Why do we call it Thanksgiving?

[Louis-Deger]

It’s probably one word, but it’s also pretty saying 2 words. Thanks as in thanking someone and then giving as in giving something to someone. When I was younger I thought one reason it was called that was because we would give something to someone and then that person would thank us. Maybe that’s one of the reasons, no? Whether or not that’s the case, any other reasons why it’s called Thanksgiving?

[Oliverlogan263]

Yo, that's a good question about the name "Thanksgiving"! I never really thought too much about the meaning behind it before, but you make a good point. It does kinda sound like it's combining the idea of "thanks" and "giving" into one word.

My guess is that the name came from the original Thanksgiving celebration, where the early settlers in America were giving thanks and showing their gratitude by sharing a feast with the Native Americans who had helped them survive. So it was this mutual act of giving and expressing thanks.

Maybe the idea was that by giving something (like food or supplies) to others, it would inspire thankfulness and appreciation in return. Kind of a two-way street of gratitude, you know?

But who knows, there could be other origins or meanings behind the name that I'm not aware of. It's an interesting word when you really think about it. Kinda makes you appreciate the tradition and sentiment behind Thanksgiving even more.

Either way, it's dope that the name itself sorta captures the spirit of the holiday - being thankful and giving back to others. Pretty cool how the language can reflect the meaning behind the celebration.

[NamerOfStars]

Because it's about giving thanks. It's one bit of American culture that I genuinely feel the rest of the world should adopt; it needn't be religious in focus, but pausing to reflect on your life in appreciation and gratitude is something we need more people to do.

[Gwendoline]

Giving thanks to the lord maybe. Seems to be the case with most harvest festivals

[Agape93]

Because I gotta give @Abbycado thanks for giving me a good time last night

[Abbycado]

I was so stuffed. She saved me the drippings.

[Agape93]

That was hard to do, I love licking up the drippings...

[Iron_Man]

Bonding with the Indians