Top 10 Milestone Moments in the Life of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday in America, celebrated with feasts and family gatherings. It has a rich history marked by various milestones that contribute to its significance today. In this article, we explore the top 10 landmark moments that have shaped the tradition of Thanksgiving.

1. The First Thanksgiving (1621)

The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians celebrated the harvest. This gathering lasted three days and included food, games, and camaraderie, laying the groundwork for future Thanksgiving celebrations.

2. The Proclamation of Thanksgiving (1863)

In the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. He called for the last Thursday in November to be a day of ‘Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens’. This moment marked the official transition of Thanksgiving into a national holiday.

3. Sarah Josepha Hale’s Campaign (1850s)

Before Thanksgiving became a national holiday, Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer and editor, campaigned for its recognition. She wrote letters to five presidents over 17 years, advocating for Thanksgiving, which led to Lincoln’s eventual proclamation.

4. The Turkey Tradition (Mid-19th Century)

The turkey has become synonymous with Thanksgiving, largely due to its prevalence during the holiday feasts in the 19th century. As the tradition evolved, it became a central dish in Thanksgiving meals, symbolizing bounty and harvest.

5. Thanksgiving Day Parades (1920s)

In the early 20th century, Thanksgiving Day parades began to emerge as a new tradition. The first official parade in New York City was held in 1924 by Macy’s, featuring floats, bands, and even Santa Claus. These parades became an integral part of American culture, signaling the start of the Christmas season.

6. The Pardon of the Turkey (1947)

In 1947, President Harry S. Truman became the first president to formally pardon a turkey, sparing it from the Thanksgiving dinner table. This whimsical tradition has continued, with each president following suit, fostering a light-hearted aspect of the holiday.

7. The Introduction of Football (1934)

Football and Thanksgiving have grown together since the first Thanksgiving Day football game was played in 1934. The Detroit Lions hosted the first Thanksgiving game, which has now become a staple of the holiday, drawing millions of viewers each year.

8. The National Day of Mourning (1970)

In 1970, a group of Native Americans held a National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to protest the holiday, which they viewed as a celebration of colonialism and its impact on Indigenous peoples. This event sparked discussions about the true history of Thanksgiving, leading to a greater awareness of Native American perspectives.

9. Thanksgiving and Food Drives (1960s)

During the 1960s, Thanksgiving became synonymous with charitable giving as food drives and community service became popular. Organizations began distributing meals to those in need during the holiday season, transforming Thanksgiving into a time for generosity and reflection.

10. Thanksgiving and the Rise of Online Shopping (2005)

With the dawn of the internet, Thanksgiving shopping began to shift. Black Friday, traditionally the day after Thanksgiving, expanded into Thanksgiving evening itself, with retailers offering special deals online. This change represents the evolving nature of Thanksgiving, as it adapts to modern consumer habits.

Each of these milestones has contributed to the evolution of Thanksgiving, reflecting its complexity and the diverse ways it is celebrated across the United States. From its historical beginnings to modern-day practices, Thanksgiving remains a time for gratitude, family, and tradition.

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday in America, celebrated with feasts and family gatherings.

The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians celebrated the harvest.

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