Happy Thanksgiving 2011
Origin of Thanksgiving Day
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Thanksgiving is America's preeminent day. It is celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday in the month of November. It has a very interesting history. Its origin can be traced back to the 16th century when the first thanksgiving dinner is said to have taken place.
Journey of Pilgrims
The legendary pilgrims, crossed the Atlantic in the year 1620 in Mayflower-A 17th Century sailing vessel. About 102 people traveled for nearly two months with extreme difficulty. This was so because they were kept in the cargo space of the sailing vessel. No one was allowed to go on the deck due to terrible storms. The pilgrims comforted themselves by singing Psalms- a sacred song.
Arrival in Plymouth
The pilgrims reached Plymouth rock on December 11th 1620, after a sea journey of 66 days. Though the original destination was somewhere in the northern part of Virginia, they could not reach the place owing to winds blowing them off course. Nearly46 pilgrims died due to extreme cold in winter. However, in the spring of 1621, Squanto, a native Indian taught the pilgrims to survive by growing food.
Day of Fasting and Prayer
In the summer of 1621, owing to severe drought, pilgrims called for a day of fasting and prayer to please God and ask for a bountiful harvest in the coming season. God answered their prayers and it rained at the end of the day. It saved the corn crops.
First Thanksgiving Feast
It is said that Pilgrims learnt to grow corn, beans and pumpkins from the Indians, which helped all of them survive . In the autumn of 1621, they held a grand celebration where 90 people were invited including Indians. The grand feast was organized to thank god for his favors. This communal dinner is popularly known as “The first thanksgiving feast”. There is however, no evidence to prove if the dinner actually took place.
While some historians believe pilgrims were quite religious so, their thanksgiving would've included a day of fasting and praying, others say that the Thanksgiving dinner did take place.
Turkey and First Thanksgiving Feast
There is no evidence to prove if the customary turkey was a part of the initial feast. According to the first hand account written by the leader of the colony, the food included, ducks, geese, venison, fish, berries etc.
Pumpkin and Thanksgiving Feast
Pumpkin pie, a modern staple adorning every dinner table, is unlikely to have been a part of the first thanksgiving feast. Pilgrims however, did have boiled pumpkin. Diminishing supply of flour led to the absence of any kind of bread.
The feast continued for three days and was eaten outside due to lack of space. It was not repeated till 1623, which again witnessed a severe drought. Governor Bradford proclaimed another day of thanksgiving in the year 1676. October of 1777 witnessed a time when all the 13 colonies joined in a communal celebration. It also marked the victory over the British.
After a number of events and changes, President Lincoln proclaimed last Thursday in November of thanksgiving in the year 1863. This was due to the continuous efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor. She wrote a number of articles for the cause.
Journey of Pilgrims
The legendary pilgrims, crossed the Atlantic in the year 1620 in Mayflower-A 17th Century sailing vessel. About 102 people traveled for nearly two months with extreme difficulty. This was so because they were kept in the cargo space of the sailing vessel. No one was allowed to go on the deck due to terrible storms. The pilgrims comforted themselves by singing Psalms- a sacred song.
Arrival in Plymouth
The pilgrims reached Plymouth rock on December 11th 1620, after a sea journey of 66 days. Though the original destination was somewhere in the northern part of Virginia, they could not reach the place owing to winds blowing them off course. Nearly46 pilgrims died due to extreme cold in winter. However, in the spring of 1621, Squanto, a native Indian taught the pilgrims to survive by growing food.
Day of Fasting and Prayer
In the summer of 1621, owing to severe drought, pilgrims called for a day of fasting and prayer to please God and ask for a bountiful harvest in the coming season. God answered their prayers and it rained at the end of the day. It saved the corn crops.
First Thanksgiving Feast
It is said that Pilgrims learnt to grow corn, beans and pumpkins from the Indians, which helped all of them survive . In the autumn of 1621, they held a grand celebration where 90 people were invited including Indians. The grand feast was organized to thank god for his favors. This communal dinner is popularly known as “The first thanksgiving feast”. There is however, no evidence to prove if the dinner actually took place.
While some historians believe pilgrims were quite religious so, their thanksgiving would've included a day of fasting and praying, others say that the Thanksgiving dinner did take place.
Turkey and First Thanksgiving Feast
There is no evidence to prove if the customary turkey was a part of the initial feast. According to the first hand account written by the leader of the colony, the food included, ducks, geese, venison, fish, berries etc.
