Thanksgiving is a national holiday that is not only celebrated in America but also in other big countries such as Canada, Germany, and Brazil. Thanksgiving originates from 1621 when the Plymouth colonists shared a feast with the Wampanoag, a tribe of natives that greeted the settlers.
In 1620, a group of 102 English religious separatists left Southampton England on a ship called the Mayflower. This ship is what carried the now known “pilgrims” to America. This group of people left England because they could not freely celebrate their religion due to England suppressing religious beliefs that did not align with the Church of England.
In 1621, a year after the pilgrims arrived at Cape Cod, they moved down south and arrived at Massachusetts bay. Here the pilgrims began to create a village at Plymouth. After going hunting, the Wampanoag showed themselves to the pilgrims, and they grew close over the course of days.
Thanksgiving before becoming a holiday was a festival that was celebrated by eating lots of food and thanking the gods for a bountiful harvest.
In 1798 the federal government tried to make Thanksgiving a national holiday, but since the states just won the war against England a few years before, they were hesitant to adopt an English tradition. Mostly, it was southerners that objected to the adoption of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving was not announced to be a national holiday until 1863 when Abraham Lincoln decided to make it one, despite being in a civil war.
Harding’s 3 Best Thanksgiving foods
1. Pumpkin Pie
2. Stuffing
3. Mashed potatoes with/without gravy
Harding’s 3 Worst Thanksgiving foods
1. Sweet Potato Casserole
2. Green Bean Casserole
3. Stuffing
