🌟 Welcome to the grand feast of traditions! As the autumn breeze swirls and the scent of gratitude fills the air, we embark on a flavorful journey exploring the diverse tapestry of Thanksgiving celebrations across the United States. From family feasts to turkey pardons, and football showdowns to iconic parades, join us as we unravel the cultural richness and unique customs that make Thanksgiving a truly spectacular and cherished event.
- Families around a Feast
For Americans, Thanksgiving is a time to recognize and give thanks for the people and good things in their lives. Although it didn’t become a national holiday until 1863, the tradition dates back to 1621 when the first settlers in the northeastern part of the country shared a joint dinner with local Indigenous people to celebrate their first harvest in America. Families typically gather around a table filled with food, where the main dish is turkey – according to the National Turkey Federation, 88% of Americans consume this bird in their celebrations.
- The Grand Mobilization
The United States is a vast country where it’s common for family members to live in different cities and even states. This translates to thousands of kilometers between them. Due to the tradition of gathering with family for Thanksgiving, this is the most congested travel season of the entire year, on both roads and in airports. Millions of people crisscross the country from coast to coast. For many citizens, the Friday after Thanksgiving is also a holiday, making it a commonly considered long weekend of festivities.
- Pardoning Turkey
Another common sight on this date is the U.S. president “pardoning” a turkey on the eve of the dinner. The pardoned turkey spends the rest of its days in a zoo. Although legend has it that the tradition began in 1947 with President Harry S. Truman, the first officially recorded “official pardon” was granted by George H. Bush in 1989. This year, two turkeys were pardoned instead of one: Peas and Carrots.
- American Football Games
It’s also traditional for three National Football League (NFL) games to be played on Thanksgiving Day. Since 1920, two of these games always feature the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys, who host opponents in their home stadiums. Football is almost as characteristic of Thanksgiving as stuffing and pumpkin pie. Many Americans watch the games on TV while enjoying their Thanksgiving dinner.
- New York Parade
Another Thanksgiving tradition is parades organized by major retail chains in major U.S. cities. The most prominent is the one held by Macy’s in New York with large floats and iconic balloons representing comic characters parading through the famous Times Square.
🍂 As we conclude this journey through the vibrant traditions of Thanksgiving, let the echoes of family laughter, the warmth of shared meals, and the excitement of festive parades linger in our hearts. Thanksgiving is more than a feast; it’s a tapestry woven with threads of gratitude, togetherness, and cherished moments. May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, gratitude, and the delightful embrace of traditions, wherever you are in this vast and diverse celebration of life. Best wishes from the Homeland Language Services team!
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🌟
