Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. It is a time when families come together to give thanks for the blessings that they have received. But what is the real meaning of Thanksgiving? Many people think of it as a harvest festival, but the holiday’s history is much more complicated than that. I want to look at the history and traditions of Thanksgiving and explore why it has become such an essential part of our culture.
The origin of the Thanksgiving holiday can be traced back to 1621, when Native Americans and Pilgrims in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts, shared a feast. This event is often referred to as “the First Thanksgiving” and has become an essential part of American history. The Native Americans taught the colonists how to survive in their new land by planting crops and hunting for food. The Native Americans also provided food for the feast, including venison, wild turkey, and other items native to America.
Though this momentous event was celebrated as a day of Thanksgiving, it was in 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving Day a national holiday. Since then, Thanksgiving has become a traditional family holiday. On this day, families gather to share a meal and give thanks for the blessings in their lives.
Thanksgiving is also a time to remember and pay respect to Native Americans who were part of the original feast and those Native American tribes that still exist today. In addition, this day serves as an important reminder of what was lost to Native Americans due to colonialism and how we can strive towards collaboration, understanding, and appreciation between cultures.
The Thanksgiving holiday has evolved into a celebration emphasizing family gatherings and traditions such as preparing large family meals, watching football games, gathering around bonfires, or sharing stories about ancestors. By recognizing the history of Thanksgiving, we can give respect to Native American traditions, recognize the blessings in our lives, and enjoy the holiday with our families.
This Thanksgiving, take time to consider the true meaning of the holiday and appreciate what it stands for. Let us remember Native Americans who were part of the original feast and the Native American tribes who are struggling today. Finally, let us all come together around the table and give thanks for our blessings.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
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© 2019 I Don’t Know All The Answers, Nikki Mastro
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