When Did Thanksgiving Start? A Journey Through History

Thanksgiving, celebrated as a national holiday in the United States, has a rich and historical background. The origins of this annual festival date back to the early 17th century, with the first notable Thanksgiving feast occurring in 1621. Since then, the celebration has evolved, and by 1863, it became an official national holiday during a time of great division in the nation. Now, let's explore the history and traditions of Thanksgiving.

The First Thanksgiving: 1621 - Plymouth Colony

One of the most celebrated Thanksgiving events that marks its origins is the 1621 feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This gathering, often referred to as the 'first Thanksgiving,' involved the Pilgrim colonists and the local Wampanoag tribe. In 1620, a group of Pilgrims and their families sailed on the Mayflower from England with the hope of founding a new home where they could practice their beliefs freely.

The journey was harsh, and most of the 102 passengers did not survive the first winter. By March, many of those who remained had moved ashore, where Squanto, a Native American, played a crucial role in their survival. Squanto, who had been kidnapped and sold into slavery but eventually returned to his homeland, taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate crops, fish, and avoid poisonous plants. He also facilitated an alliance between the settlers and the Wampanoag tribe.

That autumn, the colony's first corn harvest was successful, and Governor William Bradford organized a three-day celebratory feast to celebrate the bountiful crop. The Wampanoag and other native tribes were invited, and the feast included traditional native dishes, likely prepared with native spices and methods. There is no record of the exact menu, but it is believed to have featured a mix of fowl, venison, and wild plants.

The Establishment of Thanksgiving As a National Holiday

For more than two centuries, Thanksgiving was celebrated by individual colonies and states. However, it wasn't until the Civil War that Thanksgiving was officially recognized as a national holiday. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving to be held each year on the last Thursday in November, partly as an effort to reunite a divided country.

In 1941, Congress officially established the date of Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November, where it remains to this day. This decision solidified the holiday as a beloved and cherished part of American culture, celebrated by millions each year with feasts, turkey, and pumpkin pie.

Modern Thanksgiving Traditions and Rituals

While the original religious significance of Thanksgiving has diminished, the celebration has retained its spirit of gratitude and community. In modern times, Thanksgiving is centered around the celebration of a bountiful meal with family and friends. One of the most iconic Thanksgiving traditions is the consumption of turkey, which has become almost synonymous with the holiday. Other traditional dishes include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and, of course, pumpkin pie.

Volunteering and community service are also common activities on Thanksgiving, as people come together to help those less fortunate. Cities and towns across the United States hold parades, often featuring marching bands, floats, giant balloons, and celebrity appearances. One of the most famous parades is Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, which attracts millions of spectators and viewers alike.

The modern President and many governors also participate in a turkey pardoning tradition, symbolizing the holiday's sense of forgiveness and goodwill.

Thanksgiving is more than just a celebratory feast; it's a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and to connect with friends and family. Whether through volunteering, gathering around a delicious meal, or participating in a holiday parade, Thanksgiving continues to be a cherished and meaningful event in American culture.