President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 proclaimed the fourth Thursday of November as the Dia Nacional of Ação of Graças in the Estados Unidos. The measure aimed to unite the country during Guerra Civil Americana. The date varies between November 22nd and 28th each year, depending on the calendar.
This tradition goes back to ancient harvest celebrations in Nova Inglaterra. Colonos Englishmen, known as Pilgrims, gathered with indigenous people in 1621 to give thanks for surviving the first winter. The holiday has established itself as a time for family gratitude and shared meals.
In 2025, Dia of Ação of Graças will occur on November 27th. Milhões of Americans travel for family gatherings, boosting air and road traffic. The event marks the start of the shopping season with Black Friday the following day.
- Main dishes: roast turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
- Common activities: parades like the Macy’s and American football games.
- Global participation: Brazilian communities in evangelical and Catholic churches adopt the date.
Colonial roots shape the choice of date
The first records of thanksgiving date back to the 17th century in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Peregrinos fleeing religious persecution in Europa planted crops with indigenous help. Essa cooperation resulted in the first collective celebration in 1621, recorded in diaries of the time.
The practice spread to states such as Virgínia and Nova York. Initial Presidentes, like George Washington, issued sporadic proclamations on varying dates. Washington declared November 26, 1789 as a day of public gratitude after Constituição.
The Congresso Federal influenced standardization. Lincoln, pressured by activists like Sarah Josepha Hale, opted for a fourth Thursday to align with autumn. Essa position on the calendar facilitated travel and rural preparations.
Controversies lead to legislative adjustments
In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt changed the date to the third Thursday. The objective was to extend the pre-Christmas shopping period during Grande Depressão. The change generated division: 23 states joined, while 22 maintained the original.
The Congresso intervened in 1941 with a federal law. The fourth Thursday was restored to avoid national confusion. Essa decision balanced tradition and economy, with the holiday becoming mandatory throughout the United States.
In Brasil, President Eurico Gaspar Dutra established the date in 1949 by Lei 781. Inspirado through diplomatic visits, he aimed to promote values of gratitude. In 1966, Lei 5110 confirmed the fourth Thursday in November.
Traditions evolve over time in the USA
The holiday gained modern contours in the 20th century. Annual Desfiles in Nova York have drawn crowds since 1924. Macy’s
Families prepare elaborate meals in advance. Turkey consumption reaches 46 million units annually in the US. Sobremesas like pumpkin pie symbolize autumnal abundance.
Volunteering is part of the celebrations. Doações of food benefits shelters across the country. Escolas teach the story to promote reflection on collective gratitude.
Brazilian adoption varies between communities
Protestant churches lead the celebrations at Brasil. Denominações how Baptists and Presbyterians organize themed services. In 2025, hybrid events plan online broadcasts for greater reach.
Catholics incorporate elements into Sunday masses. Arcebispos in dioceses like Rio of Janeiro issue annual messages. The date gains visibility in language schools and multinational companies.
Around 40% of Brazilians learn about the holiday through foreign media. Streaming of themed films drives cultural interest. The celebration focuses on prayers and simple meals, adapted to the local context.
Annual calendar requires planning
The moving date requires adjustments to family schedules. In years with a 30-day November, it falls on the 27th. Domestic Viagens increases 50% in the week before the holiday.
In Canadá, the equivalent occurs on the second Monday in October. Países Caribbean adapt for October 25th in Granada. Essas variations highlight the global influence of the American tradition.
The holiday influences global retail. No Brasil, Black Friday promotions grow 20% annually. Consumidores prepare lists focusing on electronics and clothing.
The tradition persists as a symbol of unity. Registros history confirms its evolution from a local event to a national holiday. Celebrações in 2025 will strengthen community ties in several countries.
