The Origin of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday steeped in tradition and celebrated for centuries. It has long been associated with gathering around a table with family and friends to share a delicious meal. But do you know the origins of this beloved holiday? Thanksgiving's origins date back hundreds of years and are rooted in the early days of the European colonization of America. Let's take a closer look at the origin of Thanksgiving and explore the first feast that marks its beginning, a true history that combines harvest celebration and gratitude.

The first winter the colonists faced in Plymouth was brutal. During this time, only half of the 60 crew of the Mayflower survived. When spring emerged, the colonists met with a new friend from the Wampanoag tribe who imparted farming skills. Following their first successful harvest, the colonists held a harvest celebration in November 1621 to mark the event. Over three days, the colonists and the Wampanoag feasted on venison, corn, and wildfowl. Notably, honey pumpkin pie, cranberry relish, and Thanksgiving pecan pie were not yet part of the feast. These popular dishes were still yet to be invented due to the lack of sugar during that time. This made me question if colonists raised bees; as it turns out, they did.

European colonists introduced honey bees to North America in the 1620s. They raised bees for honey, beeswax, mead, and pollination. Early colonists used straw skeps before Reverend Lorenzo Langstroth's 1852 invention of the movable frame hive revolutionized beekeeping.

Although this first feast was a show of friendship between the Native Americans and the colonists, the conflict between the occupying Europeans and the local nations devastated the latter. As Europeans colonized the Americas, millions of natives were displaced from their ancestral homes or died in conflicts. Still, the importance of this first feast remains as a celebration of colonists’ success amidst the unfamiliarity of the new land.

By 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, although it wasn’t declared an official federal holiday until 1941. This introduction to American culture transformed Thanksgiving into a holiday centered around gatherings of loved ones and sharing a meal of turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce, to name a few staples.

Sadly, this first feast was one of the only shows of friendship between the native tribes and the colonists in the colonies’ early days. As Europeans colonized the Americas, millions of natives were exiled or killed in conflicts. It is important to remember this, as the traditional story of Thanksgiving often leaves out these events.

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Early History of Thanksgiving

Days of Thanksgiving in Early America

Before the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving in 1621, Thanksgiving was already a well-established tradition in various parts of the world. These days were set aside to give thanks to God for blessings such as bountiful harvests, safe journeys, and military victories, and in what is now the United States, documented Thanksgiving services date back to the 16th century, conducted by Spanish explorers and French settlers.

One of the earliest recorded Thanksgiving meals took place on September 8, 1565, in St. Augustine, Florida, where Spanish settlers shared a feast with the local Timucua tribe. Similarly, Thanksgiving services were routine in the Commonwealth of Virginia as early as 1607. The Jamestown, Virginia, settlers held a Thanksgiving in 1610 after surviving a harsh winter. Another notable event occurred on December 4, 1619, when 38 English settlers celebrated a Thanksgiving upon landing at Berkeley Hundred in Charles City, Virginia.

These early Thanksgiving celebrations were marked by gratitude and communal meals, setting the stage for the more widely recognized Thanksgiving feast that would come later. The tradition of gathering for a Thanksgiving meal has deep roots in American history, reflecting a long-standing practice of giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest and the community.

New England Thanksgivings

In New England, the tradition of Thanksgiving took on a life of its own, evolving into a deeply ingrained cultural practice. The Puritans, who settled in the region, brought with them a strong religious conviction and a desire to establish a society based on their spiritual values. Thanksgiving days were proclaimed by religious leaders and were often marked by church services and communal meals. These occasions provided an opportunity for the community to come together, reflect on their blessings, and express gratitude to God for His providence.

The New England Thanksgiving celebrations were characterized by simplicity and a focus on family and community. Traditional New England Thanksgiving meals often featured dishes such as turkey, stuffing, squash, and pumpkin pie. These gatherings were an opportunity for families to share stories, strengthen bonds, and pass down traditions from one generation to the next.

The Road to a National Holiday

Sarah Hale’s Campaign for a National Thanksgiving

In the 19th century, one woman’s vision and determination played a pivotal role in transforming Thanksgiving from a regional celebration into a national holiday. Sarah Josepha Hale, the longtime editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, was a passionate advocate for establishing Thanksgiving as a national day of gratitude and unity.

Hale envisioned Thanksgiving as a patriotic holiday that would unite Americans, transcend regional differences, and foster a sense of national unity. She believed the holiday should be centered around family, domesticity, and rural simplicity, with traditional foods and decorations playing a key role in the celebrations. Through her magazine, Hale promoted the idea of a Thanksgiving feast featuring dishes such as turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, which have since become staples of the modern Thanksgiving meal.

