Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday in the United States, celebrated with feasts, family gatherings, and expressions of gratitude. Its origins, however, are deeply rooted in history, blending the traditions of Native Americans, European settlers, and the evolving culture of a young nation. Understanding the history of Thanksgiving reveals how this holiday came to embody a spirit of unity and thankfulness, transcending its historical beginnings to become a national celebration of gratitude.

The Early Roots of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving as a concept existed long before the first recorded celebrations in North America. Many cultures worldwide have observed harvest festivals to give thanks for the bounty of the land. Ancient Greeks held feasts in honor of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. Similarly, Romans celebrated Ceres, and Chinese traditions included the Moon Festival to mark the harvest season. These events often involved communal meals and rituals to honor the earth’s fertility and express gratitude for sustenance.

The “First Thanksgiving” in 1621

The most commonly recognized origin of Thanksgiving in the United States dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony shared a harvest feast with the Wampanoag Native Americans. However, this event was not called “Thanksgiving” at the time and was a far cry from the modern holiday we know today.

• The Pilgrims’ Journey:

In September 1620, the Pilgrims, a group of English settlers seeking religious freedom, sailed aboard the Mayflower and arrived in what is now Massachusetts in December. They faced a harsh winter, with nearly half of the settlers perishing from disease and malnutrition.

• Wampanoag Assistance:

In the spring of 1621, the surviving Pilgrims formed an alliance with the Wampanoag people, led by Chief Massasoit. The Wampanoag taught the Pilgrims vital agricultural techniques, such as planting corn, using fish as fertilizer, and harvesting native crops.

• The 1621 Feast:

After a successful harvest that autumn, the Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate and give thanks. The Wampanoag were invited, and around 90 Native Americans joined 50 Pilgrims in the festivities. The menu likely included venison, fowl, corn, and squash, far removed from the turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie associated with today’s Thanksgiving meals.

While this event is often romanticized as a moment of harmony, it occurred against a backdrop of tension and conflict that would later define much of American history.

Thanksgiving in Colonial and Revolutionary America

The idea of a formal Thanksgiving celebration began to take shape in the decades following the Pilgrims’ feast. Colonists in New England frequently held days of thanksgiving to mark special occasions, such as military victories, the end of droughts, or successful harvests.

• Religious Observance:

These early thanksgivings were often solemn religious events rather than festive meals. They involved prayer, fasting, and sermons to express gratitude to God.

• Revolutionary War Thanksgiving:

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress proclaimed several days of thanksgiving to celebrate military victories and bolster morale. In 1777, following the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga, the first national Thanksgiving was declared by Congress.

• George Washington’s Proclamation (1789):

After the war, President George Washington issued the first presidential proclamation of Thanksgiving on November 26, 1789, recommending a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. This marked an early attempt to establish Thanksgiving as a unifying national observance.

The Campaign for a National Holiday

Despite these early efforts, Thanksgiving did not become a consistent, national holiday until the 19th century. Credit for this achievement largely goes to Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor, author, and advocate.

• Hale’s Campaign:

Hale, best known for writing the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” spent decades lobbying presidents, governors, and the public to establish a national Thanksgiving holiday. She believed that such a holiday would promote unity and moral virtue during a time of deep division in the United States, particularly as tensions over slavery grew.

• Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation (1863):

In the midst of the Civil War, Hale’s efforts bore fruit. President Abraham Lincoln declared a national Thanksgiving Day to be celebrated annually on the last Thursday of November. Lincoln’s proclamation, issued in October 1863, emphasized gratitude for blessings even amid hardship, such as the Union’s progress in the war and the harvests of the land.

Thanksgiving in the Modern Era

Following Lincoln’s proclamation, Thanksgiving gradually became an established tradition in American culture. However, the holiday continued to evolve over the 20th century.

• Changing the Date:

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up one week to extend the holiday shopping season during the Great Depression. This decision, known as “Franksgiving,” was met with mixed reactions, and in 1941, Congress passed a law officially designating the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving.

• Cultural Traditions:

Thanksgiving today is celebrated with a mix of customs that have developed over time. The holiday is synonymous with turkey dinners, parades, football games, and family gatherings. Iconic events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which began in 1924, have become staples of the holiday.

Why We Are Thankful

At its core, Thanksgiving remains a time to reflect on gratitude. While the historical context of the holiday includes moments of hardship and conflict, the central theme has always been one of giving thanks for blessings, whether they come in the form of a bountiful harvest, familial support, or communal solidarity.

• Gratitude in Hard Times:

Thanksgiving has often been celebrated during challenging periods, such as during wars, economic struggles, or natural disasters. The act of giving thanks in difficult circumstances reinforces resilience and fosters hope.

• Community and Togetherness:

The holiday serves as an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, strengthen bonds, and share a collective sense of gratitude. It reminds people of the importance of family, friendship, and community.

• A Broader Meaning:

In modern times, Thanksgiving has expanded beyond its original religious or nationalistic connotations. For many, it is a secular celebration that encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the people, experiences, and opportunities that enrich their lives.

Thanksgiving and Inclusivity

In recent years, Thanksgiving has also become a time for reflection on its complex history, particularly the experiences of Native Americans. While the holiday celebrates gratitude and unity, it is also a reminder of the struggles and injustices faced by Indigenous peoples throughout American history. Many Native American communities observe the day as a National Day of Mourning, emphasizing the need for recognition, respect, and reconciliation.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving’s journey from a 1621 harvest feast to a national holiday reflects the evolving story of America itself—one of perseverance, unity, and reflection. It is a day to celebrate abundance, acknowledge challenges, and express gratitude for the blessings in life. Whether through shared meals, acts of kindness, or moments of quiet reflection, Thanksgiving remains a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude in fostering connection and resilience in an ever-changing world.