Happy Thanksgiving! Where did the tradition of thanksgiving get started?

Answer: The tradition of Thanksgiving is often traced back to the year 1621 and is associated with the pilgrims of Plymouth Colony, in what is now Massachusetts. The Pilgrims had arrived in North America the previous year on the Mayflower and suffered through a brutal winter that led to disease and starvation for many in their group. With the help of the indigenous people, including the Wampanoag tribe who taught them about the local crops and hunting techniques, the Pilgrims were able to harvest a bountiful crop in the fall of 1621.

The harvest of 1621 was abundant enough that the Pilgrims decided to celebrate with a feast to give thanks for the help they had received and the successful growing season. This event is often referred to as the "First Thanksgiving." It lasted for three days and included feasting and games. It's been documented that the Wampanoag were invited and attended the feast, which included foods such as venison, fish, wildfowl, corn, and perhaps other regional items.

While this 1621 feast is commonly cited as the first Thanksgiving, it's important to note that various forms of thanksgiving celebrations, including days of prayer, fasting, and feasting, had existed in other forms throughout different cultures and religions long before this event.