Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving is the oldest continuously observed Thanksgiving celebration in the United States. It’s a special day for the Schwenkfelder community to express gratitude and commemorate their ancestors’ arrival in America.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: September 24th annually
- Tagged as: Religious holiday, Historical commemoration, Thanksgiving
- What’s the hashtag?: #SchwenkfelderThanksgiving
- When was it founded?: 1734
- Who founded it?: Schwenkfelder immigrants
History of Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving
The Schwenkfelders, followers of the Protestant reformer Caspar Schwenkfeld von Ossig, fled religious persecution in Europe and arrived in Philadelphia in the early 1730s. On September 24, 1734, two days after their arrival, they held a thanksgiving service to express gratitude for their safe journey and newfound freedom.
Timeline
- 1490: Caspar Schwenkfeld von Ossig is born
- 1734: Schwenkfelders arrive in Philadelphia and hold their first thanksgiving
- 1909: Schwenkfelder Church is officially established
- Present day: About 3,000 people continue to celebrate Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving
Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 24 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | September 24 | Thursday |
| 2027 | September 24 | Friday |
| 2028 | September 24 | Sunday |
| 2029 | September 24 | Monday |
| 2030 | September 24 | Tuesday |
How Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving is Observed
Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving is celebrated primarily in Pennsylvania Dutch counties. A special service is held at one of the Schwenkfelder churches on the Sunday closest to September 24. The service includes a religious and historical address, followed by a traditional meal.
The meal is simple, reflecting the original celebration. It typically consists of bread, butter, apple butter, and water – the same foods eaten at the first Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving.
The Pennsylvania legislature officially recognizes this unique holiday, acknowledging its historical significance and cultural importance.
Fun Facts About Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving
- It predates the national Thanksgiving holiday by over a century.
- The traditional meal has remained largely unchanged for nearly 300 years.
- Apple butter, a key component of the meal, is still made using traditional recipes.
- The holiday is celebrated by only about 3,000 people, making it one of the most exclusive Thanksgiving observances.
- It’s considered the longest continuously celebrated Thanksgiving in the United States.
Quiz
- In what year was the first Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving celebrated?
- What are the four traditional foods served at Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving?
- On what date is Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving observed each year?
- Who was the religious reformer that the Schwenkfelders followed?
- In which state is Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving primarily celebrated?
(Answers: 1. 1734, 2. Bread, butter, apple butter, and water, 3. September 24, 4. Caspar Schwenkfeld von Ossig, 5. Pennsylvania)
FAQs
What is the difference between Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving and the national Thanksgiving?
Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving is celebrated on September 24, while the national Thanksgiving is in November. The Schwenkfelder celebration is older and has a simpler traditional meal.
Can non-Schwenkfelders participate in the celebration?
While the celebration is primarily for the Schwenkfelder community, interested individuals can often attend the services and learn about the tradition.
Why is apple butter significant in the celebration?
Apple butter was one of the few foods available to the early Schwenkfelder settlers and has remained a traditional part of the meal ever since.
How long does the Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving service typically last?
The service usually includes a religious address and a meal, lasting a few hours in total.
Are there any special rituals during the Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving?
The service often includes historical readings and hymns, but the most distinctive aspect is the traditional simple meal.
Importance of Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving
Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving serves as a powerful reminder of religious freedom and the immigrant experience in America. It connects current generations to their ancestors’ struggles and triumphs, fostering a sense of community and continuity.
This unique celebration also preserves an important piece of American religious and cultural history. By maintaining their traditions, the Schwenkfelder community contributes to the diverse tapestry of American heritage.
Moreover, the simplicity of the Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving meal offers a contrast to modern, often elaborate Thanksgiving celebrations, encouraging reflection on the true meaning of gratitude and thanksgiving.
Related Holidays
- National Thanksgiving Day
- Forefathers’ Day
- German-American Day
- Religious Freedom Day
- National Day of Prayer