What is Thanksgiving Day? History, Meaning and Celebrate

For many people, the aroma of roast turkey, the warmth of a family gathering and the rustle of fallen leaves symbolize the approach of Thanksgiving Day. However, when you dig deeper into its history, you’ll discover a celebration that goes beyond mere tradition.

Thanksgiving is a symbolic moment that represents humanity’s inherent need to express gratitude and share shared stories and sustenance.  Throughout its development, it has stood as a testament to human resilience, solidarity and the eternal spirit. In this article, we will learn about what this traditional holiday is and hidden meaning behind it!

What is Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Its origins can be traced back to early European settlers who held feasts to express their gratitude for a successful harvest. The occasion not only reflects the appreciation of the harvest but also serves as an acknowledgment of the blessings and bounties of the past year.

In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The historical roots of this celebration can be traced back to 1621 when Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indigenous people shared an autumn harvest feast, which is regarded by many as the first Thanksgiving.

While popular narratives often focus on this harmonious sharing, it is essential to note the subsequent and longstanding tensions and conflicts between European settlers and Indigenous populations.  Over time, various states and colonies established their own days of thanksgiving, with the tradition growing and evolving over the centuries. In 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be held each November.

In Canada, Thanksgiving is observed on the second Monday of October. While similar in many respects to the American holiday, Canadian Thanksgiving has its own distinct history and traditions. It can be traced back to 1578 when the English explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in present-day Nunavut to give thanks for his safe arrival in New World. As in the United States, Canadian Thanksgiving has evolved over time, incorporating various cultural elements and becoming a significant national holiday.

Central to Thanksgiving celebrations in both countries are festive meals featuring turkey, stuffing, and a host of side dishes, culminating in the iconic pumpkin pie. The day is marked by family gatherings, parades, and in recent times, American football games in the United States. The occasion is also seen as the commencement of the holiday season, leading up to Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Beyond its historical and cultural significance, Thanksgiving serves as a moment of reflection, bringing families and communities together in gratitude. The values it embodies—gratitude, reflection, and community—remain salient across the changing landscapes of these North American nations. However,  like any deeply-rooted tradition, it is also a subject of evolving interpretations, criticisms, and adaptations, particularly in light of modern understandings of colonial history and Indigenous rights.

When is Thanksgiving?

In the United States, the tradition dictates that Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday of November. For the year 2023, this commemoration will fall on 23 November.  The historical precedent for this date was set in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln declared a national day of thanksgiving. This decree was further solidified in 1942 when, following a joint resolution of Congress, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the fourth Thursday of November as the official Thanksgiving Day.

Meanwhile, in Canada, the observance of Thanksgiving has a different schedule. Since 1957, Canadians have marked Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. Accordingly, you will find that in 2023, Canada will celebrate Thanksgiving on 9 October. This date was institutionalized when Canadian Parliament established a national Thanksgiving Day in 1879.

History of Thanksgiving

 

In the United States, the Plymouth celebration of 1621 is commonly referenced as the inaugural Thanksgiving. Following a challenging year marked by disease and scarcity, the English Pilgrims or Separatists, in their Plymouth Colony, celebrated a successful harvest with a three-day feast.

The Wampanoag Indigenous people, under the leadership of Chief Massasoit, were instrumental in the success of the Pilgrims, teaching them local agricultural techniques and fishing methods.  Both groups joined in this feast, making it a moment of cross-cultural collaboration. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to understand this event in the broader context of European colonization, which led to dispossession, disease and conflict for Indigenous peoples.

While this Plymouth event holds a significant place in American cultural memory, it was not immediately enshrined as a national holiday. Over subsequent centuries, days of thanksgiving were declared intermittently by religious communities, colonies, and states, often in response to specific events or blessings. The nationalization of the holiday can largely be attributed to President Abraham Lincoln. During the tumult of the American Civil War in 1863, he declared the last Thursday of November to be a national day of Thanksgiving. The date was later standardized to the fourth Thursday in November in 1941 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Canada’s Thanksgiving history is distinct yet parallel. It predates the Plymouth celebration, with the earliest recorded event in 1578 when the English explorer Martin Frobisher held a feast in present-day Nunavut, giving thanks for his safe passage across the treacherous North Atlantic.

Over time, like in the United States, various regions and communities in Canada observed days of thanks. The national character of the holiday was solidified in 1879 when the Canadian Parliament declared a national day of Thanksgiving. The date shifted multiple times but was finally set as the second Monday in October in 1957.

