Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, which means this year it will be celebrated on November 28

It is one of the most celebrated holidays across the country as families come together to prepare festive meals, enjoy time together and express gratefulness for the blessings

On Thanksgiving Day, traditionally, the farmers thanked god for their autumn harvest. However, beyond the coming of family together, Thanksgiving has a deep historical and cultural significance

The origin of Thanksgiving dates back to 1621 when a harvest feast was held between the Wampanoag, a Native tribe who occupied the land long before, and the newly settled English colonists in America

In 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation naming Thursday, November 26, 1789, as a day of public Thanksgiving the first time it was celebrated under the new constitution, as per the White House

Later in 1863, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the USS, who guided the country through the Civil War, declared Thanksgiving a holiday and a day off for employees

Families and friends gather for a meal, play games and have fun on Thanksgiving Day. Pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roast turkey are all staples

Other customs of the day include Thanksgiving Day parades, especially the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, donating essentials to those in need and the presidential turkey pardons

This year, President Joe Biden gave reprieve to two white-plumed turkeys, Peach and Blossom, at the White House in continuation of a long tradition

While the majority of Americans enjoy carving up a turkey and sharing it with family on Thanksgiving, the Native Americans and Alaska Natives believe that the holiday masks the true history of oppression and bloodshed