History Of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday that is celebrated annually in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. It is a day to give thanks for the blessings of the year and to enjoy a feast with family and friends. The history of Thanksgiving is a rich and complex story that spans several centuries.

The Origins of Thanksgiving

The exact origins of Thanksgiving are uncertain, but the holiday is believed to have originated from a harvest festival that was celebrated by the Native Americans and the Pilgrims in the early 1600s. The Pilgrims were a group of English settlers who had come to North America seeking religious freedom. They established a colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and struggled to survive their first winter.

In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims had a successful harvest and decided to hold a feast to give thanks for their blessings. They invited the Native Americans who had helped them survive the winter, and the feast lasted for three days. This event is often cited as the first Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Becomes a National Holiday

Thanksgiving was celebrated sporadically in the United States for several centuries, but it wasn’t until 1863 that it became a national holiday. President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November to be a national day of thanksgiving and prayer. The holiday was celebrated on that day until 1939, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it up a week to help boost the economy during the Great Depression. However, this change was met with resistance, and in 1941, Congress officially established the fourth Thursday in November as the date for Thanksgiving.

Celebrating Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is celebrated in many different ways across the United States, but the most common tradition is to gather with family and friends for a feast that usually includes a roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Some families also participate in other traditions such as watching football games, taking a family walk, or volunteering at a local food bank.

Conclusion

The history of Thanksgiving is a story of gratitude, survival, and tradition. As Americans gather with loved ones each year to celebrate this holiday, they are reminded of the blessings of the year and the importance of coming together as a community. As we continue to celebrate Thanksgiving each year, we honor the traditions and beliefs that have been passed down through generations.