Thanksgiving, a holiday synonymous with turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and family gatherings, is deeply ingrained in American culture. But beyond the familiar traditions, lie some truly fascinating, and often surprising, historical details. This article explores three intriguing facts about Thanksgiving that might just change the way you think about this beloved holiday. Get ready to dive into the lesser-known aspects of Thanksgiving, revealing stories that are both educational and entertaining.
Fact 1: Thanksgiving Wasn’t Always a National Holiday
Many assume that Thanksgiving has always been a nationally recognized holiday, a permanent fixture on the American calendar. The reality, however, is far more nuanced. Its journey to becoming the official holiday we celebrate today was a long and winding one, marked by political maneuvering, social movements, and the persistent efforts of one determined woman.
From Local Celebrations to Presidential Proclamations
The idea of a day of thanks was present in early colonial life. Following successful harvests, communities would often hold days of prayer and thanksgiving. These celebrations were localized and sporadic, occurring in different regions at different times. There was no unified, nationwide “Thanksgiving” celebration.
Presidents occasionally issued proclamations for days of thanksgiving throughout the 19th century. George Washington, for instance, proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving in 1789. However, these proclamations were infrequent and often tied to specific events. They didn’t establish an annual Thanksgiving holiday.
Sarah Josepha Hale: The Mother of Thanksgiving
The woman most responsible for Thanksgiving’s national recognition was Sarah Josepha Hale. Hale was a prominent writer, editor, and advocate for women’s education during the 19th century. She is best known for writing the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” but her tireless campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday is arguably her more significant legacy.
For over 30 years, Hale relentlessly wrote letters to presidents, governors, and other influential figures, arguing for the creation of a national Thanksgiving holiday. She believed that a unified Thanksgiving would foster a sense of national unity and patriotism, especially during a time of increasing sectional tensions leading up to the Civil War.
Lincoln’s Proclamation and the Official Holiday
Hale’s persistence finally paid off in 1863. In the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, recognizing the need for national unity, issued a proclamation declaring the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving. Heeding Hale’s call, Lincoln saw the holiday as an opportunity to bind the nation together during a time of immense division.
Lincoln’s proclamation marked a turning point. While Thanksgiving had been celebrated in various forms before, this was the first time it was officially recognized as a national holiday by the federal government.
FDR and the Shifting Date
Even after Lincoln’s proclamation, the story of Thanksgiving’s official status wasn’t quite complete. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the second to last Thursday of November. This decision, driven by economic concerns during the Great Depression, aimed to extend the Christmas shopping season. Retailers hoped that an earlier Thanksgiving would encourage consumers to start their holiday shopping sooner.
This change proved controversial. Some states refused to recognize the earlier date, leading to a period known as “Franksgiving,” where different states celebrated Thanksgiving on different days.
In 1941, Congress passed a law officially establishing Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday of November, finally resolving the date debate and solidifying its place as a permanent national holiday.
Fact 2: The First Thanksgiving May Not Have Been What You Think
The popular image of the “First Thanksgiving” often depicts Pilgrims and Native Americans sitting down together for a peaceful feast of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. While this image captures a spirit of cooperation and gratitude, it’s important to understand that the historical reality was far more complex and nuanced. The details surrounding the 1621 harvest celebration at Plymouth are subject to ongoing historical debate and reinterpretation.
Beyond Turkey and Pumpkin Pie
The traditional Thanksgiving menu, featuring turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, is a relatively modern invention. While turkey may have been present at the 1621 celebration, it wasn’t necessarily the centerpiece of the meal. Historical accounts suggest that the feast likely included deer (provided by the Wampanoag), wildfowl (such as ducks and geese), fish, shellfish, corn, beans, squash, and other locally available foods.
There’s no evidence that pumpkin pie, or any kind of pie for that matter, was served at the first Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims likely didn’t have access to the necessary ingredients, such as butter, flour, and ovens, to bake pies.
