When thinking about the Thanksgiving tradition I did some digging on some of the historical facts regarding this revered holiday. We have all come to associate Thanksgiving with cold crisp weather, large amounts of home cooked food, family gatherings and of course a good game of football. However, did you know that Thanksgiving wasn't originally celebrated in the fall and many believe the first Thanksgiving didn't even include food?! The early pilgrims celebrated their first harvest with a day of thanksgiving and FASTING ... hardly what we Americans do today! In 1630 settlers and Native Americans celebrated the first harvest FEAST of the colonies in Plymouth, MA on July 8th. It is often disputed that the first official day of "Thanksgiving" was held in December 1619 at Berkley Plantation in our own state of Virginia by the James River. Although there are many disputed dates as to the first celebration most history books give recognition to the feast held in Plymouth as the first official day of thanksgiving. What can't be disputed is that Americans have a rich history of taking time to give thanks, for even in the most difficult of times we are a very blessed nation.
It wasn't until 1789 when George Washington declared on record Nov. 26 a national day of Thanksgiving and prayer honoring the day in 1777 Valley Forge when his army stopped on a blistering cold day and observed the first day of giving thanks honoring the new United States of America. During the 1800's this presidential proclamation of a day of Thanksgiving ceased.
Then in 1863 President Abraham Lincoln resumed the Thanksgiving tradition. It is said that he started a new presidential tradition of pardoning one of the presidential turkeys to live out his days on farm while the other is dressed and served for Thanksgiving Dinner. Rumor has it that this came about when Lincoln's son was upset about his pet turkey's impending fate. To ease the boy's spirits President Lincoln decided to pardon his turkey and guarantee him a life of freedom. This tradition is said to be carried out today where the president is presented three turkeys and one is pardoned to a turkey farm the other two are served.
It was in 1941 President Roosevelt proclaimed the 4th Thursday November to be Thanksgiving Day!
It was in 1941 President Roosevelt proclaimed the 4th Thursday November to be Thanksgiving Day!
Since that time we have added many traditions of gathering with family, friends, feasting and football. When I think of Thanksgiving, I can't help but think of that famous Norman Rockwell painting, with the family gathered together around the table awaiting the delicious turkey dinner.
Today, lives are so busy and families are spread across the world so gathering together isn't always easy. We connect through electronics, try to eat a healthier meal and instead of playing that game of touch football on the front lawn, we accept to watch our favorite rival game on the flat screen texting or tweeting each other with up to date scores! However, let's hope we remember to take time this year to honor the tradition of the holiday and pause and give thanks. Thanks for our successes, good friends, freedom, and thanks for the excuse we use once a year to put the diets aside and eat that extra serving of turkey, mashed potatoes smothered in rich warm gravy!
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