wreaths, flowers - mostly red, orange, golden and brown flowers identified with autumn and the harvest of ripe fruits.

An integral part of Thanksgiving Day are parades - with masks, costumes, huge inflatable dolls - the heroes of various cartoons. People dress up as Indians, declaring gratitude in this way to those tribes who helped the first settlers to survive in those harsh conditions. The largest parade is held in New York.

It can be noted without exaggeration that Thanksgiving Day is one of the most beloved holidays by US citizens, an excellent opportunity to visit their relatives and friends, gather at the same table and thank God no longer for the harvest, but for the fact that all relatives are healthy, that there are financial opportunities ... These days you can participate in charity events giving the homeless people money, food or clothing. And of course, it is impossible not to clarify that it is from this holiday that the Christmas fairy tale begins - Christmas trees appear, shops are filled with goods with the theme. Gradually America is preparing for the New Year and. But Thanksgiving has a special place in the heart of every citizen.

Thanksgiving is a traditional American holiday that has been celebrated annually in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November since 1621. Thanksgiving means something different to different people, but for most it is the time festive table, parades, American football, family, friends and of course the turkey. For many, this is also the time when you can finally forget your business, meet with loved ones and have a good time in their company. On Thanksgiving Day, it is customary to say thank you for good deeds, for the people who are with us and for those wonderful moments that happen in our lives. If you want to know how to celebrate Thanksgiving, just follow the next steps.

Steps

Part 1

Make a menu in advance. The traditional menu includes turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing toppings, several types of vegetables (such as sweet potatoes and zucchini), cranberry sauce, various cakes and breads. Here's what you'll need to prepare your holiday lunch:

• Write a grocery list. Check what you already have and what you need to buy. Then go to the local market, butcher, supermarket and bakery. This division will help you break down the list into several parts, reducing the risk of forgetting or confusing something.
• Shop for the holiday ahead of time. Prepare the turkey and those foods that are quickly snapping up on holidays in advance. If possible, freeze some ingredients so that you don't have to run to the store at the last moment. It is better to buy pastries on the day of the holiday or bake at home on your own.
• You should also call your guests to see if they can be expected. During the conversation, ask if they can provide any assistance with the preparation of dinner. So you can unload yourself a little from business.

1. Select recipes. Knowing what you’re going to cook in advance can help you create a more accurate list of foods and calculate the cooking times for each meal. Here are some holiday menu ideas:

   • Turkey: Cook the turkey, stuff it and prepare it for the holiday table.
   • Vegetables: cook beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin puree and
   • Supplements to dishes: Make cranberry sauce and buns.
   • Bakery products: Bake pumpkin pie, pumpkin buns, cookies. You can also use pumpkin in other desserts.
   • For vegetarians: Prepare a vegetarian lunch for Thanksgiving, use tofu instead of turkey.
   • Make a variety of cuts, sweets, and sandwiches for your snack. This way, you won't starve your guests if the dinner is late. You can also make turkey sweets for children.

2. Cooking food. Some dishes can be prepared the day before the holiday, such as biscuits or pumpkin pie, other dishes need to be prepared exactly on the day of the holiday in order not to lose their freshness (such as turkey). Whenever you're cooking, don't be afraid to ask for help. This will make your holiday life much easier. You can also cook two small turkeys instead of one large one to make the process easier. Here's what you need to do while cooking:

   • Allow sufficient time to thaw the turkey. Please note this may take several days depending on the size and weight of the turkey.
   • Make pumpkin pie or other baked goods in a day. This will help you concentrate on preparing the main Thanksgiving meals.
   • Roast the turkey and finish off the main courses on the holiday itself. Practice stuffing your turkey ahead of time.
   • Ask early family members and friends to help you out in the kitchen to take some of the stress out of your day.

