Thanksgiving Day History in America
Most Americans are familiar with the Pilgrim's Thanksgiving Day Feast of 1621, but few realize that it was not the first festival of its kind in North America. Long before any Europeans set foot in the Americas, native peoples sought to insure a good harvest with dances and rituals of Thanksgiving.
History tells us the first Thanksgiving service known to be held by Europeans in North America occurred on May 27, 1578 in Newfoundland. The Pilgrims were religious dissidents who fled oppression in England. Jamestown colonists gave thanks for their safe arrival, and another service was held in 1610 when a supply ship arrived after a harsh winter. Then, in 1621 Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation Massachusetts held a Thanksgiving to give thanks to God for helping them to survive the brutal winter. This feast lasted three days and provided enough food for 53 Pilgrims and 90 Native Americans.
In 1623, the Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation then held another day of Thanksgiving. As a drought was destroying their crops, colonists prayed and fasted for relief and the rains came a few days later. Shortly after, Captain Miles Standish arrived with staples and welcomed news that a Dutch supply ship was on its way. Because of all this good fortune, colonists held a day of Thanksgiving and prayer on June 30. This 1623 festival proves to have been the origin of our Thanksgiving Day, because it combined both a religious and social celebration of thanks.
During the American Revolutionary War the Continental Congress appointed one or more Thanksgiving days each year, each time recommending to the executives of the various states the observance of these days in their states. The First National Proclamation of Thanksgiving was given by the Continental Congress in the year of 1777.
Some credit for the establishment of an annual Thanksgiving holiday should be given to Sarah Josefa Hale. She was the editor of Ladies Magazine and Geodesy's Lady's Book. She began to solicit for such a day in 1827 by printing articles in her magazines. She also wrote scores of letters to governors, senators, and presidents. Finally, after 36 years of crusading she won her battle. On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that November 26th, would be a national Thanksgiving Day, and to be observed every year on the fourth Thursday of November. He also did it partially to help soothe the national mood, which was weary of the Civil War.In 1865, President Andrew Johnson, declared a Thanksgiving for December 7, 1865. Andrew Johnson was also the first President to give government employees the day off, making it a legal holiday.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, in order to give depression-era merchants more selling days before Christmas, assigned the third Thursday to be Thanksgiving Day in 1939 and 1940. But he was met with popular resistance, largely because the change required rescheduling Thanksgiving Day events such as football games and parades. In 1941, a Congressional Joint Resolution officially set the fourth Thursday of November as a national holiday for Thanksgiving. On December 26, 1941, President Roosevelt signed this bill making the date of Thanksgiving a matter of federal law.
History shows us that we have both Native Americans as well as European immigrants to credit for the opportunity to observe a day of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is truly a time when our families and friends come together to thank God and Country for all of that we have. Many churches also open their doors for special services.
On this Thanksgiving Day I hope that all will celebrate with prayer and patriotism, portraying the gratefulness that was originally displayed by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1623.
Being surrounded by loved ones and good things is a gift in itself, without which no occasion would make much sense to the world. But on Thanksgiving, people celebrate these gifts bestowed on them with more meaning and warmth. Thanksgiving is a time to acknowledge the blessings which God has gracefully showered upon us each passing day. Traditionally, Thanksgiving was a harvest festival and the people gathered to express their gratitude to the Almighty for the bountiful Autumn harvest. But now, the spirit of thankfulness has spread to all aspects of our lives that make it richer and more prosperous. We say 'thanks' for the most treasured gifts in our lives--our family, friends and loved one. So this Thanksgiving Day, you can express your appreciation for these wonderful people with some Thanksgiving gift. Take a leaf from some of the following Thanksgiving gift ideas listed for you.
Thanksgiving gift baskets:
A Thanksgiving gift basket can be an ideal gift for a close relative, a dear pal or your sweetheart. For a friend you can get a gift basket with goodies like pumpkin-flavored iced cookies, leaf-shaped milk chocolates wrapped in Autumn-colored foil, mini tea cakes and brownie bars. For your siblings' or your parents' homes, you can get a wicker cornucopia basket full of their favorite things. Cookies, cakes, scented candles, spa kits and the list goes on. The colors and aromas of fall and the taste of Thanksgiving that these Thanksgiving gift baskets carry, are sure to convey the appreciation you feel for the receivers.
Thanksgiving flowers:
One of the sweetest Thanksgiving gift ideas is to gift flowers ! Flowers that reflect the colors of fall make ideal Thanksgiving gifts. A cornucopia flower arrangement can be a lovely Thanksgiving gift for any household as this is a traditional symbol of the occasion. Seasonal burnt orange, fiery red, yellow, and green blooms create an ambiance of warmth and the soft blooms of the Asiatic Lilies, Red Rover Chrysanthemums, Marigolds, Spray Roses and Carnations make the sight of the arrangement in the cornucopia engaging. A simple bronze wicker basket of fresh fall daisies or an assortment of Autumn flowers can be apt Thanksgiving gifts for your fire neighbors, or colleagues. Flowers will carry your Thanksgiving prayer for them as also wish them a happy thanksgiving. Thanksgiving flowers even work wonders if you're far away from your loved ones and want to let them know how much you miss them.Inflatable toys:
Thanksgiving gift ideas are galore; but how to make your gift stand out this year ? Thanksgiving won't feel like Thanksgiving without a big roasted turkey on the dinner table, would it ? The turkey over the years has become one of the most recognized symbols of Thanksgiving and on this Thanksgiving you can get an inflatable turkey or an inflatable scarecrow (another symbol of Thanksgiving) for a neighbor or a friend to have them gaping at your inventively amusing Thanksgiving gift. These make good outdoor decorations, befitting the festival ambiance, and will surely be fun toys for very young kids in any home !
Thanksgiving crafts:
Home accessories:
A central feature of Thanksgiving is the Thanksgiving dinner. It is the harvest feast arranged to honor God for the food that He provides. Some exquisite china or some lace for the dining table can be great ideas and ideal Thanksgiving gifts on this occasion to wish a happy Thanksgiving. You can buy yourself or your parents a Turkey preparation kit for the occasion and make preparing dinner this Thanksgiving an easy affair. A thoughtful home accessory can be the ideal Thanksgiving gift for this family festival.
There are a lot of Thanksgiving books, Thanksgiving movies and music collections in addition to these, that make good Thanksgiving gifts too. So every Thanksgiving, you have a big array of Thanksgiving gifts to choose from. Thanksgiving gifts express your thankfulness for someone. So send a gift and make someone feel special in the spirit of November 24, the Thanksgiving Day. All you need to do is make sure that your gifts or cards tell your friends and family how blessed you feel and thankful you are to have them in your life.
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