What Is The Significance of Thanksgiving In The USA?

We can understand Thanksgiving’s significance in the USA from these five points below:

• Thanksgiving originated in the USA in 1621 (Joy of successful European settlement & harvesting)
• It is one of the biggest Christian festivals of the year
• It is a harvest festival – The time to thank & pray to the almighty god for his blessings
• The beginning of the winter holidays continues till the end of the year
• Also, Thanksgiving is the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, which continues for almost a week

5 Main Significances of Thanksgiving In The USA

1. Thanksgiving Originated In The USA (1619-1621)

Primarily, Thanksgiving is an American festival, starting from the time between 1619-1621.

It said that the first-ever event was organized in 1621 by 53 English Pilgrims of Plymouth, Massachusetts after their first successful harvesting and permanent settlement.

They also invited 90 Wampanoag Native Americans to participate in the Thanksgiving dinner.

However, according to another group, it was not in 1621 but in 1619 in Virginia.

2. It Is One of The Biggest Christian Festival of The Year In The USA

Thanksgiving is a Christian Puritan tradition.

In the United States, apart from Christmas, it is considered one of the biggest Christian festivals of the year.

Many Christian-majority European nations also start celebrating it, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Austria, etc.

Different countries have different dates for its celebration. In the USA, it falls on the fourth Thursday of November.

3. Thanksgiving Is A Harvest Festival In The USA

For Americans, Thanksgiving is a harvest festival, even the first-ever event was organized as a joy of the first successful harvest in the new world (America).

For Americans, it is a day to say thanks and pray to the almighty god for his blessings on his children.

However, apart from harvesting, it is also observed as a joy of victory in a war, a successful ship landing in a new landmass, and the end of a severe drought.

4. Thanksgiving Is The Beginning of The Winter Holidays In The USA

Thanksgiving is considered the beginning of the winter holidays in the United States. The holidays continue till the end of the year.

Especially for school and college students, it is the beginning of the winter season enjoyment.

5. It Is Also The Beginning of The Christmas Shopping Season  

From the ending part of Thanksgiving day, the Christmas shopping season starts in the United States.

The day after the festival is called Black Friday and the first Monday after it is called Cyber Monday.

The shopping lasts for almost a week.