Emma Bushnell - 12
11/7/2018
There are a lot of ways to celebrate Thanksgiving. From Puerto Rican traditions to pajamas, the many ways to celebrate are represented in the hallways of KHS.
Thanksgiving is an American holiday that commemorates the Pilgrims’ first harvest. The tradition began in 1621, as a two-day meal shared by the Pilgrims and the Native Americans.
KHS senior Joseph Doman stated in an interview that, “everyone does it right.” He and his family celebrate in a very typical way. His whole family gathers together, eats food, and expresses gratitude.
Katherine Velez, a Spanish teacher at KHS, began celebrating Thanksgiving when she was a child. She said in an interview that Puerto Rican celebrations are very similar to American celebrations, but they weren’t always the same. She explained, “After the 70’s it started to take a very strong reason to be celebrated... and right now it’s a big, big celebration.”
Puerto Rican Thanksgiving is heavily based on food, much like Thanksgiving in the United States. The food, however, is different. In Puerto Rico, Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated with pork instead of turkey, but in the 70’s turkey became more popular because of increased access to television, radio, and supermarket advertisements.
Rhea Rechav, a member of KHS Publications, is the daughter of African immigrants. Their family did not celebrate Thanksgiving before moving to the United States, but her mother loves to cook and “will hop on any opportunity to prepare a big meal, which is why we celebrate Thanksgiving.”
Although her mother has always wanted to celebrate an “American Thanksgiving,” her family doesn’t. Where most families gather all members dressed in their Sunday best, Rechav and her immediate family stay home in their pajamas and watch movies.
There is no wrong or right way to celebrate Thanksgiving. No matter where you come from, all you need is food and family to be thankful for.