What is thanksgiving?

Question

I am Australian, we don't do, thanksgiving, I have seen it on the Bradey bunch & stuff. What does it mean to you? What is it for? Do you sacrifice a turkey to your God? Too far!
Happy thanksgiving.

Answer 1

this is the true orins of thanksgiving... i am mohawk indian and am offended that other people didnt put this in there answers...


The Pilgrims left Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620. Their destination? The New World. Although filled with uncertainty and peril, it offered both civil and religious liberty

For over two months, the 102 passengers braved the harsh elements of a vast storm-tossed sea. Finally, with firm purpose and a reliance on Divine Providence, the cry of "Land!" was heard.
Arriving in Massachusetts in late November, the Pilgrims sought a suitable landing place. On December 11, just before disembarking at Plymouth Rock, they signed the "Mayflower Compact" - America's first document of civil government and the first to introduce self-government.

After a prayer service, the Pilgrims began building hasty shelters. However, unprepared for the starvation and sickness of a harsh New England winter, nearly half died before spring. Yet, persevering in prayer, and assisted by helpful Indians, they reaped a bountiful harvest the following summer.

The grateful Pilgrims then declared a three-day feast, starting on December 13, 1621, to thank God and to celebrate with their Indian friends. While this was not the first Thanksgiving in America (thanksgiving services were held in Virginia as early as 1607), it was America's first Thanksgiving Festival

Answer 2

These days Thanksgiving represents a family and friends getting together and having a nice huge meal. Turkey is traditional but is not a sacrifice for a god LOL. To me it represents comfort. You are eating a home cooked comfort food surrounded by those you love. It is a holiday that everyone can celebrate as it is not a religious. Everyone has their own traditions as many people who have migrated to this country have adapted it to their own comfort food. I had a friend whose family would do roast duck instead of turkey.

Answer 3

it was initially observed with the pilgrims after making it here through a winter and harvest , a celebration of life, of thanks of friends, the Indians who were here and showed them how to survive; It has become a day of observing thanks for all we have and to be with family and friends; it is not a so called religious holiday but it is a time to be thankful ; no sacrifices; a turkey b/c in the old days that is what was here , wild turkeys in abundance; it is a special day to be with family and friends; corporate greed has infiltrated; Kmart for example will be open for business tomorrow but almost all others are closed; with the exception of fire, police, ; no mail ; no other services ; all government is closed. Happy Thanksgiving to all ; it is just a day to take five and be happy in all we have or had.

Answer 4

Thanksgiving Day, is a traditional North American holiday to give thanks at the conclusion of the harvest season. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States.Thanksgiving is a time when families get together to eat a meal and be thankful for what they have.

Answer 5

Its a day where Americans give thanks for what we have. Turkey's became the standard fare as a result of them being plentiful in the time of our settlers. Thankfully, we feast on them once a year. They're not my favorite.