Thanksgiving

Holidays & seasons

Overview

Thanksgiving was not originally a religious holiday but became associated with Christian gratitude over time. Its roots can be traced back to 1621 when the Pilgrims, English settlers in Plymouth, Massachusetts, celebrated a successful harvest with the Wampanoag people. This gathering was primarily a secular affair, a traditional harvest festival to give thanks for the season's bounty rather than a religious observance. The origins of Thanksgiving align more closely with European harvest festivals, which were secular celebrations of the earth's generosity. Over centuries, however, Thanksgiving gradually intertwined with themes of gratitude and prayer, largely due to evolving American customs and influences.

The transformation of Thanksgiving into a national holiday with religious undertones began in earnest during the 19th century. A pivotal moment came during the Civil War when President Abraham Lincoln, influenced by the persistent lobbying of writer Sarah Josepha Hale, declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. Lincoln's proclamation was intended to foster unity and gratitude amid the national strife. While the day was not explicitly religious, its themes of thankfulness and reflection naturally resonated with Christian values. By the late 19th century, many churches in the United States began to hold services on Thanksgiving Day, further cementing its place within Christian traditions. This shift was not so much an official decree but a cultural evolution, as communities embraced the day as one of gratitude, both secular and spiritual.

Today, Thanksgiving remains a cherished holiday in the United States and Canada, marked by family gatherings, feasting, and reflection. While its origins are secular, many Christian communities continue to observe the day with church services and prayers of thanks. The holiday has expanded beyond its harvest festival roots, embodying a broader sense of gratitude that includes both religious and non-religious expressions. Despite the varied ways it is celebrated, the essence of Thanksgiving as a day to appreciate the blessings of the past year endures, uniting people across different backgrounds and beliefs.

Thanksgiving was not originally a religious holiday but became associated with Christian gratitude over time.

Why Fighting Over Thanksgiving Was a Big Deal

The battle over Thanksgiving's meaning was less about the holiday itself and more about who would wield cultural influence in America. As the nation grew, various groups vied to infuse the day with their values, aiming to shape the national identity. Thanksgiving became a stage for these competing narratives. Some saw it as a chance to embed religious and familial traditions firmly into American culture, while others viewed it as an opportunity to promote a broader, more inclusive national identity. This struggle over Thanksgiving was a microcosm of the larger debate about what it meant to be American.

The key moment in this struggle came on October 3, 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Thanksgiving Proclamation. Lincoln, influenced by Sarah Josepha Hale, declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. He aimed to unify a fractured nation during the Civil War, emphasizing unity and gratitude. This move gave traditionalists, like Hale, a platform to argue for Thanksgiving as a religious and family-centered holiday, preserving cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Lincoln's broader vision aligned more with secularists, who saw the holiday as a chance to create a national identity beyond religious divisions. Commercial interests, led by figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt, pushed for the holiday to drive economic activity, adding yet another layer to the debate. Each group had something to gain, but not everyone could win outright.

Despite Lincoln's proclamation, the debate over Thanksgiving's meaning persists. The holiday remains a reflection of America's diverse cultural landscape, with ongoing discussions about its significance. Traditionalists, secularists, and commercial interests continue to vie for influence, each shaping how Thanksgiving is observed in their way. This unresolved conflict highlights the complexity of American identity, where multiple narratives coexist. Today, Thanksgiving is a time of family gatherings, gratitude, and, for many, the start of the holiday shopping season.

Continue reading with a Scholar plan

Upgrade to Scholar

Common questions

What is Thanksgiving and why is it celebrated?
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It originated from a 1621 harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. Over time, it has become associated with gratitude, family gatherings, and feasting.
Why do we eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
Turkey became a popular choice for Thanksgiving meals because it was a native bird to North America and large enough to feed a family. The tradition likely began in the 19th century as turkey farming became more common, making it an accessible and affordable option for many households.
What was the first Thanksgiving like?
The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was a three-day feast held by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It was a secular celebration of a successful harvest, featuring foods like venison, fowl, and corn, rather than the turkey and pumpkin pie commonly associated with the holiday today.
How did Thanksgiving become a national holiday?
Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln, influenced by Sarah Josepha Hale, declared it a day of 'Thanksgiving and Praise.' Lincoln aimed to foster unity and gratitude during the Civil War, establishing the holiday as a national tradition.
Why is Thanksgiving celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November?
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November due to a 1941 U.S. Congress resolution. Before this, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it to the third Thursday to extend the holiday shopping season, but public backlash led to the current date being established.
What are some traditional Thanksgiving dishes?
Traditional Thanksgiving dishes include roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. These foods reflect the autumn harvest and have become staples of the holiday meal.
How did Thanksgiving become associated with football?
Thanksgiving became associated with football in the late 19th century when college and professional teams began playing games on the holiday. The tradition grew in popularity, and today, the NFL hosts several games on Thanksgiving Day, making it a key part of the celebration for many.
What is the history behind the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 as a way for Macy's employees to celebrate the holiday and promote the store. It featured floats, bands, and animals from the Central Park Zoo, evolving into a major annual event with giant balloons and televised coverage.
Why do some people call Thanksgiving 'Turkey Day'?
Thanksgiving is often called 'Turkey Day' because turkey is the centerpiece of the traditional meal. The nickname highlights the bird's significance in the holiday's culinary traditions.
How do Native Americans view Thanksgiving?
For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a day of mourning and reflection on the historical injustices faced by their ancestors. Some view it as a time to remember their history and culture, while others participate in alternative events like the National Day of Mourning.
What are some common Thanksgiving traditions?
Common Thanksgiving traditions include gathering with family and friends for a festive meal, watching football games, and participating in parades. Many people also express gratitude for their blessings and may volunteer to help those in need.
How do different cultures in the US celebrate Thanksgiving?
Different cultures in the US celebrate Thanksgiving by incorporating their own culinary traditions into the meal, such as adding dishes from their heritage. While the core elements of gratitude and gathering remain, the holiday can reflect a diverse range of customs and foods.
Why is Thanksgiving important in American culture?
Thanksgiving is important in American culture as it emphasizes gratitude, family, and community. It is a time for reflection on the year's blessings and serves as a unifying holiday that brings people together across diverse backgrounds.
What role did Abraham Lincoln play in establishing Thanksgiving?
Abraham Lincoln played a crucial role in establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday by issuing a proclamation in 1863. He designated it a day of 'Thanksgiving and Praise' to help unify the nation during the Civil War.
What is the significance of Thanksgiving in Canadian culture?
In Canadian culture, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October and focuses on giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It is similar to the American tradition but has its own history and customs, reflecting Canada's agricultural roots and diverse society.