Thanksgiving Day Celebrations in 2024

Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is holiday in the United States and Canada. This year, it falls on November 28, 2024. The day is marked by gratitude for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It is a time for families and friends to gather, share meals, and enjoy each other’s company.

Historical Context

Thanksgiving has roots tracing back to 1621 when Plymouth colonists and Native American Wampanoag people shared a harvest feast. This event is often regarded as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations. Over the next two centuries, various colonies and states observed days of thanksgiving. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day amid the Civil War, establishing it as a federal holiday.

Traditional Celebrations

Thanksgiving is synonymous with family gatherings and festive meals. Traditional dishes include roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes, and pumpkin pie. The day often features games and watching football, creating a festive atmosphere. It serves as an occasion for reflection and gratitude.

Modern Observances

In contemporary society, Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Many retailers offer sales on this day, leading into Black Friday. While families enjoy the holiday, the commercial aspect has grown , impacting how the day is perceived.

Controversies Surrounding Thanksgiving

Despite its celebratory nature, Thanksgiving is not without controversy. Many Native Americans and their descendants view the holiday as a reminder of historical oppression and violence. They argue that the celebrations can overshadow the painful legacy of colonisation. This perspective encourages a more nuanced understanding of the holiday’s history.

Messages and Wishes

Thanksgiving is also a time for expressing gratitude. People share messages of thanks and appreciation with loved ones. Common sentiments include gratitude for health, family, and support during challenging times. These messages reinforce the holiday’s core theme of thankfulness.

Global Impact

While Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated in the United States and Canada, its themes of gratitude and family resonate worldwide. Other cultures have similar harvest festivals, denoting the universal significance of giving thanks.

Future of Thanksgiving

As societal values evolve, so too does the celebration of Thanksgiving. Discussions around its historical implications and the balance of gratitude and remembrance will shape future observances.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the evolution of Thanksgiving Day from the 17th century to the present.
2. What are the historical implications of Thanksgiving celebrations on Native American communities? Discuss.
3. Estimate the impact of Thanksgiving on the economy in the United States.
4. Point out the similarities and differences between Thanksgiving and other global harvest festivals.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the evolution of Thanksgiving Day from the 17th century to the present.

1. Originated in 1621 with the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag sharing a harvest feast.
2. For over two centuries, individual colonies and states celebrated days of thanksgiving.
3. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared a national Thanksgiving Day during the Civil War.
4. Modern Thanksgiving includes family gatherings, traditional meals, and the start of Christmas shopping.
5. The holiday has evolved to include both gratitude and commercialism, reflecting changing societal values.

2. What are the historical implications of Thanksgiving celebrations on Native American communities? Discuss.

1. Many Native Americans view Thanksgiving as a reminder of colonization and oppression.
2. The holiday’s narrative often overshadows the violence and displacement experienced by Indigenous peoples.
3. Contemporary discussions encourage recognition of the historical context and its impact on Native communities.
4. Some Native Americans observe the day as a time of mourning rather than celebration.
5. This perspective encourages a dialogue about reconciliation and the need for a more inclusive history.

3. Estimate the impact of Thanksgiving on the economy in the United States.

1. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, boosting retail sales.
2. Consumers spend billions on food, travel, and gifts, contributing to economic growth.
3. Restaurants and food service industries see increased sales due to family gatherings and dining out.
4. Thanksgiving-related travel leads to heightened activity in the transportation sector.
5. The holiday also influences employment, with many retailers hiring seasonal workers to meet demand.

4. Point out the similarities and differences between Thanksgiving and other global harvest festivals.

1. Similarities include themes of gratitude, family gatherings, and sharing food among communities.
2. Many harvest festivals, like the Japanese Tsukimi or the Indian Pongal, celebrate agricultural bounty.
3. Differences lie in cultural traditions, specific foods, and historical contexts of the celebrations.
4. Thanksgiving has a unique historical narrative tied to colonization, unlike many other harvest festivals.
5. While Thanksgiving is largely commercialized in modern society, other festivals may retain more traditional practices.