Thanksgiving - food, decoration, origin

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Thanksgiving - food, decoration, origin

Thanksgiving is a popular American holiday celebrated with family. It includes a turkey dinner and many customs. In this blog post, you can learn more about Thanksgiving's origins, meaning, and decorations. We also give you tips on planning your own Thanksgiving party with Infowerk.

Thanksgiving - the right way to celebrate

Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving is the biggest American holiday - probably the most popular. It is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. Most Americans then take the Friday off for a long weekend. Incidentally, this is Black Friday, when all shops attract customers with high discounts. Thanksgiving heralds the pre-Christmas season and is celebrated with the family. Due to globalisation, more and more people in this country like to celebrate Thanksgiving. Find out where the holiday originated, what is eaten and how it is decorated in this blog post.

The origins of Thanksgiving and its meaning

The exact origins of the American equivalent of the German harvest festival have not been fully established. On the one hand, there is the theory that the Native Americans of the Wampanoag tribe celebrated Thanksgiving whenever there was a corresponding occasion such as a birth, excellent harvest or similar. Another theory refers to Spanish colonists who celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Caddo people in 1541. This was their way of giving thanks for the food they had provided. The third theory focuses on the Pilgrim Fathers, who celebrated a three-day Thanksgiving with the Wampanoag in 1621. Finally, President George Washington established the day on 3 October 1789. Subsequently, President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November as the official Thanksgiving Day in 1863, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt made it an official bank holiday in 1941.


Thanksgiving is primarily a celebration of the family, which is why it usually comes together in its entirety on this day. Thanksgiving also stands for peace and, of course, gratitude. This is expressed with a table prayer or by family members saying what they are thankful for during the year. Thanksgiving is celebrated by everyone in America, regardless of their background or beliefs. In Canada, the day is also a holiday, but it is celebrated on the second Monday in October.

What are the customs of Thanksgiving?

First and foremost, of course, is the traditional Thanksgiving meal. It is called "Turkey Day" because most families eat turkey on this occasion. On average, 46 million turkeys are prepared in the USA. The bird can weigh up to 15 kg and is roasted in the oven with oysters, bread, herbs or chestnuts, either as an alternative or served with baked ham. This is given an apricot or pineapple glaze to create a sweet and sour taste. Pumpkin is also a must for Thanksgiving. Pumpkin is roasted and stuffed with various fillings, including mushrooms, cornbread, pasta, cheese, and eggs. The traditional Thanksgiving meal includes cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and various vegetables. Pumpkin pie, pecan pie or apple pie are served for dessert.


Since these main dishes and side dishes are still not enough, sweet potato casserole, corn (on the cob or canned), beans, asparagus, lettuce, carrots or similar vegetables, as well as pastries such as biscuits and cakes, are also served as options.

What is the turkey pardon all about?

Traditionally, two turkeys are presented to the sitting president at the White House every Thanksgiving at the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. This ritual has existed since the 19th century, though Abraham Lincoln supposedly pardoned the first turkey at his son's request. But President John F. Kennedy is also said to have said, "Let's just keep him." when presenting the turkey." President George Bush Senior finally made the turkey pardon a tradition in 1989. The selected animals are not slaughtered.

The parades, football and the Wishbone

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in New York every year. The floating figures, also called "floats", are characteristic of the parade and are met with great enthusiasm. The parade runs from 9 a.m. to noon, starting at 77th Street and ending in front of the Macy's shopping mall. Several million Americans watch the Thanksgiving Day parade in front of the television or directly on site. Alternatively, they can watch football together on television.


Another tradition is the "Wishbone Breaking". This involves two people holding the forked bone of the eaten turkey at one end, each with their little finger, and pulling on it until it breaks. The person holding the longer piece then makes a wish. In the meantime, however, fork bones made of plastic have been invented, which means that vegetarians or vegans can also take part in the custom, and several people have the chance to make a free wish on Thanksgiving.

The decorations for Thanksgiving

Americans sometimes like it big, flashy and kitschy. For Thanksgiving, turkeys in many shapes and sizes are a must. Then, there are the autumnal decorations, such as chestnuts, pumpkins, rosehip branches, leaves, or corn, on the cob. Of course, the good dishes and tablecloths from the cupboard are also used for dinner, candles are set up, and autumn bouquets are woven.

What comes after Thanksgiving?

The very next day is Black Friday, which also ushers in the Christmas season. The retail sector, in particular, offers great discounts. Black Friday is special in America, not only because of the special offers but also because some shops open as early as 5 am. The rush to the shopping paradise is huge on Black Friday. In the meantime, it also exists in Europe, where many online shops and retailers advertise with discounts. Black Friday is followed by Cyber Monday, with online platforms again scoring with discounts. Enthusiastic online shoppers sit in front of their computers or smartphones today and diligently order clothing, technology or electronic devices. In Europe, we are also familiar with Cyber Monday.

Invite the family for Thanksgiving or organise your own Thanksgiving feast.

Have you acquired a taste for it? In Europe, traditional Thanksgiving is still celebrated, but more and more people are also deciding to celebrate American Thanksgiving. Depending on your preferences, the whole family can get together on this day, or you can organise a "Friendsgiving" with your friends! Take the opportunity to design invitation postcards, envelopes, napkins or even the menu with the dishes you want to offer at Infowerk! This way, your own Thanksgiving will be something very special.

Thanksgiving - food, decoration, origin