History As It Happens: Evolution of Thanksgiving
Hosted by Martin Di Caro | Release Date: November 26, 2024

In the episode titled "Evolution of Thanksgiving," Martin Di Caro delves deep into the historical transformation of one of America's most cherished holidays. Through insightful discussions with historian David Silverman and educator Frank James, interspersed with archival audio from notable figures like Ronald Reagan, the podcast unpacks how Thanksgiving has evolved from its early colonial roots to its modern-day celebrations, highlighting both the unifying traditions and the contentious narratives that shape its observance today.

1. Introduction to Thanksgiving's Origins

The episode opens with a nostalgic portrayal of Thanksgiving, juxtaposing historical sentiments with contemporary festivities. Martin Di Caro sets the stage by emphasizing that "days of Thanksgiving have been around longer than America," underscoring that the holiday's significance has undergone significant shifts over centuries.

Notable Quote:
Martin DeCaro [00:43]: "Every Thanksgiving tradition has a story behind it, an origin and a purpose."

2. Early Celebrations and the 1621 Feast

David Silverman, a historian specializing in colonial America and Native American history, recounts the first documented Thanksgiving feast in 1621 between the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people. Contrary to popular myths, Silverman clarifies that the event was not a meticulously planned invitation but rather a spontaneous gathering prompted by the Pilgrims' successful harvest and subsequent celebratory gunfire, which mistakenly signaled an attack to the Wampanoag leader, Massasoit.

Notable Quote:
David Silverman [20:45]: "The myth of the first Thanksgiving that most of the public gets wrong... the first documented case of European Wampanoag contact is in 1524."

3. The Role of Sarah Josepha Hale in Standardizing Thanksgiving

The narrative progresses to the mid-19th century, spotlighting Sarah Josepha Hale, the influential editor of Godey's Ladies' Book. Hale was pivotal in transforming Thanksgiving from an episodic event into a standardized national holiday. Through her writings, Hale promoted Thanksgiving as a "pious, patriotic holiday," shaping the American identity as a "standardized and true American," predominantly reflecting white Protestant Northerners.

Notable Quote:
Martin DeCaro [03:06]: "Sarah Josepha Hale... was also the first female magazine editor in America, in charge of the influential women's magazine Godey's Ladies Book."

4. Abraham Lincoln and the Nationalization of Thanksgiving

David Silverman discusses how President Abraham Lincoln, influenced by Hale's persistent lobbying, proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 amidst the Civil War. Lincoln aimed to foster national unity during a period of intense division, drawing parallels between the Pilgrim feast and the contemporary American spirit of gratitude and togetherness.

Notable Quote:
Martin DeCaro [14:31]: "He was trying to say, okay, we've been through this tumultuous, divisive political process. Let's now rally together as a country."

5. Debunking the Myths: Pilgrims and Wampanoag Relations

The podcast critically examines the sanitized myth of harmonious relations between Pilgrims and Native Americans. Silverman emphasizes that this narrative overlooks the brutal realities of colonialism and its devastating impact on indigenous populations. He argues that perpetuating a "bloodless" origin story obscures the historical truths of violence and dispossession that followed.

Notable Quote:
David Silverman [36:14]: "By focusing on the Mayflower passengers within this mythic context... colonialism as a bloodless affair."

6. Commercialization and Modern Traditions

The transformation of Thanksgiving into a commercialized holiday is explored, highlighting the emergence of parades, football games, and the start of the Christmas shopping season. Silverman traces the origins of these traditions to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, noting how department stores capitalized on the holiday to boost commerce and how sports became intertwined with Thanksgiving celebrations.

Notable Quote:
David Silverman [38:06]: "The first Thanksgiving Day parade is organized by the local department stores in Philadelphia... and Thanksgiving Day parades become a Thanksgiving tradition."

7. Contemporary Perspectives: Thanksgiving as a Day of Mourning

Frank James introduces a critical perspective by discussing the establishment of Thanksgiving as a day of mourning for Native Americans. Beginning in 1970, Native communities, led by educators like James, initiated protests to reclaim Thanksgiving, highlighting the holiday's role in commemorating the suffering and marginalization of indigenous peoples. This duality reflects the ongoing tension between celebratory and reflective observances of Thanksgiving in modern America.

Notable Quote:
Frank James [44:55]: "Thanksgiving might be a day of celebration and patriotism for white Americans, but for Native people, it's a day in which they mourn what colonialism cost them."

8. The Contested Nature of Thanksgiving Today

The episode concludes by emphasizing the multifaceted nature of Thanksgiving in contemporary society. While many embrace the holiday as a time for gratitude and family, others challenge its underlying narratives, advocating for a more inclusive and honest reflection of American history. Silverman advocates for stripping away the mythological aspects to focus on genuine expressions of thankfulness, free from historical inaccuracies.

Notable Quote:
David Silverman [46:30]: "The myth is false history... we all would be better off if we confronted the sheer awfulness of colonialism. But I don't think it's Thanksgiving's the time to do it. So how about we just lop off the myth of Pilgrims and Indians and just have a holiday where we get together with friends and family and offer thanks for what's good in our lives."

9. Closing Reflections

Martin Di Caro wraps up the episode by acknowledging the enduring complexity of Thanksgiving, urging listeners to appreciate the holiday's positive aspects while remaining cognizant of its historical complexities. The podcast underscores that Thanksgiving, much like American identity itself, is continually evolving, shaped by both tradition and the ongoing dialogue about history and memory.

Next Episode Preview:
In the upcoming episode, History As It Happens will explore the aftermath of recent electoral results, delving into the introspective analyses that have emerged regarding the Democratic Party and the broader crisis of liberalism. Featuring guest Daniel Besner of the American Prestige Podcast, the discussion promises to unravel the underlying factors contributing to the current political landscape.

Stay tuned for more insightful historical explorations every Tuesday and Friday. For updates and additional content, subscribe to the newsletter at historyasithappens.com.