Thanksgiving in the United States: Its History, Traditions, and Changing Meanings

Thanksgiving is an important holiday in the United States, celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November. It is widely known as a time for families to gather, share a meal, and express gratitude. However, the history of Thanksgiving is more complex than many people realise. Understanding how the holiday began, how it has changed, and how people view it today helps us see its deeper meaning in American culture.

Early History

Many Americans learn that the first Thanksgiving happened in 1621, when English settlers in Plymouth Colony shared a harvest feast with the Wampanoag people. Although this event is often described as friendly and peaceful, historians explain that the situation was more complicated (Philbrick, 2006). The Wampanoag had their own long-standing traditions of giving thanks, and the meeting with the settlers took place during a time of uncertainty and difficult relations (Silverman, 2019).

After this early feast, different colonies and later the states held their own days of thanksgiving for many reasons, such as successful harvests or victories in war (Appelbaum, 2013). These events were not national holidays, and each community celebrated in its own way.

Becoming a National Holiday

Thanksgiving did not become a regular national holiday until the 19th century. Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer and editor, worked for many years to persuade leaders to create a holiday that would unite the country (Hale, 1852/2014). During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln agreed with this idea. In 1863, he declared a national day of Thanksgiving to encourage unity in a nation divided by conflict.

New Traditions in the 20th Century

During the 20th century, Thanksgiving developed several traditions that are still common today. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which began in 1924, became a famous event watched by millions of people (Riffenburgh, 2013). Football games broadcast on television also became part of the holiday for many families.

The Thanksgiving meal became standardised during this time as well. Although families across the country have different dishes and cultural foods, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie have become the most widely recognised parts of the holiday meal.

Modern Perspectives

Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated by many people, but not everyone views the holiday the same way. Some Native American groups observe the day as a National Day of Mourning. They use this time to remember the loss of land, culture, and lives that followed European settlement (Smith & Warrior, 1996). Their perspective reminds the nation that Thanksgiving has a complicated history and that not all stories about the holiday have been fully told.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving has changed greatly since the 17th century. What began as a single harvest gathering eventually became a national holiday meant to unite the country. Today, Thanksgiving continues to be a time for gratitude and family, but it is also a moment to think more carefully about the country’s past. Understanding both the traditions and the historical challenges surrounding Thanksgiving helps us appreciate the holiday more thoughtfully and honestly.