Why is Thanksgiving on a Thursday?

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Why is Thanksgiving on a Thursday?

Thanksgiving Day, a cherished tradition in the United States, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. It’s a time where families gather, traditions are honored, and gratitude takes center stage.

And, amidst the pumpkin pies, roasted turkeys, and heartfelt toasts, a curious question often emerges: Why is Thanksgiving on a Thursday?

In this blog post, we’ll unravel the mystery behind this timing and illuminate the influences that have sculpted this annual festivity.

Historical Precedents

The roots of our modern Thanksgiving can be traced back to the original 1621 Plymouth feast. This notable event spanned an impressive three days, highlighting the magnitude of the celebration.

However, the question remains: Why is Thanksgiving on a Thursday? To find a possible answer, one might look to the English settlers’ religious practices.

Why is Thanksgiving on a Thursday?

Traditionally, they held days of fasting and thanksgiving on Thursdays, setting a precedent that may very well have influenced our contemporary observance. Although there are many more connections with Thanksgiving and Thursdays than this. Let’s take a closer look.

George Washington’s Proclamation

Journeying further into the annals of history, we come across a pivotal moment in the evolution of Thanksgiving. On November 26, 1789, George Washington proclaimed the first nationwide thanksgiving, which you may have guessed was a Thursday.

By choosing this day, Washington not only aligned with the traditions of the English settlers but also firmly established a precedent that would shape the course of Thanksgivings to come.

Abraham Lincoln’s Role

As the United States grappled with the Civil War, there arose a poignant need for national unity and solace. Amidst this backdrop, Abraham Lincoln, ever the beacon of leadership and vision, stepped forward. And in 1863, Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be observed on the last Thursday of November.

This was a call to unify a fractured nation under the umbrella of gratitude and reflection. By aligning this day of thanks with the precedent set by Washington and the traditions of the English settlers, Lincoln further cemented the bond between Thanksgiving and Thursdays.

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Change

As the decades rolled on, the steadfast tradition of Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November remained unchallenged. But, in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced a significant change.

Driven by economic motives, Roosevelt made the decision to move Thanksgiving to the third Thursday of November. His rationale? Extending the Christmas shopping season in hopes of boosting the economy during the tail end of the Great Depression.

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Yet, this shift wasn’t met with unanimous applause. The public’s response was mixed, and the reactions were passionate. Some embraced the change, seeing the economic benefits. Others clung firmly to tradition, viewing the move as a disruption of a cherished annual observance.

And, state governments themselves were divided. While some states swiftly adopted Roosevelt’s new date, others chose to remain aligned with the long-standing tradition, leading to a period where Thanksgiving was celebrated on different dates across the nation.

Congressional Action

The ripple effects of Roosevelt’s decision created waves of confusion across the United States. Families were unsure when to gather, businesses were uncertain about holiday promotions, and states found themselves at odds with the federal decision.

Recognizing the need for clarity and unity, Congress took action. In 1941, a mere two years after Roosevelt’s controversial change, they passed legislation to address the issue. The resolution? To permanently set Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.

This congressional action not only provided the much-needed consistency but also bridged the divide, ensuring that Americans, regardless of their state, would come together on a single, unified day to give thanks.

The Modern Impact

Fast forward to the present, and it’s evident that the decision to celebrate Thanksgiving on a Thursday has far-reaching implications beyond a simple date on the calendar.

With the holiday landing on this day, Americans are blessed with a long weekend, not only offers a respite for relaxation and family gatherings but also serves as the grand curtain-raiser for the holiday season.

Family celebrating Thanksgiving

And, the Thursday celebration has become deeply woven into the fabric of American culture. Take American Football, for instance. Thanksgiving Day games have become as iconic as the turkey centerpiece, with families nationwide tuning in to cheer for their favorite teams.

Then, as the sun sets on Thanksgiving, the dawn of Black Friday emerges—a shopping extravaganza that has become synonymous with doorbuster deals and early morning queues. And with the advent of technology, Cyber Monday has joined the fray, capitalizing on the online shopping trend and offering deals that many eagerly await.

Why is Thanksgiving Day on a Thursday?

As we trace the footsteps of history, it becomes abundantly clear the reason to celebrate Thanksgiving on a Thursday wasn’t a mere whim, but a culmination of various historical, political, and cultural factors.

From the early traditions of the English settlers and the leadership of presidents like Washington and Lincoln, to the economic considerations of Roosevelt and the decisive actions of Congress, each phase has played a pivotal role in shaping the date of this cherished holiday.

But beyond the pages of history books, Thanksgiving on a Thursday has carved out a unique cultural niche in American society. It sets the rhythm for a long weekend filled with gratitude, family, football, and shopping frenzies.