This story at a glance…

1. Thanksgiving began in 1621 as a harvest feast between Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, focused on survival.

2. Sarah Josepha Hale’s efforts led Abraham Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.

3. Modern traditions like turkey dinners and nostalgic Pilgrim stories emerged in the 19th century.

4. Today, it’s a day of gratitude for many, while some Native Americans observe it as a day of mourning.

Thanksgiving: Remembering God’s Faithfulness

Thanksgiving, now synonymous with turkey dinners, family gatherings, and gratitude, has a complex and rich history. While we often picture Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a harmonious meal, the reality of Thanksgiving’s origins and evolution is far more nuanced.

The 1621 Feast: A Fragile Friendship
The story of Thanksgiving often begins with the 1621 harvest feast between the Plymouth Colony Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. After surviving a harsh winter and planting crops with guidance from Native Americans, the Pilgrims organized a three-day celebration. About 90 Wampanoag men, led by Chief Massasoit, joined the festivities, bringing deer to contribute to the meal, which likely included wildfowl, corn, and venison.

However, this feast was not originally called “Thanksgiving.” In 17th-century England, thanksgiving days were solemn religious observances marked by fasting and prayer, not feasting. Historians suggest this meal was more about celebrating survival and a successful harvest than expressing deep gratitude or peace. The relationship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, while cooperative during that time, was driven by mutual survival and deteriorated within decades, leading to violence and loss for the Native tribes.

Shaping a National Holiday
Thanksgiving’s evolution into a national holiday owes much to Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book. Starting in 1827, she tirelessly campaigned for an annual day of thanks, believing it would unite Americans. Her vision came to fruition in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln, in the throes of the Civil War, proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday. Lincoln sought to bring unity to a fractured nation, urging Americans to count their blessings despite their struggles.

Over time, Thanksgiving took on new layers of tradition. By the late 19th century, it became associated with nostalgic tales of Pilgrims and Native Americans, though these were often inaccurate and romanticized. The holiday also gained culinary staples like turkey and pumpkin pie, thanks to regional traditions and marketing.

Thanksgiving Today
In 1941, Congress officially set Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November. Today, it’s a day to gather, give thanks, and enjoy feasts. For many Native Americans, however, the day serves as a reminder of the historical suffering caused by colonization, marked by observances such as the National Day of Mourning.

Modern Thanksgiving, for most Americans, transcends its historical complexities. It’s a time for families to come together, reflect on their blessings, and create new traditions that honor the past while embracing the present.

Reflection
Thanksgiving is more than food and traditions—it’s a day to pause and recognize God’s blessings in every moment. Like the Pilgrims, whose gratitude was rooted in faith through trials, we are reminded by Scripture: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude flourishes not in abundance, but in trusting God’s provision and grace. This Thanksgiving, reflect on His goodness, cherish loved ones, and let your heart overflow with thanks for His unwavering love.