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A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that 65% of Americans customarily say a prayer or blessing during their Thanksgiving meals. This tradition underscores the enduring role of gratitude and spirituality in American culture.
Prevalence of Thanksgiving Prayers
The survey, conducted from Nov. 12-17, 2024, among 9,609 U.S. adults, indicates that expressing thanks remains integral to Thanksgiving celebrations. In addition to the 65% who pray, 69% of respondents share things they are thankful for during the meal. Notably, 56% of Americans engage in both practices, highlighting a collective emphasis on gratitude.
Variations Among Religious Affiliations
The likelihood of saying a prayer at Thanksgiving varies significantly across religious groups. For instance, 91% of White evangelical Protestants and 88% of Black Protestants report including a prayer in their Thanksgiving rituals. Similarly, 74% of Catholics and 72% of White non-evangelical Protestants observe this tradition. In contrast, the practice is less common among those unaffiliated with any religion, with 45% of individuals identifying as "nothing in particular," 39% of agnostics, and 22% of atheists incorporating prayer into their Thanksgiving meals.
Broader Context of Gratitude
Beyond Thanksgiving, feelings of gratitude are prevalent among Americans. A 2015 Pew Research Center study found that 78% of U.S. adults experience a strong sense of gratitude or thankfulness on a weekly basis. This sentiment transcends religious affiliations, indicating a widespread appreciation for various aspects of life.
Public Reactions
The survey's findings have sparked diverse reactions on social media platforms:
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@FaithfulCitizen: "Heartening to see that gratitude remains a central part of our Thanksgiving traditions."
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@SecularSam: "Surprised that so many still incorporate prayer into Thanksgiving. Thought it was a declining practice."
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@CulturalObserver: "Interesting to note the differences in Thanksgiving practices among various religious groups."
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@GratefulAtheist: "Even without religious beliefs, expressing gratitude during Thanksgiving is a meaningful tradition."
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@TraditionKeeper: "Thanksgiving prayers are a cherished part of our family gatherings, connecting us to our heritage."
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@ModernMillennial: "Our family focuses on sharing what we're thankful for rather than traditional prayers."
Implications for American Society
These findings highlight the enduring significance of gratitude and prayer in American society, especially during communal celebrations like Thanksgiving. The variations across religious affiliations reflect the nation's diverse cultural fabric and the multiple ways gratitude is expressed. As societal norms evolve, understanding these practices offers insight into the values that continue to unite Americans during the holiday season.