   Part 2

   The key to a great pastime

   1. Set the festive table. Decorate the dining table the night before, if possible. If not, lay out all the accessories at the ready so that the right moment quickly decorate everything. Ask the children to help set the table. Let them also contribute to the preparations for the holiday. Table decoration methods:

      • You can decorate the center of the table with something Thanksgiving-related. You can search the store for themed decorations and decorations, or you can build your own. Ask for help from children or guests who have nothing to do.
      • Scented candles, a bouquet of autumn flowers, or a bowl of fruit are also not bad ideas for decorating the center of the table.
      • You can also make themed nameplates for guests or make these plates look like turkeys.
      • Build a turkey napkin holder.
      • Use flowers to decorate. You can put it on the table or decorate the interior.
      • Make sure you have enough space for all guests. If you don't have enough chairs, the little ones can be seated on the cushions by the coffee table.

   2. Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving pastime. You can do this before lunch, during, or after. There are several Thanksgiving traditions that many families follow. Here are some of them:

      • Gather around the TV and watch American football. Many fans sit in front of the TV for hours watching matches. It also helps to brighten up the time before lunch. You can also play college football with friends, neighbors and family members in the backyard. It's fun and helps whet your appetite!
      • Take the kids and watch the Thanksgiving Parade on TV. Broadcasting is from New York. The parade is very popular and millions of Americans watch it at home. If time permits, take a break from your business and attend a local parade or watch it on TV.

   3. Take some time to understand what Thanksgiving means. Thanksgiving is a chance for many families to reunite for the first time in many years, and is a good time to reflect on the love and care of others, as well as to realize what you feel grateful for. Consider how your family expresses this gratitude. Here are some suggestions:

      • Play a game from A to Z. Everyone should sit next to each other to hear each other well. Everyone in a circle must say what he feels grateful for, based on the letter of the alphabet that he got. For example, I am grateful to the Brothers or I am grateful for the W-work of my family. Continue until the alphabet ends. You can capture this game on video.
      • You can also come up with your own Thanksgiving tradition.
      • This is a great time to start a journal and make it your goal to keep it until next Thanksgiving. In this diary, you will express gratitude to other people or joyful events in your life throughout the next year.

   4. Help those who are less fortunate in this life. Donate money to some charitable foundation, take toys or clothes to a shelter, serve to a homeless person, etc. So will you serve good example your children and teach them to express gratitude for what they have.

      Create afternoon activities. After eating, everyone will feel a little sleepy and overeating. It's time for some relaxing activities. Ideas to inspire you:

      • Go for a walk with your family. Do not forget to take your dog for a walk, especially if the dog also ate too much during the holiday.
      • Entertain guests. Play charades, tell stories, see photos, exchange news, etc.
      • Read something. It's time to read something that you have long wanted to read for a long time, but could not because of lack of time.
      • Watch the movie. Search the TV program for a suitable movie or pull out your favorite DVD.
      • Play board games. If the children are still active, invite them to come up with board game and then play it.

   5. If you feel sleepy after lunch, take some sleep. If you have a busy day ahead of you, extra sleep won't hurt you. If you don't have to go anywhere, it's still okay if you take a nap on the couch. You will feel better and energized the next day.

   6. Take some time to stack up leftover food. Even if guests take some of the cooking with them, chances are good that you will have a ton of untouched food the next day. Energized, you can prepare delicious meals from leftover food. For instance:

      • Turkey casserole and toppings
      • Turkey soup
      • Turkey sandwiches
      • Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwiches
      • Chopped turkey with potatoes and vegetables
      • Use leftover food for other meals
   • Clean the house in a few days. This way, you can enjoy the holiday and pay more attention to your family rather than cleaning.
   • If you decide to try something new, prepare this dish ahead of time to taste it and determine if it is easy to prepare. You will also know if it's worth adding more salt, sugar, etc.
   • A traditional turkey dinner is not the main indicator of Thanksgiving. Having ham instead of turkey will not change the significance of the holiday in the least.
   • If this is your first time preparing a traditional holiday lunch, choose simple recipes... If something goes wrong, it will be easier for you to re-prepare a simple dish rather than a gourmet one.
   • If you are hosting, make sure there are dietary or healthy options on your table. Consider if guests have any allergies or preferences for vegetarian food.
   • It's okay if you buy several ready-made meals. Not everyone has the time or ability to cook every meal from start to finish.