The first images people have when they hear Thanksgiving Holiday is turkey, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes. However, this American celebration is more than just eating a festive meal
This national holiday finds its roots when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe celebrated their first successful harvest in the autumn of 1621. The pilgrims had survived a devastating winter in which nearly half had died. It was the help of the Native Americans that ensured the rest of pilgrims would be able to survive. The celebration became a day to mark the blessings in life of friendship, overcoming hardship and showing gratitude for the little things in life.
Thanksgiving is uniquely American. It has no religious significance and there are no set of rules on how to celebrate it. It is a time for family and friends to gather around and enjoy a festive meal. Even though the commercialization of the holiday lends itself to shopping sales, the Macys Day Parade and American football games, the message is quite simply - offering our prayers of gratitude in the land of plenty.
