By: Esther Palomo
In North America, Thanksgiving Day dates back to the time of the Protestant Reformation and the arrival of the first settlers from England to the United States. According to historical data, it originated in Plymouth (current state of Massachusetts), in gratitude from the settlers to the natives of the Wampanoag tribe, for having taught them the techniques of growing corn, hunting and fishing. This allowed the colony community to prosper after a time of famine and disease.
In England during the Anglican reform, religious festivities corresponding to the Catholic calendar were held. Later reforms reduced the number of Church festivities, being replaced by fasting or thanksgiving days. The origins of Thanksgiving in Canada go back to the early 17th century in New France, when celebrating the end of the harvest season and sharing their food with the aborigines of the region.
This custom became a tradition with the arrival of European immigrants to Canada, from the Irish, Scottish and German. At present it is a celebration practiced mainly in North America and Canada. It has spread to Latin American nations like Puerto Rico, where there is a strong North American influence.
