How The Irish Saved Thanksgiving

While Thanksgiving is primarily associated with North American traditions, particularly in the United States and Canada, its origins are not Irish. However, there are some intriguing historical connections between Ireland and early Thanksgiving celebrations in America.

Origins of Thanksgiving:

1. Native American and Pilgrim Traditions:
   Thanksgiving, as celebrated in the U.S., traces back to the early 17th century. The Pilgrims held a harvest feast in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to give thanks for their survival and a successful harvest, which was shared with the Wampanoag Native Americans.
   
   

2. Religious Roots:
   Thanksgiving also has religious origins. English Puritans and Pilgrims would hold days of prayer and thanksgiving for blessings, safe journeys, or military victories.
   

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The Irish Connection:

Though Thanksgiving itself isn't of Irish origin, there are some links:

1. Irish Famine Immigrants:
   During the Great Irish Famine (1845–1852), many Irish immigrants settled in North America. Their influence helped shape the cultural melting pot that developed around Thanksgiving, particularly in cities like Boston and New York.
   
   

2. Thanksgiving Charity:
   Irish immigrants often associated Thanksgiving with a time of charity and sharing, reminiscent of Irish hospitality. Many Irish families in America embraced Thanksgiving as a new tradition in their adopted homeland.
   

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Irish Harvest Celebrations:

In Ireland, ancient harvest festivals such as Samhain and later Lughnasa were held to give thanks for the bounty of the land. While these are not directly related to the American Thanksgiving, they reflect a shared human tradition of celebrating the harvest and giving thanks.

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