Thanksgiving is an annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November). It is a day to give thanks for the blessings of the past year, particularly the harvest and other good things in life. The American holiday is believed to be modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. The traditional fare of the Thanksgiving meal typically includes turkey, bread stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie.

Thanksgiving has a rich history and symbolism, and it has evolved over time. The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating “Thanksgivings,” days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought. The U.S. Continental Congress proclaimed a national Thanksgiving upon the enactment of the Constitution, for example. Yet, after 1798, the new U.S. Congress left Thanksgiving declarations to the states. As the country became more urban and family members began to live farther apart, Thanksgiving became a time to gather together. The holiday moved away from its religious roots to allow immigrants of every background to participate in a common tradition.

Thanksgiving is a secular holiday, but some families incorporate religion by giving thanks in prayer. The holiday is also associated with various traditions, such as watching the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, playing football games, and volunteering to help others. Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for family, friends, food, health, and other positives in life.