History of Thanksgiving: When Did It Start Being Celebrated

The modern American Thanksgiving holiday, as we know it today, is a complex blend of historical events, cultural traditions, and national identity. While the contemporary celebration is often associated with a harvest feast shared between European colonizers and Native Americans in 1621, the evolution of Thanksgiving as a national holiday involved centuries of development. To understand when and how Thanksgiving started being celebrated, we must examine its historical roots, cultural influences, and the process of its nationalization.

The traditional narrative of the first Thanksgiving centers around the 1621 harvest feast at Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts. This event, often cited as the origin of modern Thanksgiving, was actually a celebration of the successful harvest by the Pilgrims, who had arrived in Plymouth the previous year. The feast, which lasted for three days, was attended by the Pilgrims and members of the Wampanoag tribe, who had helped the colonists adapt to their new environment. While this event was documented by Edward Winslow, a Pilgrim who attended the feast, it wasn’t until much later that it became linked to the modern concept of Thanksgiving.

The practice of holding days of thanksgiving was not unique to the Plymouth Colony. Various forms of harvest celebrations and days of thanksgiving were observed throughout American colonial history. For instance, in 1619, the Virginia Company’s ships arrived at Berkeley Hundred in Virginia, and the settlers held a day of thanksgiving to mark their arrival. Similarly, other colonies had their own thanksgiving traditions, often tied to religious or agricultural events.

The modern American Thanksgiving holiday began to take shape during the 19th century, largely through the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent magazine editor and writer. Hale campaigned tirelessly for a national day of thanksgiving, writing letters to politicians and publishing articles advocating for the holiday. Her efforts eventually caught the attention of President Abraham Lincoln, who, in 1863, issued a proclamation establishing the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving.

Lincoln’s proclamation was partly motivated by the Civil War and the desire to unite the country. His declaration framed Thanksgiving as a celebration of American unity and gratitude, themes that have continued to evolve in the holiday’s modern observance. The proclamation read, in part: “The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that they are forgotten, I invite the people of these United States to devote the day of thanksgiving to service to others, to commemorate with grateful hearts the blessings we have received, and to pray for the continuance of these blessings in the future.”

The date of Thanksgiving was not fixed until 1941, when Congress passed a joint resolution declaring that Thanksgiving would be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year. This followed a period of controversy in the 1930s when President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday to the third Thursday in November to boost the economy by extending the holiday shopping season. The change, however, caused confusion and was met with resistance from some states, leading to the eventual standardization of the date.

The cultural significance of Thanksgiving has continued to evolve, incorporating various traditions and reflecting changing societal values. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated not only as a time for family gatherings and traditional foods but also as a moment to reflect on the complex history of American colonization and the experiences of Native American communities.

The contemporary celebration of Thanksgiving is a blend of historical remembrance, cultural expression, and national identity. While the traditional narrative of the 1621 harvest feast remains central to the holiday’s popular understanding, modern observances often incorporate a broader perspective on American history and cultural diversity.

Contemporary Significance and Critiques

In recent years, Thanksgiving has become a focal point for discussions about American history, cultural sensitivity, and social justice. Many people use the holiday as an opportunity to reflect on the complex legacy of colonialism and the experiences of indigenous peoples. Some communities have adopted alternative celebrations, such as the National Day of Mourning, which honors the losses suffered by Native American communities.

The commercialization of Thanksgiving has also become a significant aspect of the holiday, with the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) marking the beginning of the holiday shopping season. This commercial aspect has led to debates about the cultural and economic implications of the holiday.

Historical Context and Evolution

Understanding the historical context of Thanksgiving requires examining the broader cultural and political landscape of American history. The holiday has evolved in response to changing societal values, cultural influences, and national priorities.

The early history of Thanksgiving was marked by regional variations and local traditions. As the United States expanded and became more culturally diverse, the holiday adapted to incorporate new influences and perspectives.

FAQ Section

The history of Thanksgiving reflects the complex interplay of historical events, cultural traditions, and national identity. As a holiday that has evolved over centuries, Thanksgiving continues to be a significant part of American cultural heritage, embodying both the historical roots of the nation and the ongoing debates about its cultural significance.