Thanksgiving is one of the most revered holidays in the United States, marked by turkey feasts, heartfelt family gatherings, and moments of gratitude. But how did this iconic celebration come to hold such a central place in American culture? From its historic roots in the 17th century to its elevation as a national holiday, the rich tapestry of Thanksgiving offers insights into its origins and evolving traditions that reflect the values of an entire nation.
The Origins of Thanksgiving: New World Beginnings
The First Thanksgiving of 1621
The fairytale-like image of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a peaceful meal is an enduring story in the collective memory of the United States. While this depiction is somewhat accurate, the actual event was far more nuanced.
The origins of Thanksgiving date back to the fall of 1621 in Plymouth Colony, located in present-day Massachusetts. After a harsh winter that claimed nearly half of the settlers’ lives, the Pilgrims experienced their first successful harvest in the New World. Seeking to express gratitude, they held a three-day festival of communal feasting and entertainment.
What made this event particularly significant was the involvement of the Wampanoag people, led by Chief Massasoit. The Native Americans had played an essential role in helping the Pilgrims adapt to their new, unfamiliar environment by sharing agricultural techniques and survival strategies. Their presence at the feast symbolized a rare moment of camaraderie and mutual respect. However, much of this harmony would tragically erode in the years that followed due to colonial expansion.
Giving Thanks: A Broader Colonial Practice
While 1621 often gets credited as “the first Thanksgiving,” it wasn’t the sole celebration of gratitude during colonial times. Both Native American tribes and European settlers observed days of thanksgiving long before Plymouth Colony. These expressions of gratitude could include ceremonies for successful harvests, military victories, and even the cessation of plagues.
For instance, Spanish explorers in Florida held a thanksgiving service in 1565, and Indigenous communities across what would become the United States practiced rituals tied closely to the natural world. Thanksgiving as a concept was deeply interwoven with survival, appreciation, and renewal.
Thanksgiving’s Evolution into a National Tradition
Regional Celebrations and Rethinking the Holiday
Thanksgiving persisted as a regional and variable tradition through much of the 18th century. Depending on where you lived, the timing, methods of celebration, and religious undertones of Thanksgiving could differ widely. For many colonies, it was observed as a solemn day of fasting and prayer.
It wasn’t until the late 18th century, after the establishment of the United States as an independent nation, that Thanksgiving began to gain broader appeal. George Washington issued a Thanksgiving proclamation in 1789, declaring November 26 a day of public praise and prayer to recognize the nation’s independence and constitution. However, Thanksgiving didn’t yet solidify itself as an annually-observed holiday.
Abraham Lincoln and the Birth of the Modern Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving officially entered the national consciousness in 1863 during one of the darkest periods in American history. Amid the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared it a formal national holiday to be observed on the final Thursday in November. A driving force behind this declaration was Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer and editor who petitioned successive presidents for nearly 30 years to institute Thanksgiving as a unifying national tradition.
Lincoln’s Thanksgiving proclamation took on profound symbolism, appealing for gratitude, healing, and unity. While the country was divided by war, Thanksgiving became a day for Americans to focus on mutual blessings and shared values.
The Modern Thanksgiving Tradition
Key Elements of Thanksgiving Today
Thanksgiving has evolved significantly since its early days, adopting new customs and traditions along the way. Modern celebrations commonly include:
- The Thanksgiving Meal
The turkey has become the quintessential centerpiece, with staples like stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie rounding out the feast. These culinary choices often reflect American agricultural abundance and family-driven comfort food culture.
- Parades and Football
From Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City to hundreds of smaller local parades, Thanksgiving layers spectacle onto gratitude. Coupled with the parade is a tradition of watching football, with televised games having taken their place as a Thanksgiving mainstay since the mid-20th century.
- Expressions of Gratitude
Whether expressed during a meal or through volunteerism like serving at food banks, gratitude remains the heart of the Thanksgiving tradition. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the good things in life, even amidst personal or societal challenges.
The Economic and Cultural Impact
Thanksgiving isn’t just a revered holiday—it’s also an economic driver. Americans spend billions of dollars annually on Thanksgiving-related expenses, including food, travel, and decorations. Airlines, retailers, and restaurants all see spikes in profitability during this period.
Culturally, Thanksgiving has also provided a backdrop for issues of inclusion, heritage, and historical reflection. For Indigenous communities, Thanksgiving can serve as a reminder of colonization’s complex and painful legacy. Organizations and individuals across the U.S. have embraced an approach that acknowledges these histories while celebrating gratitude and togetherness.
The Impact of Thanksgiving on National Identity
Thanksgiving occupies a unique role in shaping the American identity. It emphasizes values such as community, resilience, and gratitude—offering a powerful reminder of what unites people across diverse backgrounds. At its best, Thanksgiving functions as more than just a day off work. It catalyzes moments of reflection on how shared histories, both harmonious and complex, influence collective experiences.
Building on Tradition for Future Generations
The evolution of Thanksgiving reflects the resilience and adaptability of traditions over time. While its roots are steeped in gratitude for survival and new beginnings, the modern holiday continues to grow into one of shared values, family connection, and yes—great food.
If Thanksgiving teaches us one thing, it’s that we’re all linked by moments of gratitude and a responsibility to honor the lessons of history. Sharing stories, giving back, and coming together are all ways to breathe new life into this tradition for generations to come.