How did the tradition of Thanksgiving begin?

The tradition of Thanksgiving began in the United States in the 1600s. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Pilgrims, who had recently arrived in America. They held a feast to give thanks for their safe journey and to celebrate their new home.

Over time, the holiday evolved into a more secular celebration. Today, Thanksgiving is a day for family, friends, and feasting. It is also a time to reflect on all that we are thankful for.

So how did this tradition begin? Let’s take a look at the history of Thanksgiving…

The First Thanksgiving:

The first Thanksgiving was held in 1621 by the Pilgrims, who had just arrived in America. After a long and difficult journey, they were finally in their new home. They held a feast to give thanks for their safe journey and to celebrate their new home.

The Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag, a nearby Native American tribe, to join them for the feast. The two groups enjoyed a meal of roasted turkey, shellfish, venison, berries, and pumpkin pie.

After the feast, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag formed a friendship that lasted for many years. This first Thanksgiving was just the beginning of a tradition that would become an important part of American culture.

A National Holiday:

Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863. At that time, America was in the midst of the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln declared that Thanksgiving should be a day of “national thanksgiving and prayer.” He hoped that the holiday would help to heal the divisions within the country.

Thanksgivings became an official national holiday in 1941. Since then, it has been celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November.

The Meaning of Thanksgiving:

Today, Thanksgiving is a day for family, friends, and feasting. It is also a time to reflect on all that we are thankful for. We may not live in 1621 America, but the spirit of thankfulness that was present at the first Thanksgivings is still alive today.

The tradition of Thanksgiving is a long and storied one. It began in the early days of the United States, when the first settlers came over from England. The Pilgrims, as they were known, celebrated their first harvest with a feast to give thanks for their good fortune. This tradition continued on for many years, and eventually became an official holiday in 1863.

Thanksgiving is still celebrated today, though it has changed somewhat from its early days. Families gather together to enjoy a meal, often including traditional dishes such as turkey and stuffing. And while the focus is still on giving thanks for all the good things in life, it has also become a time for family and friends to simply enjoy each other’s company.

No matter how it is celebrated, Thanksgiving is a cherished tradition in the United States. It is a time to give thanks for all the good things in life, and to enjoy the company of those we love.

Conclusion:

Thanksgiving is a cherished tradition in the United States. It has its roots in the early days of the country when the first settlers came over from England. The Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest with a feast to give thanks for their good fortune. This tradition continued on for many years, and eventually became an official holiday in 1863.

Today, Thanksgiving is still celebrated as a time to give thanks for all the good things in life. Families gather together to enjoy a meal, often including traditional dishes such as turkey and stuffing. And while the focus is still on giving thanks, it has also become a time for family and friends to simply enjoy each other’s company. No matter how it is celebrated, Thanksgiving is a cherished tradition in the United States.