Why Do Americans Feast So Liberally on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving, known as a day for expressing gratitude, has evolved into a feast of overindulgence for many Americans. The holiday's origins lie in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in the 1600s, marking survival and harvest. Over time, however, the celebration has shifted from its roots to a day of excessive eating, which persists even in the present day.
The Origins of Thanksgiving in Plymouth
The concept of a Thanksgiving feast is rooted in the help provided by Indigenous peoples, particularly an Algonquin Indian named Squanto, who assisted the Pilgrims in their early struggles in the New World. This historical event marked a harvest celebration, but over time, the focus shifted to a day of lavish feasting.
Overindulgence and Cultural Norms
One could argue that the overindulgence on Thanksgiving is not just about immediate pleasure, but also a cultural norm. Early American settlers were poor and, as the United States became more bountiful, they turned to feasting as a way to cope with their surfeit. This pattern of overindulgence has carried over into the present, where many Americans continue to view Thanksgiving as a feast day rather than a day of restrained celebration.
Cultural Pride and Food Variety
Americans take pride in the variety of food available on Thanksgiving. With extensive supermarket aisles and family dinners filled with an array of dishes, the holiday has become a showcase of culinary diversity. Even European relatives visiting from abroad are often overwhelmed by the choices, highlighting the vast spectrum of culinary delights that Americans enjoy.
The Weirdness of American Feast Culture
Despite the opulence and variety, many Americans see their Thanksgiving feast as a necessity, even a spiritual ritual, driven by a sense of gratitude. The day is intentionally structured to ensure everyone is full, so they can enjoy football with a full stomach. The irony of this is that the overindulgence happens in the middle of a fast—an unintentional, but significant, aspect of the holiday that makes the feast even more pronounced.
The Question of When to Eat
Another glaring question is why Americans eat so much during this holiday. It’s not just one meal, but a series of meals, starting with beefy Thanksgiving dinners and continuing through the remainder of the day. This behavior is particularly bewildering because it involves eating most of the food one could imagine, often in large quantities, on a day of relatively light activity—compared to other days of the year.
Feast Culture and Family Gatherings
The feast is also a family tradition. Thanksgiving is not just a meal, but a family get-together. As a result, a lot of food is prepared, often more than can fit in a regular day, leading to extra servings and a sense of responsibility to enjoy the feast fully.
In conclusion, Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it is a feast culture that has grown and evolved over centuries. It reflects both the historic roots of survival and the modern reality of abundance. From the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth to the lavish feasts of today, the holiday continues to embody the American spirit of gratitude, family, and celebration.