It was officially first proclaimed as a holiday by the Continental Congress in 1777. The actual date for Thanksgiving Day changed several times throughout the years in the U.S.
In 1941, the U.S. Congress set the fourth Thursday of November as the official day to celebrate Thanksgiving Day.
Other Countries' Days of Thanksgiving Celebrations
Here are some other countries that also have set aside days to give thanks.- Ancient Chinese, Chung Ch'ui, during harvest time.
- Ancient Greeks, during autumn, a festival to honor the goddess of corn and grains, Demeter.
- Ancient Romans, during autumn, a celebration honoring the goddess of corn, Ceres.
- Brazil, Dia Nacional de Acao de Gracas, 4th Thursday of November.
- British Isles, Lammas Day, a harvest festival.
- Canada, Thanksgiving Day or Fete de Grace, or Harvest home Festival, 2nd Monday in October.
- Germany, Erntedankfest, 1st Sunday in October.
- Israel, Sukkot, the 5th day after Yom Kippur.
- Japan, Labor Thanksgiving Day, November 23.
- Korea, Chusok, 15th day of the eighth lunar month of the traditional Korean calendar.
- Liberia, Thanksgiving Day, 1st Thursday in November.
- Mexico, Independence Day, September 16th.
- Switzerland, The Federal Day of Thanks, Penance, and Prayer, 3rd Sunday in September.
