The author evaluates the evolution of Thanksgiving in the US. The focus was on the adoption of Thanksgiving among the middle-class and poor families during the 19th century. The author also researches on the additional elements about Thanksgiving that were introduced in the 1930s. In the 19th century, communal celebrations were done when the poor families demanded to be treated respectably by the wealthiest people.
This scenario led to the rise of domestic celebrations. The domestic celebrations were regarded as a sign of family unity. The main focus of domestic celebrations was to enable women to show how much they love their children. Mothers guided their children during the celebrations.
The domestic celebrations were divided into two: private and public celebrations. The private celebrations involved the women who were perceived to be homemakers. The public celebrations involved the middle-class people who organized celebrations with the help of servants.
Domestic celebrations were perceived to be special occasions that brought all family members together. During the industrial revolution, the idea of clock time evolved. People who had gone to work away from home dedicated a few hours to celebrate with other family members.
The introduction of luxury gifts caused the emergence of domestic Christmas. The chaos experienced during the Christmas seasons led to the introduction of security forces during the celebrations.
The history of Thanksgiving indicates that it started as early as 1621. This is the time when pilgrims held feasts. The government leaders supported the events of Thanksgiving, and a special day was proclaimed for national Thanksgiving.
England was not the only country that practiced Thanksgiving in the 19th century. In this case, the Mid-Atlantic states practiced Thanksgiving during this period, but to a limited extent as compared to England. Texas and the Mid-Atlantic states adopted Thanksgiving in the 1850s. Religious and secular social systems accepted Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving events united people. In this regard, people working in the industries joined their families for this event. Abraham Lincoln encouraged people to practice nationhood during the Thanksgiving events. According to Lincoln, Thanksgiving was an event to thank God for blessing the country.
During the Thanksgiving ceremonies, youths disrupted the occasions and caused chaos. The Fantastic were unruly and were considered a nuisance. With time, Thanksgiving Day was accompanied by sports and games. Christians thanked God for the blessings of a Christian home, as well as citizenship.
However, in the 1910s, the Fantastic disappeared. The male homosexuals took over from the Fantastic. The gays wore different dresses during the events. Children begged and wore rags during Halloween. This culture died in the 1940s.
The Thanksgiving events were commercialized in 1924 with the introduction of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. People sold gifts for the event. The school teachers opined that the immigrants should also participate during the Thanksgiving events.
Thanksgiving has undergone various changes, and all economic classes have accepted the event. Also, regions and homemakers have also accepted the celebrations. Entertainment during the feasts improved the celebration.
Although the Thanksgiving events were perceived to be feminine, the broadcast of the football games encouraged the participation of men. Thanksgiving has been reinvented to show the American nationalism. It has also encouraged many immigrants to accept American culture. Children have also been used as agents of change during the reinvention of Thanksgiving.