Thanksgiving Day: History and Traditions

Adolfo Arranz

2 min read

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18-11-2024

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Thanksgiving, a uniquely American holiday, is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. While its modern iterations are filled with family gatherings, football games, and feasts of turkey and pumpkin pie, the holiday's history is far richer and more complex than often portrayed. Understanding its evolution reveals a fascinating blend of historical events, cultural shifts, and evolving traditions.

A Harvest Celebration's Humble Beginnings

The commonly held narrative centers on the 1621 harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims (English settlers of Plymouth Colony) and the Wampanoag Native Americans. While this gathering undoubtedly occurred, the image of a harmonious, celebratory union often overshadows the grimmer realities of the ensuing decades. The relationship between the colonists and the indigenous population quickly deteriorated, marked by conflict, disease, and ultimately, the displacement and decimation of the Wampanoag people.

Beyond the Myth: A More Nuanced Perspective

It's crucial to acknowledge that the "first Thanksgiving" wasn't a singular event, neatly packaged for posterity. The harvest celebrations were likely more commonplace among the indigenous populations for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans. Furthermore, the narrative often neglects the subsequent struggles and injustices suffered by Native Americans at the hands of the colonists. Understanding this fuller picture is vital to a responsible appreciation of the holiday.

The Evolution of Thanksgiving: From Proclamation to National Holiday

The holiday didn't achieve national status until much later. While various Thanksgiving celebrations took place sporadically throughout the colonies, it wasn't until President Abraham Lincoln's proclamation in 1863, amidst the turmoil of the Civil War, that Thanksgiving officially became a national holiday. This declaration aimed, in part, to unify a fractured nation and offer a moment of shared national gratitude.

A Shifting Calendar and Modern Traditions

The date of Thanksgiving remained fluid until 1941, when Congress officially fixed it on the fourth Thursday of November. This standardization helped establish the holiday as a consistent part of the American calendar. Today, Thanksgiving is associated with a multitude of traditions, including:

• The Thanksgiving Feast: A large meal, typically featuring roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
• Family Gatherings: Many families travel great distances to spend the holiday together.
• Football Games: Professional and college football games are a staple of Thanksgiving Day television.
• Parades: Elaborate parades, most notably the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, are a beloved part of the celebration.
• Giving Thanks: Reflecting on blessings and expressing gratitude remains a central theme of the holiday.

A Holiday's Complex Legacy

Thanksgiving Day, then, is more than just a day of feasting and football. It's a holiday steeped in history, marked by both moments of collaboration and conflict, and infused with evolving traditions. Understanding its multifaceted past allows for a more informed and nuanced appreciation of this complex and enduring American tradition. A thoughtful examination encourages reflection not only on personal blessings but also on the broader historical context and the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive and just society.