Thanksgiving is the popular harvest festival of United States. Historically, the
festival had only the religious dimension attached to it. However, gradually, it
has been gaining a secular dimension too. It is celebrated not only in United
States, but in other countries as well, though by different names and in
different time of the year. Talking about the US, on Thanksgiving Day, many
people like to visit New England, where the Pilgrims celebrated the first
Thanksgiving, while others participate in family gatherings, to share the love,
joy, togetherness and blessings of God.
'When is Thanksgiving?' This is a popular query asked by people, about the
holiday. In 1789, George Washington declared the last Thursday of November to be
celebrated as the Thanksgiving Day. However, in 1949, the United States Congress
officially declared that the fourth Thursday of November will be celebrated as
Thanksgiving holiday, irrespective of the fact whether it is the last Thursday
or not. Generally, there is a four day weekend in the United States during the
festival. The Friday that falls next to the Thanksgiving Day is popularly known
as “Black Friday”.
People take Thanksgiving Day as an opportunity to thank Almighty for all his
grace and mercy, showered in the form of bountiful harvest. The year-long hard
work and toil is celebrated on this occasion. The holiday has traditionally been
observed in the countries of the United States of America and Canada. However,
while U.S. celebrates Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November, Canada
celebrates it on the second Monday in October. In the Year 2009, Thanksgiving in
Canada will be celebrated on October 12, 2009 while in USA it will be celebrated
on the 26th November 2009.
Thanksgiving 2010: 25 November
Thanksgiving 2011: 24 November
Thanksgiving 2012: 22 November
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