Difference between revisions of "Thanksgiving"
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[[Image:Vc006494.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Congressional Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, set by Congress, December 18, 1777]] | [[Image:Vc006494.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Congressional Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, set by Congress, December 18, 1777]] | ||
| − | '''Thanksgiving''' is a day set aside to give thanks to the [[God|Lord]] for a bountiful harvest; in the [[United States]] the event is commemorated by a national holiday in November with its origins in Virginia at Berkeley Plantation on December 4, 1619. The first Thanksgiving was a religious celebration -- an occasion to thank [[God]] -- that featured only a modest meal. It wasn't until two years later, in 1621, that Thanksgiving was expanded to include a banquet by the | + | '''Thanksgiving''' is a [[day]] set aside to give thanks to the [[God|Lord]] for a bountiful [[harvest]]; in the [[United States]] the event is commemorated by a [[national holiday]] in [[November]] with its origins in [[Virginia]] at [[Berkeley Plantation]] on December 4, 1619. The first Thanksgiving was a [[religious celebration]] -- an occasion to thank [[God]] -- that featured only a modest [[meal]]. It wasn't until two years later, in 1621, that Thanksgiving was expanded to include a [[banquet]] by the [[pilgrim]]s in [[Massachusetts]]. Thanksgiving was the first uniquely [[American holiday]]. |
| − | During his first year in office, President [[George Washington]] issued a proclamation calling for a day of "public thanksgiving and prayer." | + | During his first year in office, [[President]] [[George Washington]] issued a [[proclamation]] calling for a day of "public thanksgiving and prayer." |
| − | Washington had been a general who had spent eight years on the field of battle winning our freedom from Great Britain. Then he spent another six years creating the [[Constitution]] and the government that we still have 218 years later (''the longest continuing constitutional government in the world''). So Washington understood well the nature of a free society and its obligation to both thank God and seek His guidance. | + | [[Washington]] had been a [[general]] who had spent eight years on the field of battle winning our [[freedom]] from [[Great Britain]]. Then he spent another six years creating the [[Constitution]] and the [[government]] that we still have 218 years later (''the longest continuing [[constitutional government]] in the world''). So [[Washington]] understood well the [[nature]] of a [[free society]] and its obligation to both thank [[God]] and seek His guidance. |
| − | In his Thanksgiving proclamation, Washington wrote: {{cquote|'''It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits and humbly to implore His protection and favor'''}} | + | In his Thanksgiving proclamation, [[Washington]] wrote: {{cquote|'''It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty [[God]], to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits and humbly to implore His protection and favor'''}} |
| − | During the very heart of the [[Civil War]], in October 1863, President [[Abraham Lincoln]] built on President Washington's initiative and created an annual day of thanksgiving. | + | During the very [[heart]] of the [[Civil War]], in October 1863, President [[Abraham Lincoln]] built on [[President]] [[Washington]]'s initiative and created an annual day of thanksgiving. |
| − | Like Washington, Lincoln was determined to draw a direct tie between America and the Creator from whom Americans draw their rights. | + | Like Washington, [[Lincoln]] was determined to draw a direct tie between [[America]] and the Creator from whom [[Americans]] draw their rights. |
| − | Lincoln acknowledged that the nation was "in the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity." But he focused instead on the nation's | + | [[Lincoln]] acknowledged that the nation was "in the midst of a [[civil war]] of unequaled magnitude and severity." But he focused instead on the [[nation]]'s [[blessing]]s, urging his fellow [[American]]s to remember that: {{cquote|'''No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the most high [[God]], who, while dealing with us in anger for our [[sin]]s, hath nevertheless remembered mercy'''}} |
==History== | ==History== | ||
