Thanksgiving Day: The History Behind the Festivity

The Arrival of the Pilgrims

The history of Thanksgiving Day goes back to the fall of 1621, when the Pilgrims, a group of English Separatists, arrived at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. They were fleeing religious persecution in England and after a treacherous journey, they established a colony in the New World. However, their first winter was harsh, and many Pilgrims died from disease and starvation. Fortunately, the Wampanoag Native Americans who lived in the area showed the Pilgrims how to plant and hunt, which helped them survive another winter. In the autumn of 1621, the Pilgrims celebrated a bountiful harvest with a three-day feast of good food and fellowship, inviting the Wampanoag tribe to join them. It is said that this was the first Thanksgiving Day celebration.

The Declaration of Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day became an unofficial holiday that was celebrated on and off throughout the years, until it became a federal holiday in 1863. President Abraham Lincoln declared that the last Thursday of November would be a national day of thanksgiving and praise to God. He did this during the Civil War to encourage unity and a spirit of gratitude during such a difficult time. The date was later changed to the fourth Thursday in November by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941.

The Modern-Day Celebration

Today, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated across the United States as a time to give thanks for the blessings of the year, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy a traditional feast that typically includes turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many people also use this day as an opportunity to volunteer their time and resources to those in need. The day after Thanksgiving, known as “Black Friday,” marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, as people rush to stores for the best deals. In conclusion, Thanksgiving Day is a holiday with a rich history that dates back to the arrival of the Pilgrims in America. Its significance as a day of giving thanks and celebrating with loved ones has endured over four hundred years and continues to be a cherished tradition in American culture.