whats the truth about thanks giving
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. It originated as a harvest festival and is now observed as a day of giving thanks for the blessings of the year. The truth about Thanksgiving is that it has historical roots in the early 17th century when English pilgrims known as the Pilgrims settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, after a long and challenging journey on the Mayflower.
The Pilgrims faced difficulties in the new land, including a harsh winter with limited resources. Native Americans, specifically the Wampanoag tribe, played a crucial role in helping the Pilgrims survive by teaching them essential skills like farming, fishing, and hunting. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims had a successful harvest, and in gratitude, they organized a feast to thank both their English and Native American neighbors. This event is often credited as the first Thanksgiving.
However, Thanksgiving as we know it today did not become an official holiday until 1863, during the American Civil War, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens." Since then, Thanksgiving has been celebrated annually, and it typically involves family gatherings, feasting on turkey and other traditional foods, parades, football games, and expressions of gratitude for the blessings of the year.
It is important to note that the history of Thanksgiving isn't without controversy. The narrative commonly taught in schools often simplifies and romanticizes the relationship between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. The reality is that the arrival of European settlers had significant consequences for Native communities and often resulted in displacement, disease, and conflicts.
In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on acknowledging and understanding the complex history surrounding Thanksgiving and promoting more inclusive narratives that recognize the diverse perspectives and experiences of all those involved.
Overall, Thanksgiving is a holiday that celebrates gratitude and togetherness, but it's also essential to have an informed understanding of its origins and the historical context surrounding it.