Understanding Thanksgiving. Its date and history

Thanksgiving is a major holiday celebrated predominantly in the United States. It takes place annually on the fourth Thursday of November and is quickly followed by the commercial shopping holiday, Black Friday. But what are the origins of Thanksgiving, and how did the turkey become its symbol?

Though primarily celebrated in the United States and Canada, variations of Thanksgiving festivities are also found in parts of Europe and Asia. For many Americans, Thanksgiving is a much-anticipated day off from work.

In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. In 2023, this holiday lands on November 23rd. Conversely, in Canada, Thanksgiving is observed earlier, on the second Monday of October. The date of this "turkey holiday" rarely aligns with the American observance in other countries where it is celebrated.

Thanksgiving Day pays tribute to the inaugural harvest feast held by the settlers of Plymouth Colony in 1621. Plymouth Colony was one of the first successful North American settler communities. For many years, Thanksgiving commemorated this mid-17th-century harvest celebration. In fact, this longstanding popularity prompted President Abraham Lincoln to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, to be observed on the fourth Thursday of November.

Americans traditionally celebrate Thanksgiving in a grand manner, with the turkey being a key symbol and a must-have dish on the dining table. But how did this bird become a ubiquitous symbol of Thanksgiving Day? One theory suggests that during initial meetings between settlers and native North Americans, beef and this bird were the main dishes served. Another theory asserts that the turkey became the holiday's symbol due to its widespread availability.

Black Friday is observed right after Thanksgiving. Originating in the United States, this commercial holiday has now gained global traction. The onset of Black Friday is intrinsically linked to Thanksgiving.

Traditionally, merchants would commence the holiday sale season directly after Thanksgiving, causing a surge in traffic and crowded stores. In 1961, Philadelphia police officers nicknamed this day of buying frenzy "Black Friday" to reflect the ensuing chaos. Fast forward to the 21st century, this day is acknowledged almost globally and is often extended to Black Week or even Black Month.