PIA PRESS
Written by Natalia Lotinsky and Leah Hawkins
Introduction
Thanksgiving is a time when family and friends gather for one common thing, food! (and family, gratitude, and many more things). Thanksgiving looks different to every family and is celebrated with different traditions. It could mean gratitude to some people, and family time for others. Thanksgiving has been used to bring people together for hundreds of years in America. But how did Thanksgiving start? How do people celebrate it? And what does it represent to everyone?
The History of Thanksgiving
The way some people believe Thanksgiving started is very simple. The pilgrims and Native Americans joined together for a feast. However, many sources show that Thanksgiving has a more complicated path. There is no proof that the Native American tribes were ever invited to the feast. In fact, some historians believe that the natives that were at the Thanksgiving feast were part of an army to defend their land. The way Thanksgiving started is unclear, but one thing is certain, the European travelers gathered to give thanks. Even though Thanksgiving is seen as a positive holiday to most, while some Native Americans see it as a sad day of mourning and protest. This shows that everyone sees Thanksgiving in different ways.
How Thanksgiving is celebrated
Students at Pine Island Academy all have diverse ways of celebrating Thanksgiving. Sean Hawkins, a fourth-grade student, states that he celebrates Thanksgiving by, “Having a feast with turkey and other stuff”. Hawkins celebrates his Thanksgiving with a feast, but other students may celebrate it a bit differently. “By staying at home or going to my grandparents’ house…playing games and eating”, is what Jaxson Greco, a fifth-grade student states.
The Meaning of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving can mean many things. To each person, it represents something else. “Turkey and family,” is what Thanksgiving represents to fifth grade student Troy Lotinsky. While this is what Thanksgiving represents to Lotinsky, it does not mean that it’ll represent the same thing to others. Eighth grade student Ellie Witheridge, states that Thanksgiving is, “Saying what you’re thankful for, and showing who you’re thankful for. And everything, it means spending time with family as well.” Thanksgiving can mean anything to everyone.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving can be celebrated in so many ways! From hanging out with family, to eating a turkey. While its origin is gratitude it can also mean family to others. Thanksgiving is a time that can bring families closer together and to spend time with friends all while sharing gratitude and love.