Without fail, every late November families come from across the United States to come together in unity to bond and share a special and memorable Thanksgiving. Tables are adorned with fall leaves and cornucopias, and dishes and pots are filled with stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and most notably, turkey. Many gather to watch favorite pastimes such as football games or the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Throughout the numerous Thanksgiving celebrations (some dating back hundreds of years), have have you ever wondered how Thanksgiving became what it is today? The history dates back far in the past and has evolved into one of America’s most recognizable celebrations.

The Origins of Thanksgiving:

The idea of a “Thanksgiving” was originally brought up and celebrated during harvest festivals held by people around the world, dating back thousands of years. But the American holiday can be linked back to 1621, when one of the first English settlers held a feast with the Wampanoag tribe in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The English settlers are most known as Pilgrims, and after surviving a harsh winter and receiving help from the Wampanoag in skills such as farming and fishing, the Pilgrims decided to hold a three-day celebration to express their gratitude to their first successful harvest. 

Unfortunately, as time went on the relationship between the Native Americans and European settlers became engulfed by conflict and hatred, leaving many Indigenous communities today recognize this day as a time of remembrance rather than celebration. Despite this, the feast still remains the root of the modern holiday.

Despite the joyful event, it would be thousands of years later and would be considered an official national holiday. During the early 1800s, the states held their own respective system in regards to having different days and times. It was also during this time frame that writer Sarah Josepha Hale (created the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb”) decided to campaign to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. After some time, her consistent effort proved to not go in vain, as in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. A primary reason for this day being passed was to promote unity during the brutal Civil War.

How did Turkey Become the Symbol of Thanksgiving?

When you think of Thanksgiving, Turkey is the first thing to pop into mind for most. It’s virtually impossible to imagine a world in which Thanksgiving is without turkey. But have you ever wondered, why turkey?

Wild turkeys were very common in New England, and early Americans (such as Pilgrims) often ate them during the autumn season. As the holiday grew to become nationwide, turkey became the most practical and popular choice, as families were very large and turkey were big, affordable, and easy to prepare.

By the late 1800s, due to its popularity, magazines and cookbooks regularly featured turkey as the centerpiece of Thanksgiving meals. As time went by, the bird became so connected with the holiday that the holiday was nicknamed “Turkey Day”.

How Americans Celebrate Today:

There are numerous holiday traditions that families across America do to celebrate Thanksgiving, some of which include:

• Having a feast: These feats are filled with all the marvelous, hearty scents of the fall seasons. Spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg fill the air, and dishes like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie fill dinner plates. Some families also include cultural dishes that reflect their heritage.

• Gatherings with Loved Ones: Many Americans travel long distances to spend time with family or host “Friends giving” gatherings. Children and adults alike come together to sit down and enjoy a delicious meal and watch entertainment such as NFL games and the Macy’s Parade earlier in the day.

• Giving Back: Many people participate in food drives, community meals, and charity events are common during Thanksgiving, emphasizing gratitude and helping others.

A Holiday That Continues to Evolve:

Thanksgiving has changed tremendously from its 1621 origins, through pop culture, cultural traditions,  and modern celebrations. Whether it’s the smell of the food, the happiness of the parade balloons, or gathering with loved ones, Thanksgiving remains a day centered on connection, gratitude, and reflection.