When Thanksgiving became a national holiday, it marked a significant moment in American history. Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year, this holiday has its roots in the early 17th century when the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast to give thanks for a successful harvest. However, it wasn’t until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, uniting the nation during the Civil War.
The idea of a national Thanksgiving holiday had been discussed for years before Lincoln’s declaration. In 1777, the Continental Congress recommended the celebration of a day of thanksgiving, but it was not a nationwide observance. Over the years, various states began to celebrate their own Thanksgiving days, often on different dates. It was not until the early 19th century that the idea of a single, national Thanksgiving holiday gained momentum.
Sarah Josepha Hale, a popular writer and editor, played a crucial role in promoting the idea of a national Thanksgiving holiday. In her newspaper column, she advocated for a unified day of thanksgiving, writing, “Let us keep thanksgiving day, strew the table with the good things God provides, and render thanks for His goodness.” Her efforts were influential, and by the 1850s, many states had adopted Thanksgiving as a holiday.
However, it was President Lincoln who made Thanksgiving a national holiday. On October 3, 1863, he issued a proclamation declaring Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This decision was motivated by the need to unite the nation during the Civil War. Lincoln believed that a day of thanksgiving would help to foster a sense of national unity and gratitude for the country’s blessings.
Since then, Thanksgiving has remained a cherished holiday in the United States. It is a time for families to gather, share a feast, and express gratitude for the blessings they have received. The holiday has also become a symbol of American culture, with traditions such as watching the Thanksgiving Day parade, watching football games, and preparing a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
In conclusion, when Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863, it represented a significant moment in American history. It was a time when the nation came together to celebrate its blessings and to heal the wounds of war. Today, Thanksgiving continues to be a cherished holiday that brings families and friends together to express gratitude and to celebrate the rich traditions of American culture.
