The history of Thanksgiving dates back to 1620 when a group of Pilgrims arrived in what is today known as Massachusetts on the Mayflower ship.

They left their home in England in search of religious freedom. This is because England at the time required citizens to belong to the Church of England, and those who did not often faced scorn, ridicule, or other forms of unfavorable treatment.

Once they arrived, they were greeted by Native Americans who shared their knowledge of farming with them. They were one of the main reasons why the Pilgrims survived their first year here despite the fact that many among the group did not make it.

As a celebration of their survival, the Natives and the Pilgrims came together for a dinner. They brought staple crops that they had harvested together like corn, carrots, and onions.

It’s not a Thanksgiving feast without turkey. Turkeys were enjoyed at the first Thanksgiving dinner because they were easy to hunt and there were lots of them available.

Today Thanksgiving is a cherished American tradition where friends and family come together to express gratitude for all the blessings in their lives.

Pilgrims were the first of many to immigrate to America in search of that “American Dream” of success and prosperity.

This has resulted in the combination of cultures for Thanksgiving. It’s a way to bring a piece of one’s roots into their new home.

Sophomore Amelie Terry’s family blends their French culture into their American Thanksgiving dinner, “ For dessert, we have macarons instead of pumpkin pie.”

For her, macaroons are a way to remember her homeland and all the wonderful memories she made there.

Sophomore Gabrielle Von Teuber’s family combines their Cuban ancestry with their favorite American tradition.

“Alongside our turkey, we enjoy rice and beans, yuca, and flan for dessert,” she said.

This combination of cultures is a beautiful way to make an important holiday even more special.