Pumpkin and Thanksgiving Feast
Pumpkin pie, a modern staple adorning every dinner table, is unlikely to have been a part of the first thanksgiving feast. Pilgrims however, did have boiled pumpkin. Diminishing supply of flour led to the absence of any kind of bread.
The feast continued for three days and was eaten outside due to lack of space. It was not repeated till 1623, which again witnessed a severe drought. Governor Bradford proclaimed another day of thanksgiving in the year 1676. October of 1777 witnessed a time when all the 13 colonies joined in a communal celebration. It also marked the victory over the British.
After a number of events and changes, President Lincoln proclaimed last Thursday in November of thanksgiving in the year 1863. This was due to the continuous efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor. She wrote a number of articles for the cause.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. A time to be thankful for all that we have. A time to be thankful for all the opportunities that we have been a part of this past year. A time to be together with friends and family, either in person or in our hearts.
This Thanksgiving, all the family is together. Dad and I, Jacob, Amber, Caden and Tyler, and Micah are together with Sara, Jake and Makenzie. Caden and Makenzie, the almost 3 year old cousins have been so excited to play together, whether it’s at the “park” which they call the swing set and slide area, or playing with cars, tractors or farm animals, or making sounds on their toy computers. 6 month old Tyler is being cuddled by his aunt and uncle, who haven’t seen him since he was 2 weeks old.
We’ve played a few card games, watched a little bit of the big balloons at the parades on tv, and I’m sure there will be football on this weekend. I think I’ll enjoy some free time with Sara and Amber, with girl talk or playing cards, or maybe working on a craft. Who knows? Maybe we’ll come up with a holiday tradition, just the girls.
Makenzie and Caden have birthdays in December, and along with Christmas, gifts become overwhelming. This is the only time the whole family will be together for the holidays or during birthday times. The kids have decided to do Christmas later today. Then on Saturday, we’ll take the kids to a fun play area to have a “party” for their birthdays.
Turkey is in the oven for a mid-afternoon meal. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and pies will be part of the meal. I think we’ll have pies all weekend! Football games will be on all day.
Family, beautiful weather, good food, presents. What more can you ask for?
I am so thankful for my family, friends, health, horses, and the desires of my heart. As I ponder on each of these areas, I need to think of all the little things that come to mind. A loving husband, my children and 2 spouses, 3 grandchildren to play with. Horsey friends to ride many trails with and to share Centered Riding with. Good health and working on living a healthier lifestyle by adding some yoga and exercise classes this winter. My love of horses and the horses that I’m able to ride now. My desires are to live a centered life, with the peace that yoga brings and the strength that exercise will bring, to better my soul and improve my well-being. I am thankful for who I am today and who I am able to share my life with.
God bless and enjoy your day of thanksgiving!
I’m Thankful for You
Thanksgiving is the appointed time
for focusing on the good in our lives.
In each of our days,
we can find small blessings,
but too often we overlook them,
choosing instead to spend our time
paying attention to problems.
We give our energy
to those who cause us trouble
instead of those who bring peace.
Starting now,
let’s be on the lookout
for the bits of pleasure in each hour,
and appreciate the people who
bring love and light to everyone
who is blessed to know them.
You are one of those people.
On Thanksgiving,
I’m thankful for you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
for focusing on the good in our lives.
In each of our days,
we can find small blessings,
but too often we overlook them,
choosing instead to spend our time
paying attention to problems.
We give our energy
to those who cause us trouble
instead of those who bring peace.
Starting now,
let’s be on the lookout
for the bits of pleasure in each hour,
and appreciate the people who
bring love and light to everyone
who is blessed to know them.
You are one of those people.
On Thanksgiving,
I’m thankful for you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
By Joanna Fuchs
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3 comments:
THANK YOU for the history lesson.
Yoga is getting very popular lately, isn't it? It seems like a lot of old hippie stuff is coming back in vogue. The Occupiers always reminded me of the hippies protesting in the '60s, and people are getting into things like yoga and green products, solar, etc.
thank you, GP. I know there is a dispute, I think, if those were the first people here. It was a fun article to share.
yes, yoga is big. It is definitely more exercise though. I think I would like Tai chi for the peace it brings.
how was your day?
I definitely don't need more exercise. But I'd like to do something for the peace. I'm way too stressed out and anxious. I'm going to give myself cancer if I don't calm down. Is Tai chi something different?
We had a lovely day. Visited my daughter in North Carolina. She's a great cook and made a dish that my mother used to make as a surprise for me.
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