Thanksgiving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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thanksgiving
[หฮธรฆลksหษกษชvษชล ]
Definitions
holiday
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.
Synonyms
celebration, harvest festival, holiday.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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thanksgiving |
Thanksgiving specifically refers to the national holiday in the United States and Canada where people give thanks for what they have. It is often associated with a large meal, typically featuring turkey.
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holiday |
Holiday is a very general term for any special day when people do not have to work or go to school. It can include religious, national, or cultural events and is not limited to Thanksgiving.
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celebration |
Celebration is a more general term that can refer to any event held in honor of something. It doesn't have to do with giving thanks or the harvest; it could be a birthday, an anniversary, or any special occasion.
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harvest festival |
Harvest festival is a broader term that can refer to any event celebrating the gathering of crops. This term is often used in many cultures and can include food, music, and dancing.
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Examples of usage
- We gather with family and friends for a Thanksgiving feast.
- Many people volunteer at shelters on Thanksgiving to help those in need.
gratitude
Thanksgiving is also the expression of gratitude, especially to God.
Synonyms
appreciation, gratitude, thanks.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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thanksgiving |
Another usage but less common, can mean an act of giving thanks, particularly in a formal or religious context.
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gratitude |
Appropriate for expressing a deep sense of thankful recognition or heartfelt thankfulness, often used in more personal, reflective, or profound contexts.
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appreciation |
Best used to show recognition or acknowledgment of someone's effort, significance, or value, often in formal or professional settings.
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thanks |
Informal and widely used in everyday situations to express thanks or gratitude quickly and easily.
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Examples of usage
- She expressed her thanksgiving for the opportunity to study abroad.
- His thanksgiving prayer included blessings for his family and friends.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was a feast shared by Pilgrims and Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
- Thanksgiving became an official holiday in the U.S. in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November as a day of thanks.
- Different countries celebrate their own versions of Thanksgiving, such as Canada's Thanksgiving which occurs in October.
Cultural Traditions
- In the United States, people often eat turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, which has become a traditional meal.
- Many families watch parades and football games on Thanksgiving Day, making it a day of leisure and entertainment.
- Volunteering and helping the less fortunate during Thanksgiving is a common tradition, emphasizing gratitude through giving.
Literature and Art
- Thanksgiving has inspired numerous books, poems, and songs celebrating family unity and gratitude.
- Paintings and illustrations often depict the harvest scene or family gatherings, capturing the essence of sharing and thankfulness.
- Classics like 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' have made the holiday relatable for children.
Psychology
- Studies show that expressing gratitude can improve happiness and mental health, making celebrations like Thanksgiving beneficial for emotional well-being.
- Being thankful is linked to stronger relationships, as it encourages appreciation and connection among family and friends.
- Some psychologists advocate for maintaining a gratitude journal, a practice encouraged during the Thanksgiving season.
Food Science
- Turkey, the centerpiece of many Thanksgiving dinners, contains tryptophan, an amino acid that can contribute to feelings of relaxation.
- The tradition of pumpkin pie dates back to the early colonial times when pumpkins were used as a staple food.
- Many Thanksgiving dishes are rich in carbohydrates, which can lead to that sleepy feeling post-meal, commonly known as 'food coma.'
Origin of 'thanksgiving'
The history of Thanksgiving dates back to the early 17th century when the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The holiday has evolved over time to become a day of giving thanks, feasting, and spending time with loved ones.
See also: thank, thankful, thankfully, thankfulness, thankless, unthankful.