¿CUÁL ES EL ORIGEN DE ACCIÓN DE GRACIAS?
1621 originally had a tradition, the English colonists celebrated their first successful harvest together with the natives for three days, justifying the delicate moments they had experienced before. Before establishing the Plymouth Colony on the coast of Massachusetts, the pilgrims – called the Mayflower passengers – had disembarked from the ship, consisting of 102 people from England, with only half of the colonists surviving the harsh winter.
After many years, it was not repeated again; however, that celebration became known as the first Thanksgiving. The settlers shared turkey, pumpkins, and dried fruits with the natives. The bountiful harvest the following year was cause for celebration and gratitude, so the Wampanoag tribe members gave them seeds and taught them how to fish, despite lacking sufficient resources to feed themselves.
Although Thanksgiving Day was not legally decreed a national holiday by Congress until 1941, President Lincoln proclaimed it as the last Thursday in November in 1863. It is celebrated on different days in each state, but with much fanfare.
This tradition brings together the family today, before a roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, a pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and various other gastronomic delights, and can start the meal at various hours, until 4:00 PM.
In the most pious homes, a member of the family typically delivers a brief address expressing gratitude for their blessings prior to commencing the process of carving the meat. This speech often assumes a religious connotation. Thanksgiving can be considered a commemoration of life’s benevolence, prompting numerous individuals to engage in activities such as volunteering at soup kitchens or gathering food for those in need.
One day later, the popular sales and discounts campaign, Black Friday, begins, which is also the prelude to Thanksgiving Day. The workers, mostly immigrants, decided to celebrate the holiday with a parade inspired by those celebrated in their countries of origin. This tradition dates back almost a century ago. In addition, on Thanksgiving Day, it is also typical to watch an American football game and the parade of the New York department stores, Macy’s.