Thanksgiving, celebrated in the United States with feasts, family gatherings, and expressions of gratitude, has a rich and complex history. Ever wonder why it’s on the fourth Thursday of November? This tradition dates back centuries, shaped by numerous events.
Its origins go back to 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, when English Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe shared a harvest celebration. This event, typically recognized as the first Thanksgiving, likely occurred in late September or early October.
The transformation of Thanksgiving into an annual tradition unfolded gradually. Initially, its observance differed across the colonies, influenced by local customs and religious practices, often centered around harvests and community. As these colonies transitioned into states, each decided on whether and when to celebrate Thanksgiving, resulting in a wide array of distinct observances throughout the nation.
The 19th century saw a push for a national Thanksgiving Day, notably advocated by Sarah Josepha Hale. Her efforts led to President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation during the Civil War, establishing Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November to promote unity and healing.
This date remained until 1939 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt, addressing a November with five Thursdays and retail concerns about a short shopping season, moved Thanksgiving to the third Thursday. The change met with mixed reactions.
In 1941, the debate ended as Roosevelt signed a bill fixing Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November, balancing tradition with contemporary needs.
The journey of Thanksgiving, from a simple colonial feast to a national holiday, reflects a story of perseverance, unity, and compromise. Today it’s a day for Americans to gather, give thanks, and celebrate the joys of family, friends, and prosperity on the fourth Thursday of November.