History of Thanksgiving in Timeline

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in several countries, primarily in the United States and Canada, to give thanks for the year's blessings and the harvest. While rooted in religious and cultural traditions, it's widely observed as a secular holiday. Similar harvest festivals exist globally. Celebrated in autumn, the specific dates vary by country. Thanksgiving is a time for families and communities to gather, share a meal, and express gratitude. It has evolved into a significant cultural event with secular traditions that often overshadow its religious origins.

1901: American Colony

In 1901, The Philippines was an American colony and observed Thanksgiving as a special public holiday on the same day as the Americans.

1909: Thanksgiving inspiration

In 1909, Ambassador Joaquim Nabuco was inspired by Thanksgiving commemorations he witnessed in St. Patrick's Cathedral, and would later suggest the holiday be instituted in Brazil.

October 31, 1939: Roosevelt Changes Thanksgiving Date

On October 31, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a proclamation moving Thanksgiving to the second to last Thursday in November to boost the economy, but this caused disruption and was unpopular, leading to it being nicknamed "Franksgiving".

December 26, 1941: Thanksgiving Day Changed

On December 26, 1941, Roosevelt signed a joint resolution of Congress changing the official national Thanksgiving Day to the fourth Thursday in November starting in 1942.

1941: Federal Legislation

In 1941, federal legislation by the United States Congress formalized Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November.

1942: Thanksgiving Day Changed

In 1942, the official national Thanksgiving Day was changed to the fourth Thursday in November.

1945: Filipinos celebrated Thanksgiving

After the Japanese withdrawal in 1945, Filipinos continued the tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving.

1946: American Colony

Until 1946, The Philippines was an American colony and observed Thanksgiving as a special public holiday on the same day as the Americans.

August 17, 1949: National Thanksgiving Day instituted in Brazil

On August 17, 1949, Brazil instituted National Thanksgiving Day through Law 781, suggested by Ambassador Joaquim Nabuco, who was inspired by commemorations he witnessed in 1909.

January 1957: Canadian Parliament's Proclamation

On January 31, 1957, the Canadian Parliament used similar language in its proclamation for the modern holiday: "A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed—to be observed on the second Monday in October."

1957: Canadian Parliament Proclaims Thanksgiving Date

In 1957, to prevent the clashing of two holidays, the Canadian Parliament proclaimed Thanksgiving to be observed on its present date on the second Monday of October.

November 5, 1963: Kennedy's Proclamation 3560

On November 5, 1963, President John F. Kennedy issued Proclamation 3560, acknowledging Thanksgiving claims in both Virginia and Massachusetts and referencing the forefathers giving thanks for safety, health, fertility, love, and faith.

1966: Thanksgiving Celebration Established

In 1966, Law 5110 established that the Thanksgiving celebration in Brazil would take place on the fourth Thursday of November.

1969: Tradition continued until 1969

After the Japanese withdrawal in 1945, Filipinos continued the tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving until 1969.

1971: American Uniform Monday Holiday Act

Since 1971, when the American Uniform Monday Holiday Act took effect, the American observance of Columbus Day has coincided with the Canadian observance of Thanksgiving.

1973: Date Changed

In 1973, President Ferdinand Marcos issued Proclamation 1180, changing the date to September 21, altering the holiday as a celebration of the imposition of martial law a year prior.

1983: U.S.-led Invasion of Grenada

In 1983, the West Indian island of Grenada marks Thanksgiving Day on October 25, marking the anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of the island.

1986: Ouster of Marcos

Since the Fifth Republic in 1986, with no proclamations declaring the observance of thanksgiving, it is no longer officially celebrated in the country as a public holiday.