Hale’s campaign for a national Thanksgiving was relentless. She wrote numerous editorials and articles advocating for the holiday and directly appealed to several U.S. presidents. Her efforts finally bore fruit when President Abraham Lincoln, influenced by her persistent advocacy, proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. Hale’s vision of a unified, grateful nation celebrating a common holiday finally became a reality.

The Establishment of a National Holiday

Lincoln’s Proclamation and the Civil War Era

The establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday is closely tied to one of the most tumultuous periods in American history—the Civil War. In 1863, amidst the ongoing conflict, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation that would forever change how Americans celebrate Thanksgiving.

Drafted by Secretary of State William H. Seward, Lincoln’s proclamation recommended that the last Thursday of November be observed as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise. Signed on October 3, 1863, the proclamation was a call for unity and reflection during a time of great division and strife. By designating a national day of thanks, Lincoln aimed to unite the country, encouraging Americans to pause and give thanks for their blessings despite the hardships of war.

Lincoln’s proclamation marked the beginning of Thanksgiving as a national holiday, a tradition that has endured and evolved over the years. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, a time for families to gather, share a Thanksgiving meal, and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. The national Thanksgiving holiday serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of unity and gratitude that Lincoln sought to foster during one of the darkest chapters in American history.

The Modern Thanksgiving Holiday

It wasn’t until the Civil War that Thanksgiving was established as a national holiday in the United States. President Lincoln established the Day of Thanks in 1863 to memorialize those lost in the war. From this, the holiday became a day of feasting and celebrating family. Today, we gather around tables filled with food and spend time with family to show gratitude for everything we have. The modern Thanksgiving holiday, shaped significantly in the 19th century by figures like Sarah Josepha Hale, emphasizes unity, piety, and patriotism.

Thanksgiving is a holiday that has gone through many changes throughout the decades. A tradition born of hardship and gratitude for the harvest has become a day centered on sharing meals and creating fond memories with loved ones. Today, Thanksgiving remains one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States, thanks to the first feast that started it all. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, held annually since 1924, has become a significant cultural event, featuring elaborate floats, giant balloons, and performances that attract millions of spectators and a national television audience. As we gather, share meals, and create memories with our friends and family this Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to reflect on the origins of the holiday and express gratitude and respect for all the individuals who made the first feast possible.

Thanksgiving Traditions and Celebrations

Thanksgiving traditions have evolved over the years, with each family and community adding their unique touch to the celebrations. While the traditional Thanksgiving meal often includes turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, many families incorporate their own cultural and regional dishes into the feast. This diversity of flavors and traditions reflects the melting pot of cultures that make up the United States.

In addition to the meal, Thanksgiving is often associated with other activities and traditions. Many families start the day by watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved tradition that features marching bands, cartoon characters, and elaborate floats. Football games are another popular Thanksgiving pastime, with many people gathering to watch or play a game with family and friends.

Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, with many retailers offering special deals and promotions on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. This tradition of shopping and gift-giving adds an element of excitement and anticipation to the holiday season, as people prepare for the festivities and celebrations to come.

Reflecting on the True History of Thanksgiving

While Thanksgiving is a time of celebration and gratitude, it is also important to reflect on the true history of the holiday and acknowledge the experiences of Native Americans. The traditional Thanksgiving story often overlooks the complex and painful history of European colonization and its impact on indigenous peoples.

For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a day of mourning and reflection on the loss of their ancestral lands and the struggles their communities have faced. It is an opportunity to honor their ancestors and acknowledge the resilience and strength of indigenous peoples throughout history.

By recognizing the full history of Thanksgiving, we can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse cultures and traditions that contribute to the holiday. It is a chance to learn from the past and work towards a more inclusive and respectful future for all.

The Enduring Spirit of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday that has evolved over time, shaped by history, culture, and tradition. From its origins as a harvest celebration to its establishment as a national holiday, Thanksgiving has become a cherished time for families and communities to come together, share a meal, and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives.

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, let us remember the true history of the holiday and honor the diverse cultures and traditions that make it special. Let us express gratitude for the opportunities and blessings we have and strive to create a more inclusive and understanding world for future generations. The enduring spirit of Thanksgiving is one of unity, gratitude, and reflection—a reminder of the importance of coming together to celebrate our shared humanity, while acknowledging and respecting the rich tapestry of histories and experiences that shape our nation. As we partake in Thanksgiving traditions, from the Thanksgiving turkey to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, let us carry forward the lessons of the past and work towards a future where all voices are heard and valued.