A Three-Day Harvest Celebration
The 1621 harvest celebration wasn’t a formal, sit-down dinner. It was a three-day event that involved feasting, games, and demonstrations of skill. The Wampanoag men brought deer as a contribution to the feast. The event wasn’t necessarily about formal diplomacy or treaty-making, but rather a practical expression of alliance and cooperation.
The Wampanoag Perspective
It’s crucial to consider the Thanksgiving story from the perspective of the Wampanoag people. The arrival of the Pilgrims had a profound and ultimately devastating impact on their culture and way of life.
While the 1621 celebration represented a brief period of cooperation, it was followed by decades of conflict, disease, and displacement. The Wampanoag experienced a drastic decline in population due to European diseases and warfare. Their land was gradually taken by the colonists, and their traditional way of life was disrupted.
Many Native Americans view Thanksgiving not as a celebration, but as a reminder of the injustices and hardships their ancestors faced. For them, it’s a day of mourning and remembrance.
Re-examining the Narrative
It’s important to re-examine the traditional Thanksgiving narrative and acknowledge the complexities of the historical events. While celebrating the spirit of gratitude and togetherness, it’s equally important to understand the full story, including the perspectives of the Wampanoag and the long-term consequences of colonization. It’s a time to reflect on the past and strive for a more just and equitable future.
Fact 3: Thanksgiving Day Football Is Older Than You Think
Thanksgiving and football have become inextricably linked in American culture. The tradition of watching or attending football games on Thanksgiving Day is a deeply ingrained part of the holiday experience for many families. But the history of Thanksgiving Day football stretches back much further than most people realize.
Early College Football Rivalries
The tradition of playing football on Thanksgiving Day dates back to the late 19th century, long before the National Football League (NFL) was even established. Early college football teams began playing games on Thanksgiving as a way to showcase their talents and attract fans.
One of the oldest and most storied Thanksgiving Day football rivalries was between Princeton and Yale. These two Ivy League powerhouses first met on Thanksgiving Day in 1876, and the game quickly became a major social and sporting event. The Thanksgiving Day game between Princeton and Yale drew huge crowds and helped to popularize college football across the country.
The Rise of Professional Football and Thanksgiving
As professional football began to emerge in the early 20th century, Thanksgiving Day games became an important part of the sport’s growth. The NFL recognized the potential of Thanksgiving Day to attract a large audience and build its fan base.
The Detroit Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year since 1934, creating a strong tradition of Thanksgiving Day football in the Motor City. The Dallas Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving Day lineup in 1966, further solidifying the NFL’s presence on the holiday.
The Thanksgiving Day games quickly became a ratings bonanza for the NFL. Families gathered around their television sets to watch the games, making it a shared experience and a key part of the holiday tradition.
Why Detroit and Dallas?
The Lions’ Thanksgiving Day tradition began in 1934 when the team’s owner, G.A. Richards, wanted to boost attendance. He secured an agreement with NBC to broadcast the game nationally, and the Lions’ Thanksgiving Day game quickly became a success.
The Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day tradition began in 1966, when the team’s general manager, Tex Schramm, saw an opportunity to increase the team’s exposure. He believed that playing on Thanksgiving would help the Cowboys become “America’s Team.” The Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day games have consistently drawn large crowds and high television ratings.
Thanksgiving Football Today
Today, the NFL typically features three games on Thanksgiving Day, with the Lions and Cowboys hosting one game each. The third game features other teams from around the league. Thanksgiving Day football remains a hugely popular event, drawing millions of viewers and generating significant revenue for the NFL. The tradition provides a perfect combination of sport, family, and holiday spirit, uniting communities and families across the nation.
These three interesting facts about Thanksgiving reveal a holiday with a rich and complex history. From the long road to becoming a national holiday to the complexities of the first Thanksgiving and the surprising history of Thanksgiving Day football, there’s much more to this holiday than meets the eye. Understanding these details can enrich our appreciation of Thanksgiving and prompt us to reflect on its significance in American culture.
