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4th Thursday of November
(changed many times over history)
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thanksgiving
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i s t o r y
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The first Thanksgiving celebrated in
the United States was done so in 1621, as a way of marking the first
successful harvest gathered by the Pilgrims and the contributions of the
Native Americans to their ultimate survival in the New World. The
observance was loosely based on the English Harvest Home rituals, which
included the collection of and feasting upon the last of the harvest.
Though the Puritans considered this festivity idolatrous and pagan because
of its ties to the grain goddess, Ceres, they launched just such a
celebration in their new setting. About two years following the first
Thanksgiving, another festival of thanksgiving was called for, this time,
as a religious commemorative occasion as opposed to the original feast.
The Thanksgiving that modern America is familiar with, complete with
turkey and stuffing, is an interesting hybrid of the two different
customs. The tradition was adopted by all of the colonies as they grew,
but because of the Puritan reluctance to celebrate any holiday with a
specific date, the date was regionally determined. It was not until 1863
that President Lincoln issued the National Thanksgiving Proclamation,
naming the last Thursday of November annual Thanksgiving day.
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r a d i t i o n s
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Though turkey and cranberry sauce
were not likely part of the menu of the first Thanksgiving dinner, they
have become indispensable symbols of the celebration over the years. The
high point of Thanksgiving is undoubtedly the big dinner which unites
family and friends over a filling meal, good conversation, and a good bit
of gratitude for the food, the blessings of the year, the company, as well
as the long weekend off from school and work. Though it may be the
plentiful and hearty food that draws people to the table, it is definitely
the warmth, closeness, and the gathering of loved ones that makes it a
truly notable occasion in the American calendar. To do something
different, try making a completely vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner, to
spare at least one of those unfortunate turkeys. You might be surprised
how insignificant what you’re eating really is as long as the atmosphere
is one of togetherness.
see
some great cards to send for this holiday |
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