Thanksgiving: History, Traditions, and Modern Celebrations

In-Depth Analysis

### Origins and Early Celebrations

Communal rituals of giving thanks have existed in North America long before the arrival of European settlers. Indigenous communities, such as the Wampanoag, observed harvest festivals and other ceremonies to express gratitude for the bounty of the land. For example, the people of Cahokia, a major Native American city, held communal feasts in the late summer or early autumn centuries before the Pilgrims.

The Pilgrims, who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, were Separatist Puritans seeking religious freedom. Their 1621 harvest celebration, often regarded as the "first Thanksgiving," was a shared event with the Wampanoag. Edward Winslow's letter provides an eyewitness account, noting the Wampanoag leader Massasoit and 90 men joined the Pilgrims, bringing five deer to the feast. This meal was as much a diplomatic event marking an alliance as a harvest celebration.

### Evolution of Thanksgiving as a National Holiday

The tradition of proclaiming special “Days of Thanksgiving” dates back to the Pilgrims and their descendants. Puritan ministers in Massachusetts gave sermons expressing gratitude for events like military victories or relief from epidemics. During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress declared a Day of Thanksgiving to commemorate the victory at Saratoga in 1777. President James Madison also announced Days of Thanksgiving during the War of 1812.

Sarah Hale, a magazine editor and poet, advocated for a national Thanksgiving holiday. She successfully pitched the idea to President Abraham Lincoln, who, in 1863, proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November.

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the second-to-last Thursday of November to extend the Christmas shopping season. However, this decision was met with mixed reactions, and in 1941, Congress passed a joint resolution declaring Thanksgiving Day to be the fourth Thursday in November.

### The Thanksgiving Meal: Then and Now

The traditional Thanksgiving meal typically includes turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. However, the 1621 feast had different foods. According to historical accounts, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag consumed wild fowl (likely turkey), deer, Indian corn, eels, and shellfish.

### Thanksgiving's Shifting Narrative

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Pilgrim narrative became more prominent in the national understanding of Thanksgiving. During this period, the U.S. experienced a surge in immigration, and some Americans viewed the Pilgrim story as a way to define and promote a particular vision of American identity. The emphasis on the Pilgrims sometimes led to the exclusion or marginalization of other groups, including Native Americans, Catholics, and Jews.

Today, Thanksgiving is seen by many as a day for family, food, and giving thanks. However, it is also a time to reflect on the complex history of the holiday and to acknowledge the contributions and perspectives of all who have shaped the American experience.

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FAQ

Takeaways

• Thanksgiving is a holiday with a rich and complex history, encompassing harvest festivals, religious traditions, and evolving national narratives.
• The traditional Thanksgiving meal has changed over time, reflecting the diverse foods and culinary practices of those who have contributed to the holiday.
• Thanksgiving has, at times, been used to promote exclusionist views, highlighting the importance of understanding its history in full context.
• Reflect on the holiday’s origins and consider the perspectives of all communities who have contributed to the American experience.
• Be mindful of the evolving narrative of Thanksgiving and its impact on different communities.

Discussion

Do you think the traditional narrative of Thanksgiving adequately reflects its complex history? How do you plan to incorporate a more inclusive understanding of Thanksgiving into your celebrations? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

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