How to Sign "Happy Thanksgiving"
To sign 'Happy Thanksgiving,' start with the sign for 'happy' by placing your flat, open hand against your chest and brushing it upwards. Next, transition into the sign for 'Thanksgiving' by forming a 'Q' handshape (with your index finger and thumb pointing downward) near your chin. Move this hand straight down to your chest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'happy' visually represents joyful, positive feelings bubbling up and lifting the heart within the chest, which is why the hand brushes upward. The sign for 'Thanksgiving' is highly iconic and deeply rooted in holiday traditions. The 'Q' handshape moving down from the chin mimics the wattle—the fleshy, red skin hanging from a turkey's neck or beak. Because the turkey is the traditional centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast, the sign for the bird became synonymous with the holiday itself.
Signing Tips
Remember to smile! Facial expressions are a crucial part of ASL, and a warm, genuine smile naturally complements the 'happy' part of the greeting. When transitioning to 'Thanksgiving,' ensure your 'Q' handshape is clearly formed with the index finger and thumb pointing downward. Keep the movement controlled as you bring the hand cleanly downward from the chin to the chest, keeping it relatively close to your body without drifting outward.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is forgetting to use a joyful facial expression during the 'happy' portion, which can make the greeting feel robotic or insincere. Since ASL relies heavily on facial grammar to convey tone, a blank face changes the feel of the message. Additionally, beginners sometimes use a full open hand or a 'G' handshape pointing forward for 'Thanksgiving' instead of the downward-pointing 'Q' handshape. Another common error is pulling the hand outward away from the body rather than moving it straight down.
Regional Variations
Because Thanksgiving is a major holiday, there are several common regional ways to sign it across North America. While the one-handed 'turkey wattle' sign is shown here, some signers use a two-handed version of the exact same motion. Another very popular variation involves a two-handed 'thank you' motion, where both flat hands start near the mouth or chin and move forward and slightly upward in an arc. The version you use often depends on your local Deaf community's preference.
Examples Using "Happy Thanksgiving" in a Sentence
1I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Sign 'I', 'WISH', 'YOU', and then use the 'Happy Thanksgiving' phrase to complete the warm holiday greeting.
2We are hosting dinner for a Happy Thanksgiving.
Start with 'WE', 'HOST', 'DINNER', and finish with the 'Happy Thanksgiving' sign to describe your holiday plans.
3Happy Thanksgiving to your family.
Sign 'Happy Thanksgiving', followed by 'YOUR', and 'FAMILY' to extend the greeting to someone's relatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use two hands for 'Thanksgiving'?
While some regional variations use two hands for the 'Thanksgiving' portion, the version shown here uses just your dominant hand for both 'happy' and 'Thanksgiving.' This one-handed version is very common, efficient, and widely understood across the Deaf community, making it perfect for beginners.
Is the sign for 'Thanksgiving' the same as the sign for 'turkey'?
Yes! The 'Q' handshape moving down from the chin is the standard sign for the bird 'turkey.' When you combine it with the sign for 'happy' or use it in the context of autumn and November, it is universally understood as referring to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Should my hand touch my chest during 'happy'?
Yes, your flat hand should lightly touch or brush against your chest as it moves upward during the sign for 'happy.' This physical contact helps convey the internal feeling of happiness rising up from within, making the sign look much more natural and expressive.
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