Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving

Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving is the oldest regularly celebrated Thanksgiving in America. Before traditional Thanksgiving appeared on the national calendar, this unique holiday was already observed by communities in Pennsylvania and beyond.

History

The Schwenkfelders are descendants of a German Protestant group that emerged during the Reformation. The movement was founded in honor of the theologian Caspar Schwenkfeld. His followers, known as Schwenkfelders, separated from other Protestant groups and formed a distinct religious community that still exists today. Most Schwenkfelders settled in Pennsylvania.

Interesting Details

• Traditional Thanksgiving Day was first celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621, but the event did not become widely recognized at the time.
• Thanksgiving received the status of a national holiday in 1789 by proclamation of George Washington, but it was not celebrated consistently each year.
• In 1863, President Lincoln established Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday in November.
• In 1939, President Roosevelt changed the date to the fourth Thursday of November, and it has remained there ever since.

How to Take Part

To join the Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving celebration, look for a local Schwenkfelder church or visit the Schwenkfelder Heritage Center. Learn online about the unique traditions and history of this holiday. The Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving meal is simple—water, bread, two types of butter, and apples. Since butter is a staple on the holiday table, take a moment to read about its history; you might discover some surprising facts.

When is Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving in 2025?

Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving is observed on September 24 each year.

Observations