How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday

Thanksgiving wasn’t always a national tradition.

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Thanksgiving may be synonymous with turkey and pie today, but its roots trace back to a 1621 feast between Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, who gathered to celebrate the settlers’ first successful harvest.

The original meal included venison, shellfish, and corn porridge, far removed from today’s Thanksgiving tables. Though days of thanks existed sporadically in early America, it wasn’t until Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday in 1863 that Thanksgiving took on a national identity.

Later solidified in the 1940s, the holiday became a blend of gratitude, family gatherings, and cultural traditions like parades and football. From its humble beginnings to its modern celebration, Thanksgiving reflects both history and the evolving American spirit.

Today, we’re diving into how it all began and the moments that shaped this iconic holiday.

Dive deeper into all aspects of Thanksgiving here: https://bit.ly/3OlU2s0

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CREDITS:

Script Writer:
August Moon

Collaborator:
Teddy Burkhardt

Video Editor:
Nick Pane

Voiceover:
Arianna Fox

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