The Controversy of Thanksgiving Date Changes
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States, commemorating the harvest and giving thanks for the blessings of the year. The holiday has a long history, dating back to the early settlers of the country. However, the date of Thanksgiving has been changed twice in its history, leading to controversy and debate.
First Thanksgiving Date Change: Franklin Roosevelt
The first individual responsible for changing the date of Thanksgiving was President Franklin Roosevelt. In 1939, he moved the holiday to the fourth Thursday in November, instead of the traditional last Thursday. The reason for the change was to give retailers an extra week of holiday shopping before Christmas. The economy was struggling, and Roosevelt hoped the change would stimulate spending.
The Presidential Proclamation of 1939
Roosevelt made the change through a presidential proclamation, which was not well received by the public. Many people felt that the president was tampering with a beloved tradition, and there was a backlash against the change. Some states continued to celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Thursday in November, while others followed Roosevelt’s new date. The result was confusion and division.
The Public Reaction to the Change
The public reaction to Roosevelt’s change was mixed. Some people were in favor of the new date, seeing it as a practical solution to economic problems. Others felt that the president had no right to change a longstanding tradition. The controversy continued for several years, with different states celebrating on different days. In 1941, Congress passed a resolution making the fourth Thursday in November the official date of Thanksgiving.
The Second Thanksgiving Date Change: Abraham Lincoln
The second individual responsible for changing the date of Thanksgiving was President Abraham Lincoln. In 1863, during the Civil War, Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November to be a national day of thanksgiving. The purpose of the holiday was to bring the country together and promote unity. Lincoln hoped that the tradition of Thanksgiving would help heal the wounds of the war.
The Original Date of Thanksgiving
The original date of Thanksgiving was not fixed. The early settlers celebrated the harvest at different times, depending on their location and traditions. It was not until the mid-19th century that Thanksgiving became a national holiday, and the date was set by presidential proclamation. The holiday has always been associated with giving thanks for the blessings of the year, as well as family gatherings, feasting, and football.
The Impact of the Date Changes on Thanksgiving
The date changes of Thanksgiving have had a significant impact on the holiday. They have caused confusion, division, and controversy. Some people feel that the changes have taken away from the meaning and significance of the holiday, turning it into a commercialized event. Others see the changes as necessary adaptations to changing times and circumstances.
The Role of Congress in Thanksgiving Date Setting
Congress has played a role in setting the date of Thanksgiving. In 1941, they passed a resolution making the fourth Thursday in November the official date of the holiday. This resolution was a response to the confusion and division caused by Roosevelt’s change. Since then, the date of Thanksgiving has remained fixed, although there have been proposals to change it back to the last Thursday in November.
The History of Thanksgiving as a National Holiday
The history of Thanksgiving as a national holiday is a long and complex one. It has its roots in the early settlers’ celebrations of the harvest, but it took many years before it became a national holiday. The holiday has been associated with different traditions and meanings over time, and its date has been subject to change.
The Debate Over the Date of Thanksgiving Continues
The debate over the date of Thanksgiving continues to this day. Some people argue that the holiday should be moved to a different day, to avoid conflicts with other holidays and events. Others feel that the current date is important and should be preserved. The debate reflects the ongoing tension between tradition and innovation, as well as the changing values of American society.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Thanksgiving Date Changes
The legacy of Thanksgiving date changes is a mixed one. They have caused controversy and confusion, but they have also brought attention to the holiday and its meaning. The changes reflect the challenges of adapting a long-standing tradition to changing times and circumstances. They also remind us of the importance of giving thanks for the blessings of the year, and of coming together as a nation to celebrate our common heritage and values.
References and Further Reading
- "Thanksgiving Day." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2021.
- "Thanksgiving History." History.com. A&E Television Networks, LLC, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2021.
- "Thanksgiving (United States)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2021.
- "Thanksgiving Timeline." The Pilgrim Hall Museum. Pilgrim Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2021.