A Short History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, as most Americans know it today, traces its roots back to the early 17th century, when English Pilgrims settled in what is now Massachusetts. In 1620, a group of Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock, seeking religious freedom and new opportunities. Their first winter was brutal: nearly half of them perished due to harsh conditions, disease, and scarce food.

In the following spring, the Pilgrims were helped by the Wampanoag people, who taught them local agriculture techniques—how to plant corn, fish in rivers, and gather wild foods. By autumn of 1621, the Pilgrims had a successful harvest. To celebrate and give thanks, they held a three-day feast, which included the Pilgrims, the Wampanoag, and local allies. This event is widely recognized as the "First Thanksgiving," though similar harvest celebrations had long been part of indigenous traditions across the Americas.

Thanksgiving was celebrated sporadically in various colonies over the next century, often as a day of prayer, reflection, or community feasting. It wasn’t a fixed national holiday at this point. Different states observed it at different times, and proclamations were sometimes made by governors or presidents in response to significant events, such as victories in war or blessings of harvest.

It was Sarah Josepha Hale, a 19th-century writer and editor, who campaigned for a national Thanksgiving holiday. Her persistent advocacy convinced President Abraham Lincoln to proclaim a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise” in 1863, during the Civil War. Lincoln set the date as the final Thursday in November, encouraging Americans to reflect on gratitude and unity, even amid conflict.

Since then, Thanksgiving has evolved into a cultural and family-centered holiday, marked by traditions such as shared meals featuring turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Parades, football games, and charitable acts have also become part of the celebration. While it retains its historical roots in gratitude for the harvest, Thanksgiving today often emphasizes family, community, and generosity—reminding us to pause and appreciate life’s blessings.

A Turkey, Some Thanks, and a Lot of Laughter

Gravy rivers, pumpkin pies,

Family chatter, laughter, and sighs.

Turkey struts in golden pride,

While someone secretly stole the cranberry side.

We pile our plates and share a toast,

To memories treasured, the ones we love most.

Uncle tells jokes we’ve all heard before,

And Grandma sneaks candy when no one’s keeping score.

Laughter echoes, plates collide,

Secrets spilled and tiny tiffs snide.

Yet hearts are full and spirits bright,

As family hugs through every bite.

Through chaos, crumbs, and kitchen spills,

We find warmth that nothing else fulfills.

Thanksgiving is messy, noisy, and sweet,

A yearly reminder that life is a treat.

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From Pilgrims to Pumpkin Pie

The Mountain Door

Reims Cathedral