Why Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving?

Throughout history, the celebration of a bountiful harvest has been an annual occurrence in many civilizations. Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, Chinese, and Hebrews, just to name a few have all had harvest celebrations.

The first Thanksgiving celebration in North America was held in 1621. Native Americans were pleased that the Pilgrims had followed the traditional ways of planting crops and hunting wild game, so they were happy to share the harvest celebration with the Pilgrims. Honoring Native American culture was the first step toward the Pilgrims' survival during those first years. Being thankful for their blessings, the colonists gathered with the Native Americans and gave thanks.

The harvest celebrations in North America during the early years were not referred to as Thanksgiving. As a matter of fact, the term Thanksgiving was a religious holiday observed in organized churches. The term Thanksgiving Day was used later as an official annual event in New York State. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving and since then every president has honored this day of thanks annually.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt made a proclamation declaring the third Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day each year. However, Congress later resolved that Thanksgiving should be held officially on the fourth Thursday of each November. This is the tradition that has remained to this day.

The early harvest celebrations did not include foods that we recognize as staples at a Thanksgiving feast today. It is entirely possible that wild game was served, including migrating duck, geese, and wild turkey. However, turkey did not hold the sacred place it holds today. It is also believed that seafood was a major component of the harvest celebration due to the colonist's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Seasonal vegetables and root crops would fill out the feast. Dishes such as roasted squash, potatoes, and even onions would be plentiful as would late season corn. The side dishes we're familiar with such as cranberry relish or sauce and green been casserole would not be featured at all. Pies and cakes were not commonplace since sugar was a scarcity, if at all available. Winter berries, nuts and fruit would most likely be considered desserts. Dishes would be made without the spices, salt, and sugar we're used to simply because they were a luxury in the New World for many years.

The Thanksgiving meal we recognize today didn't happen overnight. It evolved over several hundred years. When shipping food became easier, our food supplies became more varied and plentiful. Readily available canned and frozen foods made side dishes like Green Bean Casserole a new standard. Modern conveniences like food processors, microwaves, and blenders have all changed the harvest table over time. Something as simple as the modern oven, refrigerator, and freezer helped to develop our "new traditional" favorite dishes through the years. But, even our traditional favorites can take a hit. During the sugar rationing of World War II, our much loved pumpkin pie was off the table for a time. Seems our table will continue to evolve.

We gather to reflect on all the reasons we have to be thankful this year - our family and friends, the bountiful supply of food, and the conveniences we enjoy that help us get that feast on the table. The first harvest celebrations were a way for the colonists and the Native Americans to express their gratitude both for the bounty and for the survival of another year. Today, we give thanks for our own plentiful harvest, our loved ones, and the good years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!

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