History of Thanksgiving
History of Thanksgiving Day:
- Thanksgiving Day is a widely celebrated annual holiday in the United States and Canada.
- This holiday serves as an occasion to give thanks for the blessings of the past year and bringing families, friends and communities together.
Table showing brief history of Thanksgiving Day from 1621 to present
| Year | Date | Country | Reason of celebrations |
| 1621 | late Nov | United States | Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans shared a feast to give thanks for a successful harvest. |
| 1789 | November 26 | United States | President George Washington announced a national day of thanksgiving and prayer. |
| 1863 | November 26 | United States | President Abraham Lincoln declared a national Thanksgiving Day during the Civil War. |
| 1879 | Various dates | Canada | Various provinces celebrated Thanksgiving which later became a national holiday. |
| 1941 | Fourth Thursday | United States | Congress established the fourth Thursday in November as the official Thanksgiving Day. |
| 1957 | Second Monday | Canada | Thanksgiving Day was fixed to the second Monday in October. |
| 2008 | November 27 | United States | President George W. Bush pardoned a turkey in a traditional ceremony at the White House. |
| 2020 | November 26 | United States | Virtual gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| 2021 | November 25 | United States | Celebrated with traditional feasts |
| 2022 | November 24 | United States | Traditional celebrations with feasting and time spent with family and friends. |
| 2023 | November 23 | United States | Expected traditional observances including gratitude and community gatherings. |
Term Thanksgiving Day coined by:
| Term Coined by | Alexander Young |
| Term Coined: | Thanksgiving which is now widely associated with the holiday of expressing gratitude and giving thanks. |
| Year | 1841 |
| Date of Birth | October 22, 1800 |
| Date of Death | July 13, 1854 |
| Career | Editor, Historian, Minister |
A comparison between Thanksgiving Day in USA vs. Canada
| Aspect | Thanksgiving Day in USA | Canadian Thanksgiving Day |
| Date: | Fourth Thursday in November | Second Monday in October |
| Historical Origin: | Pilgrims’ harvest festival; later recognized by presidents | Indigenous and European harvest celebrations; officially established as a national holiday in 1879 |
| Historical Context: | Early English settlers and Native American interactions | Celebration of bountiful harvests in a new land |
| Festive Activities: | Football games
shopping |
Family gatherings
fall celebrations |
| Traditional Foods: | Turkey mashed potatoes cranberry sauce pumpkin pie |
gravy
stuffing cranberry sauce local dishes |
| Duration of Celebrations: | Typically a long weekend | Often includes the Monday as a holiday for a longer celebration |
| Historical Figures: | George Washington
Abraham Lincoln |
No specific historical figure |
| International Observance: | Observed in the USA | Observed in Canada |
Key figures of Thanksgiving Day
| Key Figures | Contributions towards Thanksgiving Day |
| Pilgrims and Wampanoag Natives | Shared a feast in 1621 to give thanks for a successful harvest |
| George Washington | Issued a declaration in 1789 to designate a national day of thanksgiving and prayer |
| Sarah Josepha Hale | Supported for a unified Thanksgiving Day through her writings and letters to presidents |
| Abraham Lincoln | Announced Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 during the Civil War |
| Franklin D. Roosevelt | Signed a bill in 1941 establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day |
Traditional feature foods of Thanksgiving Day
| Food | Description |
| Turkey | Roasted centerpiece symbolizing abundance and tradition. |
| Stuffing or Dressing | Mix of bread, herbs, and vegetables, often cooked inside the turkey. |
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy side dish made from boiled potatoes. |
| Gravy | Flavorful sauce made from turkey drippings. |
| Cranberry Sauce | Sweet-tart condiment made from cranberries. |
| Sweet Potatoes or Yams | Mashed or casseroled root vegetables with sweet toppings. |
| Green Beans | Classic vegetable dish, sometimes with creamy sauce and crispy onions. |
| Corn | Served as cornbread, pudding, or on the cob. |
| Pumpkin Pie | Iconic dessert with spiced pumpkin filling. |
| Brussels Sprouts | Roasted or sautéed vegetable side. |
| Mashed Turnips or Rutabagas | Root vegetables mashed with seasoning. |