Every year, on the fourth Thursday of November, millions of people in the United States — and many more around the world — come together to observe Thanksgiving Day. In 2025, Thanksgiving will fall on Thursday, November 27.
It’s a time of feasting, gratitude, family, and tradition. Although Thanksgiving has deep historical roots, over time it has evolved into a broadly cultural celebration — one that emphasizes thankfulness, community, and compassion. In this blog post, we’ll journey through the origins of Thanksgiving, explore its transformation over centuries, examine its significance today, and walk you through its cherished traditions.
Whether you know Thanksgiving as turkey dinners and family reunions or associate it more broadly with gratitude and reflection, the story behind this holiday is rich, complex, and — like many traditions — layered.
The Origins: Where Thanksgiving Comes From
The “First” Thanksgiving — Plymouth, 1621
- The event popularly known as the first Thanksgiving took place in 1621, when the English colonists (commonly called the Pilgrims) at Plymouth — in present-day Massachusetts — celebrated their first successful harvest. This came after surviving a brutal winter, helped in no small part by the local Indigenous people, the Wampanoag people.
- According to the accounts, the feast lasted for three days. The Wampanoag reportedly brought deer (venison), and the settlers provided fowl and other food. While the menu wasn’t the turkey-and-pumpkin-pie spread we often imagine today (they lacked ovens and sugar supplies), the meal symbolized cooperation, shared survival, and gratitude.
- This 1621 gathering wasn’t originally called “Thanksgiving” by the participants, and in fact may not have had a formal religious connotation as understood later. It was more a harvest-festival style gathering, born of necessity and survival.
Earlier and Parallel Traditions — Not Just 1621
- While the Plymouth feast is the most famous, history suggests that days of thanksgiving — for safe journeys, deliverance from drought, or successful harvests — were observed by earlier European settlers. For instance, as early as 1619 in what became Virginia, there were documented thanksgiving services.
- Some Thanksgiving-like observances even predate the Pilgrims: various European settlers, including the Spanish and French, reportedly held ceremonies of thanks in the 16th and early 17th centuries.
- For example: a group of British settlers arriving at Berkeley Hundred (on Virginia’s James River) in 1619 issued a proclamation that designated their landing day as “a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God.”
This broader context shows that the spirit of Thanksgiving — giving thanks for survival, harvest, and blessings — had multiple roots long before Plymouth.
From Regional Feast to National Holiday
Gradual Spread and Early Observances
- After 1621, many New England colonies and settlements maintained occasional days of thanksgiving — often tied to events like good harvests, military victories, or relief from droughts.
- During the early years of the United States, different states and communities adopted different dates and reasons for thanksgiving celebrations; there was no uniform national observance.
- The first formal national thanksgiving proclamation was made in 1789 by George Washington, setting aside November 26 as a national day of public thanksgiving and prayer.
The Push for a National Holiday
- Over time, many felt that a unified, annual Thanksgiving holiday would help strengthen national unity and foster shared cultural identity. One prominent figure in this movement was Sarah Josepha Hale, a lady’s-magazine editor. For about 36 years she campaigned via editorials, letters, and public advocacy to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.
- Finally, during the American Civil War — a time of great national strife — Abraham Lincoln responded in 1863 by proclaiming a national day of “thanksgiving and praise.” This was meant not only to celebrate blessings but also to foster unity and healing amid division.
- After that, successive presidents declared Thanksgiving annually. The date remained flexible for a while, but after much debate and inconsistency across states, a fixed date was legally adopted in 1941: the fourth Thursday of November. Since then, Thanksgiving has been observed on that day each year.
Thus, although the origins go back centuries, the “modern” version of Thanksgiving — observed nationwide on a consistent date — is a product of historical compromise, legislation, and social evolution.
Significance of Thanksgiving Day — Beyond the Feast
Though rooted in a specific historical event, Thanksgiving has grown to carry broader meanings, values, and social functions.
Gratitude and Reflection
- At its core, Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect on the blessings and fortunes of the past year — be it family, health, opportunities, or simply survival. As described by many modern accounts, it’s a chance to acknowledge the “small” joys and privileges that often go unnoticed.
- It’s a reminder to be thankful — not only for abundance, but for relationships, solidarity, collective memory, and community.
Unity, Family, and Social Bonds
- Thanksgiving has become a symbol of togetherness: families and friends traveling long distances to gather, share meals, and reconnect. The long table, warm food, and shared memories help reinforce bonds.
- Importantly, over time Thanksgiving transcended its religious origins: immigrants of various backgrounds — regardless of creed — have adopted it, making it more secular and inclusive. This evolution helped turn it into a unifying social tradition rather than a strictly religious observance.
Generosity, Charity, and Community Spirit
- For many, Thanksgiving is also a time to give back: volunteering at food-drives, helping the needy, donating, or simply sharing with those less fortunate. The holiday encourages empathy, generosity, and community care.
- In that sense, Thanksgiving’s spirit extends beyond one day — it’s about cultivating gratitude, compassion, and social responsibility year-round.
