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History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated uniquely in the United States because of its origin and its history. The federal holiday is celebrated every fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving commemorates the harvest festival celebrated in 1621 when the Mayflower arrived in the "New World", according to History.com. It took significant time and aid from local native tribes for the pilgrims to become accustomed to the agriculture and environment. After a troublesome year, there was a successful growing season and a three-day feast that both settlers and natives attended. Year after year, celebrations were held to give thanks to the successful crops that were grown, but it wasn't until President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday.

In the nearly 400 years since it has been celebrated, traditions have changed slightly. Thanksgiving in the present-day consists of family, food, and football in most American households. Thanksgiving dinner classic dishes include turkey, potatoes, corn, squash, green beans, and pie. Family gathers in remembrance of the past year and all they're thankful for, like health and family. Other popular symbols include autumn leaves, gourds, corn stalks, and anything else of harvest aesthetic. Host your own Thanksgiving dinner and show your family how grateful you are!

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