En un mundo cada vez más globalizado, son muchas las tradiciones que con cada vez más asiduidad celebramos en nuestro país aunque provengan de culturas extranjeras. Festividades bonitas y de mucha tradición en otros países que acabamos por tomar como nuestras como es el Día de Acción de Gracias en Estados Unidos y del cual te contamos todo para que te unas a esta entrañable fiesta y la celebres en tu casa.
What is Thanksgiving and how is it celebrated?
The origin of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the last Thursday of November in different countries, especially in the United States where it is a national holiday and therefore a holiday throughout the country. Its character is religious because, originally, it was a celebration of mystical gratitude to give thanks for a specific event beyond human decision (the end of a drought, a good harvest due to optimal weather conditions, etc.)
Although there is some debate about the origin of this tradition, the most popular one dates back to the beginning of the 17th century when a ship from England arrived in the port of Plymouth (Massachussetts) and the natives helped the English to harvest the land in the settlement they had established. After a successful harvest, the governor of this new English colony organized a party to thank the natives who had helped them, which they repeated the following year, becoming an annual celebration that began to spread throughout the country.
Thanksgiving today
Currently, Thanksgiving is celebrated, in addition to the United States, in Canada, Germany and even Japan. In the United States its importance is such that it is considered the most important holiday of the year – even ahead of Christmas – and on that day numerous events and parades are held, such as the one that takes place in New York City and brings together thousands of people in its streets to see it. Thanksgiving is therefore an extremely important celebration that is usually celebrated with family or very close friends and where the celebration revolves around food.
What is the typical food for Thanksgiving Day?
Although Thanksgiving is a true feast with tables to overflowing, the main food is turkey. The most traditional recipe is stuffed turkey which is cooked in the oven accompanied by a cranberry sauce that is served with trays of vegetables, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, carrots or brussels sprouts.
What desserts do people eat for Thanksgiving?
Desserts are also extremely important since, as a final highlight, a lot of sweets are served. Pumpkin pie and apple pie are two of the main dessert dishes. As a finishing touch, champagne is toasted and thanks are said aloud one at a time for something good that happened to each person that year.
Special Thanksgiving decoration
Last but not least, the Thanksgiving decoration is extremely important since it is the finishing touch to such an important celebration. As an autumn festival, pumpkins, lights, candles and everything related to this season of the year will be beautiful. You can decorate the table with leaves and plants, as well as candles and candlesticks, and as details, you can put the name of the diner on his plate or on top of his cutlery or leave a specific Thanksgiving message.
