Thanksgiving Day: History, evolution and meaning of the popular American holiday

The history of Thanksgiving Day has different sides of the coin and it has evolved over time.

While modern historians have debated its inception, with some tracing it back to 1970, some argue that the first Thanksgiving wasn't quite the sign of a new peace between the Pilgrims and Native Americans that it had been made out to be.

Through the years, our understanding of the history of Thanksgiving has evolved alongside the traditions and foods that grace the holiday table.

The history of Thanksgiving has been muddled, debunked, and rewritten throughout history, and there is a new reason every year to carve a turkey and eat lots of mashed potatoes.

The holiday and the traditions behind it have evolved, from a much-mythologized 1621 harvest feast shared by the pilgrims and the Wampanoag to a post-Civil-War era patriotic and religious gathering to the modern holiday focused on good food and spending time with family

Over the years, the word “thanksgiving” has changed in meaning. Originally an English tradition, days of thanksgiving typically were marked by religious services to give thanks to God, or to celebrate a bountiful harvest.

In 1941, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution that established the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.

George Washington was the first president of the United States to proclaim the first National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789.

The presidents who came after Washington ignored Thanksgiving tradition, until President Abraham Lincoln again established it as a national holiday during the Civil War, cementing the feast as an American tradition.

After Lincoln’s proclamation, Thanksgiving typically took place on the last Thursday in November.

For many who celebrate now, the holiday has become an excuse to gather with family and eat good food.

National Day of Mourning

Since 1970, Native Americans and allies have gathered at Cole's Hill in Plymouth on Thanksgiving Day for a National Day of Mourning.

It's a solemn remembrance, honouring Native ancestors and protesting against the racism and oppression they have endured over time.

The Modern Tradition

Thanksgiving in the United States falls on the fourth Thursday of November, followed by the frenzy of Black Friday.

It's a state public holiday, marked by closed government offices, schools, and businesses.

Through good and tough times, the tradition endures, from the Pilgrims celebrating their first successful harvest to General Washington's troops pausing on the way to Valley Forge during the fight for independence.

How Turkey Became Part of Thanksgiving Menu

The custom of snapping the turkey's wishbone, bringing luck to the person who gets the larger half, can be traced back to the Romans.

The star of most Thanksgiving dinners is a roasted turkey. After the bird is cooked, the stuffing is taken out and served as a side dish.

The gravy is also an important part of the meal and is obtained from the fatty liquid that comes off the turkey as it cooks.

From the 17th through the early 19th century, the presence of three or four kinds of meat was important to emphasize that a meal was a feast

The 1621 harvest celebration featured venison, corn, shellfish, cornmeal, beans, nuts, dried berries, pumpkin, and turkey.

 The turkey, once a part of a diverse meat ensemble, took centre stage after World War II.

National Geographic reports that over 690 million pounds of turkey are consumed annually on Thanksgiving.

According to National Geographic, stuffing, once called "puddings in the belly" by Pilgrims, was likely present at early harvest feasts. Pumpkin pie, introduced by Native Americans, became an early American holiday staple.

However, jellied cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese are more recent additions to the Thanksgiving table.

Presidential Proclamation

In 2023, US President Joseph Biden proclaimed Thanksgiving Day, urging Americans to reflect on the support they've provided each other.

In the spirit of goodwill and unity, he encouraged the nation to join together and give thanks to friends, neighbours, family, and strangers who have supported one another over the past year.

“I encourage the people of the United States of America to join together and give thanks for the friends, neighbours, family members, and strangers who have supported each other over the past year in a reflection of goodwill and unity," Biden's declaration read.