Google trend - History of Thanksgiving

The history of Thanksgiving in the United States dates back to the early 17th century when the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts. These English settlers, known as the Pilgrims, were seeking religious freedom and a new life in the New World.

In 1620, the Pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower and arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, after a treacherous journey. They faced harsh conditions and a harsh winter, resulting in the death of many settlers. However, with the help of the local Wampanoag tribe, the Pilgrims learned how to cultivate crops and survive in their new surroundings.

In the autumn of 1621, after a successful harvest, the Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate and give thanks for their blessings. This event is often considered the first Thanksgiving. It was attended by approximately 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Native Americans, who had helped the settlers survive and adapt to their new environment.

The feast included a variety of foods, including wild turkey, venison, fish, corn, and various vegetables. It was a time of celebration and gratitude for the Pilgrims' survival and the abundance of food they had been able to produce.

However, it is important to note that the concept of giving thanks and celebrating harvests was not unique to the Pilgrims. Native American tribes had been observing similar ceremonies for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans. These ceremonies were a way of expressing gratitude to the land and the spirits for providing sustenance.

The tradition of Thanksgiving did not become an annual event until many years later. It was not until the 19th century that Thanksgiving became a nationally recognized holiday. In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November.

Over time, Thanksgiving has evolved into a holiday that is celebrated with family and friends, often featuring a large feast. It is a time for people to express gratitude for their blessings and spend quality time with loved ones.

In the early 20th century, Thanksgiving also became associated with football. The first Thanksgiving Day football game was played in 1876, and it has since become a tradition for many families to watch football games on Thanksgiving Day.

In recent years, Thanksgiving has also become associated with shopping. The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, has become one of the busiest shopping days of the year, with many retailers offering significant discounts and sales.

Despite these modern additions, the core meaning of Thanksgiving remains the same – a time to give thanks for the blessings in our lives and to come together with loved ones. It is a holiday that reminds us of the importance of gratitude and the spirit of sharing.

In conclusion, the history of Thanksgiving in the United States can be traced back to the Pilgrims' arrival in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and their first feast with the Wampanoag tribe. Over time, Thanksgiving became a nationally recognized holiday, celebrated with a feast and gratitude for blessings. It has evolved into a holiday that brings families together and is associated with football and shopping. However, at its core, Thanksgiving remains a time to express gratitude and give thanks for the abundance in our lives.