| − | Thanksgiving in the United States is possibly the premier U.S. family celebration, typically celebrated at home and marked with a substantial feast. As the anchor of what is for many a four-day holiday weekend, Thanksgiving provides an occasion for family | + | Thanksgiving in the [[United States]] is possibly the premier U.S. [[family celebration]], typically celebrated at [[home]] and marked with a substantial [[feast]]. As the [[anchor]] of what is for many a four-day holiday weekend, Thanksgiving provides an occasion for [[family reunion]]s, marks the beginning of the “[[holiday season]]” that continues through [[Christmas]] and [[New Year’s Day]] and, as its name suggests, affords [[Americans]] a shared opportunity to express their gratitude for plentiful [[food]] and general [[abundance]]. |
| − | Many | + | Many [[culture]]s traditionally have marked a plentiful [[harvest]] with a [[celebration]] of thanks. Long before the first [[English]] [[settler]]s reached [[North America]], Western [[Europe]]ans observed “[[Harvest Home]]” [[festival]]s and the [[British]] an August 1 [[Lammas]] ("Loaf Mass") Day, celebrating the [[wheat]] [[harvest]]. The American Thanksgiving holiday was first celebrated in [[Virginia]] at [[Berkeley Plantation]], where [[English]] [[colonist]]s first held a Thanksgiving celebration on December 4, 1619, one year and 17 days prior to the landing of the [[Pilgrim]]s in [[Massachusetts]]. This first Thanksgiving occurred when [[Captain]] [[John Woodlief]] led the newly arrived English colonists to a [[grass]]y slope along the [[James River]] and instructed them to drop to their [[knee]]s and [[pray]] in thanks for a safe arrival to the [[New World]]. On this day, Dec. 4, 1619, these 38 men from [[Berkeley Parish]] in [[England]] were given the instructions: |
:''"Wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrivall at the place assigned for plantacon in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually keept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God."'' [http://www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?FeatureID=50] | :''"Wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrivall at the place assigned for plantacon in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually keept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God."'' [http://www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?FeatureID=50] | ||
[[Image:Thanksgiving.jpg|left|275px]] | [[Image:Thanksgiving.jpg|left|275px]] | ||
| − | The [[Pilgrims]] had arrived in 1620, crossing the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to separate themselves from the official [[Church of England]] and practice freely their form of Puritanism. Arriving at Plymouth | + | The [[Pilgrims]] had arrived in 1620, crossing the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to separate themselves from the official [[Church of England]] and practice freely their form of [[Puritanism]]. Arriving at [[Plymouth Colony]]—part of today’s [[Massachusetts]]—too late to grow many [[crops]], and lacking fresh [[food]], the [[Pilgrim]]s suffered terribly during the [[winter]] of 1620–1621. Half the [[colony]] died from [[disease]]. The following spring, local [[Wampanoag]] [[Indians]] taught the colonists how to grow [[corn]] ([[maize]]) and other local crops unfamiliar to the [[Pilgrim]]s, and also helped the newcomers master [[hunting]] and [[fishing]]. |
| − | Because they harvested bountiful crops of corn, barley, beans and | + | Because they harvested bountiful crops of [[corn]], [[barley]], [[beans]] and [[pumpkin]]s, the colonists had much to be thankful for in the [[fall]] of 1621. [[English]] [[Puritans]] had [[tradition]]ally designated special days of thanksgiving to express [[gratitude]] for [[God]]’s [[blessings]]. In the [[autumn]] of 1621, the [[Pilgrim]]s of [[Plymouth Colony]] held their first Thanksgiving. They invited their [[Wampanoag]] [[benefactor]]s who arrived with [[deer]] to [[roast]] with the [[turkey]]s and other [[wild game]] offered by the colonists. The colonists had learned how to cook [[cranberries]] and different kinds of [[corn]] and [[squash]] [[dish]]es from the [[Indians]]. |
| − | Many of the original colonists continued to celebrate days of thanksgiving for a bountiful autumn harvest. President George Washington proclaimed a | + | Many of the original [[colonists]] continued to [[celebrate]] days of thanksgiving for a [[bountiful]] autumn [[harvest]]. [[President]] [[George Washington]] proclaimed a [[nation]]al Thanksgiving in 1789, to celebrate the [[ratification of the United States Constitution]]. Gradually, a [[number of states]] began to celebrate an [[annual]] Thanksgiving. In 1863,during the long and [[blood]]y [[civil war]], [[President]] [[Abraham Lincoln]] proclaimed the last Thursday in November an annual national Thanksgiving. |
