Thanksgiving, a quintessential American holiday marked with turkey, pumpkin pies, and family gatherings, has a rich historical past and evolving traditions.
The first Thanksgiving celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe was not quite the grand feast we imagine today. It likely included venison, corn, and shellfish, not turkeys or pies.
The tradition of Thanksgiving as a national holiday came much later, thanks to the tireless efforts of a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale. She wrote numerous letters to President Lincoln, advocating for a day of gratitude during the tumultuous Civil War. In 1863, Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving.
Over the years, Thanksgiving has embraced new traditions. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a spectacle of giant balloons, floats, and performances, has been a staple since 1924. The Presidential turkey pardon, a quirky custom where the President 'pardons' a turkey from becoming a meal, began in the 1940s. The NFL, too, has played games on Thanksgiving Day since its inception in 1920.
Today, Thanksgiving signifies a time for gratitude, family reunions, and the start of the festive season. Despite the variations in how it's celebrated, its essence of giving thanks endures.