Thanksgiving is an annual federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, focused on expressing gratitude, gathering with family, and sharing a large meal. Its origins are a blend of historical events and later national mythology. History and Meaning The 1621 Harvest Feast: The modern holiday is often associated with a three-day harvest feast shared between the Plymouth colonists (Pilgrims) and the Wampanoag Native American people in 1621. This event is a symbol of peace and goodwill, where the Wampanoag taught the struggling colonists how to cultivate local crops and survive. A National Holiday: For over two centuries, days of thanksgiving were observed by individual colonies and states on different dates. It wasn't until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to promote unity and healing for a divided nation. Official Date: The date was eventually fixed by Congress in 1941 to be the fourth Thursday in November. Controversy: For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a complicated day that masks the true history of conflict and oppression that followed European settlement, and some observe it as a National Day of Mourning. Modern Traditions Modern Thanksgiving has largely moved away from its original religious significance and is a secular holiday for most Americans. Family and Food: The primary tradition is a large gathering of family and friends for a bountiful meal, which often includes roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Parades and Football: Other popular traditions include watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and watching or playing American football games. Gratitude and Charity: The day is a time for reflection and expressing gratitude. Many people also engage in acts of charity, such as volunteering at food drives or community dinners for the less fortunate. Black Friday: The holiday is considered the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season, with the following day known as "Black Friday," famous for major retail sales.