While Thanksgiving in the USA is a major holiday, in Singapore it’s mostly celebrated by expats. For many here, it’s an occasion to gather with friends and family, enjoy a hearty meal and perhaps reminisce about home. But beyond the pumpkin pie and turkey, the history and traditions of the celebration are rich with surprising quirks. Here are five facts about about the meaning of Thanksgiving that you may not be aware of – and you can also learn how to protect the things you’re thankful for with the help of a comprehensive family health insurance plan.
#1 Thanksgiving wasn’t always about food
While modern celebrations are all about the feast, the meaning of Thanksgiving was originally to give thanks for the harvest. The first celebration, which the Pilgrims celebrated with the Indigenous Americans, didn’t have a formal “Thanksgiving dinner”. Instead, it was a multi-day event with games, prayers and dances.
#2 The first Thanksgiving didn’t feature turkey
Despite being synonymous with turkey today, the first Thanksgiving in 1621 likely didn’t include it. Historical accounts suggest the menu featured ducks, geese, venison, shellfish, corn, beans and squash. Turkey as a centrepiece wasn’t introduced until later.
#3 Thanksgiving 2024 is late because of the calendar
This year, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on 28 November – the latest possible date it can fall. This is because Thanksgiving is always observed on the fourth Thursday of November, and when the month starts on a Thursday (as it did in 2024), the fourth Thursday falls toward the very end of the month. This only happens once every few years, making this year’s Thanksgiving a rare and particularly late event on the calendar.
#4 Black Friday is rooted in Thanksgiving
The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1950s. Philadelphia police used it to describe the chaos following Thanksgiving, when shoppers and tourists flooded the city. Over time, it became associated with the major shopping deals that start the holiday season.
#5 Thanksgiving has a global following
Although Thanksgiving is a big celebration in the USA, it has caught on in other parts of the world. Canada celebrates a similar holiday in October, and countries including Liberia and the Bahamas hold their own Thanksgiving celebrations, often with different customs and foods. While it’s not a public holiday in Singapore, plenty of places have put together special Thanksgiving dinners.
Protect what matters this Thanksgiving
As you gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, it’s important to remember that health is something to be truly thankful for. Whether you’re enjoying a special meal or simply appreciating the meaning of Thanksgiving, taking care of your health and the health of your family is essential. With Pacific Prime CXA’s comprehensive family health insurance plans, you can safeguard your well-being no matter what curveballs life throws your way.
For more information on Pacific Prime CXA’s health insurance plans and a free quotation, visit their website here.
