Thanksgiving (United States)

Thanksgiving (United States)
Jennie Augusta Brownscombe · Public domain · source
Name	Thanksgiving
Type	National
Observedby	United States
Significance	National day of gratitude and harvest celebration
Date	Fourth Thursday in November
Scheduling	nth weekday of the month
Duration	1 day
Frequency	annual
Relatedto	Columbus Day (United States), Veterans Day (United States), Independence Day (United States)

Thanksgiving (United States) Thanksgiving in the United States is an annual national holiday observed on the fourth Thursday of November that commemorates a harvest celebration and expressions of gratitude. It has roots in early colonial ceremonies and has evolved through influences from Native American nations, European settlers, federal proclamations, and cultural institutions. The holiday features communal meals, parades, religious services, and sporting events that involve actors, politicians, and civic organizations.

History

Early origins trace to interactions among Pilgrims (Plymouth Colony), settlers from Plymouth Colony, and Wampanoag leaders such as Massasoit. Colonial celebrations intersect with events like the Pequot War and later tensions exemplified by treaties such as the Treaty of Hartford (1638). Prominent colonial figures including William Bradford (Plymouth Colony) and Edward Winslow recorded harvest observances in New England that paralleled European harvest festivals tied to monarchs like James I of England and explorers such as John Smith. Throughout the 18th century, leaders including George Washington issued proclamations of thanksgiving during crises like the American Revolutionary War; similar observances appear in records associated with John Adams and Thomas Jefferson though Jefferson favored different commemorations.

In the 19th century, activists and authors such as Sarah Josepha Hale campaigned to standardize a national Thanksgiving, appealing to politicians including Abraham Lincoln who, amid the American Civil War, proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863 influenced by Union and Confederate wartime culture. The holiday’s development involved debate across political figures like Ulysses S. Grant, Franklin Pierce, and Andrew Jackson, and intersected with efforts by social reformers such as Dorothy Dix and Frederick Douglass. Late 19th- and early 20th-century institutions including the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and rail networks shaped travel patterns for holiday reunions, while presidents such as Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt adjusted dates with federal proposals and public response.

Native American perspectives—articulated by leaders and writers including Sitting Bull, Chief Joseph, and scholars who later referenced treaties like the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868)—highlight alternative narratives about colonization, displacement, and treaty violations that contrast with colonial celebration accounts. Twentieth-century cultural codification occurred through media firms like Macy's, NBC, and sports bodies such as the National Football League.

Traditions and customs

Customs encompass family gatherings influenced by migration patterns tied to railroads and airlines including Amtrak and United Airlines, religious services in congregations of institutions like The Episcopal Church, Roman Catholic Church, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and civic rituals by municipal governments in cities such as New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia. Public spectacles include parades produced by retailers such as Macy's and media companies like CBS and ABC, featuring bands from universities like Pennsylvania State University and University of Michigan and marching units from groups affiliated with organizations like the Boy Scouts of America.

Sports traditions center on collegiate contests involving teams from conferences such as the Big Ten Conference and the Ivy League, and professional games organized by the National Football League, often broadcast by networks including Fox Sports and ESPN. Volunteerism and charity drives are coordinated by nonprofits like United Way (United States), Feeding America, and faith-based groups including Catholic Charities USA and Salvation Army (United States). Retail patterns such as pre- and post-holiday sales involve corporations like Walmart, Target Corporation, and e-commerce platforms including Amazon (company).

Foods and cuisine

The Thanksgiving menu draws from culinary traditions associated with regions like New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, featuring roasted turkey accompanied by dishes such as mashed potatoes with butter from brands like Land O'Lakes, cranberry sauce derived from native cranberry harvests commercialized by companies like Ocean Spray, and stuffing recipes tracing to English cuisine and early American cookbooks by authors like Fannie Farmer and James Beard. Side dishes include green bean casseroles influenced by corporate food products such as Campbell Soup Company, and desserts like pumpkin pie using varieties from agricultural research institutions including Iowa State University and University of California, Davis.

Regional variations showcase Creole and Cajun preparations in Louisiana referencing chefs like Paul Prudhomme, Southwestern contributions in Texas with influences from Mexican cuisine and restaurateurs such as Rick Bayless, and Indigenous dishes crafted by tribal chefs from nations including the Navajo Nation and Cherokee Nation. Commercial food producers—from supermarket chains like Kroger and Safeway to poultry companies such as Jennie-O Turkey Store—scale production to meet holiday demand.

Observances and public holiday status

Thanksgiving is recognized as a federal holiday by statutes enacted and signed by presidents including Abraham Lincoln and later codified through executive actions by leaders such as Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Federal agencies including the United States Postal Service and departments like the United States Department of Labor observe closures, and stock markets such as the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ follow special schedules. State-level observances vary across legislatures in states including Massachusetts, New York (state), and California, with municipal events in capitals like Boston and Sacramento.

Transportation providers—airlines such as Delta Air Lines and rail systems like Amtrak—manage peak travel surges; law enforcement coordination involves agencies including the Federal Aviation Administration and local police departments in metropolitan areas like Chicago and Los Angeles. Workplace leave and collective bargaining issues relate to unions such as the AFL–CIO and Teamsters (IBT).

Cultural impact and media

Thanksgiving’s portrayal in film, television, and literature includes works by directors and creators associated with productions like Harold Ramis films, television episodes on networks such as NBC and Fox Broadcasting Company, and novels by authors like Louisa May Alcott and Toni Morrison that reference holiday settings. Iconic media events include the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcasts, halftime shows featuring performers from labels like Columbia Records and Universal Music Group, and annual NFL on Fox matchups. Marketing campaigns by retailers such as Macy's, Sears, and J.C. Penney and coverage by outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal shape public perceptions.

Academic analyses appear in journals published by universities such as Harvard University, Columbia University, and University of Chicago Press; museums including the Smithsonian Institution curate exhibitions exploring Thanksgiving themes. Culinary television programs on channels like Food Network and documentaries from producers such as Ken Burns explore historical and cultural dimensions.

Criticism and controversy

Critiques address historical narratives promoted by popular commemorations and are voiced by Indigenous activists associated with organizations like the National Congress of American Indians and scholars connected to institutions such as Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley. Protests and alternative observances, including National Day of Mourning events in places like Plymouth, Massachusetts and actions by groups such as American Indian Movement, contest celebratory portrayals and highlight issues tied to historical treaties like the Treaty of Plymouth (1620) and broader patterns involving legislation such as the Indian Removal Act debated in the context of figures like Andrew Jackson.

Debates over commercialization involve corporations like Black Friday (retail) organizers, labor advocates from unions including Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, and consumer protection discussions involving agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission. Food security concerns are raised by nonprofits like Feeding America and public health authorities including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during outbreak responses, with policy implications for social programs administered by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Category:American holidays