You may have heard about the first Thanksgiving, but the holiday did not become a national one until many years later. Do you know when and how Thanksgiving became a national holiday? It really is an interesting story and because of it each and every year on the fourth Thursday in November we celebrate Thanksgiving Day.
The History
You are probably well aware of the first Thanksgiving and how the Pilgrims and the Indians go together and gave thanks for the bountiful harvest. That was in 1621. However, the first Thanksgiving did not lead to a traditional holiday and certainly not to a national one since the nation didnt exactly exist. It did play a role, however, in what would come. Eventually Thanksgiving began being celebrated more and more as the country grew and people wanted to give thanks. A real American Thanksgiving was first celebrated by the entire country just after the Revolutionary War. But still, it was not a national holiday.
Then, when Abraham Lincoln was in office he declared the last Thursday of November Thanksgiving Day in 1863. That is when it finally became a national holiday. Every president since Lincoln has also declared Thanksgiving a national holiday.
In 1941 Congress set the national holiday of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of every November. This reversed a decision by President Roosevelt to celebrate Thanksgiving on the third Thursday of November to give people more time to shop for Christmas.
Today, we all look forward to Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season. We celebrate friends, family, and prosperity and thank God for His blessings. Many families have different takes and traditions for Thanksgiving, but the overall theme is a family meal and giving thanks for all of lifes blessings.
Now you know how Thanksgiving became a national holiday. Most people think after the Pilgrims first Thanksgiving they continued giving thanks in this fashion each and every year and the tradition spread and eventually became a national holiday. But, it didnt happen that way. It was many years after the first Thanksgiving that Lincoln declared a national holiday and then many years after that when it became permanently celebrated on the fourth Thursday of each November.
Did you know that the Macys Thanksgiving Day parade has been taking place for over 75 years? Its amazing to think so, but it is true. And, because of its history the Macys Thanksgiving Day parade has really become embedded in American culture for Thanksgiving.
Back in the 1920s there were many immigrants who worked at Macys Department Store. They were excited to be in America and wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving. However, they also wanted to incorporate some of the flair and excitement they were accustomed to from festivals and celebrations in Europe. So, the immigrants dressed up like clowns, knights, sheiks, and cowboys and paraded from 145th street to 34th street. There were also animals, bands, and floats that made up the parade. More than 250,000 people came out to see the parade and it was certainly a success!
So, the parade continued and each and every year the crowds grew and so did the parade. Huge balloons became part of the parade and were released for a lucky person to fid and claim a prize. This no longer takes place, but it was a fun part of the parade. Even during the Depression crowds reached close to one million people. However, early 1940 resulted in a cessation of the parade because of the war and the helium and rubber simply couldnt be used for fun when it was needed elsewhere. Plus, most folks werent in a celebratory mood during World War II.
In 1945 the parade returned and took the route that it still follows to the present day. IN addition, it was the first year the parade was actually televised! Now more people across the country could see the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade! By the 1950s the televised parade had really hooked America and become a Thanksgiving Day tradition. Also, celebrities started making appearances in the parade.
The Macys Thanksgiving Day parade really became part of New Yorks Thanksgiving Day and set the tune for the coming Christmas season. With the television more and more Americans across the nation began including Macys Thanksgiving Day parade as part of their Thanksgiving celebrations.
Why Is Turkey Served on Thanksgiving?
When you think of Thanksgiving you can practically smell the turkey baking in the oven. But, you might stop and wonder why we actually serve turkey on Thanksgiving? Many believe the pilgrims had turkey on that first Thanksgiving day although we now know that is more than likely not the case. In fact, it is much more likely that cod, seal, lobster, venison, fowl, and the like were served at the very first feast and not turkey. So, how did the turkey become the main part of our holiday meal?
Maybe the Reason Why We Eat Turkey Is
There are lots of interesting stories behind the turkey being Thanksgivings most important dish. One is that Queen Elizabeth was celebrating a Fall Harvest and celebrated with a baked goose as this was considered a delicacy and a celebration indeed. Upon hearing that the Spanish Armada had sunk as it was on its way to attack England the Queen was so pleased with the news that she ordered an additional roast goose. Englanders were so accustomed to roast goose being associated to celebrations and that was what they would have celebrated with had the New Colony been full of wild geese. But, this was not the case and wild turkeys were much more plentiful. So, as they started a new life they also started a new tradition of serving turkey on days of celebration and giving thanks.
Of course, there could be plenty of other sound reasons why we eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day and some people certainly have their own ideas. However, on thing is for certain. We dont eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day because the pilgrims did because it is almost certain that they did not. So, while we like to imagine the pilgrims and Indians sitting down for a big turkey meal followed by pumpkin pie it just didnt happen that way. When it comes down to the real reason you will just need to make up your mind what you believe!
Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October. But, why do they do that? Why doesnt Canada celebrate Thanksgiving the same day as the United States? Basically, Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks and is not based on a historical date like Christmas. So, the entire world does not celebrate Thanksgiving and even those that do frequently celebrate on different dates than the United States. Canada is a perfect example.
Canadas Thanksgiving is based on a bountiful harvest and not on the Pilgrims and the New World like the Unites States holiday. The reason it occurs earlier than the US Thanksgiving is that Canada is north of the United States and because of this the harvest season occurs earlier during the year. So, it only makes sense for Canada to celebrate its fall harvest during their fall and harvest time!
The First Canadian Thanksgiving
Amazingly, the first Canadian Thanksgiving goes back even further than the United States. Back in 1578 an English explorer named Martin Frobisher was trying to find a northern route to the Orient. He was not successful in his quest, but he did end up establishing a settlement somewhere along what is Newfoundland today. Despite not making it to the Orient Frobisher was thankful the journey had been safe and decided to have a day of thanks. This resulted in the first Canadian Thanksgiving.
During this same time frame many French settlers were making their way to the area and also began having days of thanks during the harvest time. They, like the American Pilgrims, invited local Indians to take part in their feast.
This is how the Canadian Thanksgiving started and why they dont celebrate on the same day as the United States. This is a nice little piece of information to take with you so you know why our northern neighbors celebrate on a different date and also the reason why they celebrate!
I dreamed I went to Heaven, you were there with me.
We walked upon the streets of gold beside the Crystal Sea.
We heard the angels singing, then someone called your name.
You turned and saw this young man, and he was smiling as he came.
He said, "Friend you may not know me now," and then he said, "But wait -
You used to teach my Sunday School, when I was only eight.
And every week you would say a prayer before the class would start.
And one day when you said that prayer,
I asked Jesus in my heart."
Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.
Then another man stood before you, he said "Remember the time,
A missionary came to your church, His pictures made you cry.
You didn't have much money but you gave it anyway.
Jesus took that gift you gave
And that's why I'm in Heaven today"
Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.
One by one they came, far as your eyes could see.
Each life somehow touched by your generosity.
Little things that you had done, sacrifices that you made,
They were unnoticed on this earth
In Heaven now proclaimed.
Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.
And I know up in Heaven you're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure there were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord
He said "My child, look around you,
Great is your reward."
Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.
I am so glad you gave.
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