Thanksgiving Day 2009: More Than a Feast

On December 11, 1620, one hundred and two pilgrims walked off of the Mayflower and set foot on a new land. Some of the travelers were avoiding religious persecution and some were here on business. All of them were extremely brave. They travelled the sea to an unknown land hoping for a better life.

That first year was devastating for the newcomers. Forty six of the Mayflower passengers did not survive the first year. However, the year of 1621 brought a bounty of food. To celebrate, the colonists, along with the Wampanoag tribe of Native Americans feasted for three days. According to Edward Winslow’s, “A journal of the pilgrims at Plymouth in 1621,” they ate deer and fowl. This sort of celebration was not new to the Native Americans or to the English colonists. Both groups had a history of feasting to commemorate a bountiful harvest. It must have been more than a celebration of food. It was a feast to celebrate life itself. They were surviving and things were looking positive for continued existence.

It wasn’t until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that citizens should celebrate Thanksgiving Day. He stated, “The year that is drawing to its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come… I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those…who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and praise our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens…I do recommend…they do also…implore the interposition of the Almighty hand…to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it…to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.” Of course, President Lincoln was speaking of the unrest caused by the Civil War. However, his words remain true to this year.

So, this Thanksgiving, while families are gathering together to enjoy delicious roasted turkeys, succulent honey glazed hams, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green bean casseroles, and pumpkin pies, remember to be thankful for our health, for peace, for the safety of our soldiers, and for the  love of our family.

One good way to make sure everyone is thinking about being thankful this Thanksgiving Day is to have people write down what they are thankful for on a piece of paper. Just before dinner is served, have one of the children read them aloud. This will promote a sense of Thanksgiving in your home and amongst your family on this special day.

Image via Wikipedia

And, of course, enjoy the food as well. Happy Thanksgiving.