Why does Thanksgiving always have to fall on a Thursday?

Question

Why does Thanksgiving always have to fall on a Thursday?

Answer 1

Thanksgiving was established as a National Holiday during the Civil War (by Abraham Lincoln). In his proclamation he specified that the fourth Thursday of each November should be set aside as a day to give thanks for the founding of our nation.

Answer 2

Because Congress officially declared the holiday would be on the 4th Thurdsay of the month. That's why the actual date changes (this year the 24th; next year the 22nd; etc.). Unlike Christmas, or your birthday, it's not on a set date... it's on a set day of the week. It will always be on the 4th Thursday no matter what actual date it falls on. Like Easter Sunday will always be set on a Sunday, but changes dates every year. Some people mistakenly think it's the last Thursday... but that's wrong. Sometimes (like next year) there are 5 Thursdays in November. Thanksgiving is the 4th.

Answer 3

It was just set up that way back in the time of Abraham Lincoln. It used to be on the last Thursday of November, then they wanted it on the 3rd Thursday in November, so they compromised and made it the 4th Thursday, which is also sometimes the last Thursday. They were trying to get it exactly when the original one had been held. It must have been a Thursday!

Answer 4

Thanksgiving ALWAYS falls on the 4TH Thursday in November. ALWAYS!!

Answer 5

It's not that it "always falls" on a Thursday, it's tradition that it always is on the fourth Thursday of November every year. It'll be on November 26th this year. :] Hope I helped.



-Hannah

Answer 6

We have president Lincoln to thank for the nice long Thanksgiving weekend that we all love so much.I know that is the kick off for my Holiday shopping and decorating.President Lincoln passed it,little did he know what a favor he was doing for all of us now !

Answer 7

The fourth Thursay in November (or is it the third) is the day on which the current years Nouveau Beaujolais arrives in Paris. Now that's something to be thankful for if anything is.

Answer 8

Well we are going to have to blame President Abe Lincoln for that ...but I like it on a Thursday,that makes for a nice long long weekend.