Thanksgiving History and Meaning

The History and Meaning of Thanksgiving: A Journey from Plymouth to Today

Thanksgiving is more than just a day marked on our calendars. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. In the United States, it’s a tradition that spans centuries and brings together families, communities, and even entire nations to celebrate the bounty of the earth. From the humble beginnings of the Pilgrims’ survival at Plymouth (with great help from Native Americans) to today’s modern feasts, the history of the celebration is layered with meaning, complexity, and cultural significance.

Whether you’re enjoying a traditional turkey dinner or simply taking time to reflect on what you're grateful for, understanding the history behind the holiday can deepen your appreciation for its significance.

Thanksgiving Roots

The holiday as we know it today is commonly traced back to the early 1600s, to a moment in history when a group of English Pilgrims arrived on the shores of Plymouth, in what is now Massachusetts. They had set out to establish a new life in the New World, but their early years were fraught with challenges. The Pilgrims faced harsh winters, disease, and starvation. However, they were fortunate enough to receive help from the Indigenous peoples who had lived on the land for thousands of years before them.

One of the most well-known figures in this early colonial history is Tisquantum, better known as Squanto, a member of the Patuxet Tribe. Squanto’s story is an integral part of the celebration's narrative. He had been captured by European explorers years earlier, taken to Europe, and eventually returned to the Americas, where he was able to reunite with his tribe. When the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth in 1620, Squanto played a pivotal role in ensuring their survival. He taught them how to fish, plant corn, and cultivate the land. He also acted as an intermediary between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, helping to establish a crucial alliance. 

This assistance from Squanto and the Wampanoag tribe, led by Chief Massasoit, was vital to the survival of the Pilgrims. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people came together during a feast to celebrate the successful harvest. The feast likely included wild turkey, corn, venison, fish, and other foods.

Indigenous Perspectives

While the narrative is often centered on the Pilgrims’ arrival and their survival, it’s essential to remember that Indigenous peoples had their own long-standing traditions of giving thanks for the harvest and the gifts of the earth long before European settlers arrived. Indigenous ceremonies of thanks have been practiced by various tribes throughout North America for centuries, with rituals designed to honor the natural world and express gratitude for food sources.

For many Indigenous peoples, the concept of reciprocity is central to the spiritual practice of thanksgiving. This means recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things and giving thanks for the earth’s abundance while understanding the responsibility to care for the land and its resources. As Mother Bear, a member of the historic Wampanoag Tribe, shared in a recent podcast on Mighty Line Minute, “When I was young, we were taught by our grandparents and great-grandparents to believe that the purpose of life is to be in a state of thanksgiving every day.” These words speak to a deep, abiding respect for the earth that is embedded in many Indigenous cultures.

This understanding of giving thanks as a way of life - one that extends beyond a single day - reminds us that gratitude is not just for harvests, but for the everyday sustenance that the earth provides. It is a mindset that, for many Native communities, continues to guide spiritual practices and community life today.

Evolution

While the feast of 1621 was a moment of gratitude, Thanksgiving as a national holiday did not officially exist at that time. The early colonial period saw sporadic days of thanksgiving - days of prayer and feasting - declared by various communities in the New World, but these were not part of a larger, cohesive tradition. It wasn’t until much later that the holiday as we know it today began to take on its current form.

The modern holiday of Thanksgiving began to take shape in the 19th century, largely due to the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book. Hale, who is perhaps best known for writing the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” advocated for a national  holiday for years, writing letters to presidents and politicians. Her persistence paid off when, in 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday. Lincoln’s declaration came at a time of national division, and he hoped that the day of thanks would help to heal the wounds of the war-torn country.

Lincoln set the date as the final Thursday in November, and it remained on that date for decades. In the early 20th century, Thanksgiving became a time for family gatherings, and the centerpiece of the holiday meal became the turkey - largely due to the popularity of the bird among early settlers and its prominence in American culture. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which began in 1924, further cemented the holiday’s place in American culture, blending festivities, entertainment, and community spirit.

The 21st Century

Today, Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to come together and reflect on their blessings. It is a day filled with traditions: preparing a meal (often centered around turkey), watching football, enjoying parades, and spending time with loved ones. But in recent years, the holiday has also sparked discussions about its history and the narratives surrounding it.

For many Indigenous people, the celebration can be a difficult holiday to celebrate, given its historical connection to the colonization and displacement of Native peoples. The Wampanoag, who were once the Pilgrims’ allies, are among the tribes that acknowledge the date as a reminder of the complex and often painful history between Native peoples and European settlers. In response, some Native communities observe the holiday as a day of mourning, a time to remember the impact of European colonization on Indigenous populations.

At the same time, Thanksgiving continues to be a time when many people of all backgrounds choose to reflect on the themes of gratitude, unity, and giving. Across the country, charities, food banks, and community organizations use the occasion to feed those who are less fortunate, highlighting the importance of generosity and service to others.

As the holiday has evolved, it has also become a symbol of the diversity and complexity of the American experience. The meaning of the holiday, much like the history behind it, is not fixed or singular - it is shaped by the people who celebrate it and their own personal connections to the day.

Looking Ahead: A Day of Reflection and Gratitude

Thanksgiving’s history is layered with stories of survival, collaboration, conflict, and renewal. From the early struggles of the Plymouth Colony to the traditions that have developed over centuries, the day remains a time to reflect on both the challenges and blessings that shape our lives. As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, we can take time to consider the deeper meanings of the day.

Mother Bear’s words remind us of the importance of living in a state of gratitude - not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. “The purpose of life is to be in a state of thanksgiving every day.” These words are an invitation to connect with the earth, with each other, and with ourselves in meaningful ways.

As we celebrate this holiday, let’s remember the wisdom passed down through generations and the many cultures that have contributed to the story of Thanksgiving. Whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones, volunteering in our communities, or reflecting on our own personal blessings, the time represents an opportunity to give thanks for the abundance in our lives - and to do so with respect, mindfulness, and gratitude.

So, this Thanksgiving, as we take part in our own family traditions, let us also take a moment to honor the rich history of this holiday and the diverse communities that have shaped it over the centuries. As we are celebrating (or mourning), we can all contribute to the spirit of day by living in a state of gratitude, each and every day.