In 1621 the English colonists at Plimoth Colony (now Plymouth, Massachusetts), gathered for a three-day feast to give thanks for their first harvest. More than 90 Wampanoag people, including Chief Massasoit, Squanto and Samoset, joined the 50 colonists to celebrate with food, drink and games. This has become traditionally known as the first thanksgiving, although an official proclamation for a day of thanksgiving did not come until 1671. That year the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, issued a proclamation for an official Thanksgiving observance on June 29.
The first day of thanksgiving designated by the new United States came in 1789, when President George Washington issued a proclamation setting aside November 26 as “A Day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer.”
Thanksgiving Day, as celebrated in the United States, is now observed on the fourth Thursday in November. It has become tradition for family and friends to gather for a celebratory meal. Religious services, parades, and football games also mark the day.
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