The Tradition of Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Harvest, Unity, and Gratitude Across Cultures
A Holiday of Unity and Reflection
Thanksgiving has always been a time for reflection and gratitude. What began as a religious day of thanks for blessings like successful harvests and military victories eventually became a national tradition, thanks in part to Sarah Josepha Hale’s campaign. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday during the Civil War, setting the final Thursday in November as the official day to celebrate. Today, it is a time for family reunions, community gatherings, and an expression of collective gratitude.