The traditional dish served on Thanksgiving in the United States is turkey. Families typically roast a whole turkey, often accompanied by stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and various side dishes such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and sweet potatoes. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, and the meal has its roots in early colonial history, where the Pilgrims shared a harvest feast with Native Americans. The holiday emphasizes gratitude and family gatherings, and turkey has become a symbol of the occasion, leading to the popular phrase "the Thanksgiving turkey."