The Origins of Thanksgiving
The roots of Thanksgiving trace back to 1621, when the
Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans shared a feast to celebrate the
Pilgrims' first successful harvest in the New World. This event is often
considered the "First Thanksgiving," symbolizing gratitude. But it
wasn't until the Civil War in 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed
Thanksgiving a national holiday to foster unity and thankfulness.
Traditional Thanksgiving Feast
The centerpiece of Thanksgiving is undoubtedly the feast. A
traditional Thanksgiving meal typically includes roast turkey, stuffed, and
roasted to perfection. Then there’s stuffing made with a savory mix of bread,
herbs, and spices. Side dishes include mashed potatoes with gravy, and
cranberry sauce to add a tangy-sweet burst of flavor to the entire meal.
Of course, there’s always room for dessert. Classic pumpkin pie
made with spiced pumpkin filling and a flaky crust plus mouthwatering apple pie
makes the entire house smell delicious.
Modern-Day Celebrations
While the traditional feast remains central, modern Thanksgiving
celebrations include a vegan meal with seitan tofu roast, plant-based side dishes,
and decadent desserts.
Many people volunteer at shelters or participate in food
drives during Thanksgiving, while others watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
and football games as a popular pastime. The day also marks the beginning of
the holiday shopping season with Black Friday discounts and Cyber Monday which
occurs the Monday after Thanksgiving.
The Spirit of Thanksgiving
At its core, Thanksgiving is about gratitude. It's a time to
reflect on the blessings in our lives, appreciate the company of loved ones,
and extend kindness to others. Whether through a heartfelt toast at the dinner
table or a simple act of generosity, the spirit of Thanksgiving reminds us to
cherish what we have and share it with those around us.
What are some personal or regional favorites that you celebrate
on Thanksgiving?
Pausing to count our blessings is a good way to start the holiday season.
ReplyDeleteFor several years I have been running in a Thanksgiving morning 5K in which all the proceeds benefit local education. It's a fun run for a good cause surrounded by like-minded people.
ReplyDeleteGreat post — several things I didn't know. Thank you for the gratitude reminder, Teresa! It's so important.
ReplyDeleteI lived in south Florida for more than forty years. While there’s debate whether Miami qualifies as “the south” when I first moved there, people spoke with soft, southern accents, and the town was pronounced Mi am ah. My very first Thanksgiving dinner was at a Church social. That’s where I met ambrosia. A delightful mix of mandarin oranges, coconut, pineapple, and maraschino cherries with a sour cream binder. It quickly became a holiday staple. Yum.
ReplyDeleteThe wonderful thing about Thanksgiving is that it can be enjoyed by everyone since it’s not faith based. Coming from an Italian-American family, our Thanksgiving dinner always had a first course of lasagna or ravioli. That was followed by turkey and potatoes and stuffing and all the vegetables. It made for a very filling meal. But it was wonderful getting together with all the family.
ReplyDelete