46、The fourth Thursday in November is called Thanksgiving Day. In the United States, it is an annual occasion to show thanks to God for his goodness.
As a historical, national and religious holiday, Thanksgiving Day began with the English in Plymouth Colony. As far back as 1621, after a long bitter winter and the gathering of the first harvest, these early settlers shared a feast with the local Indians and offered prayers of thanksgiving. The first national Thanksgiving Day was proclaimed（颁布） by President Washington on November 26, 1789. President Lincoln revived the custom in 1863.
It was not until 1941 that the U.S. Congress adopted a resolution（决定）, setting the fourth Thursday of November as an annual Thanksgiving Day. Thus what began as a religious celebration of the harvest has since become a nationwide holiday.
Now Thanksgiving Day is usually a family day, celebrated with a traditional turkey dinner and a happy reunion. Schools are closed on Thanksgiving Day and the day after. Many people, including students studying in another state, often travel long distances to spend the holiday at home.