Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, bringing family and friends together for a day of gratitude, food, and togetherness.
History of Thanksgiving
The traditional story of the first Thanksgiving traces back to 1621, when Pilgrim settlers at Plymouth Colony held a harvest feast alongside members of the Wampanoag tribe, whose assistance had been crucial to the colonists’ survival during their difficult first year in America. This gathering, often described as a celebration of a successful harvest and cooperation between the two groups, has become the foundational story most associated with the holiday, though historians note the full history involves a more complex relationship between colonists and Native peoples.
Thanksgiving wasn’t consistently observed as a national holiday for centuries afterward. It took President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation, made during the Civil War, to establish a regular national day of thanksgiving, aiming to help unify the country during a difficult time. The holiday’s date was later fixed permanently to the fourth Thursday in November in 1941, when Congress passed a joint resolution establishing it as a federal holiday.
How to Celebrate Thanksgiving
- Gather with family or friends for a Thanksgiving meal
- Prepare traditional dishes, like turkey, stuffing, and pie
- Take time to reflect on and express gratitude
- Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or football games, both long-standing traditions
- Volunteer or give back to those in need during the holiday season
Fun Facts About Thanksgiving
- President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving in 1863, helping establish the holiday’s modern tradition.
- The holiday’s date was permanently fixed to the fourth Thursday in November by a congressional resolution in 1941.
- Turkey wasn’t necessarily the centerpiece of the original 1621 harvest feast; historical accounts suggest venison and wildfowl were more likely featured prominently.
- The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been held annually in New York City since 1924.
- Thanksgiving is one of the biggest travel days of the year in the United States, as people return home to celebrate with family.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November each year.
Who established Thanksgiving as a national holiday?
President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving in 1863, and Congress later fixed the permanent date to the fourth Thursday in November in 1941.
Was turkey always the main Thanksgiving dish?
Historical accounts of the original 1621 harvest feast suggest venison and wildfowl were more prominent than turkey specifically, though turkey has become the traditional centerpiece of modern Thanksgiving meals.