Was pumpkin pie always a Thanksgiving staple?
The answer might surprise you! While pumpkin is now synonymous with Thanksgiving desserts, pumpkin pie wasn’t a common feature at the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621. The early colonists lacked the necessary ingredients like butter, flour, and ovens to create a traditional pie. Instead, pumpkins were likely served stewed or roasted, perhaps even stuffed with savory fillings.
Pumpkin’s rise to Thanksgiving dessert stardom happened gradually. Recipes evolved over time, incorporating readily available ingredients and cooking methods. By the 19th century, pumpkin pie began to appear more frequently in cookbooks and on Thanksgiving tables, cementing its place as a holiday tradition.
Did the Pilgrims exclusively eat turkey at the first Thanksgiving?
Not at all! While turkey is the centerpiece of many modern Thanksgiving meals, it wasn’t the only meat on the menu in 1621. Historical accounts suggest that the first Thanksgiving feast included a variety of wild game, such as deer (venison), ducks, geese, and other fowl readily available in the Plymouth colony.
Turkey was indeed present, but it likely wasn’t the dominant dish. The Wampanoag tribe also contributed to the feast, bringing their own traditional foods, including seafood like lobster, clams, and mussels. So, the first Thanksgiving was a diverse culinary affair, far beyond just turkey.
Was the first Thanksgiving celebrated on the same day we celebrate it now?
No, the date has shifted over time. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated sometime between September 21st and November 11th, 1621, not on the fixed date we know today. It was a harvest festival, not an established annual holiday with a set calendar date.
The official Thanksgiving holiday wasn’t established until much later. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. This date remained consistent until 1939 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it to the second to last Thursday of November to stimulate the economy during the Great Depression. Congress eventually passed a law in 1941 establishing Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November.
Did the Pilgrims wear the stereotypical outfits we see in Thanksgiving depictions?
The image of Pilgrims in tall black hats, buckled shoes, and somber black clothing is largely a myth perpetuated by historical inaccuracies and popular culture. In reality, the Pilgrims’ attire was much more colorful and practical for their daily lives in the New World.
They wore a variety of earth-toned colors, including browns, greens, and grays, made from wool and linen. Buckled shoes were not common, and the tall black hats were likely reserved for special occasions, not everyday wear. The popular image is a romanticized, inaccurate portrayal of their actual clothing.
Was the “first Thanksgiving” the only early celebration of its kind in America?
Interestingly, no. There were other celebrations of thanksgiving and harvest festivals throughout the Americas prior to the 1621 feast in Plymouth. Spanish settlers held thanksgiving services in Florida as early as the 16th century, decades before the Pilgrims arrived.
These earlier events often involved religious ceremonies and expressions of gratitude for successful harvests. While the Plymouth Thanksgiving holds historical significance in the United States, it’s important to remember that it wasn’t the first instance of Europeans celebrating a harvest in the Americas.
How long did the original Thanksgiving celebration last?
It wasn’t the single-day event we know today. Historical accounts suggest that the first Thanksgiving was a three-day celebration. This extended period allowed the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag to share their bounty and build relationships.
These three days were likely filled with feasting, games, and demonstrations of skill. The event provided an opportunity for the two cultures to interact and solidify their initial alliance, which was crucial for the survival of the Plymouth colony.
Did the Wampanoag tribe receive an invitation to the first Thanksgiving?
The notion of a formal invitation is misleading. While there wasn’t a written invitation, the Wampanoag’s presence was a significant part of the event. They arrived after hearing gunshots fired by the Pilgrims, initially fearing an attack.
Upon discovering it was a celebration, the Wampanoag contributed significantly to the feast, bringing their own food and participating in the festivities. Their participation was crucial to the success of the first Thanksgiving, highlighting the importance of their relationship with the Pilgrims.