Thanksgiving, a beloved American holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, has a rich and complex history that extends far beyond the popular narrative of the Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a harmonious feast.

The roots of Thanksgiving can be traced back to 1621 when the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast. This event is often considered the “First Thanksgiving,” though it wasn’t called that at the time. The celebration lasted for three days and was attended by 53 Pilgrims and 90 Native Americans.

However, the concept of giving thanks through feast and prayer was not new to either culture. Native American tribes had long held harvest festivals and ceremonies of gratitude, while Europeans had traditions of religious services of thanksgiving.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated sporadically, usually in response to specific events. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November, unifying various state traditions into a national holiday.

The Thanksgiving story commonly told in schools – of Pilgrims and Native Americans coming together in harmony – is a simplified version of a complex historical reality. While there was indeed a shared feast, the relationship between European settlers and Native Americans was often marked by conflict and cultural misunderstanding.

Over time, Thanksgiving traditions evolved. The turkey became the centerpiece of the meal in the 19th century, and other customs like football games and parades became associated with the holiday in the 20th century. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, for instance, began in 1924 and has since become an iconic part of the celebration.

It’s important to note that for many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a day of mourning and protest, remembering the devastating impact of European colonization on their communities and cultures.

Today, Thanksgiving continues to be a time for gathering with family and friends, expressing gratitude, and reflecting on history. Many Americans also use this time to volunteer at local food banks or participate in charity events, embodying the spirit of giving that is central to the holiday.

As our understanding of history evolves, so too does the way we approach Thanksgiving. Many now use this time to not only give thanks but also to acknowledge the full complexity of American history and to work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.