Cultural Rituals and Identity
- The traditions associated with Thanksgiving — from the turkey dinner to parades and community events — have become a key part of American cultural identity. In many households, the Thanksgiving meal and rituals define how the holiday is experienced and remembered.
- These rituals provide a sense of continuity across generations, a link to history, and a shared cultural memory — even for Americans whose ancestors had nothing to do with the Pilgrims or the Wampanoag.
What Happens on Thanksgiving: Traditions & Rituals
Over centuries, Thanksgiving has acquired a rich set of customs and rituals. Here’s a breakdown of what people commonly do and why.
The Thanksgiving Feast
- Turkey: The iconic centerpiece — roast turkey has become almost synonymous with Thanksgiving dinners. While the 1621 meal probably featured various fowl, geese, waterfowl, or deer, turkey rose to prominence later because it was plentiful and could feed large groups.
- Side Dishes & Desserts: Mashed potatoes, stuffing (or dressing), cranberry sauce, green beans or casseroles, sweet potatoes, and seasonal vegetables are staples. For dessert, pumpkin pie — along with apple or pecan pies — has become traditional.
- Family Dinner & Gathering: What matters most is the gathering — family, friends, and loved ones coming together, sometimes traveling long distances, to share a meal and quality time. This communal meal is more than food; it’s about reconnection, memory-making, and gratitude.
Parades, Football & Public Festivities
- Over time, public celebrations grew. One of the most famous traditions is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, first held in 1924 in New York City. Its huge balloons, floats, and festive atmosphere have made it a global icon of Thanksgiving.
- Another beloved tradition — especially in American high schools, colleges, and professional sports leagues — is football. Many schools hold annual games on Thanksgiving, and watching or attending a game has become part of the holiday for many families.
Giving Thanks, Reflection, and Charity
- It’s common for people to take a moment before or during their meal to express what they’re thankful for — whether silently or aloud. This act of gratitude ties directly back to Thanksgiving’s origins.
- For many, giving back is central: volunteering at soup kitchens, donating food to shelters, or helping communities in need. Thanksgiving thus becomes a holiday not only of indulgence, but of empathy and solidarity.
Some Lighter Traditions: Wishbones, Pardons, and More
- A well-known — if quirky — tradition is the wishbone: after the turkey is carved and the wishbone (the forked bone in birds) has dried, two people tug on each end. Legend says whoever ends up with the larger piece gets their wish granted. While this custom likely developed much later than the original feasts, it remains a fun — often quirky — ritual in many households.
- Another modern custom in the United States is the “turkey pardon,” where — in a lighthearted ceremony — the president formally spares a live turkey from the dinner table, granting it a stay of execution. Though symbolic and somewhat whimsical, this reflects how Thanksgiving has blended tradition, ritual, and humor.
Controversies & Critical Perspectives: The Other Side of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving often evokes images of harmony, gratitude, and family — but the story behind it is more complicated.
The Myth vs. The Reality: What Really Happened
- The idealized narrative of the 1621 feast — Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a peaceful, harmonious meal — has long been challenged by historians and Native communities. While there was a harvest celebration, the aftermath brought decades of dispossession, conflict, and tragedy for many indigenous peoples.
- Over time, European colonizers expanded, resulting in displacement, loss of land, cultural erasure, and violence against indigenous populations. For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is not a cause for celebration, but a reminder of suffering, loss, and historical injustice.
The Question of Commemoration: History vs. Mythmaking
- Some historians argue that the “First Thanksgiving” story — as popularly told in schools, media, and culture — doesn’t reflect the full historical truth; it often omits the darker consequences of colonization, such as displacement and conflict.
- Celebrating Thanksgiving without acknowledging these histories can perpetuate myths and oversimplified narratives. For many, a more nuanced approach — one that recognizes both gratitude and the troubled history — is essential.
Modern Reinterpretations and Changing Attitudes
- In recent decades, some Native American communities and activists have reclaimed Thanksgiving as a day of mourning, resistance, or remembrance — rather than celebration. Through protests, education, and alternative commemorations, they challenge the dominant narrative and urge a more honest historical reckoning.
- This growing awareness has led many Americans — especially newer generations — to observe the holiday with greater sensitivity: acknowledging indigenous histories, including voices often marginalized, and using Thanksgiving as a moment for learning and reflection rather than just celebration.
Why Thanksgiving Matters Today — Beyond North America
You might wonder: in an era of globalization, migration, and multicultural societies, what relevance does a 17th-century Anglo-American harvest feast hold? The answer: quite a lot.
A Universal Message of Gratitude
- At its heart, Thanksgiving speaks to a universal human impulse: to pause, reflect, and be thankful. Whether or not you live in the United States — whether you celebrate or not — the idea of gratitude transcends borders, religions, and cultures.
- In a world that often moves too fast, a designated day to be thankful — for small blessings, for connection, for survival — can be a powerful anchor.
Family, Community, and Shared Humanity
- For diaspora communities and immigrants — people living far from their ancestral homes — Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to recreate a sense of belonging, community, and shared tradition. The act of coming together, breaking bread, sharing stories, and expressing gratitude resonates across cultures.
