National Pumpkin Pie Day - December 25, 2024

History of National Pumpkin Pie Day

The history of pumpkin pies can be traced back to the Pilgrims’ first harvest feast with the Native Americans in 1621, where pumpkins, introduced by the Native Americans, were part of the menu. These initial pies didn’t resemble today’s sweet, custard-like filling; instead, they featured a pumpkin hollowed out and filled with milk, spices, and honey before being roasted in hot ashes.

By the late 1600s, English ‘pumpion pie’ recipes started looking more like present-day pumpkin pies. However, it wasn’t until the early 1800s that these pies began appearing in American cookbooks, gaining widespread acceptance by the mid-1800s. The advent of canned pumpkin in the late 19th century further popularized the pie in the U.S.

Despite its popularity, the fact that National Pumpkin Pie Day has been slated for December 25th has not gone without controversy. Some argue that it detracts from the festive essence of Christmas Day. While it’s still an obscure holiday as people mainly focus on celebrating Christmas, it does find recognition among those eager to embrace the appeal of this traditional American dessert.

As to why National Pumpkin Pie Day falls on December 25th, one possible explanation is the common practice of serving pumpkin pie during Christmas feasts. Alternatively, some suggest that lining up a Thanksgiving favorite like pumpkin pie with Christmas Day creates a distinctly American holiday. No matter the reason for the date, there’s no arguing that many appreciate the opportunity to indulge in and celebrate the goodness of pumpkin pie more than once a year.