感恩节的由来和习俗英语 篇一
The Origin and Customs of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada to give thanks for the blessings of the year and the harvest. It originated from a harvest festival celebrated by the pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. The pilgrims were a group of English settlers who sailed to the New World on the Mayflower in search of religious freedom.
The first Thanksgiving was held in November 1621, after the pilgrims successfully harvested their first crops. They invited the Native Americans, who had helped them survive their first winter, to join in the celebration. The feast lasted for three days and included various foods such as venison, turkey, fish, corn, and pumpkin. It was a time of gratitude and sharing between the pilgrims and the Native Americans.
Over time, Thanksgiving became an annual tradition in the United States. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. Later, in 1941, the date was changed to the fourth Thursday of November, where it remains today.
Thanksgiving is a day for families and friends to come together and express gratitude. It is a time to count our blessings and appreciate the good things in our lives. Many people gather for a festive meal, usually featuring a roasted turkey as the centerpiece. Traditional side dishes include mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
In addition to the delicious food, there are several customs associated with Thanksgiving. One of the most popular traditions is the pardoning of a turkey by the President of the United States. Each year, a live turkey is selected and spared from being eaten. This lighthearted tradition has been carried on since the 1940s.
Another common custom is the Thanksgiving Day Parade. The most famous parade is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The parade features giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and performances by celebrities. Millions of people watch the parade either in person or on television.
Furthermore, many people take the opportunity to volunteer and give back to their communities on Thanksgiving. They participate in food drives, serve meals at homeless shelters, or donate to charities. This act of kindness and generosity reflects the spirit of Thanksgiving and the importance of helping others.
Overall, Thanksgiving is a special holiday that reminds us to be thankful and appreciate the blessings in our lives. It is a time to come together with loved ones, enjoy a delicious meal, and give back to our communities. The customs associated with Thanksgiving add to the festive atmosphere and create lasting memories for all who participate.
感恩节的由来和习俗英语 篇二
The History and Traditions of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a holiday deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the United States. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November and is a time to give thanks for the blessings of the year. The origin of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early days of American colonization.
The first Thanksgiving can be dated back to 1621, when the pilgrims who had settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts held a harvest festival to give thanks for their successful crops. The pilgrims were English settlers who had sailed to the New World on the Mayflower in search of religious freedom. They were joined by Native Americans, who had helped them survive their first winter.
The feast that took place during the first Thanksgiving lasted for three days and included various foods such as venison, turkey, fish, corn, and pumpkin. It was a time of celebration and gratitude for the pilgrims, as well as an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with the Native Americans.
However, Thanksgiving did not become a national holiday until many years later. In 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. The purpose of this proclamation was to bring the country together and promote a sense of unity and gratitude.
Throughout the years, Thanksgiving has become synonymous with certain traditions and customs. One of the most iconic traditions is the Thanksgiving meal, which typically includes a roasted turkey as the centerpiece. This tradition is believed to have originated from the pilgrims' feast during the first Thanksgiving.
In addition to the turkey, there are several traditional side dishes that are commonly served during Thanksgiving. These include mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Each family may have their own unique recipes and variations of these dishes, but they are all enjoyed as part of the Thanksgiving feast.
Another popular custom associated with Thanksgiving is the pardoning of a turkey by the President of the United States. This tradition dates back to the 1940s and has become a lighthearted and symbolic gesture. Each year, a live turkey is selected and given a presidential pardon, sparing it from being eaten.
Furthermore, many people take the opportunity to express gratitude and give back to their communities on Thanksgiving. They may participate in food drives, volunteer at local charities, or donate to those in need. This act of kindness and generosity reflects the true spirit of Thanksgiving and the importance of helping others.
Overall, Thanksgiving is a holiday that holds great significance in American culture. It is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy a delicious meal, and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. The history and traditions of Thanksgiving serve as a reminder of the importance of unity, gratitude, and giving back to others.
感恩节的由来和习俗英语 篇三
Thanksgiving Day, as celebrated in North America, is a time to gather with family and friends to give thanks for the many blessings enjoyed by these nations and their citizens. However, to many people, its meaning is lost. It has become simply another day for huge meals, dinner parties, get-togethers or reunions. What does Thanksgiving mean to you?
Turkey dinners, cranberries, candied yams, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and family gatherings—these are all commonly associated with most Americans' and Canadians' yearly celebration of g
iving thanks—Thanksgiving Day!In the United States, Thanksgiving is on the fourth Thursday of November. In Canada, it is the second Monday in October. On this holiday, a Thanksgiving meal is prepared with all the trimmings; families gather together and talk, while others watch a game or a parade filled with pilgrims, Indians and other colonial figures. Some families may even have their own yearly Thanksgiving traditions.
What comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving? Do you picture a time of thankfulness towards God—or is it merely one of eating, partying or watching football?
Sadly, the latter is what Thanksgiving has become to most. They have forgotten why the day was established. Its meaning has slowly deteriorated, and is now almost completely lost under a cloud of media hype, sales pitches, marketing tactics and blitz commercialism.
While many are familiar with the traditional representation of the original Thanksgiving, it is helpful to examine the purpose for which it was first celebrated. By doing this, the day's meaning will be firmly established.