Thanksgiving, a holiday steeped in history and cherished by many, is a time for gratitude, family, and of course, feasting.
This comprehensive guide delves into the myriad of Thanksgiving traditions and celebrations that mark this special time of year.
From the origins of Thanksgiving to modern-day practices, we cover everything you need to know to understand and enjoy this holiday to its fullest.
What are the origins of Thanksgiving?
The story of Thanksgiving is a tapestry woven from historical events and cultural narratives. While widely known as a North American holiday, its roots and evolution are as complex as they are fascinating.
Early celebrations and harvest festivals
Long before it became an official holiday, various cultures around the world celebrated harvest festivals.
These were occasions to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and to celebrate the fruits of hard labour. In North America, indigenous peoples held ceremonies to thank the Creator for their harvests long before Europeans arrived.
The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Feast of 1621
The most cited origin story of Thanksgiving in the United States (US) is the feast shared by the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people in 1621.
This event was not initially intended to start a tradition; it was simply a communal celebration of the Pilgrims’s first successful harvest. The Wampanoag, who had helped the Pilgrims survive their first year, were essential participants in this three-day feast.
In 1620, the Pilgrims, a group of English Puritans, arrived in what is now Massachusetts. Their first winter was devastating, with a significant number of the group succumbing to the harsh conditions. In the spring of 1621, the Pilgrims came into contact with the Wampanoag, a local Native American tribe.
A key figure in this encounter was Tisquantum, commonly known as Squanto. Squanto was a member of the Patuxet tribe, a band of the Wampanoag Confederation, who had learned English during his time in England. He played a crucial role as an interpreter and mediator between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag leader, Massasoit.
Squanto and the Wampanoag taught the Pilgrims vital survival skills, including how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish, and avoid poisonous plants. This assistance was pivotal for the Pilgrims’ survival. In return, the Pilgrims entered into a mutual protection pact with the Wampanoag.
In the autumn of 1621, the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, and Governor William Bradford organised a feast to celebrate this harvest and to recognize the assistance of the Wampanoag. The Wampanoag, led by Massasoit, joined the Pilgrims in this celebration, contributing food to the feast, which included venison, fowl, and harvested crops.
The 1621 feast was a rare moment of cooperation and harmony between European colonists and Native Americans. However, this peaceful coexistence was short-lived, as subsequent decades saw the relationship between the settlers and Native American tribes deteriorate.
In modern times, the 1621 feast is remembered as a foundational event in American history, symbolising cooperation, gratitude, and survival. However, it is also a complex legacy, given the subsequent history of conflict and displacement experienced by Native American peoples.
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, days of thanksgiving were sporadically proclaimed by individual colonies and states to celebrate various events.
These were not annual celebrations, but rather, days set aside for giving thanks for specific occurrences, such as a bountiful harvest or the end of a drought.
When did Thanksgiving become a national holiday in the US?
The transformation of Thanksgiving into a regular national holiday is largely credited to Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer and editor.
For decades, she campaigned to have Thanksgiving declared a national holiday. Her efforts finally bore fruit in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens,” to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November.
This proclamation was seen as an effort to unite the country during the Civil War.
In 1939, President Franklin D Roosevelt, in an attempt to boost the economy by extending the Christmas shopping season, moved Thanksgiving to the second-to-last Thursday of November. This decision was met with mixed reactions and was not uniformly observed across all states.
To resolve the confusion, Congress passed a law in 1941 officially establishing Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, where it remains today.
What are the traditional Thanksgiving foods?
No Thanksgiving is complete without its quintessential dishes. The traditional Thanksgiving meal is a true symbol of the holiday.
The Thanksgiving turkey
The centrepiece of most Thanksgiving dinners is the turkey. Roasted to perfection and often stuffed, the turkey has a special place in Thanksgiving history and tradition.
Sides and accompaniments
From creamy mashed potatoes to green bean casserole, the sides are just as important as the turkey. Each dish adds its own flavour and history to the Thanksgiving table.
Desserts: Pies and beyond
Pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie are traditional desserts that conclude the Thanksgiving feast. Each pie has its own story and regional variations.
Modern Thanksgiving celebrations
Family gatherings and gratitude
At its core, Thanksgiving is about family and gratitude. Gatherings with loved ones to share a meal and give thanks are central to the holiday’s modern observance.
Football and Thanksgiving Day games
Football has become an integral part of Thanksgiving Day in America. Many families enjoy watching or playing football games, adding a layer of fun and excitement to the celebrations.
Giving back – A Thanksgiving tradition
Thanksgiving is also a time for giving back. Volunteering at food drives and helping those in need are ways many choose to celebrate the holiday, embodying the spirit of gratitude and community.
Day parades and events
Parades are a significant part of Thanksgiving celebrations across the United States.
The most famous, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, has been a staple since 1924. These parades, with their giant balloons, floats, and performances, add a festive and joyful air to the holiday.
Frequently asked questions about Thanksgiving
What’s the history behind Thanksgiving parades?
Thanksgiving originated as a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in 1621. It has since evolved into a national holiday in the United States, symbolizing gratitude and family gatherings.
Why Is Turkey the main dish at Thanksgiving?
Turkey became a Thanksgiving staple due to its size (sufficient to feed a large gathering) and its availability in North America. It’s also believed that turkey was served at the original Thanksgiving feast.
Can Thanksgiving be environmentally friendly?
To have an eco-friendly Thanksgiving, one can focus on locally sourced and organic foods, minimise waste, and use sustainable decorations.
How can we give back on Thanksgiving?
Volunteering at soup kitchens, participating in food drives, and donating to charities are common ways to give back on Thanksgiving.
What are some traditional Thanksgiving games and activities?
Popular Thanksgiving activities include watching football, playing board games, and engaging in outdoor activities like touch football or nature walks.
How has Thanksgiving been represented in popular culture?
Thanksgiving is often depicted in films and TV shows as a time for family reunions, feasting, and sometimes comedic mishaps, reflecting its cultural significance in American society.
What are some unique Thanksgiving traditions across the US?
Regional traditions vary, such as the seafood-heavy Thanksgiving meals in New England, the inclusion of Tex-Mex dishes in Texas, and turducken (a chicken stuffed into a duck stuffed into a turkey) in the South.
Thanksgiving is a holiday that has stood the test of time, evolving yet holding true to its core values of gratitude, family, and community. Whether you’re sitting down for a traditional meal, watching a parade, or giving back to the community, Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate and reflect on the blessings in our lives.
