Did You Know? The History and Traditions of Thanksgiving

Did You Know? The History and Traditions of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a beloved American holiday, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year. But did you know that the history of this holiday dates back much further than the iconic 1621 feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans?

The first Thanksgiving, as many know it, was a harvest celebration in Plymouth, Massachusetts. However, it wasn’t until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, urging all Americans to set aside the last Thursday in November to give thanks for the blessings of the year.

More Than Just Turkey and Football

While turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals today, it wasn’t necessarily the main dish at the first celebration. The Pilgrims and Wampanoag likely dined on venison, seafood and local vegetables. Over the centuries, the holiday evolved and by the 19th century, turkey had become the traditional fare.

Football also became a Thanksgiving tradition in the late 19th century, with the first Thanksgiving football game played between Yale and Princeton in 1876. Since then, it has become a time for families to gather around the TV to enjoy the game together.

How You Can Celebrate with the Library

Looking to learn more about Thanksgiving history and traditions? The Palm Beach County Library System has a wealth of resources available. You can access books, eBooks and even films about Thanksgiving through the Library’s digital collections. Discover the real story behind the holiday or find inspiration for your own family feast with cookbooks, history texts and cultural insights.

Visit www.pbclibrary.org to explore our collection. The Library offers access to digital resources like Hoopla and cloudLibrary, where you can check out titles like "Thanksgiving: The Biography of an American Holiday," by James W. Baker or "The Thanksgiving Story," by Alice Dalgliesh.

No matter how you celebrate, the Palm Beach County Library System is here to help you make your Thanksgiving special and meaningful! Look for the icon for Thanksgiving and fall-related activities.