Short History of Thanksgiving Day
Short History of Thanksgiving Day
Short History of Thanksgiving Day
This holiday has a long history, which started in 1620 when a Protestant
religious group known today as
‘Pilgrims’ arrived in the New
World on board of the ship
called Mayflower, and settled in
what is now known as the state
of Massachusetts. Their first
winter in America was full of
hardship and drama. They
arrived too late to farm the
land, so they starved. Half of
the colony died from disease.
The following spring the local
tribe of Native Americans
taught them how to grow corn
and other crops. They also helped them to hunt and fish. In the autumn of
1621 the Pilgrims got a rich harvest of corn, barley, beans, pumpkin and
other vegetables. The first Thanksgiving was held in the fall of 1621,
sometime between September 21 and November 11, and was a three-day
feast. The Pilgrims were joined by approximately 90 of the local Wampanoag
tribe, including Chief Massasoit, in celebration. They ate berries, fish, clams,
plums, and boiled pumpkin.
Of course, prior to dining they praised the Lord, and thanked Him for all the
food and wealth He gave them. This is how the festivity got started.
EarlyThanksgivings
Though the current holiday of Thanksgiving was based on the 1621 feast, it
did not immediately become an annual celebration or holiday. Sporadic days
of Thanksgiving followed, usually declared locally to give thanks for a
specific event such as the end of a drought, victory in a specific battle, or
after a harvest.
Tradition of Turkey
The traditional stuffed turkey adorns
every dinner table during the feast.
Pumpkin pie, Cranberry sauce, Corns are
some of the dishes cooked everywhere to
mark the day. Though historians don't
have an evidence to prove that turkey
was eaten during the first Thanksgiving
dinner, but the thanksgiving celebration
will be incomplete without it.
Parades
The traditional Thanksgiving parade
probably started with President Lincoln proclaiming it an official day. The full-
dress parade is a way to display the country's military strength and
discipline. The main aim of such parades is to lift the spirits of the
spectators, provide them with wholesome entertainment. In the present day,
parades are accompanied with musical shows and celebrities.
Custom of Decoration
Thanksgiving is a time to decorate homes with wreaths,
fresh and dried flowers. People beautify their homes,
give the interiors a whole new look and feel. They light
lamps to brighten the environment. Tables are adorned
with best china and antique silver cutlery to mark the
occasion.