Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday.
Its origins can be traced to the early colonial period, specifically to the 1621 harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Rooted in Protestant religious traditions, the celebration reflected the Pilgrims’ practice of holding days of thanksgiving to express gratitude to God for blessings such as successful harvests or the safe arrival of ships. These early celebrations were sporadic and localized, often tied to specific events rather than a fixed annual holiday.
In the early years of the United States, another holiday known as Evacuation Day held prominence in certain regions. Evacuation Day marked the departure of British troops from New York City on November 25, 1783, at the end of the Revolutionary War. For decades, it was celebrated with parades, patriotic speeches, and fireworks, symbolizing the triumph of American independence.
Unlike Thanksgiving, Evacuation Day focused on national pride and the military success of the fledgling United States rather than on religious observance or familial gatherings. Over time, however, Evacuation Day waned in importance, particularly as the memory of the Revolutionary War faded and the Civil War underscored the need for a more unified national identity.
Thanksgiving as a formal national holiday owes much to the persistent advocacy of Sarah Josepha Hale, a 19th-century writer and editor. Hale campaigned for decades to establish a national day of thanks, arguing that it would foster unity across a divided nation. Her efforts bore fruit in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln, in the midst of the Civil War, proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national Thanksgiving Day. Lincoln’s proclamation framed Thanksgiving as a day to reflect on blessings amid national strife, setting the tone for its future observance.
When Lincoln declared the holiday, he asked Americans for intercession with God 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.”
The modern version of Thanksgiving began to take shape in the 20th century, particularly after World War I. As the United States emerged as a global power and sought to solidify its national identity, Thanksgiving gained traction as a unifying holiday that transcended regional differences. The post-war years also saw a strengthening of the “special relationship” between the United States and England, prompting renewed interest in shared cultural and historical ties. Thanksgiving, with its roots in English harvest festivals and Protestant traditions, became a symbolic bridge between the two nations. This connection reinforced the holiday’s broader appeal as a celebration of gratitude, family, and community rather than strictly religious observance.
Thanksgiving and Evacuation Day also differed significantly in how they were celebrated. While Evacuation Day emphasized public displays of patriotism and often included rowdy revelry, Thanksgiving became more centered on family and community gatherings. The core of Thanksgiving celebrations—sharing a meal—reflects its agrarian origins and the Pilgrims’ communal values. Over time, Thanksgiving became synonymous with turkey dinners, pumpkin pie, and expressions of gratitude, bolstered by the popularity of Norman Rockwell’s iconic depictions of the holiday during the mid-20th century.
The Protestant origins of Thanksgiving continue to influence its character, even as it has become a more secular national holiday. The Pilgrims’ emphasis on communal worship and giving thanks to God for providence is echoed in the themes of reflection and gratitude that define modern celebrations. These elements remain in the holiday’s spiritual undercurrent, evident in prayers or moments of silence at many Thanksgiving tables.
Today, Thanksgiving stands as a testament to American culture and identity. From its Protestant beginnings to its establishment as a unifying national tradition, the holiday reflects the endurance of the nation’s values. While Evacuation Day has faded into historical obscurity, Thanksgiving continues to thrive, offering a space for gratitude, family, and the celebration of a shared heritage.