Although both the United States and Canada have specific historical events that shaped their Thanksgiving traditions, the concept of harvest festivals and days of gratitude is far older and more widespread.  From ancient Roman, Greek, and Chinese harvest festivals to Jewish Sukkot traditions, cultures around the world have long marked the culmination of the agricultural cycle with rituals of thanks.

Meaning of Thanksgiving traditions

Understanding the traditions of Thanksgiving gives you a deeper appreciation for the holiday’s meaning and its enduring place in North American culture.

Firstly, the centerpiece of Thanksgiving, the turkey, is more than just a culinary choice. For many, it represents abundance and the bounty of the land. When you partake in the turkey feast, you are participating in a ritual that commemorates the original 1621 Plymouth meal,  even though historical records do not definitively state that turkey was consumed at that event. Over time, the bird has become synonymous with the holiday, symbolizing the prosperity and communal spirit of the occasion.

The act of “giving thanks” is fundamental to the holiday. By pausing and reflecting on your blessings, you engage in a practice rooted in both indigenous and European harvest festivals. This act serves as a momentary reprieve from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing you to express gratitude for your life’s bounties, both big and small.

Pumpkin pie, a ubiquitous dessert on the Thanksgiving table, holds its own significance. Pumpkins are native to the Americas, and their incorporation into the feast pays homage to the local ingredients used by the Plymouth colonists and their Wampanoag neighbors. When you savor a slice of pumpkin pie, you are tasting a piece of the New World’s agricultural history.

Parades and football games, particularly in the United States, might seem distinctly modern, but they too have deep roots. When you watch these events, you are partaking in 20th-century traditions that reflect the evolving nature of the holiday. Parades, with their spectacle and grandeur, mirror the communal celebrations of harvests in bygone eras, while football games, especially those on a national scale, bring together disparate communities, echoing the unifying spirit of Thanksgiving.

Furthermore, the tradition of volunteering and charity during Thanksgiving speaks to the broader theme of community and generosity. When you donate your time or resources, you are not only helping those less fortunate but also tapping into the holiday’s core values of shared blessings and communal welfare.

In dissecting these traditions, you come to realize that Thanksgiving is a complex interweaving of past and present. Each tradition, whether old or new, carries with it layers of meaning that offer insights into the cultural and historical evolution of the holiday.

How to celebrate Thanksgiving Day

Celebrating Thanksgiving Day is an opportunity for you to engage in age-old traditions, create new memories, and immerse yourself in a cultural event marked by reflection and gratitude. The way in which you choose to celebrate can be shaped by personal preferences, familial customs and cultural influences.

1. Reflection and Gratitude: Begin the day by taking a moment for introspection. Consider the things you are thankful for, both big and small. You might choose to document these in a journal or share them with loved ones.
2. Prepare a Feast: Central to the celebration is the Thanksgiving meal. Traditional dishes include roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. As you prepare or partake in these dishes, you engage in a ritual that links you to centuries of harvest celebrations.
3. Gather with Loved Ones:  Thanksgiving is fundamentally a communal celebration. If possible, invite family and friends to share in the meal. If distance prevents a physical gathering, you might consider virtual meet-ups to maintain the spirit of togetherness.
4. Observe Cultural or Familial Traditions: Depending on your cultural or family background, you may have unique rituals or dishes that accompany the holiday. Honor these traditions, as they provide continuity and connect you to your roots.
5. Engage in Recreational Activities: In many households, watching the Thanksgiving Day parade or football games has become a cherished pastime. Whether you’re a spectator or participant, these activities offer a break from the day’s formalities and a chance to bond with others.
6. Give Back: Thanksgiving is also a time of generosity. You might choose to volunteer at a local shelter, donate to food banks, or assist in community events. In doing so, you not only support those less fortunate but also embody the spirit of communal sharing and gratitude.
7. Foster Inclusivity: Recognize that Thanksgiving carries different meanings for different people, especially considering the historical implications for Indigenous communities. You can use this day to educate yourself on Native American histories and cultures, thus ensuring a more comprehensive and respectful celebration.
8. Create New Traditions: While history offers a plethora of customs, you have the agency to create new ones. Whether it’s a unique dish, a family game, or a storytelling session, these new traditions can provide a personal touch to your celebrations.
9. Decorate Your Space: Engage in the festive spirit by decorating your living space with autumnal themes. Think of pumpkins, maize, autumn leaves and candles. As you set up these decorations, you cultivate an ambiance that’s both warm and celebratory.
10. Document the Day:  Capture moments through photographs or videos. Not only do these serve as mementos, but they also allow you to reflect on your celebrations in subsequent years.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, LotusBuddhas wants to remind you that the essence of Thanksgiving lies in gratitude, community and reflection. If you fully embrace these values, you will ensure a meaningful and enriching celebration.

