Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a time for families to gather, feast, and express gratitude for the blessings of the year. But what is the history of Thanksgiving, and how did it become one of the most important holidays in the American calendar?

The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621. The Pilgrims were a group of English colonists who had come to America in search of religious freedom. They had a difficult first year in the New World, and many of them died from disease and starvation. However, with the help of friendly Native Americans, the Pilgrims were able to establish a successful harvest, and they decided to celebrate with a feast.

The first Thanksgiving feast included foods such as wild turkey, venison, fish, corn, and pumpkins. The celebration lasted three days, and it was attended by approximately 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims. The feast was a time for both groups to express their gratitude for a successful harvest and to forge new bonds of friendship.

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The tradition of Thanksgiving continued in various forms throughout American history, but it was not until the mid-19th century that it began to take on the form of a national holiday. The person most responsible for the establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday was Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer and editor who campaigned tirelessly for its recognition.

Hale believed that Thanksgiving had the power to promote unity and gratitude among Americans. She wrote editorials and letters to political leaders, including several U.S. presidents, calling for the establishment of a national day of thanksgiving.

Finally, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for a national day of thanksgiving to be observed on the last Thursday of November. Lincoln's proclamation was a response to a request from Hale, who had been advocating for a national day of thanksgiving for over three decades.

In the years since Lincoln's proclamation, Thanksgiving has become an important part of American culture. It is a time for families to come together, enjoy a feast of traditional foods, and express gratitude for the blessings of the year. It is also a time for giving back to the community, through charitable donations and volunteer work.

In conclusion, Thanksgiving has a rich history that dates back to the Pilgrims' first celebration of the harvest in 1621. It has since become a cherished American holiday, thanks in large part to the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale and President Abraham Lincoln. Thanksgiving is a time for Americans to come together, give thanks, and celebrate the blessings of the year.

How did Thanksgiving become a national holiday?

Thanksgiving day