Thanksgiving is a beloved American holiday celebrated with great enthusiasm and tradition. Its origins can be traced back to the early 17th century, when English Pilgrims and Native Americans came together for a feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621.
This gathering, which is often referred to as the "First Thanksgiving," marked a moment of cooperation and mutual respect between the two groups.
The Pilgrims, who had fled religious persecution in England, and the Wampanoag people, led by Chief Massasoit, shared a meal to celebrate the Pilgrims' successful harvest.
The feast was a mix of foods such as wildfowl, corn, beans, squash, and venison, much different from the modern spread that is now associated with Thanksgiving.
While the "First Thanksgiving" is an important moment in American history, the holiday itself wasn’t formally recognized until much later. After several years of sporadic local celebrations, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.
Lincoln’s proclamation came during the Civil War, and it was intended as a day to express gratitude for the Union's victories and the nation's blessings despite the conflict.
He set the date for the final Thursday in November, a time when families could reflect on the year’s harvest and be together during a period of national division.
The foods we associate with Thanksgiving today, like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, reflect both the foods available in the early days of the holiday and evolving American culinary tastes.
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