In the daily rush of life, it is easy to forget that every day is filled with reasons to be thankful, to simply meditate on life. So, a Thanksgiving holiday is an opportunity to stop, and to focus on what is important in life.

At Jim Hinckley’s America my dearest friend and I have a lot to be thankful for but topping the list are the opportunities to share America’s story, and to inspire road trips. We are thankful for the adventures shared with friends. We are grateful for the sponsors that share our passion and that make Jim Hinckley’s America possible. And we are grateful for the legion of fans that see us as a portal to grand road trip adventures.

Thanksgiving: In The Beginning

The celebration of Thanksgiving is not uniquely an American holiday. But as with so many things in this amazing country, the American celebration of thanksgiving has a unique history that continues to evolve as each new generation of immigrants adds a cultural twist.

Thanksgiving celebrations in 2024 are a far cry from that celebrated in 1621. Pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce were missing from the menu.

Historic sources suggest that the Wampanoag arrived with an offering of five deer, which were likely roasted on a spit over a smoldering fire. Fish and eel would have been another offering.

It is likely that the table offerings included onions, beans, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, carrots, and perhaps peas as they were a staple of the native people in the area. Corn might also have been served, but not in the way most people enjoy it now. In those days, the corn would have been removed from the cob and turned into cornmeal, which was then boiled and pounded into a thick corn mush or porridge.

Fruits indigenous to the region included blueberries, plums, grapes, gooseberries, raspberries, and cranberries. These would have added a sweet touch to the three-day feast.

Did You Know?

Did you know that turkey wasn’t even the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal until the 19th century? According to tradition, Sarah Josepha Hale, the author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” campaigned for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday. She also worked to established the turkey as its official bird.

Her persistence paid off. Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863, amid the Civil War, to foster national unity.

Fast forward to today. The United States is a nation of immigrants. So, the modern celebration of Thanksgiving is a mix of old and new traditions. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with its giant balloons to the much-loved (or dreaded) practice of watching football.

While the main event is still the dinner, the side dishes and desserts often steal the show. Each family has their own secret recipes passed down through generations. Some are traditional dishes from the homeland. Others are a blending.

The History of Thanksgiving in the United States

President George Washington’s Proclamation

On October 3, 1789, President George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation, designating November 26, 1789, as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. In his proclamation, Washington emphasized the importance of acknowledging the providence of Almighty God, being grateful for His benefits, and humbly imploring His protection and favor. He called upon the people of the United States to unite in rendering thanks for the many signal favors of Almighty God. This included the opportunity to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

President Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation

On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation designating the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving. Lincoln’s proclamation invited the American people to observe the day as a time of Thanksgiving and Praise to Almighty God. It also acknowledged the blessings and mercies received despite the ongoing civil strife. He also recommended that the nation, with humble penitence for its national perverseness and disobedience, commend to God’s care all those who had suffered in the conflict and fervently implore His intervention to heal the nation’s wounds and restore peace and harmony.

Influence of Diverse Holiday Traditions

As waves of immigrants arrived in the United States, they brought with them their own customs and traditions. These gradually became woven into the fabric of American Thanksgiving celebrations. The inclusion of dishes such as lasagna, tamales, and pierogi at Thanksgiving tables across the country have transformed the holiday dinner. It has become a celebration of America’s multicultural heritage. And it is a celebration of what this country unique.

Before the Civil War, enslaved African Americans often had their own ways of observing Thanksgiving. Often there were elements of traditional African harvest festivals woven into celebrations.

While they were generally not allowed to participate in the formal celebrations of the slave owners, they would often be given a day off and small portions of the feast. They used this time to gather with family and friends, share food, and give thanks. In time these gatherings became an important expression of community. And in the years bracketing the Civil War, a theme of resilience became a part of the celebrations.

The role of Native Americans in the history of Thanksgiving is significant but often overlooked. The Wampanoag people, who attended the first Thanksgiving, played a crucial role in helping the Pilgrims survive their first year in the New World.

Native American traditions, such as giving thanks for the harvest and the bounty of the land, are deeply rooted in the holiday. However, it is also important to acknowledge that for many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is also a day of mourning and reflection on the impact of European colonization.

 

Thanksgiving Around the World

Comparing Thanksgiving in America with harvest festivals in other countries reveals both similarities and unique traditions that highlight different cultural values. This also provides insight into the origins of what are perceived to be American traditions.

In Canada, the Thanksgiving holiday has its origins in colonial times. It is rooted in European traditions. But as in the United States, the celebration is a rich tapestry of influence from immigrants and native peoples.

Germany’s Erntedankfest, celebrated in early October, is a religiously rooted harvest festival marked by church services, parades, and music. Unlike the American focus on a family meal, Erntedankfest often centers on community gatherings

While these celebrations differ significantly, the common thread is the act of giving thanks and celebrating the bounty of the harvest. They remind us of how interconnected we are despite our cultural differences.

Thankful For The Opportunites

Thanksgiving, with its rich history and evolving traditions, is a perfect example of the American stories we enjoy sharing. By embracing the diverse tapestry of holiday traditions, we gain a deeper appreciation for the colorful mosaic that is America.

As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, remember the stories that brought us here and the journeys that lie ahead. Whether you’re traveling across the country or simply across town, Jim Hinckley’s America is your guide to uncovering the hidden gems and fascinating histories that make every trip an adventure worth taking.