| − | Thanksgiving is a time for tradition and sharing. Even if they live far away, family members often gather for family | + | Thanksgiving is a time for [[tradition]] and [[sharing]]. Even if they [[live]] far away, [[family]] members often gather for [[family reunion]]s. As a result, Thanksgiving marks the busiest [[domestic air travel]] period of the [[year]]. Many Americans enjoy a local [[Thanksgiving parade]], or the annual [[Macy’s department store parade]], televised live from [[New York City]]. Others watch televised [[American football]], while all [[give thanks]] together for their [[food]], [[shelter]] and other good things. Many [[volunteer]] their time to help [[civic groups]], [[churches]], and [[charitable organizations]] offer [[tradition]]al [[meal]]s to [[those in need]]. |
| − | On a more secular note, the day after Thanksgiving came in the 20th century to mark the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. During the [[Great Depression]] of the 1930s, Thanksgiving was moved to the fourth Thursday in November, which in some | + | On a more [[atheism|secular]] note, the day after Thanksgiving came in the [[20th century]] to mark the beginning of the [[Christmas]] [[shopping season]]. During the [[Great Depression]] of the [[1930s]], Thanksgiving was moved to the fourth Thursday in November, which in some [[year]]s lengthened that [[shopping]] period. |
| − | Although the fourth Thursday of November falls on a different date every year, the president is expected to proclaim that date as the official celebration. | + | Although the fourth Thursday of November falls on a different date every year, the [[president]] is expected to proclaim that date as the official celebration. |
| − | + | [[Pilgrims]]’ [[triumph]] over [[hunger]] and [[poverty]] at [[Plymouth Colony]] can be traced to something more than the [[charity|charitable gestures]] of a few local [[Indians]]. Rather, it involves their [[courage]]ous decision to replace a failed, [[socialistic]] agricultural system with one informed by the free-market principle of private ownership of property -- a century and a half before [[Adam Smith]] wrote [[The Wealth of Nations]]. | |
==Symbols of Thanksgiving== | ==Symbols of Thanksgiving== | ||
Revision as of 18:49, November 20, 2007
Thanksgiving is a day set aside to give thanks to the Lord for a bountiful harvest; in the United States the event is commemorated by a national holiday in November with its origins in Virginia at Berkeley Plantation on December 4, 1619. The first Thanksgiving was a religious celebration -- an occasion to thank God -- that featured only a modest meal. It wasn't until two years later, in 1621, that Thanksgiving was expanded to include a banquet by the pilgrims in Massachusetts. Thanksgiving was the first uniquely American holiday.
During his first year in office, President George Washington issued a proclamation calling for a day of "public thanksgiving and prayer."
Washington had been a general who had spent eight years on the field of battle winning our freedom from Great Britain. Then he spent another six years creating the Constitution and the government that we still have 218 years later (the longest continuing constitutional government in the world). So Washington understood well the nature of a free society and its obligation to both thank God and seek His guidance.
In his Thanksgiving proclamation, Washington wrote:
| “ | It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits and humbly to implore His protection and favor | ” |
During the very heart of the Civil War, in October 1863, President Abraham Lincoln built on President Washington's initiative and created an annual day of thanksgiving.
Like Washington, Lincoln was determined to draw a direct tie between America and the Creator from whom Americans draw their rights.
Lincoln acknowledged that the nation was "in the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity." But he focused instead on the nation's blessings, urging his fellow Americans to remember that:
| “ | No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the most high God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy | ” |
History
Thanksgiving in the United States is possibly the premier U.S. family celebration, typically celebrated at home and marked with a substantial feast. As the anchor of what is for many a four-day holiday weekend, Thanksgiving provides an occasion for family reunions, marks the beginning of the “holiday season” that continues through Christmas and New Year’s Day and, as its name suggests, affords Americans a shared opportunity to express their gratitude for plentiful food and general abundance.
