Thanksgiving is a holiday that is celebrated in the United States and Canada. It’s a time when people come together with their families and friends to give thanks for what they have in life. Many things might make Thanksgiving loved by people; it could be the great food, the warm gathering, or just because of all the traditions.
But wait a minute, when is Thanksgiving this year? This ultimate guide will take you through all about Thanksgiving, from its history and origin to its meaning and try to demystify why every other time changes its date.
History and Origin
Before we get into why Thanksgiving changes every year, let’s first know where it cameIn the 17th century, some English pilgrims settled at Plymouth, Massachusetts. They held a feast in 1621 meant to appreciate the establishment’s success in the new world after numerous challenges encountered & celebrate bountiful harvests made during that time. Many consider this gathering the first Thanksgiving since it brought together both settlers (Pilgrims) and Native Americans.
It became an annual tradition in America, but not until 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving Day a national holiday, setting it on the last Thursday of November; this, however, remained so until 1939, then came Franklin D Roosevelt who shifted one week earlier than usual hoping such move would help boost the economy during great depression but after causing much controversy finally set fourth Thursday in November which has been following since 1941.
Why does Thanksgiving have different dates each year?
Now that we know some background story behind this beloved American celebration let’s find out why we keep changing our minds about when we should hold these festivities each other. Unlike New Year’s Day or Christmas, which are fixed days throughout the years, Thanksgiving follows a more complicated formula based on historical tradition and astronomical calculations.
The formula used to determine when Thanksgiving should be celebrated is influenced by various factors, such calendar system used at that time. According to the Gregorian calendar (widely used today), it falls on the fourth Thursday of November; however, sometimes, this doesn’t necessarily mean the last Thursday within the same month since there can be five Thursdays in one November, hence making Thanksgiving come on the fifth Thursday instead.
When is Thanksgiving this year 2024?
Thanksgiving is not only about turkey and pumpkin pie in the United States! Many associate this holiday with the fourth Thursday of November, but variations exist worldwide. In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October – a tradition rooted in early harvest festivals. Liberia also celebrates on the first Thursday in November, honoring the nation’s founding by formerly enslaved Americans. And Grenada throws its own Thanksgiving party in October, commemorating the US-led intervention 1983. It reminds us that gratitude can take many forms worldwide, each with its special flavor!
Germany: Their ‘Erntedankfest’ often takes place on the first Sunday of October each year, being a religious harvest festival.
Liberia: Thanksgiving falls on the first Thursday of November in Liberia, which mirrors the U.S. date and focuses on gratitude for the nation’s founding.
Other Countries: Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Japan are among the countries that have Thanksgiving-like celebrations at different times of the year with different emphases.
It is fascinating to see how gratitude and harvest celebrations are expressed in various cultures!
How Many Days Until Thanksgiving?
The question “How many days until Thanksgiving?” can be answered by counting the days from today to Thanksgiving Day.
Because it is always held on a Thursday, one must consider how many Thursdays there are. Therefore, you can start figuring out how many more days until Thanksgiving by basic math now so that you will be thrilled at all those good moments ahead.
Fun Facts About Thanksgiving Date in History
Thanksgiving has had some interesting dates throughout its history. Here are some fun facts about when it was celebrated:
In 1865, President Andrew Johnson declared it a national holiday celebrated everywhere on the same day in America for the first time.
In 1939, it was observed on the second-to-last Thursday in November due to confusion about retailers’ plans for sales before Christmas; this year became known as “Franksgiving.”
During World War II, President Roosevelt moved it up a week to the third Thursday in November, hoping for an extended holiday shopping season and, therefore, longer economic stimulus opportunities.
It was officially established on the fourth Thursday in November through a joint resolution of Congress in 1941.
Tips & Ideas
Now that we’ve gone over the history, meaning, formula, and Date of Thanksgiving, let us move on to preparing for this special time. It’s not only about when but also about creating memories with loved ones. So here are tips and ideas to make your celebrations unforgettable:
Plan Your Menu Ahead Of Time: Cook traditional dishes such as roasted turkey stuffed with cranberries or pumpkin pie while considering any dietary needs or wants from guests attending dinner.
Decorate Your Space: Use colors like reds, oranges, yellows, browns, pumpkins, leaves, flowers, branches, wreaths, ribbons, or anything that comes to mind when considering fall.
Give Back To The Community: Show appreciation by doing something nice for those less fortunate than yourself – volunteer at a food pantry, serve meals, donate, donate clothing, shelter, etc.
Start New Traditions: Think of fun activities to do every year after meals, like playing touch football, writing what thankful jar, and going hiking nearby park trail.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is an established tradition where families come together and give thanks for their blessings. However, the date of Thanksgiving changes each year.
So now that you know Its history formula and some interesting facts behind its various dates, feel free to mark your calendar in anticipation of this festive holiday season! Just remember that we are brought closer by love and showing gratitude towards one another.
Therefore, as Thanksgiving draws closer, gather around those dearest to you, taste delicious foods then take a moment to appreciate them for all the positive things in life.