The holiday of Thanksgiving actually has its roots in a cross cultural event.  The event that many Americans often refer to as the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in 1621. 

The feast lasted three days, and it was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims.  Later, Abraham Lincoln would declare Thanksgiving to be a national holiday resulting in it becoming a part of the American experience.  Several other places around the world observe similar celebrations.

One of the interesting things about Thanksgiving is that it unites religious and non-religious people together under an idea - we should be thankful.  The cultural trappings of Thanksgiving, such as Turkey, stuffing, watching football, and pumpkin pie are all seen as secondary to the tradition of gathering together and being thankful.  Nevertheless, many cultures in America have taken elements of the Thanksgiving tradition and blended it with their own.  To see what we mean, check out our Pinterest page where we have pinned some cool Thanksgiving recipes with a little different spin.

For further reading:

• Winslow, Edward (1622), Mourt's Relation, p. 133, retrieved 2013-11-20, "many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoyt, with some ninetie men, whom for three dayes we entertained and feasted"
• "Primary Sources for "The First Thanksgiving" at Plymouth". Pilgrim Hall Museum. Retrieved 2009-11-26. "The 53 Pilgrims at the First Thanksgiving"