Thanksgiving 2025 – Discover the Meaning of Thanksgiving Day with InfoCons Consumer Protection !
Today, November 27, the United States celebrates Thanksgiving Day, one of the most important and beloved American traditions. Celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November, this day brings families and communities together to give thanks for the year’s harvest, for health, and for moments of well-being. With origins initially linked to harvest festivities, Thanksgiving has evolved over the centuries into a national symbol of unity, community, and gratitude.
- Thanksgiving Day in the United States of America – History and Context
The holiday has deep roots in the practices of the New England colonists, who periodically organized days of thanksgiving for military victories or for the end of difficult periods, such as drought.
The transformation of Thanksgiving into a national holiday occurred during the Civil War, when on October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln officially proclaimed a day of thanksgiving, an act meant to bring a sense of unity during a period marked by profound conflict. Later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established, through a proclamation issued in 1942, that Thanksgiving would be celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November, a date that remains in use today.
- Thanksgiving Traditions and Symbols
Modern Thanksgiving traditions combine history with contemporary cultural elements. The festive meal is at the center of attention, with dishes such as turkey, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and bread stuffing becoming culinary symbols of the day.
Parades have also become a defining feature: the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, first organized in 1924, brings giant characters, spectacular balloons, and artistic performances to the streets of New York every year, attracting millions of viewers. Additionally, American football games—part of the celebration since 1876—add energy and tradition to the holiday.
However, Thanksgiving is more than a day of food and entertainment. It is a day when Americans reflect on generosity and solidarity, with many participating in volunteer activities or donating to those in need.
A unique and symbolic tradition is the “turkey pardon,” the ceremony in which the President of the United States “pardons” a turkey—formalized in 1989 by George H.W. Bush and continued by every president since. Lastly, the tradition of breaking the wishbone adds a playful moment to the festive meal, fueling hopes and wishes for those who take part.
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Over time, Thanksgiving has become a symbol of intercultural peace, gratitude, and family reunion, reflecting the diversity and open spirit of American society. Whether associated with the history of the Pilgrims, with immigrants who found a new beginning in America, or with modern families who gather each year, Thanksgiving remains a profound celebration of the most valuable aspects of humanity: gratitude, generosity, and community.