Fourth Thursday of November

Why do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day ? If a visitor could make a Thanksgiving Day journey, stopping at every family home along the way ,he would probably be surprised to find such uniformity in the holiday scene. ether the home were large, small, or middle-sized, in the country, city, or suburbs, he would find relatives from near and far gathered for the annual reunion. And as he watched the feast being readied he would hear a jovial conversational blend of family news, comments on the weather, political views and compliments on the attractive table decorations. Why do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day ? How Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day ? Well, now let’s know something about Thanksgiving Day~~~

The start of Thanksgiving Day First time it was celebrated: 1621 The settlers, who have since come to be called the Pilgrims, had left their native England because they had been denied the right to separate from the established church to worship in their own way. In 1620, they sailed to America on the Mayflower , seeking a place where they could have freedom of worship. Their original destination was Jamestown, Virginia, but storms blew them to the north and after a tempestuous two-month voyage, they landed at what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the icy November

During their first winter, over half of the settlers died of starvation or epidemics, but courageous survivors, through faith and some fortunate circumstance, were able to found a permanent colony. While scouting the area for water, they had unearthed a cache of Indian seed corn, and when April came they began their planting, struggling with the rocky soil as they had struggled with the bitter climate. A friendly Indian named Squanto taught them how to plant the corn and how to fertilize the soil by burying three little herring under hillock. Through Squanto, they were able to make peace with the neighboring Indian tribes and from them they learned to hunt game animals and to trap beaver and to make a syrup from the sap drawn from the great maples trees.

All summer long they watched the crops with great anxiety, knowing that their lives and the future existence of the colony depended on the coming harvest. When finally the fields produced a yield rich beyond expectations, Governor William Bradford proclaimed “a day of Thanksgiving unto the Lord so we might after a more special manner, rejoice after we had gathered the fruits if our labors”.

It was and is an indigenous holiday It was and is an indigenous holiday. The colonists had survived the threats of starvation, disease and the menace of attacks by the Indians. They had gained the long-sought freedom to live in accord with their deep-felt convictions. These blessings were gratefully acknowledged on that first Thanksgiving Day in 1621.

26th November 1789 This is the first national Thanksgiving Day George Washington

A national Thanksgiving Day came only after the 13 colonies had been united and George Washington, the Republic’s first president, had assumed office. A resolution was presented to the newly formed National Congress proposing that a joint committee of both House request the President of the US to recommend to the people “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a Constitution of government for their safety and happiness”. The resolution was adopted and president Washington set Thursday, November 26th ,1789, as the first National Thanksgiving. In his proclamation President Washington Exhorted the people of the Us to thank god for divine care during the formative colonial period, for the peace and prosperity that had come to the nation since the war, and, especially for the new Constitution.

October 3, 1863 President Lincoln issued the first national thanksgiving Proclamation since that George Washington in 1789. Since Lincoln’s time it has been the custom for the president of the US to proclaim annually the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day, and for the governors of the states to issue proclamations for their respective states.

The habits in Thanksgiving Day Nor has the pattern of Thanksgiving celebration changed through the years. It is a day for the gathering of the clan——to give thanks for the year’s blessings, to enjoy the fruits of the harvest, and to share whatever one has with those less fortunate.

The dinner menu The following menu served on Thanksgiving Day 1863 resembles almost exactly one served a hundred years later. Cranberry Juice Roast Turkey with Dressing Cranberry Sauce Sweet potatoes Creamed Onions Squash Pumpkin Pie Plum Pudding Mince Pie milk coffee

turkey

Family Reunion and Feasting Family feast is an important tradition during Thanksgiving. The entire family sits at the table during dinner and offer prayer to the Lord Almighty for his continuous grace. It is also a time for relatives living in different places to come together and celebrate.

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.

Football Games Watching NFL football during Thanksgiving is a popular tradition. The traditional game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers continues. One of the most memorable games having been played on this day. (NFL: National Football League )

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.

Custom of sending messages Thanksgiving is a day when people send loving messages and warm wishes to their relatives, colleagues at work place, superiors and subordinates, near and dear ones. It is a day of conveying their feelings through Thanksgiving cards.

Thank you~~~~~~~~~~~~~~