Annually, on the fourth Thursday of November, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, one of the country’s most prominent holidays, according to YouGov. This means that employers and schools give people a day off to observe the holiday. However, how many people know the history of Thanksgiving? In this article, we delve deeper into how this holiday came about.
Thanksgiving at Plymouth
In September 1960, the Mayflower left Plymouth, England with 102 passengers to find a place where they could freely practice their faith and find a place where they could own land. They found the so called “New World” captivating and ended up in Cape Cod, near the Hudson River, away from their destination. They proceeded with the journey, ending up in Massachusetts Bay.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
During their first winter there, they suffered from diseases and outbreaks, leaving only half to experience the first New England Spring. Later, they moved ashores and met members of the Abenaki tribe. A few days later, they met a member of the Squanto tribe, who was enslaved and now suffered from malnutrition and disease.
He taught them how to farm corn, avoid poisonous plants, extract sap from maple leaves, catch fish and helped them to forge a relationship with the local tribe, Wampanoag.
People Also Read: How Black Chefs Are Providing Americans Healthy Alternatives
Get Thanksgiving gifts on Amazon.
The First Thanksgiving
The Pilgrims, as they came to be known, were expert corn harvesters now. In November 1621, they made a huge harvest, and Governor William Bradford organized a feast, inviting Native American allies, including the Wampanoag, to the celebrations. The event lasted for three days, and it came to be known as America’s “First Thanksgiving.” There are no records of the menu served, but it’s thought that the food eaten was made from Native American spices.
People Also Read: Umoja Karamu Celebration: Black Unity Thanksgiving That Appreciates Black Culture
Get your Thanksgiving Turkey at Walmart.
The Thanksgiving National Holiday
In 1623, the Pilgrims celebrated their second Thanksgiving, signalling the end of the drought that threatened the year’s harvests. Consequently, the Pilgrims advised Governor Bradford to call for a religious fast, which later became a common practice.
In the coming years, the Continental Congress, the government of 13 colonies, issued multiple days for celebrating Thanksgiving. That changed in 1789 when George Washington declared the first Thanksgiving proclamation by the United States government. His reason for declaring this was to call every American thankful after the country won its war of independence and ratified its constitution.
The two presidents who came after him, John Adams and James Madison, also issued days to observe Thanksgiving. In 1817, New York adopted an official Thanksgiving day.
In 1827, an editor, Sara Josepha Hale, began writing commentary pushing for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday in the United States. She did this for 36 years, and eventually, Abraham Lincoln acknowledged her request during the Civil War.
He asked Americans to “commend 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.”
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Lincoln designated the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving. In 1939, Franklin Roosevelt moved it to the second last Thursday to boost sales during the great depression. In 1941, he signed a bill earmarking the second last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving.
Join our Spotcovery Global Black Community Facebook Group for early access to exclusive content and to share in a lively discussion.
Buy a bottle of wine for Thanksgiving on Target.
Thanksgiving Meals
When the Pilgrims observed the first Thanksgiving, the occasion was centred around the religious significance of giving thanks. Over the years, the day has lost this original intention and has become a day of feasting. At the heart of it is Turkey, the bird which is now a staple of the holiday. Along with that, they also eat mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie or cranberry source.
People Also Read: Black Family: 10 Fantastic Thanksgiving Food Ideas for Family Gatherings
Create amazing designs for Thanksgiving on Envato PlaceIt.
Controversy About Thanksgiving Narrative
Despite the glossy narrative about Thanksgiving, many historians argue that it doesn’t do justice to its history. It ignores the Marky relations between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, representing the long bloody history between Native Americans and European settlers in which thousands died.
Conclusion
The history of Thanksgiving paints a picture of a people who gathered for religious reasons demonstrating gratitude for a solid harvest. It was also used to mark the end of a drought and unite the American people. That said, the significance of the holiday has drastically changed, and even though that’s expected, its origin meaning should remain.
Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.
Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire, and empower you! The future of black media is critical to today’s black experience! Our primary audience includes African Americans, Africans, Afro-Caribbean, and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
