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Thanksgiving has its roots in early 17th-century colonial America, particularly tied to the Pilgrims and their harvest celebration in 1621. Here’s a brief overview of its origins: 1. Pilgrim Settlement: The Pilgrims, a group of English settlers seeking religious freedom, arrived in North America aboard the Mayflower in 1620. They established the Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. 2. Harvest Celebration: After a challenging first winter, during which many settlers died from cold, hunger, and disease, the Pilgrims had a successful harvest in the fall of 1621. To celebrate this bounty, they held a feast, inviting the Wampanoag people, who had helped them survive by teaching them local agricultural practices. 3. Cultural Significance: This feast, which lasted for three days, is often regarded as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in America. It symbolized cooperation and gratitude between the settlers and the Indigenous peoples. 4. Evolution of the Holiday: Over the years, Thanksgiving became a more formalized holiday. Various colonies and states celebrated days of thanksgiving at different times. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, designating the last Thursday in November as a day of gratitude. 5. Modern Celebrations: Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States with family gatherings, feasting on traditional foods such as turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, and reflecting on gratitude and community. Overall, Thanksgiving has evolved from a harvest celebration into a national holiday that emphasizes gratitude and togetherness.

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