Holiday celebrations in the United States are often deeply entwined with the nation’s history, much like Thanksgiving Day. This national holiday, traditionally celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, was officially established by President Abraham Lincoln during one of the most tumultuous periods in US history – the Civil War. As we gather around Thanksgiving tables and share moments of gratitude, it’s worth delving into the origins of this holiday and Lincoln’s rationale behind its establishment. We also owe it to Lincoln to unite in spite of diverse perspectives and disagreements, much like he intended.
The Civil War era was a time of great division and conflict in the United States. Racial tensions were high, and the country was split over the issue of slavery. Amidst this deep division, President Lincoln issued a proclamation in October of 1863, designating the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving. The aim was to inspire unity, harmony, and gratitude among all Americans, irrespective of their political stance or geographic location.
Lincoln’s allocation of Thanksgiving appears to have been influenced by the heartfelt campaign of Sarah Josepha Hale. Widely recognized as the godmother of Thanksgiving, Hale spent years championing the idea of a national Thanksgiving holiday. Her letters to officials and extensive editorials captivated Lincoln. Struck by Hale’s persistence and her vision of a united nation, Lincoln realized the power of a national day of harmony and gratitude, and thus made the decision to officially implement Thanksgiving Day nationally in 1863.
Throughout his declaration, Lincoln emphasized the importance of using this day to express gratitude for the blessings received by the nation, despite the events tearing apart the country. He hoped that this celebration would create a momentary sense of normalcy and harmony amid the chaos, a day for all to put aside their differences. The real essence of Lincoln’s Thanksgiving was unity, understanding, mutual respect, and of course, gratitude.
Fast forward to the contemporary era, and we are experiencing significant division and disunity, much like in the times of Lincoln. However, Lincoln’s version of Thanksgiving provides a poignant reminder that unity is not only possible but also essential. In current times, entrenched in political strife, cultural differences, and diverse viewpoints, practicing gratitude and focusing on commonalities can promote understanding and cohesion among citizens.
Amid contemporary challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic or the Black Lives Matter movement, people must strive to cherish their commonalities, embrace differences, and treasure genuine gratitude. Indeed, these measures can rekindle unity and mutual respect in our society.
In 1863, Lincoln gave us a day to pause, reflect, and give thanks, even in the face of the bitter Civil War. Today, it is our collectively shared responsibility to uphold this spirit of unity and gratitude initiated by Lincoln, especially in challenging times. As we gather with family and friends around heaping plates this Thanksgiving, let us remember the true essence of this celebration – unity and gratitude, and cherish them the way Lincoln envisioned.
