The Evolution of Thanksgiving: Beyond Pilgrims and Harvests

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday celebrated in many cultures, with its roots tracing back to the early days of European settlers in North America. Contrary to popular belief, the first European celebration of Thanksgiving in North America was not by the pilgrims we often associate with the holiday, but by Sir Martin Frobisher in the 1570s near Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada.

Sir Martin Frobisher's Thanksgiving

During the 1570s, Sir Martin Frobisher organized a ceremony expressing gratitude for his safe arrival and for provisions he had brought with him. This was a significant event in the history of Thanksgiving as it marked one of the first recorded instances of giving thanks for a bountiful land and companionship. This celebration was neither a harvest festival nor a forecast of the future American Thanksgiving, but a moment of gratitude that set a precedent for later generations.

The Pilgrims' Celebration

The traditional narrative of the pilgrims is often celebrated as the first American Thanksgiving. However, it is essential to note that while the pilgrims were indeed grateful for the people and provisions they found, there is little concrete evidence supporting the notion that their feast with the Wampanoag tribe in 1621 was the catalyst for modern American Thanksgiving. Their harvest celebration was more of a general joyful gathering, typical of the time, celebrating a successful harvest and gratitude for their new friends.

Official Thanksgiving in the United States

The history of Thanksgiving in the United States is more nuanced and complex than the pilgrim narrative. The earliest official Thanksgiving was celebrated in early December 1777, commemorating the victory at the Battle of Saratoga. This was a day of celebration for the Continental Army, with soldiers receiving extra rations and spirits.

The Thanksgiving as Americans know it today began with a proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln on November 26, 1863, during the American Civil War. Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November as a national day of thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for the nation's blessings during a time of great turmoil. This was a significant turning point, officially establishing the holiday in its current form.

Further Developments in Thanksgiving

After Lincoln's proclamation, President U.S. Grant made the holiday permanent, designating the last Thursday of November. This decree coincided with both Washington's and Lincoln's previous proclamations, creating a unified national day of thanksgiving. Over the next 75 years, subsequent acts of Congress continued to codify the holiday, ensuring its place in the American calendar.

Interestingly, attempts by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to change the date in 1939 to extend the holiday shopping season did not gain widespread support and were quickly retracted. Since then, Thanksgiving has remained largely unchanged, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year. However, it is worth noting that while it bears some similarities to harvest festivals, it is neither a harvest festival nor a commemoration of the pilgrims, but a unique blend of historical events and cultural traditions.

Reflecting on the history of Thanksgiving, it is clear that the holiday has evolved significantly over time. From the earliest celebrations by Sir Martin Frobisher and his crew to the official declaration by President Lincoln, the holiday has taken on various forms and meanings. However, the spirit of gratitude and community remains a central theme. As we celebrate Thanksgiving today, we honor the traditions of the past while also reflecting on the present and the future.