why did whalers celebrate thanksgiving?

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Text transcribed for screen readers for those who are visually impaired:

WHY DID WHALERS CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING MORE THAN ANY OTHER HOLIDAY?

Much of the Thanksgiving "story" is myth. Yet many of the current Thanksgiving traditions were formed in the 1800's. 

It Made Most Americans Feel Patriotic

• After the War of 1812, patriotic fervor swept the country. Celebrating Thanksgiving reflected belonging to a secure nation. 
• To foster unity in the country and "heal the wounds of the nation," Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. 
• People anxious over immigration embraced the story of agreeable Indians happily sharing with the pious Pilgrims.

She Told Me to!

• One of the most influential periodicals in the country at the time, Godey's Lady Book, urged Americans to rally around the unifying cause of Thanksgiving. 
• The editor, Sarah Hale, promoted Thanksgiving as a national festival with poems, happy stories of families eating together, and recipes. (This same publication also popularized white wedding dresses and Christmas trees.)
• This, with other popular magazines, changed the cultural practice of Thanksgiving from one of humility and religious gratitude to a focus on feasting with family. In fact, Thanksgiving at the time was bigger than Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving Day!