Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holidays in America and many other parts
of the world. People spend this day with their families and socializing with
friends. Prayers are offered to God, expressing gratitude for all the good
things in life. Presently, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday
of November, in US and second Monday of May, in Canada. Thanksgiving traditions
have lived since long and are still followed and improvised as well. The entire
family gathers together on this day and follows the long held customs and
traditions associated with it. Below given is information on the longstanding
customs and traditions of Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving Customs & Traditions
Prayers
Many celebrators begin their Thanksgiving by attending church prayer service,
held in the morning. The day is a special occasion for the churches as well and
they provide excellent services on this religious day. Prayers are also offered
before Thanksgiving meal, when the family gathers together and say verses from
the bible and reads prayers. Celebrators thank the Almighty for His kindness and
the gifts He has bestowed upon them, in the form of friends and family. Some
people also do voluntary community work on this day, as a way of paying back.
Feast
Preparing a luscious meal and having it with family and friends is a long
standing tradition of Thanksgiving. Turkey meat is the main course for the day,
which is accompanied by a number of mouth-watering side dishes and desserts.
Thanksgiving dinner mainly consists of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes,
olives, cranberries and a whole variety of individual preferences. Friends are
invited over dinner, to share the sumptuous meal and enjoy the festivities
together. Thanksgiving payers are offered to the Almighty, before starting the
dinner.
Making A Wish
Making a wish on the Thanksgiving dinner table is also one of the traditions
that have been sustained over time. Diners vie for the wishbone of the Turkey
meat and hold a belief that the wish asked from the Almighty, along with the
wishbone, comes true. The tradition is still followed with much enthusiasm in
most of the American families and even those in other parts of the world, where
Thanksgiving is celebrated. In fact, making a wish on Thanksgiving is a
tradition that is very popular among the kids all over the world.
Craft Activities
Children engage themselves in creative activities and employ their artistic
skills on Thanksgiving Day, to produce beautiful crafts. They make greeting
cards for friends and relatives, themed on the festival. Decoration crafts are
also prepared on this day, not just by kids, but also by adults, who put their
work of art on display in the house. Wall hangings, thanksgiving wreaths and
many other decorative items are made at home and are used to adorn the house.
Many people also make centerpieces for the Thanksgiving dinner, at home only.
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