Some traditional Thanksgiving Day foods

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated with an array of traditional dishes, each carrying its own historical and cultural significance.  Here’s a brief overview of some traditional foods and a simplified guide for you to prepare them:

1. Roast turkey:
   • Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Clean the turkey and remove the neck and giblets. Season the cavity with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. For the outer skin, brush with melted butter and season generously.
   • Cooking: Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Cook for about 15 minutes per pound or until an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Allow it to rest before carving.
2. Stuffing:
   • Preparation: In a large skillet, sauté diced onions and celery in butter until translucent. In a large bowl, combine this mixture with dry bread cubes, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Add beaten eggs and chicken broth to achieve the desired moistness.
   • Cooking: You can either stuff the turkey with this mixture before roasting or bake it separately in a casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.
3. Mashed potatoes:
   • Preparation: Peel and cube potatoes. Place them in a pot of salted water.
   • Cooking: Bring the pot to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender. Drain and mash the potatoes, adding butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Gravy:
   • Preparation: Using the drippings from the roasted turkey, combine with flour over medium heat to form a roux.
   • Cooking:  Gradually whisk in chicken or turkey broth until you achieve a smooth consistency. Simmer until thickened and season to taste.
5. Cranberry sauce:
   • Preparation: In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries with sugar and a splash of orange juice.
   • Cooking: Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
6. Green bean almondine:
   • Preparation: Trim fresh green beans. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté slivered almonds until golden.
   • Cooking: Add green beans to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Pumpkin pie:
   • Preparation: For the filling, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, salt, beaten eggs, and evaporated milk in a large bowl.
   • Cooking: Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie shell. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
8. Sweet potato casserole:
   • Preparation: Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Boil until tender. Mash the potatoes and mix with butter, milk, sugar, and beaten eggs.
   • Cooking: Transfer to a baking dish. Top with a mixture of brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

LotusBuddhas hopes that through the above suggestions, you can create a traditional Thanksgiving feast that is both delicious and culturally meaningful. However, each family may have its own variations or secret ingredients, so feel free to adapt these guidelines to suit your preferences.

10 Best Thanksgiving quotes

Thanksgiving, a celebration of gratitude and togetherness, has inspired countless reflections from writers, thinkers and historical figures. For those seeking to articulate the spirit of this holiday, consider these ten notable quotes:

1. “Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward. Ward’s words prompt you to see gratitude not as a once-a-year sentiment but as a daily practice.
2. “After a good dinner, one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations.” — Oscar Wilde. Wilde wittily acknowledges the power of a shared meal to bring harmony and understanding.
3. “Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.” — Henry Van Dyke. Van Dyke delineates the progression from internal sentiment to external celebration.
4. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy.  Kennedy’s insight reminds you that true gratitude manifests in actions, not just expressions.
5. “Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men, but be careful that you do not take the day and leave out the gratitude.” — E.P. Powell. Powell’s words caution against superficial celebrations, urging a deeper reflection on thankfulness.
6. “Gratitude isn’t a burdening emotion.” — Loretta Young. Young succinctly captures the lightness and joy that genuine thankfulness can bring.
7. “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” — Dalai Lama. This quote emphasizes the foundational role gratitude plays in fostering kindness and virtue.
8. “What if, today, we were grateful for everything?” — Charlie Brown. Through this simple musing, the iconic cartoon character invites you to adopt an expansive perspective on gratitude.
9. “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” — Charles Dickens. Dickens’s wisdom prompts you to shift your focus from past sorrows to current joys.
10. “Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our Thanksgiving.” — W.T. Purkiser. Purkiser pushes you to understand gratitude as a call to action, urging the constructive utilization of one’s blessings.

Across different territories and timelines, the essence of Thanksgiving remains the same: a communal pause to recognize the gifts and blessings of life. Although traditions, dates and dishes may vary, the core meaning is understood by everyone.  As you celebrate Thanksgiving, it will become clear that it is more than just a party or ritual, but an invitation to cultivate a deep appreciation for the intertwined stories, the struggles and success shapes our collective human experience.