Many cultures traditionally have marked a plentiful harvest with a celebration of thanks. Long before the first English settlers reached North America, Western Europeans observed “Harvest Home” festivals and the British an August 1 Lammas ("Loaf Mass") Day, celebrating the wheat harvest. The American Thanksgiving holiday was first celebrated in Virginia at Berkeley Plantation, where English colonists first held a Thanksgiving celebration on December 4, 1619, one year and 17 days prior to the landing of the Pilgrims in Massachusetts. This first Thanksgiving occurred when Captain John Woodlief led the newly arrived English colonists to a grassy slope along the James River and instructed them to drop to their knees and pray in thanks for a safe arrival to the New World. On this day, Dec. 4, 1619, these 38 men from Berkeley Parish in England were given the instructions:
- "Wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrivall at the place assigned for plantacon in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually keept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God." [1]
The Pilgrims had arrived in 1620, crossing the Atlantic Ocean to separate themselves from the official Church of England and practice freely their form of Puritanism. Arriving at Plymouth Colony—part of today’s Massachusetts—too late to grow many crops, and lacking fresh food, the Pilgrims suffered terribly during the winter of 1620–1621. Half the colony died from disease. The following spring, local Wampanoag Indians taught the colonists how to grow corn (maize) and other local crops unfamiliar to the Pilgrims, and also helped the newcomers master hunting and fishing.
Because they harvested bountiful crops of corn, barley, beans and pumpkins, the colonists had much to be thankful for in the fall of 1621. English Puritans had traditionally designated special days of thanksgiving to express gratitude for God’s blessings. In the autumn of 1621, the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony held their first Thanksgiving. They invited their Wampanoag benefactors who arrived with deer to roast with the turkeys and other wild game offered by the colonists. The colonists had learned how to cook cranberries and different kinds of corn and squash dishes from the Indians.
Many of the original colonists continued to celebrate days of thanksgiving for a bountiful autumn harvest. President George Washington proclaimed a national Thanksgiving in 1789, to celebrate the ratification of the United States Constitution. Gradually, a number of states began to celebrate an annual Thanksgiving. In 1863,during the long and bloody civil war, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November an annual national Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a time for tradition and sharing. Even if they live far away, family members often gather for family reunions. As a result, Thanksgiving marks the busiest domestic air travel period of the year. Many Americans enjoy a local Thanksgiving parade, or the annual Macy’s department store parade, televised live from New York City. Others watch televised American football, while all give thanks together for their food, shelter and other good things. Many volunteer their time to help civic groups, churches, and charitable organizations offer traditional meals to those in need.
On a more secular note, the day after Thanksgiving came in the 20th century to mark the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Thanksgiving was moved to the fourth Thursday in November, which in some years lengthened that shopping period.
Although the fourth Thursday of November falls on a different date every year, the president is expected to proclaim that date as the official celebration.
Pilgrims’ triumph over hunger and poverty at Plymouth Colony can be traced to something more than the charitable gestures of a few local Indians. Rather, it involves their courageous decision to replace a failed, socialistic agricultural system with one informed by the free-market principle of private ownership of property -- a century and a half before Adam Smith wrote The Wealth of Nations.
Symbols of Thanksgiving
- Turkey, corn (maize), pumpkins and cranberry sauce are symbols that represent the first Thanksgiving. These symbols often are depicted on holiday decorations and greeting cards. Corn in particular is held to represent the survival of the Pilgrim colonies. Used as a table or door decoration, corn or maize represents the harvest and the fall season.
- Sweet-sour cranberry sauce, or cranberry jelly, was on the first Thanksgiving table and is still served today. The cranberry is a small, sour berry. It grows in bogs, or muddy areas, in Massachusetts and other New England states. The Indians used the fruit to treat infections and the juice to dye their rugs and blankets. They taught the colonists how to cook the berries with sweetener and water to make a sauce. The Indians called it "ibimi," which means "bitter berry." The Pilgrims preferred "crane-berry" because the flowers of the berry bent the stalk over, reminding them of the long-necked crane. The berries are still grown in New England.
- In 1988, a Thanksgiving night ceremony of a different kind took place at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. Among the more than four thousand people gathered there were Native Americans representing tribes from all over the country and descendants of the later immigrants. The ceremony acknowledged publicly the Native American role in the first American Thanksgiving, a feast held to thank the Indians for sharing the knowledge and skill without the first Pilgrims would not have survived.
Canada
Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October.
See also
External links
- [2]
- The Complete Thanksgiving Guide
- The History of Thanksgiving
- Reflection, Prayer & Thanksgiving Kimberly B. Southall.
