Thanksgiving History

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations.  For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving have been celebrated by individual colonies and states.  It wasn't until 1863 - during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving day to be held each November.

When the Mayflower left Plymouth, England in 1620, it carried 102 passengers seeking a new home where they could practice their faith freely.  During the first brutal winter many of them remained on board and suffered from exposure, scurvy and outbreaks of contagious disease.  Only half of the original passengers and crew lived to see spring.  In March they moved ashore and received help from some Native Americans. In November 1621, after their first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast which is now remembered as American's "first Thanksgiving" - even though the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term.  There are no records on the exact menu but there are journal entries of a "fowling" mission by the Pilgrims and that the Wampanoag guests arrived bearing five deer. Historians believe traditional Native American spices and cooking methods were used.  Becuase there were no ovens and the sugar supply had dwindled by then, the meal did not feature pies, cakes or desserts which we now have.

In 1789 George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation by the national government of the United States; in it, he called upon Americans to express their gratitude for the happy conclusion to the country's war of independence and the successful ratification of the U.S. Constitution.  His successors John Adams and James Madison also designated days of thanks during their presidencies.

In 1817, New York became the first of several states to officially adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday which was celebrated on a different day.  In 1863, in a proclamation entreating all Americans to ask God to "comment to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife" and to "heal the wounds of the nation," President Abraham Lincoln scheduled Thanksgiving for the final Thursday in November.  It was celebrated on that day every year until 1939 when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week in an attempt to spur retail sales during the Great Depression.  This was met with passionate opposition and in 1941 the president reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.

In many American households, the Thanksgiving celebration has significance now on cooking and sharing a meal with family and friends.  Turkey has become the staple food synonymous with the holiday.  Nearly 90 percent of Americans eat Turkey on Thanksgiving - whether roasted, baked or deep-fried.  Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.  Parades have also become a part of the holiday - along with watching football.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving with your family and friends!!!