Thanksgiving Date Restrictions in the United States
By law, Thanksgiving Day cannot occur later than November 28 in the United States. This year, families nationwide will celebrate Thanksgiving on a Thursday in November.
Historical Background and Timing
Thanksgiving is a harvest celebration and an occasion for Americans to "express gratitude for the good things in life," as stated by the U.S. government. It takes place every year on the fourth Thursday of November. Established by Congress as a federal holiday over eighty years ago, this schedule confines Thanksgiving to a week-long window: it can only fall between November 22 and November 28.
Origins of Thanksgiving
The festival traces back to a 1621 harvest feast held by English colonists and the Wampanoag Native Americans in present-day Massachusetts. However, the date of Thanksgiving has varied over time.
Presidential Proclamations
- In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed Thursday, November 26, as a “Day of Publick Thanksgivin.”
- In following years, the celebration appeared on different dates, sometimes even in other months.
- In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln officially set Thanksgiving as the final Thursday of November.
Implications of the Final Thursday Rule
Since November can contain five Thursdays, this rule meant Thanksgiving could fall as late as November 30, the last day of the month. This happened during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
"Express gratitude for the good things in life."
Author's summary: Thanksgiving Day is fixed by law to occur on the fourth Thursday of November, ensuring it never falls later than November 28, a tradition rooted in historical proclamations and harvest celebrations.
More News
- Women's Big Bash League: Brisbane Heat's Winless Season Ends With 7-Wicket Loss Against Perth Scorchers
- [Transaction majeure pour un top-6 : c'est confirmé pour trois nom chez le Canadien]
- Katy Perry en couple avec Justine Trudeau : l’ex-Premier ministre la regarde
- Ryder — Founder and Leader of the PAW Patrol Team
- Big Bash League upcoming match schedule
- Hockey30 | Le Mouton Noir du Hockey
- Sydney Sixers Vs Adelaide Strikers, WBBL 2025: SYS-W Beat AS-W By One Run Thanks To Ellyse Perry Century
- Winona Ryder Reveals the Tragic Inspiration Behind Her “Little Women” Role and How She Tapped Into It for “Stranger Things”
- WBBL 2025: Sixers vs Renegades & Strikers vs Hurricanes Predictions (Dec 4/5)
- Tom & Luke Low Carb Snackaballs recall