- The communal spirit — including charity, sharing, and kindness — reflects values that many societies share. In this sense, Thanksgiving’s core message isn’t limited to any one country or culture.
A Chance to Learn, Reflect, and Evolve
- The history and controversy surrounding Thanksgiving offer a window into broader issues: colonization, indigenous rights, historical narratives, cultural memory, and reconciliation. By understanding Thanksgiving’s full context — both celebratory and tragic — we engage in deeper conversations about history and justice.
- Celebrating Thanksgiving today can be more inclusive and aware: acknowledging both gratitude and the suffering behind the stories. For many, that means evolving the holiday into something more honest and compassionate.
How People Around the World Relate to Thanksgiving?
Though Thanksgiving is rooted in North American history, its spirit and some practices have spread globally in various forms — especially where there is cultural exchange, diaspora communities, or connections to the United States.
- In some countries, people observe versions of Thanksgiving — harvest celebrations or “days of thanks”— adapted to their local context. While not the same as the U.S. holiday, the core ideas of gratitude and gathering resonate.
- Even outside North America, many people observe Thanksgiving in informal or symbolic ways — as a day to express gratitude, spend time with loved ones, or reflect on blessings. With globalization and cultural exchange, the values of thankfulness, generosity, and unity resonate widely.
- For some, Thanksgiving offers a template: a day to step back from everyday life, appreciate what one has, reconnect with loved ones, and — importantly — extend kindness to others.
Reflections & Lessons from Thanksgiving
Looking at Thanksgiving from both historical and contemporary lenses, several lessons emerge — lessons that can be meaningful no matter where you live or whether you observe the holiday:
- Gratitude is universal: The act of thanking — for health, family, opportunity, or even a simple meal — is deeply human. Thanksgiving reminds us to appreciate even the small blessings.
- Community and togetherness matter: Shared meals, conversations, laughter — these build bonds, strengthen relationships, and remind us of our interdependence.
- History is complex: Celebrations often carry legacies — both honorable and painful. Acknowledging the full history helps us understand, empathize, and grow.
- Generosity and compassion define true celebration: Beyond food or festivity, giving — be it time, resources, or kindness — adds deeper meaning to Thanksgiving.
- Tradition can evolve: Thanksgiving has changed over centuries; today, its spirit can be adapted — inclusive, thoughtful, and globally resonant.
Thanksgiving Day 2025 — Why This Year Matters
As 2025 rolls around, here’s what to keep in mind about Thanksgiving this year:
- As noted, Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27, 2025 across the United States.
- For many people, this marks a renewed opportunity to pause, reflect, and gather — especially after a world that in recent years has faced uncertainty, upheaval, and social change. Thanksgiving Day 2025 can be a moment to reaffirm values of gratitude, connection, and compassion.
- Given the evolving nature of global culture and increasing multicultural exchange, Thanksgiving — even if not “traditional” where you live — can serve as inspiration: a time to appreciate what you have, reach out to loved ones, and consider acts of kindness toward community and those in need.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving Day — whether you see it as a festive meal, a heartfelt act of gratitude, a cultural tradition, or a complicated piece of history — offers a powerful lens into human values: survival, community, gratitude, and reflection.
What began as a modest 1621 harvest feast between colonists and indigenous people has, over centuries, become an iconic holiday symbolizing thankfulness, family, and shared heritage. Yet, acknowledging the complexities and historical consequences behind the myth is as important as celebrating the warmth and joy associated with the holiday today.
In a world often filled with chaos, uncertainty, and division, Thanksgiving Day — at its best — asks us to pause, reflect, appreciate, and connect. Whether you mark it with a turkey dinner, a moment of silent gratitude, a charitable deed, or simply a thought of thanks, the essence remains the same: acknowledging our blessings, honoring our shared humanity, and extending kindness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Thanksgiving in 2025?
Thanksgiving in the United States will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The holiday always falls on the fourth Thursday of November, as established by U.S. law.
What is the historical origin of Thanksgiving?
The holiday traces its roots to the 1621 harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. Although earlier thanksgiving observances existed among European settlers, the 1621 celebration later became symbolic of cooperation and gratitude. Over time, Thanksgiving evolved into a national holiday declared by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.
Why is Thanksgiving considered important today?
Thanksgiving represents a time to express gratitude, strengthen family bonds, and give back to the community. It has become a cultural tradition centered on thankfulness, food, and togetherness. Today, it is observed by people of many backgrounds, making it a widely inclusive and meaningful celebration.
What are the most common Thanksgiving traditions?
Popular traditions include:
- Preparing a turkey-centered feast
- Sharing dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie
- Watching or attending football games
- Viewing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Participating in charitable acts like volunteering or donating food
- Breaking the wishbone for good luck
- The U.S. President’s ceremonial “Turkey Pardon”
Related Blog: Happy Thanksgiving Wishes Quotes
What do you think?
It is nice to know your opinion. Leave a comment.