The History Behind Popular Thanksgiving Traditions

On Thanksgiving people all over the US travel to be with their families, prepare elaborate meals, and reflect on everything they're grateful for. It's a holiday that combines family, food, and faith. An important part of the celebrations is the classic Thanksgiving traditions. Like the beloved Turkey—whether you're eating or having it pardoned by the President—pumpkin pie and football.

But where do these traditions come from? How did these Thanksgiving customs come about? Did you know that the roots of Thanksgiving go back to 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, after a successful harvest? It wasn’t just a one-day affair—it lasted three whole days and was full of food, games, and gatherings.

And it wasn’t until 1863, in the middle of the American Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. This was all thanks to the persistence of Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor who had pushed for a holiday that would celebrate gratitude for 20 years!

Let's have a look at the most popular Thanksgiving traditions.

1. Turkey for Dinner

Turkey is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Thanksgiving. But are you aware that it wasn’t always the main attraction? The menu in 1621 likely included duck or goose. So, why do we eat turkey on Thanksgiving? In the 19th century, turkey had become plentiful in America and it was a big bird—large enough to feed entire families. So the people shifted from duck to turkey. Today, a whopping 88% of Americans enjoy turkey on Thanksgiving

2. Macy’s Parade

For most Americans Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel the same without Macy’s Parade. The first parade was held in 1924 as a way for Macy’s departmental stores to celebrate their success. The employees dressed up in colorful costumes and they even had live animals from the Central Park Zoo!

The giant balloons we see today however didn't join the fun until 1927, and since then, the parade has only grown more spectacular with millions of people watching it on their TV screens every year.

3. Thanksgiving Football games

Thanksgiving and football go hand in hand. This tradition began back in 1876 with a game between Yale and Princeton universities. In the 1920s the NFL jumped in on it too. Watching the game after Thanksgiving dinner is a one-way family bond over the holiday.

4. The Classic Pumpkin pie for dessert

You cannot imagine a Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie. Statistics show that Americans consume 35 million pies every Thanksgiving! The early American settlers did not have ovens to make pumpkin pies when they were introduced to the vegetables by the natives. Over time with the evolution of cooking people began making pies out of pumpkins and a classic dessert was born.

5. The Wishbone for luck

Have you ever snapped the wishbone with someone after dinner? This tradition has a long history, dating back to ancient Rome. The Romans believed birds could predict the future. So they’d slaughter a bird and keep the wishbone as a good luck charm. The practice eventually found its way to America and into Thanksgiving celebrations, adding a quirky way to make a wish before the holiday comes to an end.

6. Black Friday Shopping.

Black Friday is the official beginning of the holiday shopping season right after Thanksgiving Day. Although it is not technically a part of Thanksgiving, Black Friday has become a tradition of its own. The term "Black Friday" was first used in Philadelphia by the police force in the 1960s to describe the post-Thanksgiving chaos of people shopping and attending the Army-Navy football game.

By the 1980s, it evolved into a shopping extravaganza by clever marketers and retailers. The term stuck but changed in meaning to refer to businesses running in “the black” as they made record sales and profits. Black Friday also marks the unofficial start of the Christmas season with sales and deals that draw customers to stores across the country in hoards.

Conclusion:

Thanksgiving is a blend of traditions and customs, both old and new, that have changed and evolved into what we celebrate today. Whether it's cooking the perfect Thanksgiving meal with turkey and pumpkin pie, watching the parade, enjoying the football game, or snapping the wishbone, these traditions form core memories people cherish. As Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the holiday season, many are now choosing sustainable gifts and eco-friendly gifts for their loved ones, aligning their celebrations with a more conscious, planet-friendly approach.