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Thanksgiving Day (USA)
Thanksgiving Day origin dates back in the 16th century when the first Thanksgiving dinner took
place.
According to historians, a sailing vessel called Mayflower crossed the Atlantic carrying about
102 pil-grims. The journey was arduous because of terrible storms in the sea. The
passengers comforted them-selves by singing.
After 66 days, they arrived in Plymouth and could not proceed to their initial intended
destination, Virgi-nia because of bad weather. In fact, about 46 pilgrims died in the cold
winter. The survivors learned how to grow food from Squanto, a native Indian. However, a
severe drought followed and the pilgrims dedi-cated themselves to fasting and praying to ask
God for a bountiful harvest. Their prayers were answered by rains that grew their corn,
beans and pumpkins.
In the autumn of 1621, Governor William Bradford organized a 3-day feast to thank God for his
favors. Although there is no evidence provided, it is believed that this was the first Thanksgiving Day
by the Pilgrims. In the following years, such events became quite common and were celebrated
every year. On October 3, 1789, the first president of the United States, George Washington
proclaimed the day of thanksgiving. The day was later declared a public holiday in 1863 by the then
President Abraham Lincoln.
Thanksgiving Day falls on the first Thursday in the month of November. The day has been celebrated
in November ever since the observance of this holiday began. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln
proclai-med for the day to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. In 1939, President
Roosevelt moved the day to the third Thursday of the month with intentions of prolonging the
Christmas shopping season. Finally, the Congress passed it as law for the day to be observed on the
fourth Thursday of November.
Turkey is the most common food served during the Thanksgiving Dinner. For this reason,
Thanksgiving Day is also called the Turkey Day. American farmers raise millions of turkeys
every year in preparation of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Other common meals on this day include
potatoes, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce and an assortment of vegetables. Why Thanksgiving is
celebrated?
It is a day to thank God for a bountiful harvest in the preceding year. The day also appreciates
the labor of all Americans in their various income generating activities and achievements as a
nation. Families and friends meet to share and celebrate their milestones as well as their
accomplishments.
The day is often full of pomp and color. It is a great time to exchange gifts with your loved ones and
share beautiful Thanksgiving messages. If you would like to please your family and friends, get a
special Thanksgiving menu and Turkey, potatoes and a variety of vegetables. If you are looking to
travel out
of town, you can attend Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City and enjoy lively
performances.
Adapted text.
______. Thanksgiving Day (USA). Disponível em:
https://www.calendarlabs.com/holidays/us/thanksgi-
ving-day.php. Acesso em: 01 Agosto 2020.
6 – Qual presidente dos Estados Unidos instituiu o Dia de Ação de Graças? Quando?
7 – Qual é o tipo de comida mais comum do Dia de Ação de Graças nos Estados Unidos?