Thanksgiving originated in 1621 when the Pilgrims celebrated a harvest feast with the Wampanoag people after arriving in Massachusetts Bay the previous year. For centuries since, Thanksgiving traditions have included families gathering for a feast of turkey, potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie, as well as expressing gratitude for family, friends, and blessings of the past year. Customs center around eating, spending time with family, singing songs of thanks, and being grateful for the people in one's life.