United States History of Thanksgiving Day
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Introduction
The history of Thanksgiving in the United States dates back to the early 17th century and is rooted in the tradition of giving thanks for a bountiful harvest. The widely acknowledged origin of American Thanksgiving is traced to the year 1621.
History of Thanksgiving Day
In 1620, a group known as the Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, embarked on a perilous journey from England to the New World. They sailed on the Mayflower and arrived in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the harsh winter of that year.
During their initial months, they faced immense hardship, enduring harsh weather conditions and disease. With the help of Squanto, a Native American who taught them essential agricultural techniques, the Pilgrims learned to cultivate native crops like corn, which resulted in a successful harvest in the autumn of 1621.
Grateful for their bountiful harvest and wanting to express gratitude, the Pilgrims organized a three-day feast. This event is often referred to as the “First Thanksgiving” and is believed to have been attended by Pilgrims and members of the Wampanoag Native American tribe.
Though specific details about the foods served during this feast are not extensively documented, historical accounts suggest that it included dishes such as wild fowl (possibly turkey or waterfowl), venison, fish, corn, squash, and other regional harvest produce.
Proclamation as a National Day
Over time, similar harvest celebrations became a tradition in various colonies, but it wasn’t until much later that Thanksgiving became an annual observance. In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to express gratitude for the new U.S. Constitution and the end of the Revolutionary War.
Declaration as a National Holiday
However, it was Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer and editor, who campaigned tirelessly for almost four decades, advocating for a national Thanksgiving holiday. Finally, in 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln heeded her call and officially declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be observed on the last Thursday of November.
Since then, Thanksgiving has evolved into a cherished holiday in the United States, observed on the fourth Thursday of November each year. It has become a time for families and friends to come together, share a meal, express gratitude, and reflect on the blessings in their lives. The holiday represents a blend of cultural traditions, historical events, and a spirit of unity and thankfulness that continues to be celebrated across the nation.
