How Did the Holiday Thanksgiving Start?
Thanksgiving, a beloved holiday celebrated in many countries around the world, has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century. The origins of this festive occasion are shrouded in myth and fact, but one thing is clear: it began as a way to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and to foster unity among diverse communities. In this article, we will explore the fascinating story of how Thanksgiving started and how it has evolved into the cherished celebration it is today.
The first Thanksgiving feast is widely believed to have taken place in 1621, in the Plymouth Colony, which is now part of Massachusetts. This celebration was a joint effort between the Pilgrims, who were English settlers, and the Wampanoag Native Americans. The Pilgrims had faced numerous challenges upon their arrival in North America, including harsh weather, disease, and food shortages. The Wampanoag people, who had been living in the region for centuries, offered their assistance and shared their knowledge of the land and its resources.
The Wampanoag leader, Massasoit, played a significant role in the initial success of the Pilgrims. He established a peaceful relationship with the settlers and helped them learn how to cultivate the land and hunt for food. This collaboration laid the foundation for the first Thanksgiving feast. The Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag people to join them in a three-day celebration, which included feasting, prayer, and games.
The feast itself was a mix of traditional English and Native American foods. The menu likely included roasted turkey, corn, beans, squash, and berries. The event was a time for the Pilgrims to express gratitude for the bountiful harvest and for the support they had received from the Wampanoag people. The feast also served as a way to foster goodwill and strengthen the bond between the two communities.
While the first Thanksgiving was a one-time event, the tradition of giving thanks spread throughout the colonies. In 1777, the Continental Congress declared a day of thanksgiving to celebrate the victory over the British in the Revolutionary War. However, it wasn’t until 1863 that Thanksgiving became a national holiday in the United States.
President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving during the Civil War. This decision was made to unite the nation and to give thanks for the country’s prosperity and the Union’s victory over the Confederacy. Since then, Thanksgiving has been celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year.
The holiday has continued to evolve over the years, with various customs and traditions emerging. Today, Thanksgiving is characterized by family gatherings, feasts, and the giving of thanks. The traditional Thanksgiving meal often includes roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It is a time for people to come together, share stories, and appreciate the blessings in their lives.
In conclusion, the holiday of Thanksgiving began as a way to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and to foster unity among diverse communities. From its humble beginnings in the Plymouth Colony to its current status as a national holiday, Thanksgiving has remained a cherished tradition that brings people together to express gratitude and celebrate the abundance in their lives.
