When Did Thanksgiving Start? A Journey Through History

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, family gatherings, and hearty meals—an occasion steeped in tradition and celebration. But have you ever wondered where it all began? The history of Thanksgiving is rich and multifaceted, tracing back to the early 17th century. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Thanksgiving, the events that led to its establishment, and how it has evolved over the years.

The Early Days: A Gathering of Cultures

The seeds of what we now celebrate as Thanksgiving were sown in the autumn of 1621. This year marked a significant moment in the narrative of early America when the Pilgrims, English settlers who had fled religious persecution, celebrated their first fruitful harvest in the New World. After enduring a harsh winter where nearly half of their group perished due to starvation and disease, the remaining settlers were grateful for the bountiful crops they had managed to cultivate.

In November of that year, the Pilgrims organized a feast to give thanks for their survival and successful harvest. They invited the Wampanoag, a Native American tribe that had played a crucial role in their survival by teaching them vital agricultural techniques and helping them navigate the new land. This three-day event included not only traditional English dishes but also native foods such as corn and venison, marking a coming together of two diverse cultures.

The Influence of Harvest Festivals

While the 1621 feast is often cited as the first Thanksgiving, the concept of giving thanks for a good harvest has deeper roots. Various cultures have held similar celebrations throughout history. For example, ancient Greeks honored Demeter, the goddess of grain, while Romans celebrated Cerelia, a festival dedicated to the harvest. Native American tribes across the continent also had their own harvest festivals, honoring the earth and their connection to nature.

As these practices merged over time, the idea of a communal feast to celebrate gratitude became ingrained in the fabric of American life. By the late 17th century, communities in New England would often come together for days of thanksgiving after successful harvest seasons. These gatherings, however, lacked the formal recognition that we associate with Thanksgiving today.

Establishing Thanksgiving as a National Holiday

The road to Thanksgiving becoming a national holiday was long and winding. In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed a day of thanksgiving to celebrate the conclusion of the American Revolution and the establishment of the new government. Despite this early recognition, Thanksgiving observances remained inconsistent and varied across states.

The push for a standardized national Thanksgiving came from an unexpected source: a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale. A prominent writer and editor, Hale campaigned for many years, writing letters to presidents and other influential figures, advocating for Thanksgiving to be a nationally recognized holiday. Her efforts paid off when President Abraham Lincoln, in the midst of the Civil War, declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.

Lincoln’s proclamation called for a day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens,” scheduled for the last Thursday in November. This decision aimed to foster unity and reflection during a time of deep national division, solidifying Thanksgiving’s place on the American calendar.

Modern Thanksgiving: Traditions and Celebrations

Over the years, Thanksgiving has evolved significantly, adapting to changes in society and culture. The holiday has become synonymous with family gatherings, lavish feasts centered around dishes like turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many Americans today observe Thanksgiving by participating in parades, watching football games, or volunteering their time to help others.

However, the modern interpretation of Thanksgiving has also sparked discussions about its historical implications, particularly regarding the treatment and portrayal of Native Americans. For many, Thanksgiving represents a complex legacy intertwined with colonization and cultural erasure. As awareness grows, some individuals and communities seek to honor Indigenous perspectives, using this time to acknowledge the history and contributions of Native peoples.

In recent years, some have proposed alternative celebrations such as “National Day of Mourning,” which encourages people to reflect on the impact of colonialism and to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities. This shift in perspective serves as a reminder that Thanksgiving can be an opportunity for both gratitude and reflection.

The Begining – The Pilgrims’ Journey to the New World

In the early 17th century, a group of English Separatists, seeking religious freedom, set sail from England aboard the Mayflower. After a long and treacherous voyage, they landed at Plymouth Rock, in what is now Massachusetts, in December 1620. Faced with harsh new conditions, the Pilgrims struggled to adapt and survive through their first winter, which claimed the lives of nearly half their settlers.

The Wampanoag People: A Native American Perspective

Meanwhile, the Wampanoag tribe occupied this land long before the arrival of the Europeans. They had well-established agricultural practices and a deep understanding of the region’s resources. When spring arrived in 1621, the Wampanoag leader, Massasoit, recognized the plight of the Pilgrims and decided to form an alliance with them. This decision was instrumental, as it provided the newcomers with essential skills in farming and local hunting, which proved vital for survival.

The First Thanksgiving Celebration

By the fall of 1621, after a bountiful harvest, the Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag to join them in a feast to celebrate their successful crops and the newfound friendship. This gathering, often referred to as the “First Thanksgiving,” lasted three days and featured a rich array of foods, including venison, fowl, corn, and other local harvests. It was a moment of gratitude, not just for the abundance of food but for the support of the Wampanoag people during a time of uncertainty.

A Legacy of Gratitude

Over the years, Thanksgiving evolved from its 1621 origins into a national holiday celebrated across the United States. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national day of gratitude, officially establishing it as a holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. While the modern celebration has transformed, with parades, football games, and feasts, the essence of Thanksgiving remains rooted in appreciation—for family, friends, and the shared history that brought diverse peoples together.

Thanksgiving started as a humble harvest celebration, symbolizing cooperation and gratitude between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag. As we gather around our tables each year, it’s essential to remember the historical significance and the lessons of unity and thankfulness that this day represents.

Conclusion: The Spirit of Thanksgiving

So, when did Thanksgiving start? While the roots of Thanksgiving stretch back to the 1621 gathering between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, the holiday as we know it has been shaped by various historical events, cultural influences, and societal changes over centuries. Today, Thanksgiving stands as a reminder of the importance of gratitude, community, and cultural history.

As we gather around our tables each year, it’s essential to recognize the layered meanings behind this cherished holiday. Whether it’s sharing a meal with loved ones, expressing gratitude for the blessings in our lives, or taking a moment to reflect on our shared past, Thanksgiving continues to evolve while reminding us of the richness of human connection.