Read about the origin, history and celebration of Thanksgiving Day in United Kingdom.
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Thanksgiving Day in United Kingdom

Origin and History of Thanksgiving Day in United Kingdom

Harvest festival is the most popular and oldest festivals celebrated in United Kingdom. It is observed to thank God for the years produce. ‘Harvest’ is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word which means ‘autumn’. The history of the Harvest festival roots back to the year 1843, when Robert Hawker invited local parishioners to attend a special thanksgiving service at a church in Cornwall. Since then the custom of decorating churches with home-grown products has followed till date. In those days, the success or failure of the people was determined by the success of crops. The natives also offered the first sheaf of corn to please the God of fertility and to ensure plentiful harvest in the future.

Local name: Thanksgiving Day

Ways to celeberate Thanksgiving Day in United Kingdom

Thanksgiving is considered an important harvest festival in the UK. On this day, the churches are decorated with products such as home-grown plants, fruits and vegetables to show gratitude to the almighty. The occasion includes turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberries and olives. Children sing hymns and distribute fruits and vegetables to their friends. They sacrifice a hare and cut the last sheaf of corn. The celebration is enjoyed by singing songs and by giving away fruits and vegetables. Often the food is distributed among the poor people of the local community. The home-grown products are also used to raise funds for the church, or charity.