The Top 5 Thanksgiving Traditions in the United States

Thanksgiving, a time-honored holiday in the United States, is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and tradition. Families and friends across the nation gather to celebrate this holiday, and over the years, certain traditions have become deeply established. Here are the top five Thanksgiving traditions and the stories of how they came to be.

1. The Thanksgiving Feast

The Thanksgiving feast is the centerpiece of the holiday, traditionally featuring a grand spread of turkey alongside plates full of side dishes including stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. The tradition of a bountiful, shared meal of thanksgiving dates back to the early 17th century when the Pilgrims, newly arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, celebrated their successful harvest with a three-day feast. It was a way to give thanks for their survival and the help of the Wampanoag Native Americans. While the exact menu may have evolved over the centuries, the spirit of communal gratitude and sharing persists.

2. Parades

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is perhaps the most famous of all Thanksgiving parades. First held in 1924, the parade features colossal balloons of beloved characters, marching bands, and celebrity performances. The idea for a parade started when employees of Macy’s wanted to celebrate the holiday in a unique way. Their vision was to bring people together, lift their spirits, and generate excitement for the upcoming holiday shopping season. Today, this tradition continues to captivate millions, both in person and through televised broadcasts, as they usher in the holiday season with a sense of wonder and awe.

3. Football

For many Americans, Thanksgiving Day means football. The tradition of football on Thanksgiving dates back to the late 19th century. The holiday quickly became associated with college football, with Yale and Princeton playing Thanksgiving games as early as 1876. By the early 20th century, the day also became the traditional time for rival high schools to play. Finally, professional football was added to the menu after the National Football League (NFL) was founded in 1920. The Detroit Lions began a tradition of playing a home game each Thanksgiving Day in 1934, which continues today. The Dallas Cowboys are also famous for their Thanksgiving games, which they have played each year since 1966.

4. Turkey Pardoning

The presidential turkey pardon is a more recent tradition that has gained significant attention. Every year, the President of the United States “pardons” a turkey, sparing it from becoming Thanksgiving dinner. The origins of this tradition are somewhat debated; legend has it that Abraham Lincoln supposedly pardoned a turkey in 1863. But it wasn’t until 1989, under President George H. W. Bush that the first formal pardon was granted. The lighthearted ceremony, often accompanied by jokes and puns, highlights the presidential sense of humor while symbolizing the holiday’s message of mercy and thankfulness.

Volunteering and Giving Back:

Thanksgiving is not only a time for personal reflection but also a time to give back to those in need. Community service, volunteering, and charitable giving have become deeply ingrained in the holiday spirit. Thanksgiving is a time for sharing food with those less fortunate, which can be achieved by volunteering at local food banks, or giving to charities who provide food to vulnerable people around the world. This tradition of kindness and compassion serves as a reminder of the true meaning of Thanksgiving – to share blessings and support the community.

These traditions, deeply rooted in American culture, remind us of the significance of Thanksgiving as a time for family, gratitude, and unity. While the specifics of the celebrations may evolve over time, the core values of thankfulness and togetherness remain constant. From the historical roots of the Pilgrims’ feast to the modern-day celebrations, Thanksgiving traditions in the United States continue to be cherished and passed down from one generation to the next, keeping the spirit of the holiday alive.

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